Martin van Groenigen
If you are going on holiday on Lake Garda, there are undoubtedly a number of places that you absolutely want to visit. You may know them from previous years or success stories from others, but after a few days you may not know what to do besides swim and eat pizza – or you know the entertainment on site almost better than the entertainers themselves.
Time to discover the area! Dutch or Belgian holidaymakers on Lake Garda can often be divided into two camps: the North of the Lake and the South of the Lake. Whether you are camp North or South, this one most beautiful places around Lake Garda help you on your way to get more out of your holiday.
1.Verona
Wherever you are on Lake Garda, Verona is never (very) far away. The city of Romeo and Juliet, of the fine wine bars such as Antica Bottega del Vino and the delicious taglieri at Trattoria Al Pompiere.
Oh guys, Verona really don't want to miss you! During the week there are often nice markets here and there and you can enjoy a walk along the river Adige.
What you should not miss in Verona is of course the Opera. You can sing a beautiful aria yourself, but also 'just' go to an opera.
Take a pillow with you when you go. The shows are often long and once you've got a wooden ass, it just lasts longer.
2. Malcesine – Monte Baldo
The highest mountain on Lake Garda is Monte Baldo. You probably know him, because everyone who has ever been to Lake Garda has talked about it. A real attraction!
From the village of Malcesine (also very nice to visit) you take the cable car up. Once at the top, the view is unparalleled.
On Monte Baldo you can hardly miss the 'floating' Madonna della Corona. A church that seems stuck to the rock. If you have mobility problems, there is also a shuttle bus that you can use.
And how do you go down? By cable car or by foot? Back in Malcesine you can have lunch and people watch in the harbor of the village. Also an activity that should not be missed on your holiday.
3.Garda
Despite the fact that at first glance it seems as if all the villages around Lake Garda are 'the same', this is not the case. The lake's namesake, for example, has the most characteristic Italian crawl-through-sneak-through streets, which you won't find in Bardolino, for example.
Fancy an adventure by bike or as a walk? From Garda you can walk right along the lake in a northerly direction. Shells, stones, through the water: you can imagine it so crazy.
A whole walk. But once you get to the point where you can see around the corner of the lake, you'll remember why you started the journey.
4. Affi – for the shopaholics
It rains? Affi is home to one of the largest indoor shopping centers in Northern Italy. You can easily spend a whole afternoon there.
Do some shopping for the barbecue when the weather is nice, get your forgotten camping gear or imagine yourself a real tourist in the Italian knick knacks.
You see it. Something for everyone in Affi! Oh, and how about something familiar? Next to the shopping center – we hardly dare to say it – you have a McDonald's and a Burger King.
5. Sirmione
In the middle of Lake Garda lies the beautiful peninsula of Sirmione, which is again a completely different kind of village.
Visit Sirmione's Rocca Scaligera (one of the most beautiful castles in Italy), and then have a chic lunch or dinner at La Speranzina or a little less chic at Ristorante Caruso.
Tip: they have a fantastic pizza with mortadella and buratta at Caruso! To lick your fingers.
Then relax on a towel by the lake and you can spend the whole day in Sirmione.
6. Venice
Venice may be a bit further than Verona, but definitely worth a day trip with an overnight stay. Because: you really can't miss such a characteristic place when you go on holiday to Northern Italy.
Take a ride through the city's canals with the gondoliers. Have lunch in one of the special restaurants or visit one of the many cultural attractions.
What's also nice is Burano! From Venice you take the boat to this small island in the Venetian Lagoon.
Here, every house has a different color and you imagine yourself (despite all the tourists) in old Italy.
There are few tourist restaurants and you will often still find the old population.
By the way, did you know that Burano has become so famous for its lace-making women? Burano lace is one of the most precious types of lace in the world.
7. La Rocca di Garda
Between Bardolino and Garda you see a hill (or mountain, what are they actually around Lake Garda?) that you can climb: La Rocco di Garda. Once at the top you have a view over a large part of the lake.
How you get to the mountain is a bit difficult to describe. But if you take the path uphill in Bardolino near camping La Rocca and follow it, you will automatically find a steep path uphill on your left.
