The Best Towns On Lake Garda

There are so many cute towns on Lake Garda. Each of them with their own charm and tourist draw cards. One thing I’ve learned on my travels is that the ‘vibe’ of a place is what trumps almost all other factors when discerning favourites. With that in mind, these are the best towns on Lake Garda, according to me and my un-ending search for conviviality and people-watching!

The best towns on Lake Garda:

Admittedly, I haven’t been to every town on Lake Garda, so this is somewhat flawed from a scientific point of view 🤣

Sirmione

Sirmione sits on the peninsula which sticks out into the southern end of Lake Garda. And while this narrow strip of land acts as something of a bottleneck during high season, there is good infrastructure for visitors by car, train or boat. The old town at the tip of the peninsula is all ramshackle alleyways, gelato shops, 14th century fortifications, roman ruins and famous therapeutic hot springs.

Grand old hotels take prime positions along the waterfronts, and offer refreshing cocktails (sometimes on happy hour, sometimes not). My favourite thing to do in Sirmione is to walk the boardwalk from Spiaggia del Prete, along to Il Pontile di Sirmione (jetty). Then up the hill behind the cafe and through the olive groves, up to the archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo. Below this ancient roman ruin is Jamaica Beach and Catullo rocks – great for sunbathing.

Top tip: Staying further away from the old town, yet still on the peninsula, offers great deals. The Hotel Marolda is a great value 3 star only 1 mile from the old town (easily walkable), located near the relaxing Porto Galeazzi.

Desenzano del Garda

Desenzano makes the list on 2 counts: firstly it is a great base, as it has a large ferry terminal. And secondly, because it has a delightful old port with wall to wall restaurants, lots of shops and a great weekend market. In other words, it is big enough to have a buzz, should that be what you are after.

This sassy town has its own roman ruins and castle, and lots of hotels, takeaways and holiday provisions. Dinner at one of the many restaurants along Porto Vecchio is pure joy for people-watchers.

Desenzano is a mere 28 minute train ride from Verona too, so it is an easy day trip or weekend getaway. That is a blessing and a curse for Lake Garda – it is VERY accessible. Which means the ferries can get VERY busy; even at the beginning and end of the major ferry season (May – October).

Hotel tip: For a special occasion, stay at Hotel Palazzo del Garda & Spa. A family and budget-friendly option, try Hotel Bonotto.

Garda

Garda has sort of a front-facing persona for the tourists, and a more local vibe up in the hills behind the waterfront. But honestly, it’s all very convivial. If you don’t base yourself in Garda, visit by way of the ferry; or cycle along the coast from Bardolino. Spend the day and walk to one of the many panoramic viewpoints along the Luppia Peninsula to the park, taverna and hotel at Punta San Vigilio.

Enjoy aperitivo overlooking the harbour, and enjoy the lovely slow pace once the day trip tourists have left. Stay at Hotel Marco Polo for a family-friendly hotel with lots of activities. Or La Vittoria is a boutique hotel in art nouveau style, and right on the waterfront – perfect for a couples retreat.

Limone

Limone is on the steeper, more vertical, northern part of Lake Garda. Known for growing lemon and citrus fruit, hence the name, Limone is a great base for exploring the north of the lake in particular. Bright orange buildings cascade right down to the water, and the pebble beaches and jetties are so picturesque. Limone is tightly packed, and winding alleyways and steps take you up to the church, and great views out over Lake Garda.

Accommodation tip: Hotel Fiorita and Hotel du Lac have some of the most glorious views in Limone.

Bardolino

Bardolino wins for the most delightful waterfront to promenade upon! From the restaurant-packed harbourside, to the park and skywheel, it is a great mix of gentile and lively. Bardolino is known for having a wonderful Thursday market, specialising in cheeses and liqueurs. And the town itself has many leather shops too – it is a great place to go shopping!

Top tip: The stretch of lakefront between Bardolino and Garda is absolutely lovely. Stay at Camping Continental or Hotel Sportsman.

Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda has one of the prettiest harbours on Lake Garda. Tucked right into the bottom right corner of the southern end of the lake, it sits on the mouth of the Mincio River, and the oldest part of the town is on an island. With old bridges and protected canals, perfect for a gondola ride, Peschiera is the ‘Venice of Lake Garda’. But with its own charm; and gorgeous birdlife in the nearby Lago del Frassino nature reserve.

Peschiera is a popular area to stay in when visiting the Gardaland Theme Park. But don’t let that deter you if you aren’t interested in visiting the park. There are many good campsites and hotel options, and a variety of areas to choose from in which to base yourself.

Area tips: Lido to Pioppi is a fantastic beach near to 3 campsites: Butterfly Camping Village, Campeggio del Garda, and Happy Camp Lake Garda. If old-town charm is your preference, Palazzo Ai Capitani is perfection.

Special mentions: Riva, Lazise, Torri del Benaco, and Padenghe sul Garda

Visiting the best towns on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of our favourite lakes in Northern Italy. Aside from the beauty of the place, there is a variety of landscapes to enjoy, towns with a buzz and tranquil spaces. It is a lake with something to offer for everyone – cycle paths, boating, hiking, wonderful food, quiet hillside retreats, and a fantastic ferry service. Visiting the towns on Lake Garda is a delightful pursuit, and one I would perpetually recommend.

Italy is a magical country to visit. My love affair started in Naples, and now we visit every year. Check out these road trip tips for Italy!

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-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.