Bourgas Region
Lake Garda Holidays
from £ 329 pp
View All DealsHolidays to Lake Garda contrast the dramatic mountain backdrop with the peaceful, glistening waters of the lake, and the collection of traditional towns and villages with Italy’s most iconic cities, right on your doorstep.
Landscape of contrast
Much like the sweetness of the Hugo Spritz and the bitterness of the Aperol, Lake Garda is a region of contrasts. The largest and most popular of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda lies midway between Milan and Venice, and is the beating heart of northern Italy. With shorelines stretching over 90 miles, covering three regions, and 15 chocolate-box towns, there is a perfect destination for everyone. Each town has retained its character and culture, its relaxed way of life and its ability to celebrate life and the land.
The dramatic north
Mountainous landscapes, hillside villages and harbour towns line the shores of the narrower, northern end of Lake Garda. There are ample opportunities for adventuring, on a walk through the hillside of Malcesine, or simply a stroll along the cobbled promenade of Limone. Known for its breezier climate, watersports are somewhat of a favourite here – and even if you’re not taking part, you can spend hours watching the water, while sitting on the lakefront of Torbole with an ice cream or spritz. This area was historically under Austrian rule, so reminders of the centuries-old invasion threats appear in the most northerly towns of Riva and Torbole.
The sun-wrapped south
The south of Lake Garda is much flatter and wider, with the Sirmione peninsula protruding from the south. Known for its mild, Mediterranean climate, an array of olive trees and lemon groves flourish here, which is unusual this far north of the equator. Vineyards also surround Bardolino and Lazise, and produce a collection of world-renowned wines. The pebble beaches of Desenzano and Garda town slide into the clear waters and provide a relaxing setting for a day of soaking up the sun. The charming harbour of Peschiera, fortress walls of Torri del Benaco and Scaligeri Castles stand in honour to the Veronese and Venetian rulers and offer plentiful opportunities to wander, admire and learn.
At a glance
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Sip a refreshing Hugo Spritz at the lakefront Cristallo Café in Riva
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Gently meander along Bardolino’s sun-kissed promenade in the calm summer breeze
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Navigate the narrow cobbled streets of Venice and watch the sun set over the lagoon
Destinations in Lake Garda
Top Destinations
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Bardolino
Holidays to Bardolino, one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda, will let you spend sunny days drifting between independent shops, pavement cafés and pizzerias.
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Limone
Holidays to Limone invite you to explore a beautiful cliffside town, with a bustling waterfront and winding cobbled streets, surrounded by colourful lemon groves.
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Malcesine
On a holiday to Malcesine, you'll explore a picturesque town and ancient harbour with breathtaking views of the Monte Baldo Mountain, plus the most romantic of the four Scaligeri Castles.
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Riva
A lively harbour town with a charming historic centre, Riva bridges the gap between the Italian Alps and the northern coast of Lake Garda.
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Garda
There's so much to see on a holiday to Garda, an ever-popular town on the eastern shore of the lake, dotted with age-old cypress trees, pavement cafés and waterfront villas.
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Gardone Riviera
This community of villages on the western shore of Lake Garda is known for its botanical gardens and parks, so holidays to Gardone Riviera will certainly give you plenty to look at.
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Sirmione
Holidays to Sirmione offer thermal springs, a 13th century castle and some of the prettiest beaches on Lake Garda, all on a unique island promontory on the southern lakeshore.
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Desenzano
Choose a holiday to Desenzano to explore one of the largest and most stylish cosmopolitan towns on Lake Garda, with plenty of culture and great transport links.
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Torri Del Benaco
Holidays to Torri del Benaco let you explore an unspoilt medieval village on Lake Garda, at the foot of the Monte Baldo Mountain.
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Torbole
Great beaches, a ton of watersports, and a beautiful old town long-favoured by artists - there’s so much to see and do on holidays to Torbole.
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Lazise
There's an abundance of little nooks and crannies to explore on holidays to Lazise, a charming, thousand-year-old town.
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Peschiera
A fortressed Roman town with pretty canals and easy access to Venice, Verona and Milan - there's so much to see on a holiday to Peschiera.