Lake Garda at a glance
- Italian
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone GMT+1
From vineyard strolls to mountain thrills, summer holidays in Lake Garda serves up the ultimate mix of scenery, culture and adventure
- Lakeside towns & wine tasting
- Scenic walks & cycling routes
- Water sports in mountain-backed bays
Walking holidays in Lake Garda
Lake Garda is bursting with things to see and do, making it a firm favourite for summer getaways. As Italy’s largest lake, it boasts some of the country’s most striking scenery - from the dramatic, snow-capped mountains in the north to the gentle, vineyard-covered hills of the south. Spend your days hiking panoramic trails, cycling lakeside paths, or simply relaxing by the water with a gelato in hand.
The southern shores are home to many of the lake’s most popular resorts, with plenty of opportunities for wine tasting, boat trips, and easy access to nearby cities like Verona and Venice. Head north for a more active adventure, where outdoor lovers can dive into walking, cycling and adrenaline-pumping water sports. Can’t decide? Combine the best of both with a multi-centre holiday and get the full Lake Garda experience.
Lake Garda offers walking trails for every type of adventurer, whether you’re after an easy stroll or a more challenging hike with panoramic views. In Bardolino and Garda, you’ll find beautiful, flat lakeside paths perfect for a leisurely walk or a gentle cycle. These trails wind through olive groves, vineyards, and charming lakeside promenades, giving you a perfect introduction to the area’s stunning scenery.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, head to the northern parts of the lake, such as Limone, Riva, and Malcesine. Here, the trails take you up into the surrounding hills and mountains, offering stunning panoramic views over Lake Garda and the surrounding landscapes. These hikes vary in difficulty, from steep ascents to more rugged terrain, but the reward is always the same - breathtaking views and the satisfaction of conquering the trail.
Wine takes centre stage around Lake Garda, especially in Bardolino, where two annual wine festivals celebrate the region’s rich vintages. This lakeside town is also the perfect base for visiting local vineyards and enjoying relaxed tastings in scenic settings. Dining here is a real treat - there’s nothing quite like a long lunch by the lake, paired with a crisp glass of local wine.
The culinary scene is fresh, flavourful, and full of regional character. Expect lake fish on the menu, often caught that morning, along with dishes featuring locally pressed olive oil and zesty citrus. Chickpea polenta, risottos, handmade pastas, and slow-cooked venison are just some of the regional specialities. And for dessert? Head to Sirmione, home to some of the finest gelato on the lake - perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
Looking for a fun-filled family getaway? Lake Garda is packed with activities to keep kids (and parents) smiling. In Riva, rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend the day splashing about by the lakeside - perfect for cooling off in the summer sun. For a bit of indoor exploration, Malcesine hassome great museums, including the Lake Museum and the Natural History Museum of Monte Baldo.
When it’s time to relax, head to one of the many beaches dotted around the lake - Sabbioni beach in Riva is a local favourite. If the kids are craving something more fast-paced, Garda and Bardolino are close to Caneva Aquapark and the ever-popular Gardaland theme park. And for families who love to cycle, you’re in luck. Riva boasts plenty of trails for all levels, while the lakeside paths around Bardolino and Garda are perfect for a gentle ride - just don’t forget to stop for an ice cream or two along the way.
Lake Garda is a cyclist's paradise, offering routes for everyone from leisurely riders to seasoned cyclists. In Limone, don’t miss the Ciclopista del Garda, a stunning cycle path suspended 50 metres above the lake, carved into the cliffs. The views from here are spectacular!
For a more relaxed ride, the lakefront cycle path in Bardolino offers an easy route with stunning views of the water. This mostly flat path takes you from Bardolino to Garda in no time, making it perfect for a day of exploration. With a dedicated bike lane and charming scenery along the way, you can easily visit both towns. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Garda and finish the day with a refreshing spritz in Bardolino!
A visit to Malcesine wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic Scaligero Castle, a 13th-century fortress packed with history. Inside, you'll find fascinating exhibits, and the climb to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the northern lake! For nature and art lovers, take a ferry to the Heller Botanical Gardens on the western shores of Lake Garda, where stunning plant collections meet beautiful sculptures.
