Desenzano holidays

Popular holidays

Choose a holiday to Desenzano to explore one of the largest and most stylish cosmopolitan towns on Lake Garda, with plenty of culture and fab transport links.

Something for everyone

Desenzano is famous for its archaeological museum, its elaborate Roman Villa and the fashionable boutiques crammed into its higgledy-piggledy streets. For foodies, there are gelaterias, cafés and classic Italian restaurants around practically every corner – so you can enjoy discovering all sorts of culinary delights during your stay. A large market spreads out along the lakefront each week for those on the trail of a bargain or two. And for those whose holiday no. 1 is time by the water, you can follow the esplanade along the shore from the harbour to reach shingle beaches on either side of the town.

Sounds of summer

If music is your thing, there are lots of classical and jazz concerts you can catch over the summer – some of which are held in the dramatic setting of the town’s hilltop stone castle. Desenzano is also well-known as a nightlife hotspot on the lake, with beach clubs and late-night bars giving the place a real buzz once the sun drops – a fun time to people-watch and soak up that summery feeling.

More to see

One of the few resorts on the lake that has a train station, you’ll have easy access to the likes of Milan, Verona, Brescia and Venice if you’re wanting to explore some of the iconic northern Italian cities during your trip. Rather stick by the lake? Ferry-hop over to the picturesque Sirmione peninsula, or head right over to the eastern side of the lake to check out other lively towns such as Bardolino and Garda.

Out and about

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

• Lake bathing
• Museum
• Roman villa
• Cathedral
• Market

Popular hotels in Desenzano

Top things to see and do in Desenzano

Beaches

The Rivoltella beach

One of the best beaches is about 20 minutes' walk away in the direction of Sirmione. The Rivoltella area has a free pebble beach, with sun loungers and parasols available to hire, plus toilets, cabins and showers available.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club is 3km from the town centre. It has a beach, lounge bar, restaurant and nightclub and is open daily.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Desenzano hosts the largest market on Lake Garda, along the lakefront promenade. Every week, people come from miles around to pick up a few bargains.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Wandering along the lakefront promenade, there are plenty of bars and cafés where you can sit and contemplate the view. The harbour itself is also worth a peaceful stroll.

Lively evenings

From June to September, Desenzano is home to the famous Notti Bianche, or the White Night party. Tradition has it that everyone wears white for an evening of live music, street performances, shows and markets.

Food & drink

Dine by the water

Desenzano offers a range of restaurants, from cheap and cheerful pizzerias to gourmet dining. Most are spread along the lakeside promenade, but you'll pay slightly more for the location.

Dining in town

If you'd like an authentic Italian meal that may be better value for money, head away from the lakefront and towards the backstreets.

Getting about

Buses

An efficient bus service runs to most other towns around the lake, all the way up the west shore to Riva.

Passenger ferries

Motorships, catamarans and hydrofoils all run from Desenzano to most of the other towns around the lake.

On foot

Desenzano town is a maze of narrow streets opening into piazzas, as well as a harbour and a lakeside promenade.

Walking

Strolling on the promenade

Explore the narrow streets and when you arrive at the harbour, turn towards the promenade and enjoy the lake views. Follow the 2km promenade along the shore and you'll come to a shingle beach.