Holidays in Garda

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Garda

Walking around Garda is calm and relaxed, there are lots of flatter, lakeside walks to enjoy if you're looking for something less strenuous. Head out a little further though, to Monte Baldo, and you'll be greeted with a vast area of walking for all abilities. The views from up here are out of this world!

There are so many surprises in the area, check out the Bronze Age rock carvings on Monte Luppia or walk to the Sisan museum and jump head first into learning about the lake's bird life and water life.

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Buses

The buses around Garda are really useful and are used to take you to the starting points for many of our guided walks. They're a really economical way to explore the area and run pretty regularly, particularly to the next door town of Bardolino.

Ferries

Ferries are great for cutting across the lake to various other resorts. Cross the lake and you'll find yourself in the lush greenery of the Gardone Riviera and Saló,  or hop over to the Sirmione peninsula and admire its fairy-tale Scaligero castle.

Inghams guided walks - included in your holiday

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per week in Garda, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The full-day walk will run every Monday and the half-day walk will run every Friday from the 3rd May until 11th October 2024. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Vineyards and Olive Groves of Garda

Stroll among romantic vineyards and beautiful olive groves on the trails of Lake Garda’s hinterland. During the walk we you'll come across the scenic park of the German military cemetery and a beautiful small lake which is home to various species of fish and birds and also works as a bio-filter.

• Grade: Easy (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 80m ascent
• Terrain: mostly dirt trails with short sections on paved roads
• Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station, the group will then take a local bus which takes around 10 minutes between Garda and Costermano (approx. €3 one way, payable locally).

Rocca di Garda

Head up from the centre of Garda to the summit of Rocca Vecchia, passing the Hermitage of San Giorgio of the Camaldolese Friars. The route crosses idyllic olive groves and the typical Mediterranean Maquis shrubland, which is very common on the shores of Lake Garda. The Rocca’s is the perfect environment to learn more about the lake's geology and origins.

• Grade: Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 340m
• Terrain: partly paved, but mostly dirt trails or rocky terrain
• Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station.

Exploring Monte Luppia and its Ancient Rock Carvings

Mount Luppia is a rocky spur that dominates the lower part of Lake Garda. From the top of Monte Luppia you can enjoy fantastic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains and admire the rich vegetation of the Mediterranean Maquis shrubland. The route is famous for its rock carvings some of which date back to the Bronze Age.

• Grade: Challenging (a very good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 14km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 6-7 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 420m
• Terrain: mostly dirt trails, partly rocky and uneven terrain, steep ascents
• Useful information: The meeting point is at the Garda bus station, the group will then take a local bus which takes around 5 minutes between Garda and Punta San Vigilio (approx. €1.50 one way, payable locally). When you reach Albisano you'll have the chance to have lunch in one of its many cosy restaurants or bars, the one you go to will be decided at the time (payable locally).

Valsorda and Mount Moscal

Head from the centre of Bardolino to the summit of Mount Moscal, walking through the verdant Valsorda Valley. The route crosses idyllic olive groves and typical wetland forests until it reaches the top of Mount Moscal with its Mediterranean vegetation. The Valsorda Valley is the ideal place for learning about water erosion, wetland vegetation and the typical animals of the area.

• Grade: Challenging (a very good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 12km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5.5 hours)
• Ascent/descent: 320m
• Terrain: partly paved, but mostly dirt trails or rocky, possibly wet terrain, steep ascents
• Useful information: The meeting point is in front of Bardolino town hall. There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Garda and Bardolino (approx. €2 one way, payable locally). You'll stop off along the walk to have your packed lunch in the open air. Make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and snacks.

For every walk you will need: 

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for restaurants/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

The walking in Garda is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Bardolino to Cisano

A pleasant walk along the lakefront that leads from Bardolino to Cisano, a district of Bardolino. This is a really unique part of the lake due to its stretches of coastline freckled with reeds. Check out the lake‘s rich bird life and deep dive into the typical fish and avifauna at Museo Sisàn.

Grade: Easy
Distance: 8km
Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours
Ascent/descent: 5m
Terrain: mostly paved with short dirt sections, flat
Useful Information: There is a local bus which takes around 8 minutes between Garda and Bardolino (approx. €2 one way, payable locally).

The Ridges of Mount Baldo

This walk heads up to the ridges of Mount Baldo where the views across lake Garda are breath-taking. The Prada-Costabella chair and basket lift will take you to the summit of Mount Baldo in just a few minutes, so you won't have long to wait before getting a glimpse of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains from the top!

Grade: Challenging
Distance: 10km
Walking time: approx. 5 hours
Ascent/descent: 500m
Terrain: some dirt trails, sections of rocky and uneven terrain, steep ascents
Useful information: There is a local bus which takes around 40 minutes between Garda and Prada (approx. €4.70 one way, payable locally).

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks and walking poles are useful for hiking around Garda.

Walking maps

If you're looking for a paper map to help you get to know the area even better, we'd recommend the Kompass 697 - Lake Garda (1:35,000).

Hiking guidelines

The lakes and mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace