Lake Garda is a hidden Italian gem, with stunning scenery, relaxing activities and gorgeous Italian streets it’s a wonder why it is not busier!
Should you go to lake garda?
If you love good weather, pretty Italian streets, gorgeous nature and amazing food then Lake Garda should definitely be on your Italian bucket list!
Not only is Lake Garda beautiful stylish and home to a bunch of activities, but it’s also not expensive! unlike its neighbour, Lake Como, Lake Garda is very reasonably priced, with Aperol spritz’s usually only costing 5 euros!
Where to stay in lake como
Since the lake is so big and there are so many towns, if you can, try staying in 2 places at least.
If you are into lake activities like windsurfing, stay in the north as this is where they take place due to better winds. For this, stay in Riva Del Garda, or Malcesine and take the ferry to Riva for the day.
If you are wanting more castles and pretty streets then Sirmione is perfect. It’s very small but there is a lot to do, and the castle and ruins are great for history lovers.
Things to do in sirmione
Visit Jamaica Beach
- This place was absolutely stunning and I could see why it had the name that it does, it actually looks like the sea
- There is a restaurant and bar here but it is not the best quality food so bring a snack or save lunch for later
- TIP: Visit the ruins above the beach for an even better view – trust me on this
Have a spa day
- This may sound like an odd thing to do on an Italian trip but it was one of my favourite activities
- For 5 hours, a ticket is only 25 euros, which is a bargain compared to UK prices. Plus, the spa overlooks the gorgeous lake
- If going during the school holidays, maybe book a few days before but we went at the start of July and were able to book the day before
- https://www.termedisirmione.com/it/aquaria/ingressi-ed-esperienze?gclid=Cj0KCQjwk96lBhDHARIsAEKO4xbdu6XBs7zfr6bMc2ALZYngxN1tXT0dcZxxnGPw8nqCASSGkV5Lxc8aAn9EEALw_wcB
Hire Bikes and cycle around the Lake
- Some hotels have bikes you can use for free, I would recommend doing this as the lake is well geared up for cyclists and it is a lovely alternative way to see the amazing views.
Visit the iconic castle
- in the centre of Sirmione you will find the iconic castle you have probably seen when looking at travelling to Lake Garda. It looks like a classic princess castle, and even as someone who isn’t a history fanatic, I enjoyed visiting it and seeing the views from the top
- It is euros for non EU citizens and 3 for EU citizens under 25
Take boat trip at sunset
- from just outisde the castle, you can get a boat trip which shows you Sirmione from a different perspective
- Leading up to sunset you can get a 25 minute boat trip for 10 euros each, or you can do the 45 minute boat trip during sunset for 25 euros each.
When should you go to lake garda?
Luckily, because it is so big, Lake Garda is always going to be less busy than other Italian hotspots like lake como for example. Lake Garda is also less touristy in general so you wouldn’t have a problem going anytime in summer, but as always, travelling outside of school holidays will be cheaper and ultimately result in fewer people. We went from 10th – 14th July, and it was perfect; just the right amount of people for a buzzy atmosphere but never too crowded.
Hotel recommendations
Sirmione – Hotel Catullo
Malcesine – Ambiente Hotel PrimaLuna
ITINERARY
If you want to do exactly what I did for a blissful 5 days in Lake Garda then Grab my Itinerary HERE
TikTok Video Links
Things to do in Lake Garda Part 1
Things to do in Lake Garda Part 2