Holidays in Lake Garda

Discover your perfect Lake Garda holiday and explore beautiful resorts, sip wine at lakeside cafés, and walk along panoramic trails

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Discover Lake Garda

Lake Garda is packed with things to see and do. It’s Italy’s largest lake and has some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Expect snow-capped mountains in the north and rolling countryside in the south. You can just as easily spend your days exploring walking and cycling trails as you can chilling next to Lake Garda. The south of the Lake Garda has some of the most popular resorts and lots of opportunities to do wine tasting and city sightseeing, while the north is more geared up for active holidays with walking, cycling and water sports. We love combining both on a multi-centre holiday.

Walking holidays in Lake Garda 

Walking holidays to Lake Garda are suitable for every type of walker, whether you’re looking for a lakeside stroll or a mountain adventure. Bardolino, Garda and Sirmione are perfect for those looking for easier walking trails, meander by the lakefront or join one of our Inghams guided walks, such as the Vineyards and Olive Groves of Garda in Bardolino and Garda. This is an easy to moderate walk which is around 7 kilometres long – it’s only a half day walk, so there’ll be plenty of time to relax by the lake with a spritz after!

Limone, Malcesine and Riva are great resorts for walkers of all abilities and have a variety of options; from lakeside trails to challenging walks on mountainous terrain. Jump aboard the Monte Baldo cable car in Malcesine, once you reach the top, you’ll find plentiful walking and biking routes, and of course those wonderful panoramic views of Lake Garda.

Things to do in Lake Garda

Make the most of your summer holiday in Lake Garda and see as many resorts as you can - it’s easy to do with regular ferries travelling between nearby towns. Sirmione is a must-see with its 13th Century castle and pedestrianised centre. It’s a spa town so it’s the perfect place to get in some R&R. Bardolino and Garda are neighbouring resorts that any budding wine connoisseur should visit. You can head into the vineyards from here for some tastings, or just grab a glass in a lakefront bar. And Limone is a must-see with it’s pretty, colourful buildings and steep streets with bar and restaurant terraces looking out over the lake.

Activities in Lake Garda

Riva is our favourite resort in the north. It’s perfect for whatever you're looking for from family water sports activities to adrenaline filled adventures, with challenging mountain bike routes and fun water sports to try. Malcesine has the best views thanks to the cable car that goes to the top of Mount Baldo, a fantastic place to get on you walking boots and explore walking trails above the lake on foot.

Food & drink in Lake Garda

Wine is pretty big business in Lake Garda. There are two festivals dedicated to it every year in Bardolino and this is the best resort to stay in if you want to visit vineyards to do some tastings. There’s nothing quite like lingering over a lakeside lunch with a glass of local wine. There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from too. Fish features on the menu a lot and it’s often freshly caught from the lake. You’ll also find local olive oil and citrus fruits used in almost all restaurants. Chickpea polenta, homemade pastas and sauces, risotto and venison are all regional favourites. For dessert, head to Sirmione for the lake’s best gelato.

Family holidays in Lake Garda

Looking for a family getaway in Lake Garda? Lake Garda has an abundance of activities on offer for children of all ages. In Riva, head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or kayak; a day by the lake is perfect in the summer sun. Malcesine has some fantastic museums to explore including the Lake Museum or the Museum of Natural History of Monte Baldo.

If you fancy a day of R&R head to one of the many beaches dotted around Lake Garda, like Riva’s Sabbioni beach. Or for something more fast paced in Garda and Bardolino, head to the Caneva Aquapark or Gardaland. If you prefer exploring by bike, then you’re in luck. Riva has lots of biking trails for all abilities, and Bardolino and Garda have the perfect lake front for an easy cycle; make sure to stop for an ice cream halfway! 

Why book a Lake Garda holiday with Inghams

Lake Garda is one of our most popular summer holiday destinations so we've made sure to have the best selection of friendly hotels in great locations. Our knowledgeable staff know the resorts personally so can help you decide where to stay. Our long-established relationships with hotels allow us to secure the best prices and incredible offers too. And when you book with Inghams, your holiday is in safe hands.

