A paradise for hikers, Lake Garda on both the Brescia and Verona sides, impresses with its numerous scenic routes and hikes with killer views. The highlight is the hike to Mount Pizzoccolo, with its impressive vistas.
One of the most famous beaches on Lake Garda is Jamaica Beach with its clear emerald waters and smooth stone sand. Especially during the summer, this beach is very popular.
1. Visit the old town of Riva del Garda
The old town of Riva del Garda is one of the highlights of a visit to Lake Garda. It’s a pretty little place to explore with narrow cobbled streets and shady squares. And it’s also a great place to shop for local produce and products like wine, olive oil, and leather goods.
The town is dominated by a castle and has lots of interesting sights to see. A good place to start is the historic centre where you’ll find beautiful buildings, shops, and cafes.
Another good thing to do is take a stroll along the promenade. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
A great attraction nearby is the Varone waterfall which is located into a cave and has two observation points, one downstream where you can see the water flowing, and one upstream where you can feel the force of the water between each spray. You should also visit Canale di Tenno, a magical medieval village where time seems to have stopped. It’s just a short trip away from Riva del Garda.
2. Take a boat tour
One of the best ways to see Lake Garda is by boat. Hop between the beautiful towns of the southern shore – from Desenzano to Sirmione and beyond – or go on a full day trip with a bus and boat tour for a comprehensive look at this stunning area.
The northern shores of the lake are a bit wilder, beloved by writers and poets throughout history. Head here for hiking and outdoor adventure, with lots of activities geared towards families and kids too.
If you’re feeling a little more confident on the water, hop aboard a sailing yacht and enjoy the wind in your hair while being lulled across the lake. Sailing schools like Wwwind Square run courses for all ages and abilities, from introductory classes to 3 day catamaran sailing courses.
If you’re travelling with children, why not treat them to a day of fun at Gardaland, the amusement park that calls Lake Garda home. The park has rides and attractions for all ages and is guaranteed to give them a day they’ll never forget!
3. Visit the water park Canevaworld
The water park Canevaworld is an ideal place to cool down in the summer. The large park area overlooks the lake and is designed in the style of a tropical paradise. There is a Caribbean beach with crystal clear waters, an artificial wave pool, a volcano and many water attractions that promise hours of fun. The little ones will love the huge water slides with adventurous curves and partly vertical passages. The park also offers several pirate and stunt shows.
The water park is open from mid-May to September. The theme park Movieland is located in the same area and is a stone’s throw from Canevaworld. The two parks can be visited in one day by purchasing a combined ticket. There is enough entertainment to keep the whole family occupied for a full day and even more. The kids will have a blast and the parents can relax on the sandy beaches and in the sun. After all the excitement it is time to refuel with delicious food at one of the restaurants. The Medieval Times restaurant offers knights and medieval cuisine or Rock Star offers American food in an all-you-can-eat buffet.
4. Visit the amusement park Movieland
Imagine a theme park based on Hollywood movies. This is what you get at Movieland, part of the huge complex of Canevaworld and only a few kilometers away from Lake Garda. It is one of the largest theme parks in Italy and offers a lot of rides and attractions.
Step into the role of Rambo, Lara Croft or the Terminator and live out the scenes from your favorite movies in this fantastic theme park. It also has an Aqua Paradise Park with sandy beaches, water slides and wave pools to help you cool down in the summer.
If you have children with you, this is the perfect place to go for a day out of fun and excitement! You can stay at the Gardaland Hotel and enjoy all of the characters running around, or opt for the more upmarket Magic Hotel with rooms themed after famous fairy tales. You could also take a boat tour from Sirmione to visit Garda Island and the ancient Roman Grottoes of Catullus. The beautiful shores of Lake Garda are dotted with ancient castles and medieval villages, as well as vineyards where you can sample the local wine.
5. Visit the naturist beach
With its rocky shoreline and picturesque little towns, Lake Garda has plenty to offer everyone. Olive trees and lemons thrive here thanks to the mild climate, while a turbulent history has left behind mighty fortresses, Roman remains and World War II sites that are still interesting to explore today.
One of the best things to do on Lake Garda is a scenic hike like the Sentiero Busatte-Tempesta, a paved path that connects two hamlets overlooking the lake. It’s easy to miss, but once you find it, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake from a unique perspective.
Another popular activity is to visit the naturist beach in Punta San Vigilio, which has something few other naturist beaches have – enough shade. It’s also very close to several bars and restaurants, making it a great spot to spend a lazy day at the beach! This is a great activity for couples looking for some peace and quiet. However, be sure to exercise extreme caution and follow all the rules of the beach!things to do in lake garda