Lake Garda
Things to do
Whether you're looking for family adventures, scenic boat trips or beautiful towns to explore, there's no shortage of things to do around Lake Garda. Here are some of our favorite experiences, along with a few activities that are worth booking in advance.
Family favorites
Garda Land
One of Italy's largest theme parks and one of the most popular family attractions on Lake Garda. With rides for all ages, themed areas, live shows and the fantastic LEGOLAND® Water Park, it's easy to spend a full day here making memories together.
Whether your perfect family day involves rollercoasters, splash parks or simply making memories together, Lake Garda has no shortage of ways to keep little adventurers entertained.
Beach days
One of the simplest and best ways to spend a day on Lake Garda. Pack a picnic, hire a pedalo or simply relax by the water while the children play.
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From mountain-backed swimming spots to long stretches of lakeside shoreline, Lake Garda has plenty of beaches to choose from. These are three of our favourites, each offering something a little different.
❋ Spiaggia Cappuccini (Peschiera del Garda)
Stretching along the shoreline near Bella Italia, this long lakeside beach is perfect for families. With pedalo hire and beautiful views across the water, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed day by the lake.
❋ Spiaggia Cola (Limone)
With crystal-clear water and beautiful views across the lake, Limone's beaches are ideal for combining a swim with a visit to one of Lake Garda's prettiest towns. We loved spending a few hours here before wandering the colourful streets and stopping for a famous lemon gelato.
❋ Spiaggia Riva del Garda
Surrounded by dramatic mountains, Riva del Garda is home to some of the most spectacular beach views on the lake. It's the perfect place to relax by the water while taking in the scenery that makes the northern end of Lake Garda so special.
When exploring the towns...
If you’re spending the day exploring one of Lake Garda’s beautiful towns, pack a light weight towel, and if you can fit a pair of water shoes (the beaches are pebbly) in your bag. Many of the towns have easy access to the lake , and a quick paddle can turn a long day of sightseeing into an adventure. Some times the simplest of moments can turn into the highlight of the day.
Explore Lake Garda by boat
Some of the best views of Lake Garda can only be appreciated from the water. Whether you choose to hop between towns by ferry or take the wheel yourself, exploring the lake by boat is an experience we wouldn't miss.
Best value
❋ Ferry Hopping - The easiest and most affordable way to explore Lake Garda is by ferry. It's a relaxed and scenic way to visit multiple towns in a single day, with routes connecting many of the lake's most popular destinations including Sirmione, Limone, Malcesine and Peschiera.
Ferry information can be found here.
Most freedom
❋ Self Drive Boat Hire - Hiring your own boat gives you the freedom to explore Lake Garda at your own pace. Cruise along the shoreline, stop for a swim and discover hidden corners of the lake that are difficult to reach by land.
Most memorable
❋Fiat 500 Boat Hire (Sirmione)- Combining classic Italian style with incredible lake views, the Fiat 500 boat is one of the most unique experiences on Lake Garda. It's the kind of activity that turns a great day into one you'll still be talking about years later. Make sure you book in advance as they only have a small number available and they are very popular.
Book online here
Staying in the south but want to visit the north…
If you're staying in the south of Lake Garda and want to explore the northern towns, we'd recommend driving to Malcesine and spending a few hours exploring before catching the ferry across to Limone. It's one of the easiest ways to experience two of Lake Garda's most beautiful towns in a single day, without spending hours driving around the lake.
Cycle paths
When we visit Lake Garda again, exploring some of the lakeside cycle paths will be high on our list. There are plenty of places to hire bikes around the lake, making it easy to get out and explore, even if you're not travelling with your own.
One route we're especially keen to try is the spectacular cycle path between Limone and Riva del Garda. It was still under construction when we first visited, but even then it looked incredible, with sections suspended above the lake and some truly unforgettable views.
find out more here