  • from£751pp
Bardolino's Porto Vecchio in the Summer Sun

Surrounded by vineyards and orchards Bardolino is perfect for a sophisticated summer holiday on Lake Garda. It's a food and wine lovers paradise. The long promenade stretches along the lakefront and is filled with restaurants offering al fresco and lakeside dining; perfect for stopping off in after a day of walking. Bardolino's easy walking terrain and proximity to various water parks and theme parks on the lake make it a great resort for family holidays.

Best for: easy walking; activities; sightseeing; food & drink; families

  • from£699pp
Boats on Garda's Lakefront

Garda has winding alleyways and characteristic palazzi - it's one of the most charming towns on the lake. The wide lakeside promenade makes it a popular choice for walking and cycling. It's easy walking terrain and proximity to various water parks and theme parks on the lake make it a great resort for family holidays.

Best for: easy walking; activities; sightseeing; families

Colourful Streets

This is one of Lake Garda's most elegant resorts - think stunning villas, upmarket restaurants and a leafy promenade. It's a also a great base for nature lovers with the nearby Heller Botanical Gardens.

Best for: easy walking; nature; sightseeing

  • from£669pp
View of Limone

Take a walk down the narrow lanes of Limone that run through the village and stop for an aperitif in the summer sun at a traditional restaurant. There are plenty of walking opportunities too, with paths leading up into the mountains or following the lakeside.

Best for: all walking abilities; nature; sightseeing

  • from£579pp
Walking through Malcesine's Colourful Streets

Malcesine is one of Lake Garda's prettiest towns, thanks to its recognisable 13th Century castle. Cobbled streets and little cafés give it a really romantic feel. It's also a great place to go if you're looking for an active holiday. The cable car goes to the top of Monte Baldo where you can set off on a mountain walk or bike ride. Head down the coast slightly and you can try some paddle boarding or even learn how to sail. There's also so much for families to do in Malcesine, with fun activities for all age groups. 

Best for: all walking abilities; nature; sightseeing; activities; families

  • from£649pp
Riva's Apponale Tower

In Riva you will find dramatic mountain landscapes and an atmospheric piazza. It's a fantastic family destination with lots of opportunities for watersports including windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding and scuba diving. Not to mention it has some of the best walking and cycling trails in Lake Garda.

Best for: all walking abilities; nature; sightseeing; activities; families

Saló Village

Salò is a lovely Belle Epoque town full of cafés, townhouses and hotels. Its history dates back to the Romans and Venetians.

Best for: easy walking; nature; sightseeing

  • from£669pp
Sirmione Peninsula

Sirmione in the summer is one of the prettiest towns on Lake Garda with a fairytale-like castle leading to quaint cobbled streets. It’s a renowned spa destination, using thermal waters that have been enjoyed since Roman times. It’s also a fantastic place to take a lakeside walk whilst sampling authentic gelato. With loads of gelaterie dotting the historic town centre, Sirmione serves some of the best ice-cream on the lake.

Best for: easy walking, sightseeing

Things to do in Lake Garda

There's no shortage of things to do on Lake Garda. We fill our days here with ferry trips along the lake, hopping on and off to explore the towns. It's easy to do and the views from the water are great. Don't miss the castle in Malcesine, it's at the top of the town so you'll get some pretty nice views from there. Limone is the lake's prettiest town so stop here for a coffee in the piazza. Sirmione has lots of history to explore and there's a fun weekly market in Garda. Gardaland is close by so get some thrills and ride the rollercoaster. You can go further afield too - Venice, Verona and the Dolomites are all easy day trips.

Cycling & Biking

The North of the lake is fantastic for cycling, and you’ll find plenty routes available from easy to more challenging cycles. In Limone the Ciclopista Del Garda is a cycle route suspended above the lakeside around Limone that both cyclers and walkers can enjoy. It’s been built 50 metres above Lake Garda into the rocky cliffs, so incredible views are guaranteed! If you’re looking for an easy trail, then hop on your bike and cycle around Bardolino’s lakefront on the east side of the lake, it’s an easy cycle to Garda from here. This is a pretty flat route, with a dedicated bike path, making it easy to visit two Lake Garda towns in one day! Enjoy lunch in Garda and end your day in Bardolino with a spritz!

