Lake Garda

Lake Garda Holidays

Stunning scenery, ancient ruins, and delicious food wrapped in timeless Italian luxury- Welcome to Lake Garda.

Holidays to Lake Garda

Sat in the heart of Northern Italy, Lake Garda is a shimmering gem. Flanked by the majestic Alps to the north and gently rolling hills to the south, this enchanting destination offers a serene yet exhilarating escape in Italy. Radiating romance and Italian grandeur, it’s easy to see why Lake Garda is a top stop for weddings abroad and couples’ getaways

A great alternative to the usual family beach break package, holidays to Lake Garda offer something for everyone. Lake Garda’s crystal-clear waters stretch over 50 kilometres, making it Italy’s largest lake. Its picturesque shores are dotted with charming towns, each offering a unique allure. From olive groves and lemon orchards to the rugged mountain landscapes; fairytale castles and Roman ruins to boutique Italian hotels, the scenery is as diverse as it is breathtaking.

Why Visit Lake Garda?

Italy’s largest lake is framed by dramatic mountains, olive groves, and colourful towns like Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine — each offering postcard-perfect views and relaxing vibes.
From sailing and windsurfing to hiking and cycling, Lake Garda is a playground for active travellers. The lake’s clear waters and scenic trails make it ideal for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Explore medieval castles, Roman ruins, and charming old towns. Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Enjoy fresh lake fish, creamy risotto, and local wines from nearby Valpolicella and Lugana. With lakeside restaurants and vineyard tours, Lake Garda is a feast for the senses.

Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel

With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.

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The Sun-kissed South

As the largest town on the lake, Desenzano del Garda is a vibrant hub with a rich historical tapestry. Visit the Roman Villa with its stunning mosaics, explore the town’s charming piazzas, and stroll along the bustling waterfront. The town’s lively markets, cafes, and restaurants provide a taste of authentic Italian life. Perched on a narrow peninsula jutting into the lake, Sirmione is often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Garda.” This medieval town is famous for its thermal baths, ancient ruins, and the imposing Scaliger Castle. Wander through its cobblestone streets, relax in the therapeutic waters of the Aquaria Thermal Spa, and explore the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a vast Roman villa offering panoramic views of the lake.

Northern Wonders

Nestled at the foot of Monte Baldo, Malcesine is a picturesque town that boasts both lake and mountain views. Take the cable car to the summit of Monte Baldo for a day of hiking or simply to marvel at the breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss the medieval Castello Scaligero, a castle perched on a cliff overlooking the town and the lake. Riva del Garda, located at the northern tip of the lake, is a historic town surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush hills. The town’s medieval architecture, such as the Rocca di Riva and the Torre Apponale, are must-see landmarks. Riva del Garda is also a popular spot for water sports, including sailing and windsurfing, thanks to its reliable winds.

Water Sports and Lake Excursions

The clear, calm waters of Lake Garda are ideal for sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the lake’s hidden coves and islands. The island of Isola del Garda, with its neo-Gothic villa and lush gardens, is particularly enchanting. The surrounding hills and mountains offer numerous trails for cycling and hiking. The Strada della Forra, a scenic road that winds through a dramatic gorge, is a must-ride for cycling enthusiasts. Hikers will enjoy the trails around Monte Baldo and the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, which offer stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.

Food & Drink

The cuisine around Lake Garda is a delightful blend of northern and southern Italian flavours, enhanced by the region’s fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy dishes featuring lake fish, olives, and citrus fruits, paired with fine wines from nearby vineyards. Indulge in the local delicacies such as “bigoli con le sarde” (pasta with sardines), “carpione” (marinated fish), and delicious olive oil produced in the region. Visit the local markets and trattorias to savour these specialities and be sure to sample the exquisite wines from the Bardolino and Lugana regions on your Lake Garda holiday.

Travel guide

With colourful towns and short flights from the UK, Lake Garda holidays are perfect for a last-minute break or a spring getaway.

Currency: Euro
Average flight time: 2 Hours
Time Difference: +2 Hours
Most suited for: Couples, Groups
Best time to visit: April-October

All Hotels - Lake Garda

Lake Garda

Poiano Resort Hotel

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Active Hotel Paradiso And Golf

Weather

Average monthly temperature in Lake Garda (°C)

Jan 2^°C
Feb 4^°C
Mar 8^°C
Apr 12^°C
May 17^°C
Jun 21^°C
Jul 24^°C
Aug 23^°C
Sep 19^°C
Oct 13^°C
Nov 7^°C
Dec 3^°C

Before you travel - Lake Garda: Frequently asked questions‎

Lake Garda uses the euro (€), as it is located in northern Italy. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, although it is useful to carry some cash for smaller cafés, local markets and independent businesses.

