Lake Garda is the largest and most visited lake in Italy. The lake is 51 km long but only 17 km wide at its southern widest point. The distance around the lake is 158 km. Picturesque villages, medieval castles, and lakeside promenades dot the shoreline.
The lake has a diverse landscape with beaches along the southern shores and rocky cliffs on the northern shore. Lake Garda is known for its crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming in summer. Windsurfing, sailing, and hiking in the lake’s many parks are popular activities.
Lake Garda Location
Lake Garda is located in northern Italy, between Venice and Milan. The lake is part of the Lombardy region in the west and Veneto in the east. The extreme north is in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The Dolomite Mountains are not far away and can be seen rising above the lake.
Where to stay
Here are the best hotels for Riva del Garda in the north and Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda in the south. Find more Lake Garda hotels with guest ratings and reviews, photos and descriptions on Venere.
Transportation to and from Lake Garda
There are train stations at Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda in the south. In the north, the closest station to the lake is in Rovereto , east of Riva del Garda . The closest airports are in Verona and Brescia. The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa. See map of airports in Italy. The A4 motorway between Milan and Venice runs south of the lake. Along the east is the A22, Brennero to Modena autostrada.
Move around the lake
Lake Garda is well served by hydrofoils, catamarans, and ferries, especially during the summer. Car ferries between the west and east coasts run between Toscolano Maderno and Torri del Benaco and between Limone and Malcesine. Public buses run around the lake. If you’re driving, take a look at this Lake Garda and Veneto Road Trip Planner from Auto Europe.
Lake Garda – Images and Attractions
See our Lake Garda Map for the location of the cities.
- Riva del Garda is a popular summer resort and one of the best places for windsurfing. The city is dominated by a fortress.
- Malcesine has a historic center with small streets, a small port and a medieval castle. From Malcesine, the cable car goes to Monte Baldo, known as the Garden of Europe, where there are botanical gardens, hiking trails and spectacular views.
- Bardolino features thermal baths and a wellness and beauty center at Hotel Caesius Thermæ & Spa Resort.
- Peschiera del Garda is one of the most picturesque towns on the southern shore of the lake. Its small historic center is within the 16th century walls. Peschiera is served by train, bus, and ferry, making it a good base. It is also close to a golf course and Gardaland. Photos
- Gardaland is the largest amusement park in Italy. It is in Castelnuovo del Garda, near Pescheria. There is a free bus service from Pescheria Train Station. The Gardaland bus leaves from many of the towns around Lake Garda.
- Sirmione, a city favored by artists and poets, has a medieval center dominated by a large medieval castle. The city is known for its thermal spas.
- Le Grotte di Catullo, on the Sirmione peninsula, has ruins of the family village of Catulla, a writer or senator of the Roman Empire. The site is located in a spectacular point on the peninsula, surrounded by olive and lemon trees.
- Salo ‘is an elegant city of pastel colored houses established by Mussolini in 1943. It has a good cathedral.
- Gardone is known for its beautiful park with exotic plants. Its historic center dates back to the Middle Ages and has medieval and baroque buildings. There are several aristocratic villas from the early 20th century.
Lake Garda Tourist Information
There are tourist information offices in the cities of Garda, Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera and Gardone.
