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Where to Stay in Lake Garda: My Favorite Towns (+ Hotels Recs)

where to stay in Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a stunning, thin body of water surrounded by impressive mountains, vine-covered hills, and idyllic little towns. This region of Italy, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful and the perfect holiday destination for any traveler. Whether you want to sunbathe on the lake shore, hike through the Dolomites, move from one amazing restaurant to another, or take the kids to a water park, you can find it all on Lake Garda.

So, when it comes to where to stay in Lake Garda, you’re spoilt for choice. You can find everything from 5-star hotels to budget-friendly options. I’ve been to Lake Garda three times and every time I stayed in a different region. I love how Lake Garda’s northern shores are completely different from the buzz of the south. But one thing everywhere on the lake has its charm. And plenty of it.

In this guide to Lake Garda, I’m going to take you through my favorite lakeside towns and the best accommodation options available. Get ready to walk through quaint cobbled streets, eat copious amounts of pasta, and see some of the most stunning views you’ll see in your life. 

Getting to Lake Garda

Thanks to its central location in northern Italy, there are lots of ways to get to Lake Garda. When I was living in Innsbruck, Austria, we drove to Lake Garda and I can thoroughly recommend arriving in the region by car. The drive, to this day, is probably the most beautiful I’ve ever done. I can imagine that arriving in Lake Garda from other areas of Italy, such as Tuscany, is equally as beautiful.  

The nearest airports to Lake Garda are Verona and Bergamo, both of which have daily flights to several other cities in Europe. You can also consider flying to Milan-Malpensa or Milan-Linate which are around a 2-hour drive from most Lake Garda towns.

Arriving by train is another great option. Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda are the closest stations in the south and Rovereto is the one in the north. There are plenty of train connections from Verona and Milan to Lake Garda.

Best Time to Visit Lake Garda

Because of its mountainous surroundings, Lake Garda can be cold in winter, with temperatures reaching below -1 degrees Celsius. While Garda is beautiful all year round, it’s best to go when the temperatures increase so you can enjoy the water too.

May, June, and September are my favorite months to visit Lake Garda. It’s usually warm but not as hot as it gets over the summer. Likewise, July and August can get very busy with tourists and prices increase a lot.

Shores of Lake Garda Italy

Where to Stay in Lake Garda: An Overview of The Best Towns

Garda: Good central location with connections to other towns.

Sirmione: A beautiful town on the southern shore full of culture and with many beaches.

Desenzano: A vibrant town with bars, restaurants, and cafes that are well connected by boats and trains.

Riva del Garda: The perfect town for lakeside views, watersports, and being in the heart of nature.

1. Where to Stay in Lake Garda on Your First Time: Garda

Garda Town, Lake Garda

Best area for: Families, couples, and singles looking for amazing beaches, great restaurants, and an atmosphere

Lake Garda used to be called Lacus Benacus and its current name comes from the town of Garda, on its Riviera degli Ulivi coast. Garda is a picturesque town with stunning lakeside promenades, amazing restaurants, and cobbled streets full of history and charm. I stayed here for a couple of nights on my first trip to Garda and loved it. It’s the perfect place to relax, but that’s also well connected to the rest of the lake via boats.

The Old Town is full of character and it’s amazing to wander around the winding streets and see where they take you. It’s also home to some of the best beaches on the entire lake!

Things to Do in Garda

Visit Mermaids’ Bay Beach: This is widely known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Garda and it’s just a couple of miles north of Garda. It’s a natural pebbled beach lined with olive trees and pines and the water is crystal clear. There are a couple of restaurants and terrazzas to enjoy as well as lots of natural shade, making it very family-friendly. It’s not, however, a cheap beach and the admission fee varies throughout the year and at what time of day you go. You also have to pay extra for a daybed – but the beauty of the beach is worth it!

Eat Fresh Seafood: Of course, you can have amazing, freshly caught seafood all around Lake Garda. One of my favorite restaurants is in Garda, called Osteria al Porto. They do incredible seafood platters and delicious seafood pasta dishes.

