Lake Garda is one of the most famous Italian lakes. And I can assure you it’s for a reason! Lake Garda is stunning! On top of that, you’ll never be bored here! There are so many activities to do and so many towns to visit. I’ve been here several times and I’m still deeply in love with this Lago. These are a few gems you just can’t miss when travelling to Lake Garda!
Sirmione
Sirmione is located on a headland on the south side of Lake Garda. It’s one of my favourite towns around Lake Garda. I love to wander around the city centre without necessarily visiting something. Sirmione is perfect for this! The houses are typically Italian. And you won’t see any cars in the city centre, which makes it even more enjoyable to wander around. If you do want to visit some monuments, you have a few choices. As you’re entering the city centre, you’ll walk through the first monument. Rocca Scaligera is a castle from the 13th century and is also the entry gate to the city centre. Furthermore, you can visit several beautiful churches and the Grottoes of Catullus. The latter you might know from the movie “Call Me by Your Name”. Sirmione can be very busy because of tourism, but it’s still worth a visit.
Desenzano
Desenzano is situated next to Sirmione. It gets a little less tourism than Sirmione, except for Tuesdays. Every Tuesday there is a market. Maybe you’re wondering “What’s so special about this market?” Well, it’s the biggest market of Lake Garda. You can not only buy food; but also clothing, accessories, souvenirs and much more. One thing that makes it even better is the fact that you’ll find yourself among the locals. Furthermore, Desenzano has a lot of charming restaurants with the best food. Look for a restaurant named Kapperi. You might want to use Google Maps. Kapperi is truly a hidden gem.
Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera has it all: the scenic lake, the cosy centre, the little shops and the delicious restaurants. And let’s not forget the gelato. We visited Peschiera twice, both times in the evening. The shops stay open until very late. So you can spend a full day swimming in the lake and still have plenty of time to shop. After shopping, walk to the Viale Cordigero. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Peschiera with countless terraces where you can enjoy a typical Italian dinner! After dinner, you should get some gelato and take a stroll around the town. If you’re looking for the best gelato, simply follow the locals.
Limone Sul Garda
The drive from Sirmione to Limone alone is breathtaking. While you’re driving through the mountains and the little villages, you’ll get a wondrous view of Lake Garda. Limone is one of these picturesque villages you pass by. The centre can get quite busy during peak season, so I would recommend going early. Limone is also a little more expensive because of tourism. Overlooking these two small side notes, Limone is beautiful. Go for a stroll through the cultural centre or the harbour. There is also the possibility to catch a ferry to the other side of Lake Garda. If you have the time, it’s a fun and unique way to travel around Lake Garda.
Gardaland
Gardaland is a popular theme park near Peschiera del Garda. This theme park is suitable for the whole family. There are exciting rollercoasters for the daring among us. There is also Fantasy Kingdom for the little ones. And, of course, there are also a few water attractions if it gets too hot during the day. In other words, there is something for everyone! In the summer it can get pretty busy with long queues as a result. Luckily, the park stays open till 11 PM. So no need to panic! You’ll be able to go on all the rides. Small tip, bring your own food if possible. The food in the park is expensive and not so tasty.
