Garda holidays

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There's so much to see on holidays to Garda, an ever-popular town on the eastern shore of the lake, dotted with age-old cypress trees, pavement cafés and waterfront villas.

Soak in the atmosphere

Garda's tree-lined promenade stretches along the water's edge for over a mile and is the centre of town life. Filled with gelaterias and cafés, it makes for a pleasant stroll along the shore to Bardolino. When evening comes around, music and street entertainers get going and the cobbled, pedestrianised streets throughout the medieval town really spring into life. Locals come out to see and be seen on their traditional passeggiata, or early evening walk – it's the perfect time to stop by a lakefront bar for a spritz or a vino.

Easy afternoons at the beach

Garda sits within a wide bay, and there’s a few beaches you’ll want to know about before you go. On the promenade close to Garda’s centre is La Cavalla beach, just the spot to enjoy a pebbly paddle during the day or a laidback limoncello with the sunset. For something even more special, it’s worth paying a little extra to visit the Mermaid Bay Park and Beach in Punta San Vigilio. The peninsula is in a class of its own when it comes to old-world romantic charm, and you can tie a trip to the beach here with a wander down to the harbour past centuries-old buildings and olive groves.

Fortresses and palaces

Hard to miss is La Rocca – the steep hill between Garda and Bardonlino where the ruins of a 5^th century fortress and watch tower lie. This imposing landmark gives the lake its name, ‘Garda’ coming from the ancient Germanic term Warda, meaning ‘watch’ or ‘lookout’. If you’re up for the short but steep climb to the stop you’ll be met with spectacular views, but there are plenty other historical spots which are easier to get to. Take lunch on the piazza outside the Palazzo dei Capitani, a 14^th century building in Venetian Gothic style which was once a palace for the Captain of Lake Garda.

Out and about

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

• Lakeside promenade with cycle paths
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Tennis courts
• Markets
• Local museums

Popular hotels in Garda

Top things to see and do in Garda

Beaches

La Cavalla Beach

Pebbly La Cavalla beach is a short stroll along the promenade towards Bardolino. You can rent loungers and there are bars and restaurants too.

Lido Garda Beach

Head towards Torri del Benaco along the promenade and you'll come to the Lido Garda Beach Café. The beach is man-made, and the café here often has music playing.

Mermaid Bay beach

About 3km from Garda is Baia della Sirene, or Mermaid Bay. It's a relaxing pebble beach with a beach club, entertainment, childcare and food stalls. The entrance fee includes use of the car park, deck chairs, showers and toilets.

Shopping

Bargain buys

On Friday mornings, head down to the bustling market along the lakefront promenade. While prices aren't as low as you may expect for a market, the quality of the goods is generally really good. Buy some traditional Italian pottery, leather goods or gifts to take home. The market travels from town to town throughout the week, so if Friday doesn't work for you, you can find it in another lakeside town another day.

Mid-range buys

Garda has lots of small shops and boutiques. You can pick up Murano glass here without having to go to Venice, although it can be quite pricey.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Most shops in the town stay open later into the evening. Go for an evening browse, or head along the promenade and gaze over the lights twinkling in the lake.

Lively evenings

With Garda being the capital of the lake, and one of the largest lakeside towns, there's usually a lively atmosphere. Bars often host live music Ï Can e Gatto and Tait¥ have a great atmosphere and live music each week. At times throughout the season, festivals and firework displays take place in Garda and the nearby town of Bardolino Ï including the annual Bardolino wine festivals in June and September.

Food & drink

Meat and fish

Garda restaurants tend to serve up Italian and European cuisine, with a focus on meat and fish. Your best bet to find a favourite spot is on the lakefront. The bars here offer nibbles with an aperitivo to get you in the mood for a meal.

Local favourites at La Bussola

For traditional restaurants and al fresco tables, head to the heart of Garda's old town.

Getting about

Buses

There's a free bus service that runs in the mornings and later afternoons - just hop on and off to get about. You can also catch a bus to towns around the lake from the bus station on the Corsa Italia.

Passenger ferries

The views across the lake are beautiful, and one of the best ways to see them is from the lake itself. Take the ferry from the lakefront promenade, sit back and enjoy.

On foot

Take a ramble down the tree-lined promenade and see the water glinting through the branches. Or head into town and meander down pedestrianised, cobbled streets. Garda is a stroller's town.

Walking

Lakeside strolls

The lakeside promenade is lined with restaurants and shops on one side and sparkling blue waters on the other, and stretches 3km to Bardolino. It should take you about 45 minutes or so, and you can always catch a ferry for the return.