If you follow that, you will eventually arrive on the route towards the mountain. Half way through there are a number of caves that you can visit (at your own risk) and on top of the mountain there is a large open lawn where many residents of Bardolino and Garda often picnic on weekends.
8. Mantova (Mantova)
Manto-what? It is one of the more unknown and underrated places in Northern Italy. Mantova is a beautiful city where you can still feel the history of Italy and its wealthy families.
Around 1400 the Gonzaga family came to power here and they certainly did not keep their hands on the money. In the city are two beautiful palaces: Palazzo Te and Palazzo Ducale (both of which you can visit) and many other works of art paid for from the household purse.
Mantua has not been forgotten in literature either. For example, Romeo (Julia's) is banished to this city for allegedly killing Juliet's cousin and Verdi Rigoletto's famous opera is also set at the city's court.
On the square in the middle of Mantua are often large markets that the whole city comes to. You imagine yourself as one local in the city. At least that was the case a few years ago, when I lived here for a while. Perhaps Mantua has now become a huge tourist attraction.
9. Bardolino
It is a somewhat 'unknown' village on Lake Garda, but certainly no less fun. Bardolino is car-free and you can therefore enjoy a stroll along the Lungolago, but also excellent people-watching from the terrace.
Bardolino is a big favorite with the undersigned, that's why I I've blogged about it before.
Where is the best place to eat, but also other trips to take from Bardolino. Is there something for you? You read it here!
10. Lazy
In Lazise you can stroll through the medieval center with the Scaligeri Castle, the ancient San Niccolò church and the old city walls, after which you can relax with an ice cream on a bench with a beautiful view of Lake Garda.
Everywhere you will find cozy streets and squares. The old harbor is one of the most atmospheric places in the town.
Want to splash in the water? Which can. Both Bardolino and Lazise have more than enough lawns to spread out your towel.
11. San Felice del Benaco
The village of San Felice del Benaco is located about 2 km from the lake, high in the hills. The even smaller towns of Cisano di San Felice, Porto San Felice, Porto Portese and San Fermo are also part of the municipality.
Here you will find some campsites and beautiful beaches and – last but not least, Isola del Garda, a beautiful island in Lake Garda. Recently it is possible to take a tour on this island, which was previously not possible to visit.
Visit isoladelgarda.com for more information.
In San Felice itself you can admire the remains of an old fortress and the church of San Felice. There is also a pilgrimage church called the Madonna del Carmine, which has some beautiful frescoes.
Do you like wine or olive oil, but then a tour to a vineyard or olive grove.
12. Salo
Salò can be found on the western shore of Lake Garda. It is a fashionable seaside resort with a beautiful promenade. It is somehow less touristy here, but it is all about seeing and being seen.
At the end of World War II, Salò was the capital of the Italian Socialist Republic founded by Mussolini.
Now you can stroll around the quay, sit down on a terrace or marvel at the beautiful things in the shops of the atmospheric center.
13. Borghetto sul Mincio
Perfect for a day trip from your accommodation on Lake Garda is the village of Borghetto sul Mincio, which is about 12 km south of Peschiera del Garda lies. Peschiera is also worth a visit in itself.
Borghetto was not built on the river Mincio, but in the river. That makes a great picture.
You can also have a delicious lunch here at one of the many lunch places. As with all the highlights around Lake Garda, it can be crowded with tourists during the season. It is best to come here in the late season.
Do you feel like cycling? From Mantua, a cycle path runs largely along the river to Borghetto. During the bike ride you will come across old watermills, beautiful fishing spots and inviting terraces.
Your holiday on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is perhaps the most popular destination in Italy for Dutch and Belgians and for good reason, as you can see in this short list.
Many stay at one of the largest campgrounds around the lake. The 15 most beautiful campsites on Lake Garda we have listed it here for you.
Would you rather stay in a hotel or apartment? That is of course also possible. How about Lefay Resort & Spa with one of the best hotel pools in the world?
The best and cheapest accommodations around Lake Garda can be found here.
Do you have any suggestions for the most beautiful places on Lake Garda? Then pass them on to us and other Italy enthusiasts by commenting below this article!
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