Things to do in Southern Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is one of Italy’s stunning northern lakes. Located very near Verona and other major Italian cities, Lake Garda is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are so many things to do in the southern part of Lake Garda, and so many historic and gorgeous places to visit.

We have done many road trips in Italy, and the northern lakes are one of our favourite areas to explore. Lake Garda is a place we keep returning to, and each time a little more is revealed to us. So I am happy to share some of the gems of southern Lake Garda to you here.

How to get to Lake Garda

You can either fly into Verona or Milan airports. While Milan is further away, it is a bigger airport, so is often easier to reach. At Milan Malpensa airport, most of the car hire places are at Terminal 1, so check which terminal you are arriving into. There is a free shuttle between terminals. We used Rentalcars.com to find good deals across multiple companies.

Lake Garda is a 2 hour drive from Malpensa, and it is an easy enough drive. Beware the Italian drivers – they are somewhat kamikaze – so choose the most daring amongst you as your designated driver!  There are 2 small tolls to pay if you drive from Milan – both toll stations take cash and cards.

You can also catch a train from Milan or Verona. There is a train station in Desenzano which is convenient as a base. The train from Milan takes about 1.5 hours, and from Verona only 25 minutes.

Where to stay in southern Lake Garda

If you are arriving by train, I recommend staying in Desenzano for convenience. At the upper end of the budget, try the plush 4-stay Hotel Piccola Vela near the lakefront in Desenzano. A great mid-range option is the Hotel Alessi, right in the buzzy middle of Desenzano.

Sirmione is another great option for car-free accommodation. Book yourself into one of the colourful lakeside hotels and while away your days on a lounger with a mojito in your hand. I recommend Hotel Eden or Hotel Pace for classy lakefront hideaways. For a budget option, head out of the old town and enjoy great value at Hotel Marolda.

Keep an eye on the Lake Garda Tourism website for special events and travel info.

If you are driving to Lake Garda, then you have options further up into the hills, or away from the hustle and bustle of the towns. We really enjoyed staying at the Hotel Belvedere up on the hill above Manerba del Garda. I recommend room 56 for the vista in the photo above. For something truly special (perfect for honeymoons or romantic weekends away) is Bed & Breakfast Castello. This amazing hotel is in a castle, with views out over the lake.

Things to do in Lake Garda (south)

Enjoy a lake beach

There are many lakefront properties and boardwalks along the edge of Lake Garda, but there are also lovely gardens and lake beaches. The narrow pebble beach at Padenghe sul Garda is an absolute delight – while bijoux, it is tranquil and lovely spot for a picnic.

In Sirmione, Lido Beach Galeazzi has loungers, a beach bar, and kayak rental – perfect for family trips. Along in the old town, Spiaggia del Prete is in the shadow of an ancient tower. And if you take a walk around the tip of Sirmione, you’ll find Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde – with a long jetty and cafe.

Braccobaldo Beach, near Peschiera Del Garda, is a human AND dog-friendly beach!

Ferries across Lake Garda

The ferries across Lake Garda are fantastic. Short ferries between Sirmione, Bardolino, Lazise, Peschiera del Garda and Garda are easy and cheap. And very good value in the high season, as you can buy a southern lake all-day pass for around €25-30.

In the summer months, these ferries get very busy, but the schedule is regular and it is a lovely way to see the lake. In the high season there are multiple routes that will get you right up the lake. But in off-season, you will find a more limited service running in smaller pockets.

Luckily, the ferry schedule in southern Lake Garda, even in the off-season, covers some great towns.

Explore the lovely towns of southern Lake Garda

Desenzano

Desenzano is a really vibrant town, with markets, restaurants, shops and bars. It is definitely my favourite place to stay when travelling without a car in Lake Garda. That said, if you are staying elsewhere, there are lots of paid parking areas in Desenzano. Around the old harbour, where dinghies are still moored, there are a variety of restaurants and bars. After enjoying an Aperol Spritz at the old harbour, take a wander around the shops and markets around the main square.

Bardolino

Bardolino is another gorgeous town – winding streets and a zillion handbag shops (I had to restrain myself on a number of occasions).  I recommend visiting on a Sunday, it is less crowded and between April-September the shops and restaurants are still open. Points of interest are Chiesa di Bardolino and the stunning Romanesque Saint Severo church.

Garda

A short hop skip (bike or ferry) from Bardolino, will get you up to Garda nearby. This namesake town has a colourful waterfront of hotels and restaurants, and is great place for lunch or to watch the world go by.

Lazise

The old port of Lazise is a gem, and Scaliger Castle is a grand glimpse into the 1300s. The castle walls wrap around the old town, and the multiple city gates are fascinating to explore.

If you are visiting Lazise in the first weekend of October, don’t miss the honey festival at Villa La Pergolana, just north of town.

Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda was once a military stronghold, playing major roles in various campaigns and wars in the middle ages. Of note are the prehistoric stilt houses, that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Peschiera is a great location to base yourself if you are staying in Lake Garda for a while – it offers good transport links to other southern towns, plus Verona and Venice. And there are many camping and hotel options.

Sirmione

Sirmione is the peninsular that sticks out into the lake, and it is one of the most popular places in southern Lake Garda.  In the peak season, the queues for the ferries can be crazy – but it is worth a trip. The 13th century fortress Rocca Scaligera, has a lake moat, and is Sirmione’s centrepiece.  

Another site of historical significance is the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo – the ruins of a roman villa at the very tip of the peninsular. Partake in the healing waters of the thermal spa, the waters of which have been revered since the Roman times.

Other places of note:

Gardaland – This fun theme park is a great spot to visit if you are vacationing with family. I wouldn’t stop here if you were on a short break in Lake Garda, but it’s a good day out if you are in the area for longer.

Isola del Garda – Between May – October, the Borghese Cavazza family open their incredible neo-gothic villa on the private island, Isola del Garda, for tours. During summer they hold musical events there too.

Things to do in Southern Lake Garda

The southern parts of Lake Garda remain some of my favourite Italian destinations. I love the ease of the ferries, the clear blue waters of the lake, and the excellent places to eat and drink. I would definitely recommend visiting at the beginning of the season (early May) or at the end (October) to avoid the throng of tourists that flock to Lake Garda from June-Sept. There are so many things to do in Lake Garda, and I hope this has given you a taste for this tasty destination!

Have you visited the southern part of Lake Garda?
Leave your top tips in the comments below!

All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF 35-80mm f/4-5.6 III; and an iPhone5.