15 Best Lake Garda Towns: Prettiest Villages + a Map!

Are you wondering about the best Lake Garda towns to include on your northern Italy itinerary?

Lake Garda is such a spectacular destination with so many vibrant and picturesque towns. I understand how hard it is to choose where to spend your precious time!

The lake is easily reached from some of Italy’s best cities, like Verona, Milan, and Venice, and is perfect for anyone looking for a destination that combines nature, culture, and history.

Lake Garda’s best towns are surrounded by vineyards, olive and citrus trees, and the green-blue waters of the lake. As you spend time in some or all of the towns on Lake Garda, you’ll find imposing castles, art-rich churches, Roman ruins, outdoor activities, locally-produced wines, stunning beaches, and breathtaking views in every direction you look.

In this article, I’ll show you the best towns in Lake Garda that you should consider visiting, the best things to do in these towns, and tips for how you can plan your time at Lake Garda to have an amazing visit to this popular destination! All of the suggestions and tips in this guide come from my own experience traveling and living part of the year in northern Italy.

Let’s go to Lake Garda!

How to Get to Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is incredibly easy to reach from any city in northern Italy.

The public transportation network is well-developed and easy to use in the northern part of the country, and you can travel to Lake Garda by direct train or local bus from Verona, Milan, and Venice.

The nearest northern Italy airports include Verona Airport, Milan Linate, and Milan Bergamo.

If you have a car or don’t mind taking a couple of trains, you can easily get to Lake Garda also from Bologna, Mantua, Vicenza, Padua, and Trento, as well. With a car, you can also go from the eastern shores of Lake Como to the western shores of Lake Garda in roughly 2 hours.

Keep in mind, though, Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda are the 2 towns along the lake with train stations. Once arriving here by train, you’d rely on local bus and ferry connections to visit other towns along the lake.

Driving (traffic notwithstanding) does give you the freedom to move around the lake as quickly or slowly as your itinerary allows. By car, Lake Garda’s southernmost town of Sirmione is less than 2 hours from Milan and Venice and only 45 minutes from Verona.

I like to drive to and around Lake Garda because I can move as freely as I’d like or linger longer somewhere without worrying about missed ferries or buses. I’ve driven around the lake as well as used ferries to hop from town to town. Both are great options depending on what you want to see and do.

Map of the Best Towns on Lake Garda

On the Lake Gardamap below, you’ll find each of the best towns listed in this guide. You’ll be able to see where each one is along Lake Garda and their relative position to one another so that you can plan your itinerary.

15 Best Lake Garda Towns to Visit

Every town along the shores of this magnificent lake is a treasure trove with its own blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to relax in a lakeside piazza, the Lake Garda towns on this list are perfect for your itinerary.

1. Riva del Garda

Located on the northern end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region and an absolute gem of a town with its lakefront palm trees and colorful buildings!

As with many places through the Trentino region, Riva del Garda is blended with Austrian culture, which can be seen in the town’s historic center, from the architecture to the food.

A must-see while in Riva del Garda is Rocca di Riva, the medieval fortress that sits right in the heart of the centro storico. The castle houses the MAG Alto Garda Museum, with exhibitions on local art, archaeology, and history about the upper region of Lake Garda.

The Old Ponale Road of Riva del Garda is also an important piece of Lake Garda’s history. Dating back to the late 19th century, this winding trail, originally carved for transporting goods, has transformed into a route just for hikers and bikers, offering breathtaking views of Lake Garda and dramatic cliffs.

Take the funicular to Mount Rocchetta, a fabulous panoramic spot with a 16th-century fort (the Bastione), for a gorgeous birds-eye view of the lake. There’s even a cafe where you can sit with an espresso just enjoying the scenery.

If you want to spend some time in nature, just outside Riva del Garda, there’s the stunning Cascata Varone, a beautiful waterfall with two caves. Just be prepared to get a little wet!

