Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is surrounded by colorful lakeside towns, medieval castles, dramatic mountain scenery, and charming harbors. While many travellers only visit one or two towns around the lake and generally the southern part, exploring other parts of the lake and the surrounding area is one of the best ways to truly experience the region.

Each village around Lake Garda has its own personality—some lively and elegant, others quiet and historic, and some framed by steep cliffs and alpine landscapes. During our visit, we based ourselves in Bardolino on the eastern shore and spent our time exploring the lake by car and ferry.

For more information on Lake Garda, checkout our other blog posts in this travel series, 2-Day Itinerary around Lake Garda (coming March 31^st), and Tips & Recommendations for Lake Garda (coming April 7^th). For any tours, activities, or classes checkout Get Your Guide, Viator or Expedia, these are the companies we use and feel comfortable recommending.

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From historic fortresses and lemon groves to scenic promenades and mountain viewpoints, here are eight beautiful towns around Lake Garda you shouldn’t miss.

1. Bardolino:

Bardolino sits along the eastern shore of Lake Garda between Lazise and Garda and is known for its relaxed atmosphere, lakeside promenades, and wine culture. The town has roots dating back to Roman times, and the surrounding countryside is famous for producing Bardolino wine, a light red wine made primarily from Corvina grapes.

Today, Bardolino feels vibrant but still authentic. The historic center is full of narrow streets, colorful buildings, small shops, and inviting restaurants. The lakeside promenade stretches for several kilometers and is perfect for slow walks with views of sailboats and the surrounding mountains.

We chose Bardolino as our base and found it to be a wonderful place to stay. It has plenty of restaurants and activity, but it’s calmer than some of the busier Lake Garda towns. We had a car, but didn’t need it to explore the town, as it’s very walkable to most things, and the waterfront area has a lot to offer. It was great to have to car thought, as it made it easy to explore nearby towns and attractions.

Bardolino is also great for kids with its beaches, lakeside Ferris Wheel, playgrounds, boat cruises and nearby Gardaland amusement park. Tip, bring water shoes for kids as the beaches are somewhat pebbly.

Things to do in Bardolino.

Walk along the scenic lakeside promenade.
Visit the small harbor and historic center.
Enjoy wine tastings at local wine bars.
Relax at the lakeside beach.
Visit the Wine Museum just outside town.
Enjoy the lakeside Ferris wheel.
Visit nearby Gardaland (amusement park).

Why Bardolino makes a great base.

Bardolino is centrally located on the eastern side of Lake Garda, making it easy to explore many towns by ferry or car. Ferries connect Bardolino with several destinations across the lake, and nearby Peschiera del Garda has a major train station with connections to Verona, Milan, and Venice.

We had a car during our stay and found it very convenient for exploring the region. Driving made it easier to reach smaller villages, mountain viewpoints, and scenic routes.

Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona

Great day trip from Bardolino

One unforgettable excursion from Bardolino we did, is visiting Santuario Basilica Madonna della Corona, a dramatic basilica built directly into the side of a cliff. Located less than 30 minutes away by car near the village of Spiazzi, the church seems to cling to the mountainside and offers spectacular views over the valley below. If you walk down to the church, you descend a set of switch backs and as you go you see statues, depicting each station of the cross. Tip: on your way back up, take the shuttle bus, it’s 2 euros/person and comes every 15 to 30 mins. We didn’t do this and regreted it!

Castello Scaligero, Sirmione

2. Sirmione:

Sirmione is one of the most famous towns on Lake Garda, sitting on a narrow peninsula that stretches several kilometers into the southern part of the lake. This town is often the one you see photos of when you look up Lake Garda, it’s popular and for good reason, it’s walkable, interesting, and very photogenic. The town has been inhabited since Roman times and later became an important medieval stronghold.

The entrance to the historic center is particularly impressive. Visitors cross a bridge over the water and pass right beside the striking Scaliger Castle, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress surrounded by defensive walls and towers, definitely worth exploring.

