Bardolino, Bardolino – where are you, Bardolino? Many know the name from the well-quaffed red wine that comes from the region, but few can place it on a map. But those who do know visit – and then visit again and again. You’ll find Bardolino in the south-east of Lake Garda, reclined between two headlands. It wraps a piazza-topped old town and waterfront promenade into one easily walkable package – and then hands out walking, ferry and train routes so you can extend your summer holiday exploration to Lake Garda’s towns and vineyards, and on to fair Verona and Venice.
Exploring Bardolino's old town
You’ll never get lost walking around Bardolino’s old town, no matter how aimless your strolling – all roads lead to the lake. Once through the lovely stone gateway, it’s an easy ramble past Romanesque churches, a café-lined main piazza and shuttered houses in gelato shades of clementine and cream. There’s usually music in the air too. What was once an old church, Sala della Disciplina, hosts opera, while terraces fill with buskers and musicians in the summer.
Walking by Lake Garda
A promenade hugs the lake’s edge between Bardolino and Garda. It’s a leisurely hour-long walk or speedier bike ride – longer if you pause at the beaches and lake-view benches en route. The walled town of Lazise is also an easy walk away, home to one of the grandest castles of the Scaligeri family, who ruled the region for over 100 years. The Way of Bardolino as it is known is a collection of walking routes that will take you a little further afield. Take your pick from 75km of paths and 18 nature trails, dipping into whichever vineyards take your fancy as you go along.
Celebrating Bardolino wine in style
Bardolino vineyards have lined the southern edge of Lake Garda since Roman times. The red wine is loved across the world for its fruity flavour – but, of course, is best drunk in its hometown, preferably with a side of risotto and sunny lake views. Time your summer holiday to Bardolino for September’s wine festival (Festa dell’Uva di Bardolino) to celebrate the region’s greatest grapes. The Olive Oil Museum in neighbouring Cisano shows off another regional speciality, along with antique presses and an olive oil library.
Day trips from Bardolino – Venice calling
In the summer, ferries cruise between the wooden piers of Lake Garda, connecting picturesque towns such as castle-topped Sirmione and the Gardone Riviera. Most ferries accept bikes, so you can cycle one way and hop on the boat for the return trip – or vice versa. Alternatively, head to Desenzano or Peschiera, where trains zip off to Venice and Verona, where you can spend the day walking around and soaking up the sights.
Why book a summer holiday in Bardolino with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Bardolino's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Bardolino. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Bardolino include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