History & Culture

Malcesine is home to the famous Scaligero Castle which is a must see on a visit to the town. Built in the 13th century, it’s filled with history and has a museum too, for those guests who want to learn even more! You can climb to the top and enjoy views of the north of the lake. Jump aboard the ferry and head to the Heller Botanical Gardens to the west of Lake Garda, great for those interested in nature and art. There’s also plenty more history and culture to explore in Limone such as the Church of Saint Rocco or the Tourist Museum. You can also learn all about Limone’s famous fruit at Limonaia Del Castel and the history behind it. Or sign up to one of our optional excursions and head to Venice or Verona for the day, both cities are filled with history and culture for you to soak up and learn about on your visit.

Day trips to Venice, Verona and the Dolomites

In all our Lake Garda resorts, guests have the option to book onto an excursion to explore Verona, Venice and the Majestic Dolomites. Head to Verona to set eyes on one of Italy’s most charming cities, wandering around the cobbled streets, passing ancient buildings, and strolling through the pretty market square, Piazza Delle Erbe. Take a trip to Venice, where you can take in the sights of the Basilica in St Mark’s Square and the Rialto bridge – it really is one of Italy’s most magical cities. If you’re looking to explore the incredible Dolomites, the Majestic Dolomites excursion is perfect. Take in the incredible views from 2,000 metres up, explore the terrain of the Dolomites and stop off in the pretty town of Ortisei on the way back to Lake Garda.

Swimming & Watersports

Water babies will thrive in Lake Garda! Sirmione’s Aquaria Thermal Spa is the perfect place to relax, with more than 15,000 square metres of wellness – dreamy! You’ll also find beaches dotted around Lake Garda. Of course, many of our of hotels in Lake Garda have outdoor and indoor pools available; we love relaxing by the pool after a day of exploring! If you’re looking for some action-packed fun, head to Caneva Aquapark just outside Garda and Bardolino. Or, in Riva, water sports are super popular, you can try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Take the ferry

Of course, the best way to explore the towns in Lake Garda is by ferry! It’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax and enjoy the views from the lake. The ferries are regular, and most of our hotels aren’t too far from the ferry ports either!

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Valpolicella Wine Tour from £58 per person (full day)

Who doesn't love a wine tour. On this trip you'll get to visit a traditional wine cellar in Valpolicella, where you'll have a wine tasting with a very knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a lunch of fresh, local ingredients where you can experience 'agri-turismo' first-hand. After lunch, you'll be taken to the historic church and cloisters of St Giorgio. There's no better way to spend a day than by indulging in wine, food, history and stunning vineyard views.

Departs on Thursdays. Available from Bardolino, Garda, Riva, Limone & Malcesine.

Venice Classic from £70 per person (full day)

Venice is not to be missed! This excursion allows you to explore the city with a guide and at your own pace. You’ll arrive by coach and grab a water taxi to the centre. You’ll also have the option to add on a gondola ride (payable locally). There’s plenty of time to take in sights of the Basilica, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square and the Rialto bridge  – this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy's most magical cities.

Departs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Available from all Lake Garda resorts.

Majestic Dolomites from £54 per person (full day)

Start with a scenic drive through the exceptional South Tyrol, Val di Fiemme, Cavalese and Moena regions. You’ll then stop off at Passa Pordoi and take in the incredible views from this 2,000-metre-high vantage point. There’s some free time to explore the terrain at your own pace, either by taking one of the trekking paths or simply enjoying an Aperol at a rifugio and taking in the views. A stop off at the chocolate box town of Ortisei is included on the way back to your hotel as well as plenty of stops for photo opportunities in this awe inspiring landscape. Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

Departs on Mondays & Fridays (resort dependant). Available from all Lake Garda resorts. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a cable car for an additional fee of approx. €23pp (payable locally). 

Tour of Lake Garda from £50 per person (full day)

Get ready to explore the best of Lake Garda on this excursion – there’s so much natural beauty and picturesque towns to discover. See the spectacular mountain scenery of the north and the sunny plains of the south. Travelling by both coach and ferry, the tour itinerary for this excursion varies depending on where you start but will usually follow the famous Gardensana road lined with fragrant olive and lemon trees to reach the likes of Malcesine, Sirmione, Salo and Limone. This is the ideal taster tour of the entire lake where you'll get to spend a short period of time in a variety of stunning towns.

Departs on Mondays & Fridays (resort dependant). Available from Bardolino, Garda, Limone, Malcesine, Sirmione and Riva.