Further along the lake, Limone offers a rich blend of history and culture. Be sure to visit the Church of Saint Rocco and the Tourist Museum to uncover the town’s past. You can also learn about Limone’s famous lemon cultivation at the Limonaia Del Castel, where the region’s citrus history comes to life. For an even deeper dive into Italy’s history, why not take a day trip to Venice or Verona? Both cities are brimming with iconic landmarks, art, and stories waiting to be discovered.
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Lake Garda FAQs and travel information
The best walking trails with views of Lake Garda include the Ridges of Monte Baldo, offering breathtaking panoramas accessible via a quick chairlift. The Ciclopedonale Limone is an easy trail starting from Limone Centro Ferry Port, featuring a scenic route that overhangs the lake with stunning views, ideal for both walking and biking. Un Percorso Nella Natura is a moderate 4.5km trail in Limone Sul Garda, showcasing beautiful lake views, varied terrain, and the iconic Statue Bridge "San Giovanni".
Yes, Lake Garda's Bardolino, Garda, Riva and Malcesine are perfect for families! Bardolino offers walks, vineyards, ice cream, and thrilling theme parks. Garda blends relaxation with history and markets, are also close to theme parks. Malcesine features cable cars, biking, kid-focused events, and museums. All have delicious food, camping options, and ferry access to explore the lake, making Lake Garda a top family destination.
Explore historic Sirmione with its castle and spa, enjoy wine tastings in Bardolino and Garda, try thrilling water sports and bike trails in Riva, take in breathtaking views from Malcesine's cable car, and wander picturesque Limone. Ferry hop between charming towns, visit castles, explore bustling markets, and even plan exciting day trips to Gardaland, Venice, or the Dolomites.
Yes, guided walking tours are available in the Lake Garda region. In Garda, Limone, and Bardolino, guided walks are offered every Monday (full day) and Friday (half day). These tours cover tranquil lakeside paths, diverse trails on Monte Baldo, and routes through scenic vineyards and olive groves. Special attractions include Bronze Age rock carvings on Monte Luppia and the Sisan museum, which focuses on bird and water life. Read our Guided Walks guide to find out more.
If you're on the hunt for a walking map of Lake Garda, the Kompass 697 - Lake Garda map at a 1:35,000 scale is a great choice. This detailed map is ideal for exploring the area on foot, providing comprehensive coverage that can enhance your experience of the beautiful Lake Garda region. Our in-resort reps can also provide more information on recommended walking routes and tips for getting the most out of your holiday.
The best time to visit Lake Garda is between May and September, with June, July and August offering the warmest temperatures and most sunshine, but the larger crowds. May and September provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists, while October is cooler but quieter.
For your Lake Garda holiday, you have a wide range of departure airports across the UK. You can choose from several London airports (Gatwick and Stansted), as well as major cities like Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bristol, or even Edinburgh in Scotland.
The best way to travel around Lake Garda is by taking advantage of the 150km of scenic roads via affordable public buses. Train travel is also an option, with links from Desenzano and Peschiera in the southern part of the lake to cities such as Milan, Verona and Venice. Numerous walking routes offer lakeside strolls and mountaintop hikes for exploring the area's natural beauty, and ferries provide another great way to discover the lake and various surrounding towns.
From Italy’s iconic lakes to the soaring peaks of the Alps and the hidden gems of Slovenia and Andorra, there are countless options for an unforgettable lakes and mountains holiday.
Lake Como and Lake Garda offer stunning waterside settings, perfect for relaxing boat trips, vineyard visits, and scenic mountain walks.
The Dolomites provide jaw-dropping alpine adventures, while Austria’s resorts like Seefeld, Kitzbühel, and Mayrhofen combine charming towns with mountain trails, bike paths, and breathtaking views.
Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, and Wengen offer everything from tranquil lakeside strolls to high-altitude hikes with views of iconic peaks.
In Slovenia, Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora deliver fairy-tale landscapes, peaceful walks, and rich cultural charm. Meanwhile, the French Alps – with Morzine, Chamonix, and Lake Annecy – are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Andorra’s Arinsal rounds off the list with treetop adventures, panoramic trails, and summer gondola rides. Whether you're seeking adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, these destinations bring together the best of nature’s beauty and alpine culture.