Sirmione is known for its thermal waters, which have been used for centuries in wellness spas, other option for something to do here, if you have the time and interest. There is also the highest amount of gelato shops per town, I think we’ve ever seen, so gelato is always an option!

Things to do in Sirmione

Visit the beautiful Scaliger Castle and climb the towers.
Explore the Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo at the tip of the peninsula.
Walk along the lakeside paths for stunning views.
Relax at one of the thermal spas.
Wander the charming streets filled with shops and cafés.

Practical tip

Sirmione is one of the busiest towns on Lake Garda. Arriving early in the morning or later in the evening helps avoid the biggest crowds and makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Lazise’s Inner Harbour

3. Lazise:

Lazise is one of the most charming medieval villages on Lake Garda and is located just south of Bardolino. The town dates back to Roman times and was later fortified during the medieval period.

Today, Lazise is still surrounded by its original stone walls and towers, and visitors enter the old town through historic gates that lead into narrow cobblestone streets.

The small harbor is particularly picturesque, with colorful boats and cafés overlooking the water. Lazise has a relaxed atmosphere and is a lovely place to simply wander without a strict plan.

Things to do in Lazise

Walk through the historic gates and medieval streets.
Visit the impressive Scaliger Castle in the center of town.
Enjoy the lakeside promenade and harbor views.
Have lunch in one of the charming piazzas.

Because Lazise is smaller than some of the other towns, it’s perfect for a slow afternoon exploring the streets and waterfront.

Canals around Peschiera del Garda

4. Peschiera del Garda:

Located at the southern tip of Lake Garda where the lake flows into the Mincio River, Peschiera del Garda is known for its unique fortress system.

The historic center is surrounded by canals and defensive walls that form a distinctive star-shaped layout. These fortifications were built by the Venetian Republic and later expanded by the Austrians, and today they are recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The canals, bridges, and fortress walls give Peschiera a very different feel from other towns around Lake Garda.

Things to do in Peschiera del Garda

Walk along the historic fortress walls.
Explore the canals and bridges inside the old town.
Enjoy restaurants and cafés along the waterfront.
Rent bikes and ride along the Mincio River cycling path.

Peschiera is also one of the most convenient towns to reach, thanks to its major train station connecting it to cities like Verona, Milan, and Venice.

Desenzano del Garda’s Inner Harbour

5. Desenzano del Garda:

Desenzano del Garda is one of the largest towns on Lake Garda and has a lively, cosmopolitan feel. Historically, it was an important Roman trading center and later became a key commercial port during the Venetian period.

The town combines history with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring elegant piazzas, historic buildings, and a beautiful marina filled with boats.

Things to do in Desenzano

Visit the hilltop castle for panoramic views of the lake.
Explore Piazza Malvezzi and the historic harbor.
Discover Roman ruins and archaeological sites.
Enjoy the cafés, restaurants, and shops in the town center.

Desenzano is especially lively in the evenings and is known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife, if this is something you’re interested in. This town could also make a great base, especially if you’re travelling by train, there is a convenient train station and ferry port to help you explore multiple towns on the lake.

Lakeside in Limone sul Garda

6. Limone sul Garda:

Limone sul Garda is one of the most picturesque towns on the lake, located on the steep western shore surrounded by mountains.

Historically, the town was famous for its lemon cultivation. Despite the northern climate, the sheltered slopes around Limone allowed lemon trees to flourish, and historic lemon houses called limonaie can still be seen today.

The town’s colorful harbor, narrow streets, and dramatic mountain backdrop make it incredibly photogenic.

Things to do in Limone sul Garda

Walk through the charming historic center.
Visit the historic lemon groves and learn about the region’s lemon cultivation.
Enjoy the waterfront promenade and harbor views.
Relax in a lakeside café.

The spectacular lakeside walkway

One of the newest highlights in Limone is the scenic lakeside cycling and walking path known as the Ciclovia del Garda. The section near Limone runs along the cliffs above the water and offers incredible views of the lake.