Besides being immersed in a vibrant cultural mix, you can do a wide array of sporty activities in Riva del Garda, from hiking to windsurfing.

Planning Tips:

If you’re coming from the Dolomites area, starting a Lake Garda visit in Riva del Garda could make a lot of sense given how far north you already are. Trento is just 40 minutes from Riva del Garda, while Bolzano and Ortisei are 70 and 100 minutes away, respectively.

Riva del Garda is also well-connected with Lake Garda’s ferries. You could base yourself here and hop to Limone sul Garda and/or Malcesine before driving or traveling to another part of the lake.

To take the time to see and do everything in Riva del Garda, including (if it’s on your list) the difficult Punta Larici hike, you could easily spend 2 days just in this town.

If you’re passing through or just have half a day in Riva del Garda, explore the town center and walk part of the Old Ponale Path from Riva del Garda for spectacular views over the lake and the town in the distance.

2. Arco

Arco is not directly on Lake Garda’s shores, but it’s a pretty town located a couple of miles inland from Riva del Garda. Whether you prefer historical sightseeing or natural landscapes, the town of Arco has plenty to offer!

Arco’s most impressive feature is its castle perched atop a hill overlooking the town itself. Hiking up to the top will reward you with a view over the Sarca River valley (which flows from the Italian Alps) and the northern part of Lake Garda.

Arco is a sports lovers paradise: one of the top activities to do in Arco is rock climbing. And there are plenty of opportunities to hike and bike throughout the area if rock climbing isn’t for you.

Arco’s historic center is also to be enjoyed! The 17th-century Palazzo dei Panni with the Galleria Civica inside pays homage to  Giovanni Segantini, a famous painter from Arco. The uniquely-designed Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its commanding position in the main piazza dates back to the 1600s and has noteworthy pieces of art displayed on its altars.

After Lake Garda, explore Lake Tenno and Lake Ledro, both a short drive away from Arco and hidden gems with prehistoric sites away from the crowds. And if you made it this far, make a stop in Canale di Tenno, one of the most well-preserved and pretty villages in all of Italy.

Planning Tips:

No visit to Arco is complete without hiking to the castle. The medieval ruins are a sight to behold. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to prepare for your uphill walk (but trust me, the hike is so worth it!).

The walk to the castle is a loop trail beginning from the cobbled streets of the city center. The way is easy to find. Simply follow the “Castello” signs. The entire hike up and back is about 2.5 miles and takes about 90 minutes.

Along the hike to the medieval castle, you can stop by the archducal park “Arboreto di Arco” to rest before continuing to the castle ruins. Further along, you’ll reach a meadow surrounded by tall cypress trees where you can also find a small cafe if you need some refueling.

3. Malcesine

Located in the northeastern part of Lake Garda, and part of the region of Veneto (remember Lake Garda is split between 3 different regions), Malcesine is one of the best towns in Lake Garda to visit.

Malcesine sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda and is famous for its olive oil. With mountains at its back and pretty lanes winding through the village, Malcesine couldn’t be more picturesque!

Make sure to visit Scaliger Castle of Malcesine, one of the best castles in Lake Garda. You need to climb up some stairs to reach the tower, but once on top, you’re sure to be blown away by the sweeping views of the town and shimmering blue lake.

The castle also houses a small Museum of Natural History where you can learn about the plant and animal life of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo.

Walking the lakefront promenade is another must-do while in Malcesine! You’ll pass by the Captain’s Palace, a historic building in the Venetian Gothic style, and Porto Vecchio, the picturesque little harbor with colorful boats and many restaurants where you can enjoy local favorites like lake fish, polenta, and cheese.

Don’t leave Malcesine before taking the cable car (Funivia Malcesine-Monte Baldo) up to the top of Mount Baldo to have an unforgettable panoramic view of Lake Garda. You can easily walk to the cable car from the center of the village.

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, you can take off from the top of Mount Baldo on a paraglider for 20 minutes with professional tandem pilots. I watched with awe and slight jealousy as the paragliders launched themselves into the air.