Enjoy Cocktails at Sunset: If you walk along the beach in Garda, you’ll come to La Motta, a really fun beach bar with live music and great cocktails.

Explore the Old Town: The Old Town of Garda is beautiful and full of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to walk around late afternoon before choosing somewhere for an aperitivo.

Visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona: This breathtaking church is built right into the cliff edge and is accessible via a pilgrim trail. The views are unbelievable and the church itself is truly beautiful. If you feel like hiking when in Garda, this sanctuary is a great destination to reach.

Where to Stay in Garda

($$$) Regina Adelaide Hotel & SPA

hotel exterior of Regina Adelaide Hotel & SPA

This wonderful hotel is in an Art Nouveau villa, just a 2-minute walk from the lake and the center of town. It has 2 swimming pools, a spa, and beautiful grounds to enjoy. Breakfast is included.

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($$) Hotel Astoria

kitchen and dining area at Hotel Astoria

Hotel Astoria is in the historic town center of Garda, close to the lakeside promenade. Rooms are stylishly decorated and many have a beautiful view over the lake.

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($) Residence Parco del Garda

Residence Parco Del Garda outdoor pool

This residence offers fully equipped apartments and bungalows surrounded by parkland and olive groves. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and chimney and it’s within easy reach of Garda town centre.

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Pros of Staying in Garda

  • Excellent location and just a 30-minute drive from Verona

  • Well-connected to other picturesque towns via boat

  • Beautiful beaches close by

  • Family-friendly but lots for adults to do too

  • Great food and restaurants

Cons of Staying in Garda

  • Can get very touristy in summer

  • Prices can be high

2. Where to Stay in Lake Garda for History, Beaches, and a Romantic Getaway: Sirmione (My Favorite!)

Peninsula of Sirmione

Best area for: Couples that want to relax on the beach and do sightseeing

Sirmione might just be the most beautiful town in Garda – although that’s difficult to say for sure! Located in the south of the lake, at the base of the peninsula, Simione is about half an hour's car or boat ride from Garda. 

This medieval town is famous for its perfectly preserved castle, flower-lined alleyways, and great beaches. I stayed here for a few days after Garda and loved it. It has a really relaxed vibe but there’s still so much to see and do. One of our favorite things was going to Forno Integrale, grabbing a focaccia, sweet treat, or slice of pizza, and heading down to the rocks on the lake edge to watch all the fancy boats going by.

Things to Do in Sirmione

Walk Around Scaligero Castle: You can’t go to Sirmione and miss out on Scaligero Castle. You can go on a guided tour or walk around it yourself, just be sure to walk along the castle walls and climb the tower for an amazing view over Sirmione. 

Try Lugana Wine: Lugana wines are famous from the area of Sirmione. You can go to a vineyard or try them in one of the many wine bars around town.

Sunset Boat Cruise Around the Peninsula: A sunset boat ride is one of the best ways to see Sirmione. You’ll go past all the major sightseeing spots and get a totally unique perspective from the water.

See the Flower House: When walking around the historic center of Sirmione, make sure you visit the beautiful Flower House. It is quite that – a wonderful little cafe covered in purple bougainvillea. 

Go to Jamaica Beach: This beach is around a 15-minute walk from the center of Sirmione, towards the tip of the peninsula. The beach is made up of large, smooth rocks and, because you’re on the tip of the peninsula, you have beautiful views whichever way you look. 

Visit Roman Ruins: Not far away from Jamaica Beach is Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of a Roman Villa. It’s a big archeological site and took way longer to walk around than I had expected!

Relax in Thermal Water: The Sirmione region is famous for its sulfate-rich, thermal water. You can enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools at Aquaria Thermal Spa.

Where to Stay in Sirmione

($$$) Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

luxury bedroom at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

The palace is a luxury, 5-star hotel offering 4 hectares of gardens, lake views, an outdoor swimming pool, and 2 restaurants. The rooms are beautifully decorated and it has its own pier and private beach. 