The walkway begins near Limone’s waterfront and currently runs north toward Capo Reamol. It’s one of the most scenic walking and cycling paths anywhere around Lake Garda.

Strada Della Forra

Strada Della Forra, Scenic Roadway

A Scenic Side Trip: Strada della Forra

If you have a car while visiting Lake Garda, one unforgettable drive is the Strada della Forra near the village of Tremosine, not far from Limone.

This narrow road winds dramatically through a deep gorge carved into the mountains. Tunnels, cliffs, and steep rock walls surround the road, creating an incredible driving experience.

The route became famous after appearing in a James Bond film and is often considered one of the most scenic drives in Italy.

Lake front Promenade in Riva del Garda

7. Riva del Garda:

Riva del Garda sits at the northern tip of the lake where the landscape begins to feel more alpine. Towering mountains rise dramatically above the water, creating a completely different atmosphere compared to the southern towns.

Historically, Riva was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which influenced its architecture and culture. Today the town blends Italian charm with a slightly alpine feel. It has a beautiful lakeside promenade with classic stone railings and flowers alongside it.

Because of the winds that sweep through the northern lake, Riva is also a popular destination for sailing and windsurfing.

Things to do in Riva del Garda

Walk through the beautiful Piazza III Novembre.
Climb the Torre Apponale for views over the harbor.
Visit the Rocca fortress museum.
Walk the waterfront promenade.
Enjoy windsurfing, sailing, or hiking in the surrounding mountains.

The setting of Riva, with mountains rising directly from the lake, makes it one of the most dramatically photogenic places around Lake Garda. This town could also make a great base while exploring this area, whether it’s the towns around Lake Garda or wandering up into the Dolomites, but a car would be required.

Dolomites Day Trip

Due to Riva’s northern location, it’s a great base to do a day trip up to the Dolomites, either by car or possible tour, it’s approximately 1.5 hours each way and if you want stunning mountain views it would be worth the efforts.

Malcesine’s quaint harbour

8. Malcesine:

Malcesine is one of the most romantic and picturesque towns on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. The town is dominated by the impressive Scaliger Castle, which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbor.

The old town is filled with narrow medieval streets, small shops, and cozy cafés. Walking through the streets feels like stepping back in time.

Malcesine is also the gateway to Monte Baldo, the mountain range that rises above the lake.

Things to do in Malcesine

Visit the Scaliger Castle for stunning lake views.
Wander the narrow medieval streets.
Relax at the small harbor and lakeside cafés.
Take the rotating cable car to the top of Monte Baldo.

The Monte Baldo cable car is one of the highlights of visiting Malcesine. The rotating gondola slowly spins as it climbs the mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape.

Plan. Travel. Capture.

9. References:

For our Lake Garda travel planning, we leaned on a mix of trusted guidebooks, including DK Eyewitness Travel Italy, DK Eyewitness Milan and the Lakes, and Rick Steves Italy, which helped shape our itinerary, village selections, and must-see sights. In addition to the books, it’s helpful to reference official tourism websites, (visitgarga.com) and attraction sites, public transportation resources (like the trains and ferries), and a few local food or culture blogs. Travel forums, Google Maps for driving and walking distances, and tour apps for the activities. We hope you enjoy our 8 Best towns in Lake Garda as much as we did.

Peschiera del Garda’s Inner Harbour

10. The Wrap up:

Lake Garda is filled with beautiful towns, each offering its own atmosphere—from medieval villages and lively harbors to dramatic mountain landscapes.

Staying in Bardolino allowed us to explore many of these destinations while still enjoying relaxed evenings by the lake. Whether you travel by ferry, train, or car, taking the time to visit several towns will give you a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Lake Garda.

In our upcoming posts in this Lake Garda travel series, we’ll be sharing more detailed guides, a 2-day itinerary, and travel tips & recommendations to help you plan your own trip. As well as a recipe of one of our favourite foods from this area.

Plan Better. Travel Slower. Capture More.

Thank you,

Beth

Beth de Verteuil

Wild Meadow Studio