Make a splash at Gardaland
Italy’s biggest theme park is right on Garda’s doorstep, and it’s packed with rollercoasters, water rides, and live shows. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or more of a carousel fan, it’s a full day of fun with serious lake views as the backdrop.
Stroll the peninsula in Sirmione
This town is pure romance, with its cobbled lanes, pastel houses, and thermal spas. Walk out along the peninsula, explore the Roman ruins at Grotte di Catullo, then sink into a hot spring for the ultimate chill.
Wine and dine in Bardolino
Known for its ruby-red wines, Bardolino is foodie heaven. Spend the day tasting your way through vineyards, sample olive oils pressed just up the hills, and round it off with a lakeside dinner as the sun dips over the water.
Hike or bike around Riva del Garda
Up at the north end, Garda gets dramatic. Think cliffs, waterfalls, and trails that’ll have you pulling out the camera every five minutes. Whether you’re pedalling through lemon groves or hiking to panoramic viewpoints, Riva serves adventure with a side of epic scenery.
What events take place throughout the year at Lake Garda?
Lake Garda Carnival (February) – towns like Arco and Torbole kick things off with colourful floats, masked parades, and plenty of local treats like fritters and confetti showers. A proper party to chase away the winter blues.
Tener-a-mente Festival, Gardone Riviera (June–August) – live music takes over the open-air amphitheatre at the Vittoriale degli Italiani, with a summer-long programme spanning classical, jazz, pop and contemporary acts. The lakeside setting is properly special.
Notte di Fiaba, Riva del Garda (August) – fairy tales take over the town with themed parades, storytelling, and shows for kids and grown-ups alike. The grand finale? A massive firework display lighting up the lake.
Centomiglia Sailing Regatta (September) – Lake Garda's most famous sporting event, and one of the longest-running inland regattas in Europe, going strong since 1951.
Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival (October) – a must for wine fans, with days filled with tastings, food stalls, live music, and a buzzing atmosphere right on the lakeshore. Raise a glass and toast to la dolce vita.
Christmas Markets in Riva del Garda (November–December) – wooden huts, fairy lights, and mugs of steaming vin brulé, all with the Dolomites as a backdrop. It’s festive, cosy, and straight out of a Christmas card.
What's the nightlife like in Lake Garda?
Lake Garda holidays may charm you with sun-dappled shores by day, but when night falls, it's time to turn up the chic. Think lakeside spritzes, live music lounges, and dance spots that quietly hum until dawn—not full-on clubland, but stylish, timeless evenings in the Italian lakes.
Lido Palace Bar (Riva del Garda) – swanky hotel bar with live piano, lakeside views, and cocktails that come with a side of jazz-lounge glamour. Expect James Bond buzz, minus the tux.
Perlage Wine & Cocktail (Sirmione) – a cozy wine bar tucked in the old town. Think intimate vibes, artful cocktails, and a crowd that knows its DOC from its DOCG. Perfect for a classy nightcap.
Hollywood Dance Club (Bardolino) – dive into full-on nightlife here. Poolside terrace, DJs spinning into the night, and themed glitz—ideal for when your squad wants to dance ‘til dawn.
Speck Stube (Malcesine) – beer garden meets alpine chalet. A relaxed spot to sip a local brew or wine, listen to live folk music, and soak in the mountain views after dark.
Coco Beach Club (Desenzano) – beach club by day, party hub by night. Sand underfoot, beats in the air, and cool cocktails flowing—the vibe shifts from laid-back to lights-on-late in minutes.
What's the food like in Lake Garda?
Lake Garda’s kitchen is a proper mashup of lake-fresh flavours, alpine comfort, and Veneto sparkle. Think fish caught that morning, olive oil pressed just down the road, and wines from sun-soaked hillsides. Here’s a taste of what should be top of your list on a Lake Garda holiday:
Bigoli con le Sarde – thick spaghetti-style pasta with lake sardines, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Simple, rustic, and very Lake Garda.
Carne Salada – cured beef, often served raw and thinly sliced like carpaccio or grilled over the fire with beans. A Trentino specialty that hits the spot.
Tench alla Gardesana – lake fish baked with white wine, herbs, and olive oil — a proper local classic.
Risotto al Tastasal – creamy risotto made with seasoned pork sausage, a hearty dish that shows Garda isn’t just about fish.
Torta di Rose – a sweet, spiral-shaped cake dripping in butter and sugar, perfect with a morning cappuccino or a cheeky limoncello nightcap.
We’ve whet your appetite with the dishes, but here’s where to actually sit down and eat them. Whether it’s a rustic trattoria, a romantic lakeside terrace, or Michelin-star indulgence, these are Lake Garda’s heavy hitters:
La Casa degli Spiriti (Costermano sul Garda) – Panoramic terrace dining at its finest. Creative Italian plates, local wines, and sunset views you’ll be replaying for years.
Ristorante Vecchia Malcesine (Malcesine) – Michelin-starred, with a menu that reimagines Lake Garda flavours in modern, artistic ways. A proper treat-yourself moment.
Osteria al Pescatore (Desenzano del Garda) – A family-run favourite serving fresh lake fish and homemade pasta. Unpretentious, hearty, and full of locals.
Regio Patio (Sirmione) – Fine dining in a fairytale setting, with dishes as elegant as the castle views surrounding it.
Trattoria Bella Italia (Peschiera del Garda) – Warm, friendly, and always buzzing — the kind of place where the pizza, pasta, and wine keep coming, and nobody’s complaining.