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($$) Hotel Flaminia

outdoor lounge with chairs and umbrellas with sunset at Hotel Flaminia

Located in the heart of the Old Town, right on the lake, is one of Sirmione's first-ever hotels. With a stunning sundeck and different-sized rooms to choose from, this hotel is perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples. 

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($) Hotel Villa Trieste

aerial view of the Hotel Villa Trieste

Located on the Sirmione peninsula, this budget Lake Garda hotel offers clean, air-conditioned rooms, an excellent breakfast, and a garden and terrace. It’s in an excellent location for swimming and exploring.

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Pros of Staying in Sirmione

  • Lots of things to see and do

  • Varied accommodation options

  • Great for those who love history

  • Amazing beaches nearby

  • Well connected to other towns on Lake Garda

  • Great bad-weather location

  • Close to amusement parks

Cons of Staying in Sirmione

  • Can get very touristy, especially with all the boast arriving from other towns

3. Where to Stay in Lake Garda for Nightlife, History, and a Fun Atmosphere: Desenzano

Desenzano Harbour, Lake Garda

Best for: A busy vibe, lots of fabulous restaurants, and travel connections

Desenzano, otherwise known as the capital of Lake Garda, is a bustling town full of restaurants, shops, and lakeside bars. Whilst there are lots of nightlife options in Desenzano, don’t go thinking that there’s nothing to do during the day or that the town is all about its nightlife.

This town is full of beauty and interesting historical sites to visit. It’s also the perfect base for traveling from all over Italy and for getting to both the west and east coasts of the lake.

Things to Do in Desenzano

Visit Porto Vecchio: The old port is the heart of Desenzano, with its lighthouse, stone buildings, and Venetian-style bridge. It’s a great place to go at any point in the day, especially at night when the restaurants come alive.

Walk Around the Cathedral: The Duomo of Desenzano is a must-see for anyone visiting the town. It’s a beautiful display of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and boasts some amazing and important pieces of art.

Get Ice Cream! When in Italy, ice cream is a must. One of the best Gelaterias in Lake Garda is Cono Loco. I can really recommend the salted pistachio and they also had a lavender special when we went!

Enjoy a Cocktail after a Day on The Beach: You’ll find countless beach bars along the main promenade in Desenzano. Many of them play relaxed music at sundown and are perfect for a cold birra or Aperol.

Visit Villa Romana: Villa Romana is one of the best preserved and most important Roman villas in northern Italy. It has an impressive antiquarium and the mosaics are amazing. 

Where to Stay in Desenzano

($$$) Hotel Piccola Vela

lush outdoor garden at Hotel Piccola Vela

Hotel Piccola Vela is a stunning and chic luxury hotel, just a short walk from the historic center of Desenzano. It has 3 swimming pools, one of which is heated and is surrounded by beautiful gardens to enjoy. 

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($$) Hotel Desenzano

outdoor pool and sun lounges at Hotel Desenzano

This modern hotel is close to the lake and just 2 minutes from the train station. It has an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and bar to enjoy, all with stunning views of the lake.

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($) B&B Casa Mia

Bed and Breakfast Casa Mia

This wonderful B&B is homely, clean, and very well-priced. It’s on the outskirts of Desenzano but still very close to the lake. They offer a typical Italian breakfast and there are bikes to rent too.

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Pros of Staying in Desenzano

  • Great travel connections, especially boat trips

  • Lots of restaurants, bars, and cafes

  • Good mix of beach, sightseeing, and nightlife

  • Fun atmosphere

Cons of Staying in Desenzano

  • It’s larger than other towns – which might be an issue for some

4. Where to Stay in Lake Garda for Sports and Family-Friendly Activities: Riva del Garda

Windsurfing Riva del Garda

Best for: Adventurous couples, families, and pure nature

Riva del Garda is a wonderful town on the north coast of the lake. The crystal-clear water and unique wind streams make it a popular destination for windsurfers and other sports enthusiasts. But, even those who prefer topping up their tan on dry land will have plenty to do in this cute town.

