Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a place we find ourselves returning to time and time again. Between the colorful lakeside towns, family friendly atmosphere and stunning mountain scenery, it's easy to see why it remains one of our favourite destinations in Europe.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a road trip through Northern Italy or a longer stay by the lake, this guide brings together the places we love most, along with practical tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
❋ Beautiful Towns
From colourful waterfront villages to historic old towns, every corner of Lake Garda feels different and there's always somewhere new to discover.
❋ Perfect for Families
With safe swimming spots, cycle paths, playgrounds and attractions for all ages, it's a destination that works brilliantly for family adventures.
❋ Easy to Explore
Whether you're traveling by motorhome, car or train, getting around Lake Garda is simple, with ferries connecting many of the lake's most popular towns.
❋ The Perfect Base
Not only is Lake Garda incredible in its own right, but it's also within easy reach of Verona, Venice, Milan and the breathtaking Dolomites.
Towns worth visiting
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Peschiera del Garda
If you're wondering where to stay on Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda is a fantastic place to start. Between the beautiful old town, easy ferry access, lakeside walks and relaxed family-friendly feel, it's a town we find ourselves returning to time and time again.
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Sirmione
If it's your first time visiting Lake Garda, Sirmione should be high on your list. Famous for its impressive castle, charming old town and beautiful lake views, it's one of those places that feels every bit as special as the photos suggest.
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Limone
If I had to choose one town purely for the views, it would probably be Limone. Between the colourful waterfront, dramatic mountain backdrop and relaxed atmosphere, it's the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, grab a gelato and simply enjoy being there.
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Malcesine
Nestled between the lake and the mountains, Malcesine combines breathtaking scenery with a beautiful historic centre. It's also home to the famous cable car offering incredible views over Lake Garda.
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Riva del Garda
Surrounded by mountains at the northern tip of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda feels quite different from the towns further south. With its laid-back atmosphere, scenic waterfront and outdoor adventure opportunities, it's a fantastic choice for anyone who loves nature and stunning views.
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Bardolino
Famous for its wine, lively waterfront and relaxed atmosphere, Bardolino is a wonderful place to spend a few hours soaking up lakeside life. With plenty of cafés, restaurants and scenic walking paths, it's easy to see why it's such a popular stop on Lake Garda.
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Garda
Garda is one of those towns that's best explored without a plan. Between the winding streets, little shops and beautiful lakeside promenade, it's the perfect place to wander, browse and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
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Salò
Salò feels a little different to many of the towns around Lake Garda. With its long waterfront promenade, pretty streets and local feel, it's the perfect place to slow down, browse the shops and enjoy a more relaxed side of the lake.
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Tremosine sul Garda
High above the shores of Lake Garda, Tremosine feels like a world of its own. Known for its incredible viewpoints and dramatic mountain scenery, it's a place where the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination.
Things to do
Gardaland
Beach Days
Cycle Path
Lake Garda is packed with accommodation options, but if you're traveling with children, these are two family friendly resorts we'd happily recommend. Both offer fantastic facilities, great locations and plenty to keep little ones entertained.
Where to stay with kids
Bella Italia
Located within walking distance of Peschiera del Garda, Bella Italia is one of the largest family resorts on Lake Garda. With multiple pools, restaurants, entertainment and direct lake access, it's a great choice for families looking for plenty to do without leaving the site.
Available as bungalows, apartments and camping pitches.
Camping San Francesco
A favourite of ours, Camping San Francesco combines a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic family facilities. Located between Peschiera and Sirmione, it offers pools, playgrounds, direct lake access and is also dog-friendly, making it a great option for families travelling with four-legged companions.
Available as mobile homes, bungalows and camping pitches.
Visiting in a motorhome
Lake Garda is one of those places that feels made for slow travel. Spend the morning wandering a lakeside town, the afternoon by the pool and the evening watching the sunset from your pitch. It's easy to see why it earned a place on our latest European road trip.
❋ Plenty of campsites & motorhome stops
From large family resorts to smaller lakeside sites and aires, there are options for every style of motorhome trip.
❋ Easy to explore
Many towns are connected by cycle paths and ferries, making it easy to leave the motorhome behind and explore.
❋ A great stop on your European roadtrip
Whether Lake Garda is your first stop in Italy or part of a longer adventure, it's a fantastic base for exploring more of the country. From here, it's easy to continue your journey towards the Dolomites, Venice, the Italian Lakes or further south into Tuscany.
Day trips
One of the reasons we love Lake Garda so much is there’s always somewhere new to explore. From colourful cities and historic streets to the breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Some of northern Italy’s most incredible destinations can be visited in a day.
free google map
free google map
Planning a trip to Lake Garda? I've put together a handy interactive map with 70+ places around the lake, all in one easy to use Google Map.
You'll find a mix of places we've personally visited, stayed at or discovered during our time around Lake Garda, including:
Town & villages worth exploring
Beaches & paddling spots
Campsites & motorhome stopovers
Family friendly attractions
Places to eat and little finds
It's designed to work alongside my Lake Garda Family Guide, so you can read about a place in the guide and then find it easily on the map.
And the best bit? It's completely free. ✨
I'm going to keep adding to it as I discover more, so think of this as a growing Lake Garda resource rather than a finished list.
Save it, use it while you're planning and take it with you when you visit. 🇮🇹💙
What you'll receive:
A downloadable PDF containing your personal access link to the interactive Google Map. The map is online and can be accessed from your phone or computer.
Please always check opening times, access, parking restrictions and current information before travelling, as these can change.
Planning a trip to Lake Garda? Make exploring the lake a little easier with this interactive Lake Garda Google Map, featuring 70+ hand-picked places to help you plan your trip.