Lake Molveno holidays

Popular holidays

For an Italian break mixing picture-perfect Brenta Dolomite scenery with a bucket-load of outdoor activities, pick a holiday to Lake Molveno.

Majestic scenery & activities galore

Deep blue water surrounded by the forests and jagged limestone peaks of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites – it’s easy to see why Lake Molveno is one of the most beautiful spots in northern Italy. And it’s in the Adamello-Brenta National Park too, so there’s walking, wildlife and views galore. Spend your days swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing or simply unwinding by the shore, or whip on your exploring boots and head into the mountains. The cable car to the Pradel Plateau opens up epic hiking trails, mountain huts and family-friendly attractions, all framed by spectacular alpine scenery.

Lakeside village charm

The small town of Molveno is pretty as a postcard, with its twisty cobbled streets, 13th-century church and brightly painted buildings huddled on the hillside. Spend those long summer days browsing independent food and craft shops, people-watching outside cafés and learning a thing or two about local history at the Museum of Costumes and Traditions. Come sunset, the lakefront is the perfect spot to watch the mountains glow as you feast on regional food and wine.

What shall we do today?

You can be as relaxed or active as you like on your trip here. Spend lazy afternoons on the beach, take a boat out on the lake or enjoy long lunches with mountain views. Adventurous types can tick tandem paragliding off their bucket list, while families have plenty to keep them busy at the Forest Park high ropes course and Educational Farm on the Pradel Plateau – just hop on the cable car to get there. If you're keen to explore beyond Molveno, there are castles, wineries and traditional Trentino villages waiting to be discovered nearby.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Molveno:

• Lakeside path with cycle route
• Lake bathing and watersports
• Rowing and sailing boats
• Sports centre
• Alpine flower garden and botanical garden
• Castles and Roman ruins
• An array of museums
• Horse riding
• Outdoor pool
• Wine tasting

Popular hotels in Lake Molveno

Latest reviews

Top things to see and do in Lake Molveno

Beaches

Molveno Beach

On the edge of the town, Molveno Beach is a magnificent spot to head for a dip soak up the lakeside beauty. It's also surrounded by 10 acres of fields where you'll find playgrounds, beach volleyball courts and even minigolf – all with a dramatic mountain backdrop – so there's plenty there to keep you entertained.

Acquapark Molveno

Take a break from hiking and sightseeing at this popular lakeside lido, home to an Olympic-sized pool, children's pool, waterslides and plenty of family-friendly facilities for a fun-filled afternoon.

Pebble bay

As its name suggests, the beach here is pebbly rather than sandy. It's a good idea to bring a pair of beach shoes or flip-flops.

Shopping

Mid-range buys

There's a cluster of independent shops around Via Roma and Piazza Scuole. You can browse through traditional craft ware and souvenirs, or pick up some local wine and cakes.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Evenings are refreshingly laidback here, made for unhurried strolls through the village or down to the lake, where cafés and bars are perfect for a relaxed drink as dusk sets in. One night worth planning is Wednesday, when the chairlift runs later than usual – ride up the mountain to soak up sweeping views and watch the sun dip behind the Brenta Dolomites before gliding back down.

Lively evenings

While evenings are generally quiet around Lake Molveno, you'll still find a few bars in the town which stay open late, so you can stop for an aperitivo before dinner or a nightcap later on.

Food & drink

Eating out in town

Visit a restaurant in town and you'll be able to try some of the traditional regional dishes. Canederli is a kind of bread dumpling, while carne salada is thinly sliced cured beef. And of course, there are plenty of fresh pasta and risotto dishes too.

Mountaintop dining

At the top of the Pradel-Palon chairlift, you'll be able to sample mountain hut dining, such as at the popular Rifugio La Montanara Tovre Plateau Molveno. Sit out on the terrace and dive into platefuls of fresh pasta, cured meats, Trentino cheeses and polenta.

Getting about

Buses

Free local buses run around the town every 30 minutes, with stops including the lakeside Acquapark. You can also pay for a bus trip to the ancient town of Mezzocorona, which takes around an hour, or the city of Trento, which takes around 90 minutes. Make sure to pick up your Trentino and Dolomiti Pagenella Guest Cards at your accommodation, as they'll give you free or discounted travel around much of the province.

Passenger ferries

There aren’t any ferries on Lake Molveno, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy time on the water. You can hire motorboats if you’re after a bit of speed, or slow things right down with rowing boats and canoes, exploring the lake one oar stroke at a time.

Summer lifts

From the centre of town, take the Panoramica cable car up to the 1,350m-high Pradel Plateau for amazing views and walking paths – don't forget to take your Dolomiti Pagenella Guest Card for a discount on your lift ticket. To venture even higher, hop on the Pradel-Palon chairlift that goes up to 1,530m.

On foot

Lake Molveno is a great place to explore on foot, with most of the village, lakefront and local attractions within easy walking distance. As you wander the charming lanes and piazzas, take care on some of the cobbled and hilly sections. Beyond the village, a huge network of scenic walking trails leads around the lake and into the mountains, with plenty of welcoming mountain huts along the way.

Top Hotels in Lake Molveno

Facts about Lake Molveno

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 to 3 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Some FAQs are AI-generated. Use them as a helpful guide and confirm details before making travel decisions.

What should I pack for Lake Molveno?

When packing for Lake Molveno, bring comfortable hiking shoes, breathable layers for outdoor activities, and a waterproof jacket. Don't forget swimwear for lake activities, sun protection essentials including a hat and sunscreen, and a day backpack for exploring the beautiful alpine surroundings.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Lake Molveno?

When visiting Lake Molveno, greet locals with a friendly buongiorno or buonasera. Dining etiquette includes waiting for everyone to be served before eating and keeping hands visible on the table. Dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees, and maintain a quieter demeanour in mountain villages where locals value peace and respect for nature.

Should I tip in Lake Molveno?

In Lake Molveno, as in most of Italy, tipping isn't strictly necessary but is appreciated for good service. At restaurants, a small service charge is often included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is common. For other services, such as taxis or hotel staff, a small tip is welcome but not expected.

What's the nightlife like in Lake Molveno?

Lake Molveno has a relaxed evening atmosphere centred around lakeside dining and hotel entertainment. Head to the waterfront for casual restaurants and bars with mountain views. The area suits those looking for a peaceful night rather than lively clubs.

Where can I try local food in Lake Molveno?

You'll find traditional Lake Molveno cuisine in local restaurants and agriturismos around the lake. We recommend trying polenta dishes and local cheeses at eateries in Molveno town. Many lakeside restaurants offer fresh fish from the lake. If you're staying at a hotel, ask your TUI rep about nearby authentic Trentino restaurants.

Where are the best places to shop in Lake Molveno?

Lake Molveno offers a charming shopping experience with a focus on local products. You'll find small boutiques and shops in the town centre selling regional specialties, handmade crafts, and outdoor gear. For a wider range of options, we recommend visiting nearby Trento, where you'll discover larger shopping centres and a variety of Italian fashion brands.

What travel adapter do I need for Lake Molveno?

When visiting Lake Molveno, Italy, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. These plugs, known as Type C or Type F, are standard throughout Italy. There is also type L which has 3 round pins. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your electronic devices.

What are the best beaches in Lake Molveno?

Lake Molveno features several lakeside spots for relaxation and swimming. Head to Spiaggia Molveno, the main beach with grass and pebble areas, ideal for families enjoying the clear alpine waters. The smaller Spiaggia Pradel offers a quieter setting surrounded by forest trails, whilst additional access points along the eastern shore provide peaceful spots with mountain views.