Malcesine also has beautiful hiking trails, like the loop from Malcesine to San Michele. From here, you’ll have sweeping views of Lake Garda as you weave through olive groves. You can even use the Monte Baldo funicular to cut the 5-mile trail in half.

There are also water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, making this little town famous for summer getaways.

Planning Tips:

Malcesine is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda where you can stroll with a gelato in hand and soak up the Italian lakeside vibes. It’s one of those places that I return to each time I’m visiting Lake Garda.

Park your car in one of the paid areas off the main road to avoid spending any more time in your car than needed. The area can get quite congested in summer.

If you don’t plan to hike or do any watersports, this beautiful town can be visited in a day. You could also split the day between Riva del Garda or Limone sul Garda if you’re really short on time.

I recommend visiting this town in April or May, or between late September and early October to appreciate the beauty of Malcesine without the large summer crowds but still have pleasant weather.

Planning on trying outdoor activities in summer like paragliding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing? Make sure to book ahead with local providers for the best availability.

4. Torri del Benaco

Torri del Benaco is another beautiful town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, a 20-minute drive from Malcesine.

Stroll through the tiny centro storico and make sure to visit the Chiesa Oratorio della Santissima Trinita. From the outside, you would never guess that it houses remarkable and well-preserved frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries!

The Scaligero Castle in Torri del Benaco has a Limonaia, a greenhouse for growing citrus fruit built in the 18th century. The castle also houses an interesting museum with artifacts that teach about the people of the area and their trades, as well as archaeological findings like rock carvings.

Torri del Benaco’s picturesque harbor and lakefront promenade are ideal for a relaxing walk. It’s quieter than some of the nearby towns that see big influxes of summer visitors. Or head out onto the water to see sights like Isola del Garda and Punta San Vigilio.

For lunch, make a point to try the bigoli con le aole (pasta with small lake fish) and cassata gardesana (a sweet treat made with ricotta, candied fruit, and honey).

If you’re visiting Lake Garda in the summer, Torri del Benaco has pretty beaches where you can swim and also take advantage of Lake Garda’s winds with a bit of sailing or kitesurfing. If you’re up for a hike, the hills above Torri del Benaco are a great place to “discover” several more tiny villages.

Planning Tips:

Heading to Torri del Benaco from Verona airport? You can hire a private transfer and take a 1-hour scenic drive to the town. There’s also a shuttle bus from the airport to the train station in Peschiera. From there, it’s about an hour bus ride up to Torri.

If you’re driving along the western shores of Lake Garda, you can bring your car on the traghetto (ferry) and ride directly across the lake to Torri del Benaco from Toscolano-Maderno.

Once in the town, start your visit at the Scaliger Castle to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Garda. Don’t miss out on exploring the rooms at the castle where you can learn about the main trades of the area like fishing and olive harvesting. I was so impressed by the olive press in the courtyard!

5. Garda Town

Also on the eastern side of Lake Garda, in the Veneto region, sits the town of Garda. It has the perfect mix of nature and history and is one of the best destinations on the lake.

Garda’s historic center is full of beautiful buildings to see and things to do. Make sure to see Palazzo dei Capitani, a palace in the Venetian Gothic style that used to be the home of a powerful official from the Republic of Venice.

In the centro storico, you’ll also find Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, a 16th-century church that has its origins before the year 1000. The Museo Territoriale del Lago di Garda is a museum dedicated to the daily life of the local people. You’ll find similar museums in other towns around Lake Garda and I highly recommend visiting at least one of them to learn more about what life was like at the lake long ago.

Garda’s long lakeside promenade extends all the way to nearby Bardolino and is the perfect place for taking an Italian passeggiata.

Hiking is just one of the many outdoor activities you can do in Garda including up to the ruins of Rocca di Garda for a birds-eye view over the lake and town. Or plan a hike to Mount Luppia to see ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.