1. Explore the beautiful town of Sirmione.

Located on a narrow peninsula extending into the southern part of the lake, Sirmione is one of Lake Garda's most popular destinations. Visit the impressive Scaliger Castle, wander through the historic streets and discover the ancient Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo. You can also relax at the lakeside beaches or enjoy a boat trip around the peninsula.

2. Take a boat trip across the lake.

Lake Garda is surrounded by picturesque towns, colourful harbours and dramatic mountain scenery. Passenger ferries and boat excursions provide a wonderful way to explore destinations such as Limone sul Garda, Malcesine and Riva del Garda. Travelling by water also offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Visit Gardaland Resort.

One of Italy's best-known theme park destinations, Gardaland offers rides, attractions and entertainment for visitors of different ages. It is particularly popular with families and can be combined with a visit to the nearby SEA LIFE Aquarium. Opening dates and attraction availability vary by season.

4. Ride the cable car up Monte Baldo.

Departing from Malcesine, the Monte Baldo cable car takes visitors high above the lake to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and water. The summit area is popular for walking, photography and enjoying the scenery. Conditions can change quickly at higher elevations, so suitable clothing and footwear are recommended.

5. Discover the waterfalls at Parco Grotta Cascata Varone.

Located near Riva del Garda, this natural attraction features waterfalls flowing through a dramatic rock gorge. Visitors can follow paths and viewing platforms to see the water cascading through the narrow canyon. It is an excellent excursion for nature lovers and families.

6. Enjoy watersports and outdoor activities.

Lake Garda is a popular destination for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, cycling and hiking. The northern end of the lake is particularly well known for its wind conditions and outdoor sports, while the southern shore offers beaches and more relaxed lakeside activities.

7. Sample local Italian food and wine.

The Lake Garda region is known for its Italian cuisine, olive oil and wines. Enjoy fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, risotto and regional specialities at traditional restaurants. The surrounding countryside also features vineyards and olive groves, with opportunities to visit wineries and sample locally produced wines.

The best time to visit Lake Garda is generally from May to June and September to early October. During these months, the weather is often pleasant for sightseeing, boat trips, walking and cycling, while visitor numbers may be lower than during the busiest summer weeks.

Summer, from June to August, is ideal for swimming, water sports and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the lakeside resorts. Temperatures are usually warm, and many attractions and ferry services operate more frequently. However, July and August are particularly busy, so accommodation and popular attractions are best booked in advance.

Spring is a lovely time to visit as gardens bloom and the surrounding countryside becomes greener. September can also be an excellent choice, with warm days and opportunities to enjoy the lake at a more relaxed pace.

Autumn brings beautiful scenery and cooler temperatures, although some seasonal attractions and boat services begin to reduce their operating schedules. Winter is much quieter, and many lakeside resorts have limited tourist services, making it more suitable for visitors seeking a peaceful break rather than a traditional summer holiday.

Lisbon:

The capital city of Portugal offers holiday-goers many great activities to fill out your holiday. It’s many museums, galleries and palaces are a great visit for those who love art and history. National Museum of Ancient Art and Palace of Queluz are some spots that are great to experience this. Lisbon’s night life is lively and offers plenty of fun when the sun goes down. Places such as jazz clubs, night clubs, bars and breweries are bursting with life and have an amazing atmosphere to party the night away.

Porto:

This lovely and relaxing city the second largest that Portugal has to offer. Cafes, churches and plazas are all over Porto which makes it a perfect place to have a relaxing, culture rich break away from home. It is also home to some of the best port that can be found and tasted at the amazing wineries you can visit and learn from.

Douro Valley:

This spot is perfect for those seeking to see the regions nature and beautiful sites. Vinyards are seen throughout the hill sites making this a perfect spot to go wine tasting as who would not want to experience the culture with a view. You can even spend the night here at the one of the many guest houses the vineyards have to offer.

*Lake Garda is a large lake with different landscapes and atmospheres around its shores. The southern towns are convenient for family attractions and relatively easy transport connections, while the northern resorts are particularly popular for mountain scenery and outdoor sports. Ferries connect many lakeside towns, but timetables vary by season, so check routes and departure times before planning your day trips.

Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel

With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching - our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.