Lake Garda

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Lake Garda is the largest and most popular of the Italian lakes, with clear waters ideal for swimming and watersports. The lake’s scenery varies from stunning craggy mountains in the north, to rich countryside and vineyards in the east, and gentle plains which back the southern shores. The western shore is lined with cypress trees, olive groves and citrus trees, and around the lake are pretty Italian towns and popular holiday resorts.

Dotted around the shingle shore of the lake are many pretty Italian towns' historic harbours. To the west of Lake Garda is the historic port of Sirmione, with its fortified harbour and 13th century castle. On the opposite side of the lake visitors can sample some of the local wine, famous for its nose and palette. For literary fans there is the chance to visit fair Verona and its now infamous Roman amphitheatre as well as the balcony where Juliet called out for her star crossed lover Romeo.

Brescia

Lying at the foot of the Lombardy hills, and dominated to the north by an ancient castle. There are many fine medieval and renaissance buildings lining the streets, and attractive squares including the Piazza della Loggia.

Idro Valley

Famous for its ancient lakeside dwellings and alpine meadows. An ideal destination for a day walking in the mountains, to the west of Lake Garda.

Bardolino

On the shores of Lake Garda, a popular resort surrounded by vineyards.

Gargnano

A popular resort with a variety of shops and restaurants. Its spectacular setting on the shores of the lake has a superb mountain backdrop.

Sirmione

On the southern tip of the lake, this fortified old village is a famous and much visited beauty spot and spa. Its setting on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake is idyllic, as is the 13th century castle of Rocca Scaglieri, almost entirely surrounded by water.

Verona

A beautiful city dominated by the Roman ampitheatre where open-air opera concerts are performed during the summer. Visit the place where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet’s balcony scene.

Desenzano del Garda

A delightful unspoilt town with a lively Italian atmosphere on the south-eastern shore. Stroll through the old harbour and picturesque Piazza Malvezzi with its imposing cathedral and delightful old quarter.

Salò

A charming medieval lakeside town, the starting point for boat trips across the lake.

Riva

One of the lake’s leading watersports centres, this lively and modern resort boasts a maze of cobbled streets and squares.

Limone

An attractive resort lying beneath the dramatic mountains to the north-west of the lake, Limone has an exquisite setting amongst olive and lemon groves. Old fashioned cottages, bright with flowers, line its narrow cobbled streets.

Family Attractions

Gardaland Theme Park

One of the largest theme parks in Europe set on the southern shores of Lake Garda.

Caneva World Water Park

On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Caneva World has exciting water rides for the whole family.

Mirabilandia

A great theme park situated close to the campsite at Lido di Pomposa.

Aqualandia

If you stay on the Adriatic, treat the children to an exciting day at the water fun park just outside Cavallino.

Lake Garda:

Europa Silvella >

Bella Italia >

Cisano / San Vito >

Camping Del Garda >

Altomincio Family Park >

Sirmione:

The Garda Village >