Luxury Villas on Lake Garda

About Lake Garda

Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda measures approximately 5o km from north to south and 20 km from east to west. Nestled between Milan to the west and both Verona and Venice to the east, its shores lie within three Italian provinces – Verona, Brescia and Trentino. With a shoreline that stretches for approximately 160 km, expect to see quite a difference in the scenery from one part of the lake to another.

Towns and villages of Lake Garda

The largest town on Lake Garda is Desenzano del Garda. Other nearby picturesque towns and villages include Sirmione (home to some impressive Roman ruins) and Peschiera del Garda. The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its pentagonal fortress. Alternatively, if you’re based in the east, Bardolino and Garda attract most visitors. And in the north, it’s Riva del Garda (home to the rather impressive Rocca di Riva) and Limone sul Garda that the holidaymakers tend to make a bee-line for.

There are yet more smaller villages on Lake Garda worth exploring too. Among these are Canale di Tenno, Malcesine, Gargnano Tremosine, Castellaro, Sabbinoetti, Lazise, Salò, Castelletto sul Garda, Arco, Padenghe sul Garda and Borghetto dul Mincio but there are plenty of others.

And, whilst not on Lake Garda itself, Verona is an easy drive away and well worth a visit during your Lake Garda villa holiday, as is Venice a little further on.

What to see and do on Lake Garda

Of course, no Lake Garda holiday would be complete without exploring all these fabulous towns and villages. The best way to get from one to another is by using the excellent public boat system which zips back and forth across the lake all day long.

Like Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda also boasts a number of islands. Whilst there are numerous smaller islands, there are five main ones. The largest of these is Isola del Garda. Unfortunately, this is not open to the public except through prior booking. However, others including San Biagio island, often more affectionately referred to as the Island of the Rabbits, is much more easily accessible. And then further to the north there is Isola dell’Olivo and Isola di Sogno (both accessible) and Isola di Trimelone (which is not open to the public).

Lake Garda’s waters are exceptionally clean and safe, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts. The Pelèr (north wind) blows from the Alps each morning to provide a useful breeze for windsurfers and sailors, whilst in the afternoon, the ora (south wind) continues to keep them on the move. These winds mean that Lake Garda is also popular with kite-surfers too. And of course, once your energy levels have been depleted, you can relax on one of the many beaches on Lake Garda too.

But, of course, there is plenty on dry land to enjoy too. First and foremost, there are some excellent hikes to be discovered. For us, the most enjoyable are up in the hills and mountains that surround the lake, making the most of the fabulous views. We recommend you discover the 200 km of trails around San Zeno di Montagna which sits 680 metres above the lake. Or opt instead to walk along at least one of the 12 marked hiking routes that trace some of the dramatic events of the First World War that took place in this area.

However, if you prefer getting from A to B on two wheels, then Lake Garda is the perfect Italian holiday destination for you. 140 km of cycle paths have either already been (or will be) constructed by 2026 so that, very soon, cyclists will be able to make their way all around the lake. The cycle path from Limone sul Garda is already in place and has attracted plenty of attention since it has been cleverly suspended over the water.

The area around Lake Garda is rich agriculturally. Chiaretto rosato and Bardolino wine are both produced in the hills to the east of Lake Garda. It’s worth visiting one of the many wineries on Lake Garda where you can sample the wines. Or if you fancy a stronger tipple, grappa has been distilled in the Trentino area of Lake Garda for centuries. Olive oil is also made on Lake Garda and the area is also famous for its cultivation of lemons too.

The wines provide an excellent excuse to visit Lake Garda in the Autumn to coincide with the harvest. However, there are plenty of reasons to visit later in the year across the Winter months too, not least the skiing. Lake Garda’s ski slopes cater for all ability levels. The most accessible (and highest) slopes are those at Monte Baldo, which can be easily accessed by cable car from Malcesine. Alternatively, there are the ski resorts at Tratto Spino and the Brentonico plateau.

Finally, Lake Garda is also very family friendly. If you’re visiting Lake Garda with children, then you can’t miss a day out at Gardaland, Italy’s biggest theme park.

Whatever your interests, there is an extraordinary range of things to do on Lake Garda. Get inspired in our full guide to Lake Garda.

When to visit Lake Garda

We don’t think that there is a bad time to visit Lake Garda! With a mild climate all year round, expect plenty of warm sunshine in the Summer and relatively few rainy days in the Winter months.

Like with so many of the Italian Lakes, Spring and early Summer is when Lake Garda is at is most colourful. However the colours of the Autumn foliage can be equally vibrant and the days still pleasantly warm. These are also great months to sightsee without too many crowds to contend with and whilst temperatures are warm but not too hot.

Of course, if you’re after heat, then July and August will be your best time to visit. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the water activities on offer. Just be aware that this is also the time when you can expect the peak number of tourists.

If the weather does not interest you, then it’s worth considering a visit in the Winter too. December is a nice option thanks to the Christmas markets that take place. Or January and February work well if you’re after the potential option of enjoying some snowy activities in the surrounding mountains.