Bardolino holidays

Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, Bardolino, Italy

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Town exploring and vino pouring – holidays to Bardolino hit the spot if you’re after a slice of the Italian good life.

Pick of the proms

When it comes to local life, Bardolino’s promenade takes centre stage. It’s the longest on the lake, stretching right up to neighbouring Garda, with plenty of bars and coffee spots dotted along the way – just the spot for a leisurely amble. On Thursdays, there’s a bustling market where you can fill up your tote with local goodies. And once evening rolls around, it’s the perfect place to wine, dine and watch the sun dip as buskers add a musical soundtrack to the scene.

Shopping and café hopping

Step back from the waterfront and you’ve got lots of winding alleyways to explore. The town dates back to Medieval times, and you can still see sections of the old town wall strung between the buildings. Shops selling local crafts and leatherwork have you covered if you’re on the trail of a souvenir or two. And there’s no shortage of pavement cafés when it’s time for a pick-me-up too. If you’re here later on in the day, sip a spritz al fresco on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti and listen as the choir in San Nicolo church fills the square with the sound of music.

Raise a glass

Bardolino and wine fit together like a cork in a bottle. The hillsides around the town are covered with some of the region’s best vineyards and the rosé made here is world-class – there’s even a festival celebrating it every June. Lots of local producers run tours where you can learn how vino goes from grape to glass, and sample some of the finished product too. To add a dash of history to the day, you could visit the museum at Cantina Zeni, which tells the story of wine in the area all the way the back to Roman times.

Out and about

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

• Lakeside promenade with cycle paths
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips, boat rentals and local ferries
• Bike hire
• Live concerts at San Severo Church
• Wine tasting
• Local wine museum and olive oil museum
• Theme parks
• Historic churches
• Local market on Thursdays

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Top things to see and do in Bardolino

Beaches

Bardolino beaches

There are no sandy beaches in Bardolino, but you'll find a mix of pebble and grass areas in the direction of Lazise or Garda. Some have sun loungers to rent, with showers too. The sun sets on the opposite side of the lake, so you can lay back on a lounger and enjoy the sunshine well into the evening.

The Lido Mirabello

The Lido Mirabello is just two minutes' walk from the harbour and has a bar and restaurant. You can rent sun loungers and parasols on the well-kept lawn. Lie on a lounger under the palm trees and feel the warmth of the Italian sun before cooling off with a dip.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Bardolino hosts the second largest weekly market on Lake Garda. All the usual suspects are on display - leather goods, Italian pottery and souvenirs. Pick up an ice-cream and stroll along the stalls.

Mid-range buys

There are plenty of shops and boutiques towards the centre of town, away from the lakefront, including lots of places to buy clothes and leather goods. Bardolino's not bad for food and wine shops too.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Dusk, late-night shopping, ice-cream galore, Bardolino makes for a lovely evening stroll. Fancy a little sit down? The palace courtyard, set back from the lake, is perfect for a drink under the stars.

Lively evenings

Bardolino is always a happening place in the summer, but it pulls out all the stops during the wine festivals. The Palio del Chiaretto is dedicated to rosé wine, while Festa dell'Uva e del Vino is all about Italian wine full stop. Sip an ice-cool glass, watch the live shows and look forward to an evening of fireworks on the lake.

Food & drink

Dining on the prom

Bardolino's promenade is full of cafés, gelaterias and restaurants, and if you head up its little cobbled side streets, you'll stumble across even more restaurants to choose from.

Getting about

Buses

The bus station is just off the main road next to the tourist office. You can choose between two types of bus - a local one that runs around Bardolino and the outskirts to Cisano, or a bus that goes a little further, covering the eastern shore of Lake Garda.

Passenger ferries

The ferry from Bardolino stops at various lakeside towns, including Riva and Garda, and is a relaxing way to admire the beauty of the lake. You'll find the port next to the Piazza Catullo.

On foot

Bardolino is on the southern part of the lake, where the paths are relatively flat and easily walkable. And if you feel like a rest, there'll be a café along any moment.

Walking

Walking the promenade

The 3km-long lakeside promenade goes all the way to Garda and you can take it at your own pace, with lots of stops for drinks and ice-cream. Or head in the opposite direction to Cisano and Lazise.

Stay in Bardolino

You could spend the day getting lost in Bardolino's maze-like alleyways or climb to La Rocca for views across the lake and the town.

A stroll to Lazise

Start from the ferry point and turn right down the promenade towards the town of Lazise. The walk should take about an hour and a half, but the terrain is nice and gentle, with flat paths and pebbled beaches. There are lots of potential pitstops along the way.