The beautiful natural environment of the lake also offers beaches where you can relax or swim during the summer months. And just up the road from Garda, you will find Punta di San Vigilio and one of the most charming beaches on Lake Garda, Parco Baia delle Sirene.

Planning Tips:

Punta di San Vigilio is considered one of Lake Garda’s most charming spots. Here you’ll find a beach, restaurant, medieval church, and the beautiful Villa Guarienti turned hotel.

The town of Garda is well-connected by ferry if you want to hop from town to town without a car. It’s also in a convenient location on the eastern side of the lake. Traffic notwithstanding, both Malcesine and Sirmione are about 30 minutes by car from Garda Town.

6. Bardolino

South of Garda, on the lake’s eastern shore, is the town of Bardolino, famous for its production of wine.

Visiting Bardolino’s vineyards is an absolute must! The vines are planted on nearby hills that got their minerals from glacier deposits. One of the town’s famous wines is a light red wine that pairs perfectly with fish, whiter meats, and pasta dishes with vegetables and lighter sauces.

In addition to the wine, Bardolino’s historic center has several churches dating back to medieval times. Particularly impressive are the large parish Church of San Nicolo and the Church of San Severo.

Bardolino also has several museums including the Museum of the Olive Oil and Zeni Wine Museum, the latter showing the history and skill of making wine in the area. The wine museum is just a few minutes by car or about 30 minutes on foot from the center of Bardolino. I had a great time tasting several wines and learning more about Bardolino’s wine. The lake views from the terrace capped off the entire experience.

Back in town, stroll along Bardolino’s lakefront promenade or take a boat trip to experience Lake Garda from the water. There are nearby islands and even boat tours that bring you to nearby popular spots like Sirmione.

Planning Tips:

Plan your trip to Bardolino based on the live events held in the town throughout the year. From May to October, the Sala della Disciplina, which was a church at first, hosts Italian opera concerts.

In the fall, you can taste the locally produced pink claret and red wine during the yearly grape and wine festival. In winter, the town hosts a Christmas market and Carnival celebrations.

If you want to experience Bardolino like a local, there is a weekly market every Thursday where you can find local foods, fresh produce, vintage items, and handcrafted finds. Make it a point to visit the weekly market if you want to meet locals and experience everyday life in Bardolino.

7. Lazise

Lazise is located in the southeastern part of Lake Garda as part of the Venetian shore of the lake. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Lake Garda and Italy because of its natural beauty, restaurants, shops, and location close to the popular Gardaland Amusement Park. It’s also easy to reach from Verona, only a short 30-minute drive.

Besides the 14th-century arched Dogana Veneta where boats were required to pass before entering the harbor, you’ll see the Church of San Nicolò, which goes back to the 1100s and has a series of frescoes in the style of Giotto, a painter from the Middle Ages. Be sure to walk through the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with its black and white pattern. The piazza’s tiled look is a striking visual!

Admire the Scaligero Castle and its fortified walls from the outside. This castle was built in the late 1300s and today is privately owned. Still, as you enter the town through one of the ancient gates, you can get a sense of how formidable it must have been to try and breach the town.

Lazise is a great destination on Lake Garda for another reason: the Parco Termale del Garda, a park with thermal lake pools and a spa located only 10 minutes away by car from Lazise. There is nothing better than spending a relaxing spa day along the shores of Lake Garda!

Planning Tips:

Next to Lazise, you’ll find the thrill of Italy’s largest amusement parks, like the CanevaWorld Resort, Leolandia, and Gardaland. You can also find lots of waterparks where you can slide down waterslides, have fun in themed pools, and watch live entertainment. If you’re traveling to Lake Garda with kids or teens, these amusement parks are some of the best ways to blend traditional sightseeing and lakeside relaxation with pure fun.

If you can’t make it to Bardolino but still want to taste the area’s best wines, this winery tour is a great option.

