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Lake in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
Lake
Best time to travel
May–June, September–October
Budget/day
90–170 €
Getting there from Germany
By car via the Brenner Pass in 3–5 hours from Munich. Nearest airports: Verona (30 min.) or Bergamo.
About Lake Garda
Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, stretches over 52 kilometers from the rugged foothills of the Dolomites in the north to the gentle hills of the Po Valley in the south. This diversity makes it unique: While Riva del Garda and Torbole, with their constant winds, are a paradise for surfers and sailors, Sirmione in the south attracts visitors with its peninsula old town, Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, and hot thermal springs. Malcesine on the eastern shore enchants with a Scaliger castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo (1,760 meters), offering a panoramic view of the entire lake. Limone sul Garda, once only accessible by boat, impresses with its historic lemon groves and the spectacular bike bridge built into the rock face. Gardone Riviera is home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani — the eccentric villa of the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. The cuisine reflects the regions: In the north, fish dishes like Lavarello or trout dominate, while in the south, Tortellini di Valeggio and the robust Bardolino wine are popular. Olive oil from Lake Garda (DOP) is considered one of the best in Italy. The amusement parks Gardaland and Movieland make the lake a family destination. Lake Garda is reachable from Munich in 4 hours — no wonder it has been magnetically attracting Germans since Goethe's 'Italian Journey.'
Top 5 highlights in Lake Garda
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Sirmione
The peninsula with the Scaliger castle and the Roman caves of Catullus spectacularly juts into the lake.
Riva del Garda
The northern town is a mecca for surfers and sailors thanks to the reliable winds Ora and Peler.
Limone sul Garda
The picturesque village with historic lemon groves and colorful houses clings to the steep rock face.
Malcesine
The charming castle town with a cable car to Monte Baldo (2,218 m) offers Alpine panorama and lake views.
Gardaland
Italy's largest amusement park near Peschiera is perfect for families with children.
Hotels in Lake Garda
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Lake Garda
Recommended travel time
May–June, September–October
Summer
Warm, 26–32 °C, afternoon thermal winds
Winter
Mild for Northern Italy, 5–10 °C, calm
How much does a holiday in Lake Garda cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
50–75 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
90–170 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
220–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Lake Garda
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Lake Garda
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The west coast (Gardesana Occidentale) is more scenic, but the road is narrow and crowded.
Surfers come to the northern shore (Torbole/Riva) – morning Peler wind, afternoon Ora.
Ferries connect the west and east shores, saving hours of driving.
Bardolino on the eastern shore is quieter and cheaper than the touristy west coast towns.
Hike the Ponale path from Riva – a former road tunnel with breathtaking views of the lake.
Food & drink in Lake Garda
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Lake Garda?
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