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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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Pedalos on Lake Garda, Bardolino, Family Holidays in Italy

Bardolino and Garda have a great choice of activities that the family will love!

If you and your family love sleeping in nature, then Camping La Rocca is a great campsite on La Rocca in Garda – where you can enjoy water sports such as paddle-boarding and canoeing. Or, if you'd rather be on land, try out mini-golf in Bardolino or rent some bikes for the day and go cycling along the lakeside. Make sure you stop off in Bardolino's Bar Cristallo for the best ice-cream!

One of our favourite ways to soak up the sun on a beautiful day in Bardolino is to rent a couple of sunbeds on the beach for the day and hire a yellow pedalo, or paddleboard. You can also rent pedalos with slides, which are great fun!

Baia delle Sirene & Punto San Vigilio is a lovely park area with a swimming pool and lake access. Or, for something a little different, why not take the family to see the Santuario Madonna della Corona for a walk, you can get there by taking the bus from Garda to Spiazzi. Alternatively, head to Verona for the day on the train, or on one of our excursions!

Southern Lake Garda has some lovely cycling, including mountain biking trails and more peaceful routes that follow the lake edge. You can cycle round the whole lake if you want to, or just choose part of it and head back on a ferry. There are local places where you can hire bikes and some of our hotels have bikes you can borrow.

There are lots of little nooks to explore in Limone. The Church of Saint Rocco is a hidden gem and we love visiting the oil mill for some tastings. Why not visit Limonaia Del Castel to learn about the town’s history with lemon-centric history, or head to the free tourist museum to find out why Limone's residents live longer thanks to their genes. 

Sirmione, Lake Garda, Scaligero Castle

Staying in Limone you'll be in a great position for hopping from town to town in Lake Garda. You won't be far from Malcesine so we'd recommend hopping on a ferry and visiting the town for some shopping, lakeside strolls and to visit the famous Sacligero Castle. You can also head up Monte Baldo if you’re a fan of walking and great views! Riva's also easy to get to; it's the ideal spot if you're into your watersports, or head to Sirmione for the day, for another Scaligero Castle and some of the best gelato on the lake! You can pre-book our Tour of Lake Garda excursion to see even more of the lake during your stay.

When on your family holiday Malcesine, you can't miss the famous Scaligero Castle in the town- this is a great opportunity to teach youngsters a bit of history. It's a great town if you want to go for a family walk, stroll along the lakeside or by head up to Monte Baldo on the cable car; see if you can spot the paragliders flying over Monte Baldo as you go along. The views from the top of Monte Baldo are fantastic!

If you're a food loving family then make sure you try Malcesine's famous spit-roasted chicken and chips at the Speck Stube. Here you'll enjoy some al fresco dining on tressle tables in a large garden area with a playground for children to run around in. For dessert, grab an ice-cream by the lake- there are some fantastic artisanal ice-cream shops in the old town, why not buy a cone and walk around the cobbled streets.

If you're looking for some evening entertainment with the young ones, Malcesine occasionally hosts local evenings dedicated to children (mid-July onwards) which feature children's entertainment including magic shows at the 'Padre Mario Casella' gardens. 

Sirmione, Lake Garda, Summer Holidays

Sirmione has a rich history so there’s lots to see and do. On the tip of the Sirmione peninsula is a Roman archaeological site known as the Grotte di Catullo, which, according to an unfounded belief, was once the ancient lakeside residence of the poet Gaius Valerius Catullus. The crowning jewel of Sirmione however, is Scaligero Castle which welcomes visitors to the historical town centre with its characteristic moat, swallowtail battlements and walls.

Sirmione’s been known for its healing thermal waters since the Roman times and there’s plenty of places to enjoy them on the tiny peninsula. Sirmione's thermal baths are about more than just wellness. It's not just about feeling good, it's about healing, and feeling better about oneself, and above all, health. The local thermal baths are filled with sulfate-containing water from an underwater spring, which promises relief for various diseases. Aquaria’s our go-to place when we need to relax- it has the biggest pools and over 10,000 square metres to chill out in.

The area around Bardolino and Garda is serious about its wine and there are lots of opportunities to learn all about it by taking trips to the nearby vineyards. Go to the Zeni Winery in Bardolino for a tasting and tour of the vines; one of our favourite activities on a warm summer's afternoon! There’s a great museum there too. Cantina Lenotti is another local winery where you can try some lovely local wines. Both are well worth scoping out!

Bardolino Wine Festival takes place twice a year. There are plenty of opportunities to taste the local wines and sample regional food specialties. There's also a programme of musical concerts which end in a spectacular firework display over the lake. Bardolino's Palio del Chiaretto takes place at the end of May and celebrates rosé wine whilst the Bardolino Grape & Wine Festival which takes place between September and October celebrates all that is wine!

As well as wine, Bardolino and Garda are known for their olive oil. You’ll find a museum about two kilometres outside Bardolino where you can see traditional equipment used to make the oil and a shop where you can buy some of the local produce. The fresh olive oil that you'll find here, is like nothing else- some call it liquid gold!

It’s almost impossible to resist taking to the water in Malcesine. Paddle boarding is a great activity for everyone and gives you a unique view of the town. Get more serious and take a sailing or kite surfing course. It’s always nice to come back from holiday with a few new skills.

If cycling's more your speed, there’s nothing quite like jumping on your saddle and peddling along side Lake Garda. It’s such a relaxing thing to do and a great way to build up your appetite! We'd recommend a leisurely bike ride along the shore to one of Malcesine’s nearby resorts where you can stop for lunch. If all that sounds a bit tame, then take to the sky. The top of Monte Baldo has some great, thrill-seeking routes down the mountain.

Cycling in Lake Garda, Summer Holidays

The north of Lake Garda has some of the best cycling trails in Europe. Challenge yourself with the steep routes down Monte Altissimo that has the famous ex-Seicentouno. It’s not for the faint-hearted! There are plenty of less scary options too. They involve gentle rides along the lake and heading up hills for beautiful views.

Monte Brione's also a great place to go for a cycle. There are specific cycle paths and paved roads on the mountain so it’s not hard to find an easy biking route that will be suitable for all ages- there’s a great loop which takes about an hour to complete, which is worth trying out if you're on a family holiday. If you want something more challenging, there are plenty of thrill-seeker mountain biking trails to try your hand at.

Windsurfing on Lake Garda, Family Holidays in Italy

Head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or a kayak. If you're on a family holiday, this is the best way to get some family bonding time in, there’s nothing better than gliding across the water on a paddle board- for more of a challenge you could even try tandem paddle boarding. Sailing is also a great way to get youngsters trying their hand at something new.

Windsurfing is also very popular in Riva and you can normally see it taking place from the piazza. Get involved and try it for yourself, there are plenty of places locally to book lessons or rent equipment. If you’d rather relax then sit yourself down on the white pebble beach. It’s a popular spot for swimmers and sun bathing.

The wind conditions in the North of the lake are perfect for watersports, so you won’t struggle to get going!

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.