It’s also important to know that from Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, and Torri del Benanco, you’re only about a 30-minute drive from the Madonna della Corona Sanctuary. This famous church sitting on a rocky ledge on the side of Monte Baldo is up over 2,000 feet and is quite an incredible sight!

You can reach the church from the town of Spiazzi followed by a short walk. Or take the Pilgrim’s Path for a steep hike up to the sanctuary from the tiny town of Brentino Belluno.

8. Peschiera del Garda

One of the last towns on Lake Garda’s Veneto side is Peschiera del Garda, on the southern shore of the lake.

Peschiera del Garda will impress you right away with its system of thick defensive walls. This fortified town owes its protection to the Venetian defensive system which was built in the 16th and 17th centuries with bulwarks that stemmed away from a polygon-shaped fort to eliminate blind spots in battle.

This Venetian system of defense has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Peschiera, along with Bergamo and Palmanova in Italy and 3 sites in Croatia and Montenegro make up the collection of these recognized sites. Luckily for you and your trip to Lake Garda, Peschiera is one of the best places to see the design of this system!

Walking along the massive defensive walls is a fantastic experience, and to enter the colorful old town, you’ll need to cross the Voltoni Bridge, that spans the Mincio River.

I recommend taking a boat tour to explore Peschiera del Garda’s fortifications.

Like Lazise, Peschiera del Garda is only 10 minutes by car from Italy’s largest and best amusement park, Gardaland!

Planning Tips:

Peschiera del Garda is one of the towns in Lake Garda with a railway station with direct connections with cities like Verona, Milan, and Venice.

From Peschiera del Garda, you can take ferries to other towns along the lake. Whether you decide to use Peschiera as a base or stay somewhere else along Lake Garda, it’s a great choice as a starting point if you’re traveling without a car.

If you do have a car, Sirmione’s old town is just a 15-minute drive away or you can go by boat!

9. Valeggio sul Mincio

Valeggio sul Mincio is not directly on Lake Garda, but this town is so beautiful that I highly recommend visiting it.

The small town stands on the banks of the Mincio River, and it’s just 15 minutes by car from Peschiera del Garda. Aside from how pretty it is, Valeggio sul Mincio is famous for its Scaligero Castle and the local tortellini!

The Scaligero Castle of Valeggio sul Mincio is located on top of a small hill, and you can admire its tall structure from every corner of the town.

While in Valeggio sul Mincio, a must is to try the local tortellini, which is called in Italian ‘nodo d’amore’ (love-knots). The love-knot tortellini is still made following the ancient recipe, and they are stuffed with different seasonal fillings.

Every year, Valeggio sul Mincio hosts a celebration of its famous tortellini with an incredible street-food festival during which the love-knot tortellini are served for a dinner held on the historic Visconti Bridge!

Valeggio sul Mincio also hosts one of the most beautiful parks in Italy, the Parco Giardino Sigurtà. The lush park is also home to the stunning Villa Sigurtà, built in the Palladian style, one of the architectural style gems of Veneto.

Planning Tips:

Plan your visit to Valeggio sul Mincio on the third Tuesday in June to celebrate the Festa del Nodo d’Amore. Better to be one of the people eating than cooking at this festival! Can you imagine having to cook 20,000+ pounds of tortellini!?!

10. Sirmione

On the southernmost tip of Lake Garda sits the beautiful town of Sirmione, arguably the most popular tourist destination and Lake Garda town along the lake. Located in the Lombardy region, Sirmione stands at the tip of a narrow peninsula that stretches into the lake waters.

Sirmione’s centro storico is right in front of the lake shore, perched between the stunning Scaligero Castle and the remarkable ruins of a Roman villa.

As you pass the walls into the town, take time to admire the 13th-century castle from the outside. You’ll undoubtedly understand why this dramatic and beautiful castle is one of Italy’s most visited sights. Cross the drawbridge to tour the inside and walk the ramparts. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to take in the views of southern Lake Garda.

The archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo, as the villa is called, is a large complex on the far end of town that includes an interesting Archeological Museum and olive grove. But the ruins themselves, with gorgeous lake views in the background, are spectacular and give a glimpse of how grand life must have been for the people who lived here. Not to mention, it’s clear that even in Roman Times, real estate was all about location!

Visiting the ruins of this majestic 1st-century Roman villa is a must! Quite honestly, walking around these ruins took my breath away and I’m so glad to have dedicated the time to it.

Right below the Grotte di Catullo, you’ll find a couple of Lake Garda’s best beaches, Jamaica Beach and Lido delle Bionde. Sirmione is a fantastic beach destination on Lake Garda, with several spots to swim or practice water sports in the turquoise waters.

Sirmione also has several large spa centers with the lake’s thermal waters where you can soak and relax in thermal baths.

Planning Tips:

The ideal beach time to visit Sirmione is during the summer from June to August when the weather is perfect for soaking under the sun and swimming in the lake waters. But if you want to avoid the large summer crowds, spring and fall are the best times to plan your trip because the weather is still pleasant for exploring the town and soaking in hot pools.

The town is extremely popular with daytrippers. If you’re driving, you’ll need to park outside the town walls in one of the paid visitor lots. It’s possible to walk from there or use the shuttle buses that run during the summer months.

Sirmione is one of the more expensive places to stay along the shores of Lake Garda. You can save by booking accommodation outside the historic city center.

If you’re only planning a day trip to this charming town, start your trip at Scaligero Castle and then follow the peninsula along the cobblestone streets through the city center to the beaches and not-to-be-missed Roman ruins.

11. Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano del Garda is the biggest town on Lake Garda, in the Lombardy region. Located on the southern shore, Desenzano is a vibrant city with lots of things to do and great nightlife.

One of Desenzano del Garda’s main attractions is the restored hilltop medieval castle with gorgeous views over the town and lake. If you’re visiting Desenzano del Garda during the summer, check the castle’s schedule of live music and plays. Today, it’s used as an outdoor stage for events.

There is plenty of great historical sightseeing in Desenzano del Garda, such as the Roman Villa, with several striking and amazingly intact Roman mosaics, and the Museo Civico Archeologico, a fascinating museum for history lovers with some of the most noteworthy bronze age artifacts every uncovered.

Desenzano also has a beautiful historic center with the old harbor and its 16th-century Duomo. Inside the cathedral, there’s a version of the Last Supper by Tiepolo.

Don’t leave Desenzano del Garda before walking the lakefront promenade, and sit in one of the many trattorias to enjoy a delicious traditional meal while admiring the long promontory of Sirmio in the distance.

Planning Tips:

If you’re thinking about visiting many historic lakefront towns, I’d suggest kicking off your adventure in Desenzano del Garda. Like Peschiera del Garda, it also has a train station with seamless connections to points throughout northern Italy.

It’s also a hub for ferry trips, making it super convenient to travel around the lake if you don’t have a car. Spend a day soaking in the charm of this town, and then hop on a 20-minute ferry ride to Sirmione. Alternatively, you can take Bus 26 from Desenzano to Sirmione.

For your stay, consider booking a place in Lazise, Bardolino, or Garda Town just outside the city center. This way, you’ll not only save some bucks on accommodation but also get to explore the neighboring towns without any hassle.

12. Manerba del Garda

Manerba del Garda is a small town on the west shore of Lake Garda, on the Lombardy side. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Lake Garda, thanks to the panoramic views you can enjoy from the town.

Manerba del Garda is a laid-back destination, ideal if you want to relax in the lake’s fresh waters or hike the hills around the town. Take a swim or a boat ride to the Isola di San Biagio, a tiny islet that lies just a few feet off the point called Punta Belvedere. Boats leave from Porto Torchio.

The main site in Manerba del Garda is the Rocca Manerba, one of the most important medieval fortresses in Lake Garda which boasts stunning lake views. The area is part of the Natural Reserve of Rocca and Punta Sasso, offering hiking trails and a stunning natural landscape. Nearby, you can find the Archaeological Museum and churches with stunning frescoes.