It’s a good place to base yourself if you want to explore the area around the north of the lake, such as go hiking in the nearby mountains or visit other villages that aren’t on Lake Garda’s shore. 

Things to Do in Riva del Garda

Climb the Bastion: The bastion in Riva del Garda is a Venetian tower, about 20 minutes walk from the center of town. You can either climb up the hill to the tower or get the outdoor lift. The views from the top are amazing and there’s a great restaurant with a large terrace.

Visit the Alto Garda Museum: This museum is located in the Rocca di Riva, a Medieval fortress on the lake’s edge. It’s home to some important artwork and several temporary exhibitions. Make sure you climb up the tower for a nice view too!

Go to The Beach: There are several really beautiful beaches around Riva del Garda, most of which are grassy or pebbly. Two of my favorites are Spiaggia Sabbioni and Spiaggia Pini, but the beach in front of Riva del Garda is nice too.

Day Trip to Another Lake: The first time I went to the region, I was 8 years old and we went to Lago di Ledro, a much smaller lake 20 minutes away from Riva del Garda. It’s a beautiful and less touristy place to enjoy the day.

Go Hiking or Mountain Biking: In general, Garda Lake is an amazing place to go if you like hiking and mountain biking. Some of the best are in the Riva region, including the quite challenging Sentiero del Ponale, although there are lots to choose from.

Where to Stay in Riva del Garda

($$$) Lido Palace

exterior view of the Lido Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World

This luxury Garda hotel has a state-of-the-art wellness and spa center with two swimming pools, Turkish baths, and a sauna. There are 2 incredible restaurants on site and the rooms have breathtaking views overlooking Lake Garda and the mountains. It really is one of the best hotels on Lake Garda. 

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($$) Hotel Luise

outdoor view of Hotel Luise

Hotel Luise beautifully combines design with vintage elements and offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and free parking. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the lake and less than half a mile from Riva del Garda.  

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($) Residence Centro Vela

stylish bedroom at Residence Centro Vela

This residence offers spacious apartments with balconies and a kitchenette. It’s a mile from Riva del Garda, but close to the beach Spiaggia Pini. There are plenty of restaurants and surf and sailing schools nearby.

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Pros of Staying in Riva del Garda

  • Picturesque village surrounded by impressive mountains

  • Great beaches

  • Laid back vibe

  • Great for sports enthusiasts

  • Some amazing hotels to stay in

  • Close to Limone sul Garda, a beautiful town for a day trip

Cons of Staying in Riva Del Garda

  • Fewer connections to towns in the south of the lake and boats can take 4+ hours 

  • Not a huge amount to do if the weather is bad

Where to Stay in Lake Garda – Frequently Asked Questions

Riva del Garda promenade

🚗 Do You Need a Car in Lake Garda?

A car is a great way to explore Lake Garda but you don’t need one. There are lots of boat buses that take you from town to town and you can arrive via train from closeby cities.

👪 Is Garda a Good Place to Visit with Kids?

Absolutely! Garda is an amazing family holiday destination. There are loads of activities for kids plus beaches and ice cream stores everywhere!

💲 Is Lake Garda Expensive?

Visiting Lake Garda can be very expensive if you eat in the best restaurants on the lakeside and stay in the most luxurious hotels. There are, however, lots of more moderately priced restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets.

Where to Stay in Lake Garda – Final Words

Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Whether you’re going on a family trip, a romantic weekend, or as a solo traveler, there’s lots to see and do. It can be a more active holiday with hiking and watersports or you can spend your time soaking up the sun on one of the amazing beaches.

It’s in Italy, so the food is delicious, especially the fresh fish, and all the towns are charming, beautiful and unique. It’s the perfect place to stop off on a trip through Italy toward Austria, Switzerland, France, or Slovenia!

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