Sandwiched between Milan and Venice in charming northern Italy, beautiful Lake Garda is a popular destination for culture seekers, beach lovers and adventurous visitors.

Its mild and breezy Mediterranean climate is perfect for exploring its serene shorelines and surprisingly sandy beaches.

Around Italy’s largest lake, you’ll find elegant promenades, galleries and upmarket restaurants alongside cycling trails, cobbled villages and laid-back beach resorts.

Bordering several Italian regions, including Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Lombardia, the lake area is so vast that the landscape gradually changes from north to south.

Pebbled southern shores soon give way to the mountainous backdrop of the Alps in the north as you explore this extensive lake and dreamy surroundings. 

With a mix of leisure activities, lakeside dining and beach activities, there’s plenty here for visitors to discover, and my top Lake Garda picks have got you covered. 

Sunbathe on white sand beaches

Italy’s largest lake has several dreamy beaches with Caribbean cay vibes and mountainous panoramas. Explore pebble beaches with an Alpine landscape and sink your feet into white sand on dreamy lake coves.

Picture this – silky soft sand right on the shores of Lake Garda. White Bay has a perfect blend of tropical flair and lakeside calm. The crystal-clear water stretches out in front of you, and the beach is spacious, with all the amenities you need for a relaxing day by the lake.

At Baia Bianca Beach in Manerba, you can lounge on white, soft sands imported directly from the Caribbean. This swanky private beach is packed with amenities, including a café, changing cabins, and showers, which can be accessed by paying a fee. 

Umbrellas and loungers are also available to rent, adding an exotic touch to Lake Garda’s rather unique, pebble-free beach. 

Baia Bianca is more than just a sun-trap resort, though. Its mix of restaurants and bars comes to life at night with brightly coloured cocktails and lively disco parties that attract a younger crowd who want to dance the night away next to an ocean backdrop. 

Have a guided tour of Isola del Garda

Take a guided tour of this secluded private island, wander through lush Italian and English gardens, admire the elegant Venetian neo-Gothic villa, and see a vast array of exotic plants. 

Previously a hunting reserve and a former haven for monks, this small island has been open to the public since 2001, where curious visitors can now seek sanctuary amongst the graceful acacia trees and fragrant lemons.

Yoga, stargazing and sailing are some of the many activities offered at Isola del Garda, alongside a diverse programme of art exhibitions and music concerts. 

Take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo

Take the cable car to the top of Monte Baldo, the tallest mountain around Lake Garda, for the most beautiful lake views.

The rotating cable cars leave from the small town of Malcesine and glide through 1760m of altitude, with panoramic views of the snow-capped Alps and Lake Garda.

Malcesine cable cars certainly offer a unique transport experience in Italy. Cabins slowly rotate on the upper section of the ride, offering 360° views from above. 

Discover Sirmione’s natural springs

Travellers have sought out the healing thermal waters of Sirmione for centuries at this picturesque peninsula. 

Head to the new Aquaria Spa Wellness Centre for a much-deserved wellness break. It features indoor and outdoor thermal pools and a unique water circuit between saunas, steam baths, and showers. The centre also offers a range of personalised treatments for both body and mind, fitness classes, and sensory relaxation areas. 

For outdoor bathing, head to the clear shallows of Jamaica Beach and bask on slabs of smooth rocks.

Outside spa offerings, you’ll find Scaliger Castle alongside honey-coloured historic buildings, boutique shops and al fresco dining in the town’s tiny, cobbled streets.  

Cycle around Limone Sul Garda

Popular resort Limone Sul Garda offers exceptional biking with dreamy lake views on a new panoramic bike path near the town.

Suspended 50m between rock and water on a trail that clings to the rock walls, this impressive trail allows bikers to explore the west side of Lake Garda and take in spectacular views along the way. The path is part of the wider ‘Garda by bike’ project, which is working towards a traffic-calmed route for Lake Garda. 

Road bikes and e-bikes are available to rent from the town for this ride for around 30 euros for a full-day hire. Bikers should also explore the rather alluring old town and small harbour on two wheels. Stop for an espresso at a waterfront cafés and watch the ferries come in. 

Go wine tasting at boutique vineyards

The leafy vineyards of the Lake Garda region offer classic Italian favourites to sample, including Bardolino, a fruity ruby red wine made from a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes. 

Several vineyards in Lake Garda offer tours and tastings, where wine aficionados can gain an insight into the wine production process and what goes into making a great glass of Italian vino.

Many historic vineyards are still family-owned today, including Costaripa Winery, located in the small town of Moniga del Garda and well-known for its delicate Molmenti Rosé wine. 

Azienda Agricola Pratello, on the southwest corner of Lake Garda, is another family-run vineyard that has embraced a holistic and organic-led approach to its winemaking. Try their Lugana Catulliano, a white wine with subtle citrus and apple notes. 

Try watersports at Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a haven for watersport lovers, offering a wide variety of activities for beginners and experienced adventurers.

With its consistent winds, the northern part of the lake is especially popular for windsurfing and sailing.

Towns like Torbole and Riva del Garda are well-known hubs for these sports, with numerous schools and rental shops available. Windsurfers can take advantage of the regular Ora and Peler winds, providing the perfect conditions for thrilling rides across the water.

Kitesurfing is another exciting activity, and the north of the lake is particularly suitable for it due to its predictable wind patterns and spacious waters. Local schools provide lessons, equipment rental, and guided sessions for all skill levels.

For a more relaxed experience, paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the lake’s calm waters, especially along the southern shores, where the water is calmer, and the scenery is wildly impressive.

Many spots around Lake Garda also offer kayaking and canoeing, allowing you to navigate through secluded coves and the picturesque coastline at your own pace.

Scuba diving is also a growing attraction, with the lake’s crystal-clear waters revealing underwater treasures like the Silent Christ, a giant statue by local artist Germano Alberti. Dive centres around Lake Garda offer excursions for certified divers and beginners so you can explore beneath the tranquil surface.

Getting to Lake Garda

Travelling from the UK to Lake Garda is relatively simple, with various transport options. The closest major airports to Lake Garda are Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, and Verona Villafranca.

Flights from most major UK airports, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, frequently serve these airports, with budget airlines often offering competitive prices.

You can reach Lake Garda by train, car, or shuttle bus from Milan or Verona. Verona’s Porta Nuova station has direct train connections to Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, located on the lake’s southern shore.

For a slow travel holiday, Byway Travel specialises in designing flight-free holidays in Europe, allowing you to reach Lake Garda by train, bus, and ferry. 

Their travel experts create bespoke itineraries, incorporating scenic routes through Europe. Your trip might include a relaxing train ride from London, connecting through cities like Paris or Milan, and onward to Lake Garda by local buses or ferry services. Byway can also arrange eco-friendly accommodations as part of your overland and eco-travel experience.