Manerba del Garda is also popular for its wine and olive oil production. Nothing’s better than ending the day at a lakefront restaurant tasting lake fish dishes with a drizzle of local olive oil, paired with an amazing glass of wine!

Planning Tips:

If you’re driving a car coming from Salò or Sirmione, you can plan a side trip to Manerba del Garda which both take around less than an hour’s drive. This quaint town is not that accessible by public transit, so it’s ideal to visit if you have a car or private transfer to take you to the town.

Manerba is a great spot if you’re up for outdoor activities, minus the big touristy crowds. I recommend planning a day trip starting by hiking the gravel path to Rocca Manerba where you’ll find the cliff overlooking the lake. Once at the viewpoint, you can have a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views of the entire landscape.

13. Salò

Salò is a town rich in history dating back to the Romans located on the western shore of Lake Garda. Centuries ago, Salò was also ruled by powerful cities like Verona, so the town’s architecture reflects these neighboring influences.

One of the best places to learn about Salò’s history is the Museo di Salò (MuSa), which tells the story of the town and has a section about the dictator, Mussolini.

In the heart of the town’s historic center is the Duomo of Santa Maria Annunciata, a wonderful Late Gothic Cathedral. Another impressive building you should visit is the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria (also called Palazzo del Podestà), a historic site from the 16th century that has since been reconstructed after an earthquake destroyed it at the turn of the 20th century.

If you didn’t do it while you were in Manerba del Garda, take a boat trip to see some of Lake Garda’s islands.

Planning Tips:

Nature hiking not your thing? No worries! The town of Salo is a pedestrian-friendly town with the longest promenade along the lake.

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Rent a bike from one of the local providers and explore the town on two wheels. Salo’s streets are perfect for a leisurely ride, giving you a chance to cover more ground and stumble upon hidden gems that might just surprise you. With a faster ride to explore the town, you can take your time to soak in the local culture and maybe stop by a quaint café for some espresso or gelato.

14. Gargnano

On the west shore of Lake Garda, 20 minutes north of Salò, is the town of Gargnano. It’s not among the popular tourist destinations on Lake Garda, however, it is a beautiful town and I highly recommend paying a visit.

When you go beyond Gargnano’s colorful houses and pristine beaches, you’ll discover the town’s political history. One of the town’s most important sites is Villa Feltrinelli, a neo-Renaissance style palazzo built at the end of the 1800s. Today, it’s a hotel but decades ago it was the home of Mussolini and his family for nearly 2 years.

Also check out the Church and Cloister of St. Francis, with its citrus fruit carvings, and the Church of San Giacomo and its 4th-century frescoes.

About 5 minutes by car from Gargnano, you’ll find Villa Bettoni, a gorgeous villa and gardens that are open for visits. Just be sure to make a reservation for a guided tour before you go.

And although you might not expect it in secluded Gargnano, there are 2 Michelin Start Restaurants here: La Tortuga and Villa Feltrinelli.

Planning Tips:

Gargnano is the perfect destination if you want a laid-back trip to Lake Garda. It’s not just a less touristy. The town will truly restore you after the hustle and bustle of Sirmione and Malcesine.

Take a short trip to the nearby town of Gardone Riviera to visit the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former residence of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. The estate is filled with gardens, sculptures, and historical artifacts.

Or you can take a detour to Toscolano Maderno and dive into the ancient world of paper production at the Museum of Paper. It’s a fascinating history lesson – who knew paper could have such a cool backstory?

15. Limone sul Garda

Limone sul Garda is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda. You’ll immediately notice the lemon groves on the hills surrounding the town. Looking out at the water, you might for a moment think you’re in Sorrento on the Amalfi coast instead of Lake Garda’s northwestern shores.

