Lake Garda

closest airport, ideal for the eastern and southern shores

wide European network, convenient for the western shore

long haul connections, combine with a Venice stay

city airport with frequent European flights

main intercontinental gateway for northern Italy

A slender peninsula crowned by a moated castle, with thermal spas and Roman ruins at its tip.

Belle Époque promenades, the Vittoriale and botanical gardens on the elegant western shore.

Rolling hills of vineyards and olive groves between Desenzano and Salò, dotted with farm estates and villas.

Pastel harbour towns on the Veronese shore with wine estates on the slopes behind.

A medieval village under a Scaliger castle, with the cable car to Monte Baldo on its doorstep.

Mountain scenery, lemon houses and world class sailing and windsurfing at the northern tip.

Positions are approximate: the exact address is shared once your stay is confirmed.

The ruins of a vast Roman villa occupy the tip of the Sirmione peninsula among olive trees. An adjoining museum explains the site and its finds.

A thirteenth century castle surrounded by water, with a rare fortified harbour. Climb the keep for views over the old town.

The extravagant hillside home and gardens of poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, complete with a warship set into the hillside. His rooms remain exactly as he left them.

Rotating cabins lift visitors from the lakeshore to about 1,760 metres. At the top, meadows and trails offer views from the Alps to the plain.

A restored terraced lemon house shows how citrus was grown at this northern latitude. The village itself sits beneath sheer cliffs.

A private island with a neo Gothic Venetian style villa and formal gardens. Guided visits by boat run in season.

A dramatic road carved through a narrow gorge above the western shore. It is best driven early, with care.

A waterfall that plunges about 100 metres into a gorge near Riva del Garda. Walkways let you feel the spray up close.

Reliable winds, the morning Pelèr and the afternoon Ora, make Riva and Torbole a magnet for sailors and windsurfers.

Visit family estates south of the lake for crisp Lugana whites and pale Chiaretto rosé.

Sirmione's sulphurous spring waters feed spas where you can soak while looking across the lake.

Sections of the lake cycle route, including the spectacular cliffside stretch at Limone, offer memorable rides.

Hop between Lazise, Bardolino and Garda by boat, stopping for gelato and an aperitivo.

Learn to taste Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil at a historic mill.

Smooth limestone slabs slope into clear shallow water below the Grotte di Catullo.

An olive shaded beach park in a sheltered cove near Garda, with loungers and views.

A long grassy and pebbly shore with mountain views and sailing schools nearby.

A relaxed bay with clear water and shade on the Veronese shore.

High trails along the ridge reward walkers with alpine flowers in June and July.

What to eat

What to drink

A UNESCO listed city with its Roman Arena, Juliet's balcony and elegant piazzas.

Rolling vineyards and villas, home of Amarone and Recioto.

A Renaissance jewel ruled by the Gonzaga, with the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te.

An easy rail day trip to the lagoon city.

A handsome cathedral city and the MART museum of modern and contemporary art.

From April the lake comes alive with flowering oleanders and lemon blossom. It is ideal for walking and cycling before the summer crowds.

Warm water and long days make June to August perfect for swimming and sailing. July and August are very busy, especially in the south, and traffic can be heavy.

September and October bring the grape and olive harvests, golden light and warm water early in the season. Ferry services thin out after early October.

Winter is calm and mild by the water, with snow on Monte Baldo. Many hotels and restaurants close, but Christmas markets and spa stays have their charm.