Verona from £47 per person (full day)

Verona is one of Italy’s most charming little cities. This day trip dips into the romance of the medieval city, reliving the scenes from Romeo and Juliet while wandering around through the cobbled streets and past ancient buildings. On arrival you'll have some free time for lunch and a chance to discover the nooks and crannies of this wonderful city. Explore the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini which leads to the pretty market square Piazza Delle Erbe. You can then join a walking tour of the city where you'll see the impressive 2,000-year-old Roman arena (entry not included). It's one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and is currently home to the Verona Opera. The guides are very informative and always ready for any questions you may have.

Departs on Tuesdays and Fridays. Available from all Lake Garda resorts. 

Book locally

Verona Opera (evening)

The Verona Opera is definitely one for the bucket list! The season runs from mid June to early September and covers all the classics including Aida by Verdi or Turnadot by Puccini. Whichever performance you choose; you’ll have an incredible evening.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.

Lake Garda Holiday FAQs

What is the best time to go to Lake Garda?

The best time to visit Lake Garda is between May and September, with June, July and August offering the warmest temperatures and most sunshine, but the larger crowds. May and September provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists, while October is cooler but quieter.

Which airports can I fly from to get to Lake Garda?

For your Lake Garda holiday, you have a wide range of departure airports across the UK. You can choose from several London airports (Gatwick and Stansted), as well as major cities like Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol, or even Edinburgh in Scotland.

What is the best way to get around Lake Garda?

The best way to travel around Lake Garda is by taking advantage of the 150km of scenic roads via affordable public buses. Train travel is also an option, with links from Desenzano and Peschiera in the southern part of the lake to cities such as Milan, Verona and Venice. Numerous walking routes offer lakeside strolls and mountaintop hikes for exploring the area's natural beauty, and ferries provide another great way to discover the lake and various surrounding towns.

What are the best walking trails with views of Lake Garda?

The best walking trails with views of Lake Garda include the Ridges of Monte Baldo, offering breathtaking panoramas accessible via a quick chairlift. The Ciclopedonale Limone is an easy trail starting from Limone Centro Ferry Port, featuring a scenic route that overhangs the lake with stunning views, ideal for both walking and biking. Un Percorso Nella Natura is a moderate 4.5km trail in Limone Sul Garda, showcasing beautiful lake views, varied terrain, and the iconic Statue Bridge "San Giovanni".

Is Lake Garda suitable for families?

Yes, Lake Garda's Bardolino, Garda, Riva and Malcesine are perfect for families! Bardolino offers walks, vineyards, ice cream, and thrilling theme parks. Garda blends relaxation with history and markets, are also close to theme parks. Malcesine features cable cars, biking, kid-focused events, and museums. All have delicious food, camping options, and ferry access to explore the lake, making Lake Garda a top family destination.

What are the top attractions to see in Lake Garda?

Explore historic Sirmione with its castle and spa, enjoy wine tastings in Bardolino and Garda, try thrilling water sports and bike trails in Riva, take in breathtaking views from Malcesine's cable car, and wander picturesque Limone. Ferry hop between charming towns, visit castles, explore bustling markets, and even plan exciting day trips to Gardaland, Venice, or the Dolomites.

Are there any guided walking tours available in the Lake Garda?

Yes, guided walking tours are available in the Lake Garda region. In Garda, Limone, and Bardolino, guided walks are offered every Monday (full day) and Friday (half day). These tours cover tranquil lakeside paths, diverse trails on Monte Baldo, and routes through scenic vineyards and olive groves. Special attractions include Bronze Age rock carvings on Monte Luppia and the Sisan museum, which focuses on bird and water life. Head to our Guided Walks page to find out more.

Where can I find trail maps or hiking guides for Lake Garda?

If you're on the hunt for a walking map of Lake Garda, the Kompass 697 - Lake Garda map at a 1:35,000 scale is a great choice. This detailed map is ideal for exploring the area on foot, providing comprehensive coverage that can enhance your experience of the beautiful Lake Garda region. Our in-resort reps can also provide more information on recommended walking routes and tips for getting the most out of your holiday.

Currency: Euro

Fly into: Verona

Fly from: London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol or Edinburgh

Flight time: approx. 2 hours

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