Citrus, especially lemons, are so important for Limone del Garda that a whole museum is dedicated to them! Limonaia del Castel is a fabulous outdoor museum where you can walk around citrus groves while discovering how the locals have grown them here for hundreds of years.

Limone sul Garda has several other museums you can visit, like the Fishermen’s Museum. From its beginnings, Limone sul Garda was a fishing village. This museum honors this heritage with stories and artifacts and explains how the village transformed into a place now famous for growing citrus fruits.

Aside from strolling around Limone sul Garda’s pretty historic center, head up to the top of the town in search of the Church of San Pietro, dating back to the 9th century and with pretty frescoes. Built in Romanesque style, this church is also called San Pietro in Oliveto for its position among gorgeous olive trees.

Limone sul Garda is also a fantastic spot on Lake Garda for hiking, as numerous hiking trails start from the town, and for cycling! The Strada del Ponale connects Limone sul Garda to the nearby town of Riva del Garda. The road is dedicated to hikers and cyclists and offers incredible views of the lake and mountains!

Planning Tips:

Limone Sul Garda is one of the most charming towns to visit in Lake Garda. It’s also well-connected by ferry making it easy to hop to other upper Lake Garda towns like Riva del Garda and Malcesine, as well as towns like Gargnano and other points further south along the lake.

Resist the temptation, though, to do too much in a single day. It’s better to base yourself in one of these upper Lake Garda towns and explore nearby places for a few days from there.

Also, if you or your traveling companions have always wished to channel their inner James Bond, the Strada della Forra is just 5 minutes by car from Limone sul Garda. This is the classic winding road as seen in the Quantum of Solace. Regardless of your interest in James Bond, it’s considered one of the “most scenic” roads in the world!

Your Lake Garda Itinerary

Unlocking the full charm of Lake Garda’s best towns requires a bit of time. You don’t want to rush around the shores of the lake.

If your schedule is tight, though, fret not! You can enjoy a trip to Lake Garda whether you have 1 day or 1 week at Lake Garda.

With 1 day at Lake Garda, plan to visit Sirmione or Malcesine for the day. This will allow you to explore all of the sights in the town, as well as enjoy the lakeside vibes and views whether you choose to linger over lunch or relax by the water.

In Malcesine, you’ll have the time to see the town and ride the funicular up to Monte Baldo to see the spectacular views and even walk a bit. Alternatively, you could spend half the day in Malcesine and either Riva del Garda or Limone sul Garda by using the ferry to hop between towns on the upper part of Lake Garda.

It’s also very easy to take a day trip to Sirmione from places like Verona and Milan whether you choose to go on your own or with a guide.

If you have 3 or 4 days, choose 1 spot as a base or split your time between the lower and upper portions of Lake Garda. Especially in the summer, driving along the lake’s road can be slow because of the number of cars.

With 4 days at Lake Garda, I’d recommend spending half of the days in upper Lake Garda at Malcesine, Riva del Garda, and/or Limone sul Garda. During these days, you could hike, bike, get out onto the water, and visit each of the town’s main sights. The other 2 days can be spent seeing Sirmione and other towns nearby that seem of interest to you.

Peschiera del Garda is nearby with its impressive defensive system. Bardolino and Torri del Benaco are perfect for a day of town-hopping to taste wines and see one of Lake Garda’s castles.

From a planning perspective, if you’re coming from the Dolomites starting your time in the northern portion of Lake Garda makes the most sense. If you’re coming from Milan or Verona, plan to start along Lake Garda’s southern shores.

Plan Your Trip to the Best Towns Around Lake Garda!

Lake Garda is a beautiful destination in north Italy whether you’re looking to relax in a lakeside piazza, be active in nature, visit historic sites, or learn about life around the lake. All the towns located along the shores of Lake Garda are incredible spots to visit, with plenty of things to see and do.

Regardless of which ones you choose to visit, you’ll be glad you planned a northern Italy trip with time at gorgeous Lake Garda.

So, what questions do you have about the best towns on Lake Garda?

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