Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, as it spreads over three regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino. In fact, it includes a big variety of landscapes, from the Alps to the valleys of Veneto and Lombardy.

So, it is the perfect destination for every kind of traveler, as it offers a wide range of activities depending on the side of the Lake. You can find water sports and boat tours, but also amusement parks and attractions. Moreover, the beautiful towns on the shores of Lake Garda are surely worth a visit.

In this article, you will find a list of the best things to do and to visit in Lake Garda, such as the cities and the attractions you can't miss.

Caves of Catullus, Sirmione

This site consists of an ancient Roman villa overlooking the lake. It's supposed that it belonged to the Roman poet Catullus and it dates back to the I century b.C. This domus is considered the most important example of a Roman villa in Northern Italy, and it boasts many archeological remains.

Scaligero Castle, Sirmione

The Scaligero Castle (Italian: Castello Scaligero) dates back to the XVIII century and it is a rare example of lake-based fortification. It's also one of the best-kept castles in Italy. The castle has two crenelated towers and a door facing the lake: it's the only way to access the historical center.

Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gardone Riviera

In Gardone Riviera, you will find Vittoriale degli Italiani, a monumental complex that was commissioned by the Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. It's sort of a city inside a city because there are many residences, a park, an auditorium, and some little lakes.

Here, you'll find D'Annunzio's grave, in its mausoleum, and Nave Puglia, a ship whose bow is directed towards the Adriatic Sea. Moreover, on the hill where the mausoleum is located, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Lake and the surrounding area.

Garda Island

Isola Borghese, also known in Italian as Isola del Garda, is the biggest island on Lake Garda, in the municipality of San Felice del Benaco. It's a private property of the Earls Cavazza, but they organize a guided tour of the villa. It's a rare example of Neogothic Venetian style in this area.

Many important personalities passed on the island, such as Dante Alighieri, San Francesco d'Assisi, and Sant'Antonio da Padova.

Riva del Garda

On the northern part of Lake Garda, in Trentino, you will find Riva del Garda, which is characterized by a view of the mountains. Among all the shores of the lake, it's the calmest one, because motorboats are not allowed. The historical center of Riva del Garda has many architectural influences, as it has been inhabited since Roman times. There's also a big medieval and Renaissance influence, as you can see from the Torre Apponale, the Town Hall, and the Praetorian Palace.

Moreover, a walk on the lakefront will make you discover a fantastic view of this town enclosed in an inlet.

Limone Sul Garda

One of the most beautiful towns in Lake Garda is Limone Sul Garda. As the name suggests, this area is famous for citrus cultivation, and the lemons are basically the main characters of the landscape. On this shore of Lake Garda, you will also find a huge Mediterranean Scrub, which is why lemons are so common.

The historic center of Limone Sul Garda is very old, with alleys, colorful houses, and little squares. Among the main attractions, you can visit Piazza XX Settembre, the Basilica of San Nicolò, and the Church of San Pietro in Oliveto.

Punta San Vigilio

Near Garda, in the province of Verona, there is Punta San Vigilio, a strip of Monte Baldo that creates a small peninsula on the lake. This area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, but there are also many Roman and medieval remains.

Punta San Vigilio is famous for the beautiful landscape it offers: nature dominates the scene, with cypresses, olive and lemon trees. It's always been a tourist destination, where personalities such as Kings and Queens used to go on retreat.

Gardaland and theme parks

Lake Garda is also famous for amusement parks, especially on the shore of Verona, where you can find Gardaland. It is the biggest theme park in Italy and it offers more than 30 attractions for both adults and young people.

Moreover, you will also find Moviepark, which is entirely dedicated to cinema. Caneva Aquapark, as the name suggests, is the perfect place for summer, because it offers many water games.

Peschiera del Garda

In the province of Verona, you can visit Peschiera del Garda. The center of the town is very picturesque, with Monte Baldo in the background, the flowers, and the ancient Venetian buildings. In addition to that, the fortress of Peschiera is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

Museum of Wine Bardolino

Lake Garda is also famous for the production of famous fine wines, such as Bardolino. The Museum of Wine Bardolino is set in an old winery, and it aims at promoting local wine and the process of production.

Castle in Desenzano del Garda

In Desenzano del Garda, the biggest town in the lake area, there is its castle. It is a medieval building that is a hybrid between a fortress and a village. In fact, it had the aim of protecting the people from external attacks.

Our homes in Lake Garda

October 5th, 2021