Lake Garda, thanks to its location, Mediterranean flora, and pleasant climate, is one of Italy’s prime destinations, easily accessible from our country.
The lake is part of Northern Italy’s largest continuous natural waterway, the Sarca-Garda-Mincio river and lake system. It played an important role in history, notably in the 19th century when Austria constructed the Quadrilateral fortifications, one point of which was located in the southern part of the lake.
Table of Contents
Attractions at Lake Garda
Sirmione
This town is located on a deeply extending peninsula in the southern part of Lake Garda and is considered by many as the most beautiful area around the lake.
It was an important settlement even in ancient times, especially popular among Veronese aristocrats, including the famous Roman poet Catullus who had a villa at the northern tip of the peninsula.
The town features a charming old town with narrow, cobblestone streets, traditional Italian restaurants, and boutiques.
Sirmione is also known for its thermal baths, particularly the Catullo Baths, which are renowned for their healing hot waters.
Scaligero Castle
The main landmark of Sirmione, this is one of the most significant and best-preserved medieval fortresses in the northern Italian region.
Built in the 13th century by the Scaligeri family, the ruling dynasty of Verona at the time, the castle was designed to protect the area from external attacks and control traffic on Lake Garda. Over the years, it underwent several modifications and expansions, serving as a fortress and later as a prison.
The stone building surrounded by a moat features distinctive South Tyrolean architectural style. The massive tower, Mastio, offers a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape.
The castle houses a museum primarily focused on medieval weaponry and armor. Visitors can learn about various military tools used over the centuries, as well as the history of the Scaligeri family and the circumstances of the castle’s construction.
Peschiera del Garda
Located on the southern tip of Lake Garda next to the Mincio River, the lake’s main outflow, the town has a rich and varied history.
Inhabited since the Bronze Age, it later became a Roman fortress and subsequently an important fortification for the Scaligeri family, the Venetian Republic, and the Austrian Empire.
A notable feature is the historical fortification system, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The historic center within the well-preserved fortress walls retains many memories of the past. The town also houses the Madonna del Frassino sanctuary, built in the 16th century.
The Lungolago Mazzini promenade offers beautiful views of Lake Garda, with numerous beaches, restaurants, and cafes lining the shore. The fishing museum displays the lake’s fishing traditions and history.
Lazise
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, the town is popular due to its long history.
The medieval townscape includes fortifications and city gates built by the Scaligeri. Lazise Castle is now privately owned, but the walls offer stunning views of the town and the lake.
Near the town center, in the Colà district, lies the beautiful natural spa Villa dei Cedri, known for its 37-degree Celsius thermal water.
Riva del Garda
Situated at the northern tip of Lake Garda, in a stunning natural setting at the foot of the mountains.
The town’s historical center features several ancient gates, remnants of its former defensive walls, including Porta Bruciata, Porta di San Marco, Porta di San Michele, and Porta di San Giuseppe.
The town was also famous among artists and writers, with visits from figures such as Franz Kafka, Thomas Mann, Albrecht Dürer, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche.
Near the town is the Forte Batteria di Mezzo, offering a wonderful view of the town and surrounding mountains.
Rocca di Manerba
Located in Pieve Vecchia, this park spans about 90 hectares and offers numerous hiking trails.
During the hike, one can discover archaeological finds such as a Roman villa, a Roman necropolis, and a Mesolithic settlement. The trail provides panoramic views of Lake Garda.
The park is named after the Roman goddess Minerva, associated with wisdom, art, and strategic warfare.
Attractions and activities around Lake Garda
Gardaland Resort
Italy’s largest amusement park, located near Peschiera del Garda.
The complex includes Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea-Life Aquarium, LEGOLAND Water Park, and the accommodations at Gardaland Hotel, Adventure Hotel, and Magic Hotel.
The park features various themed areas such as Fantasy Kingdom, Rio Bravo, Kung Fu Panda Academy, Peppa Pig Land, and Prezzemolo Land. Visitors can also enjoy several thrilling roller coasters.
Notably, there is Legoland, Europe’s first Lego-themed water park, which features Lego-themed interactive water games and colorful water slides.
More information is available here!
Movieland The Hollywood Park
Located near Gardaland, this movie-themed entertainment center.
It offers more than 20 different attractions, 10 live shows, 8 restaurants, and various shops and bars. The park aims to entertain the whole family while providing insight into the world of Hollywood filmmaking.
More information is available here!
Caneva Aquapark
One of Italy’s largest water parks, located near Lazise.
Visitors can try various slides, such as the Stukas Boom, a 32-meter high dual-track slide; the Kamika, a dual-track slide on top of a volcano; the Water Jump, a dual-track slide with both indoor and outdoor sections and a trampoline; and the Twin Peaks, a single-lane slide with rafts.
More information is available here!
Monte Baldo
This mountain range on the eastern side of Lake Garda offers some of the most beautiful panoramas. Its highest peak is Cima Valdritta at 2218 meters.
A cable car ride, starting from the town of Malcesine, can take visitors up to about 1760 meters to enjoy the views.
More information about the cable car here!
Verona
Located about 30 km east of the southern part of the lake, Verona is a must-visit city. Traveling from or towards Slovenia, you pass right by Verona.
The city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, rich in Roman architecture and medieval buildings. Its most famous site is the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Arena di Verona.
The city is also famously depicted in Shakespeare’s work, „Romeo and Juliet” which tells the story of two families from Verona.