Best places to stay on a family holiday to Lake Garda

From action-packed days windsurfing, cycling and walking to lazy hours swimming, beach lounging and strolling along the prom, there’s everything and more for a fab family holiday on Lake Garda.

Lake beaches deliver when you feel like taking it easy, with grassy spots for friendly ball game rivalry, pebbly coves for a lake dip and cafés on hand for gelato stop number…actually, no one’s counting. Quality local pizza and pasta will keep every age of appetite happy and whichever town you visit, you’ll stumble across colourful buildings and age-old castles bound to spark little imaginations.

The best Lake Garda resort for your family depends on the type of holiday you want. Southern Lake Garda spots such as Bardolino, Peschiera and Castelnuovo tend to work best for younger children thanks to flatter promenades, access to some of Italy’s best theme parks and easier transport links. Meanwhile, towns towards the north of the lake like Riva, Torbole and Malcesine are better suited to active families interested in watersports, mountain biking and hiking.

So, if you’re up for a family holiday in Lake Garda, check out the best resorts and our top picks of where to stay.

Best for: families with young children

Bardolino’s great if you’re looking to explore with little ones. The town’s car-free centre makes it easy to get around and it’s pretty flat too. Boat trips head off in all directions and it’s a 20-minute hop on the bus to the local theme parks, so there’s always something to keep the little – and big – kids entertained.

The buggy-friendly promenade stretches all the way to Garda in one direction and Lazise in the other, perfect for stretching your legs while the little one takes a nap. Or for a more speedy zip along the prom, the wide, flat path’s got family cycle ride written all over it.

Bardolino’s beaches are just the thing when you’re up for a lazy day. Pull up a sun lounger on the grass or lay out your towel at the water’s edge, with plenty of Insta-worthy scenery to catch your eye as you doze off. Add in paddling, pedaloes and playgrounds ‒ what’s not to like?

Best for: watersports

If watersports are your thing, Riva and its neighbour Torbole are right up there for places to go. For starters, there’s the natural breeze created by the mix of tall mountains and a narrower shoreline than at the southern end of the lake. Plus, there’s a huge range on offer – windsurfing, paddleboarding, sailing – the list goes on. Add to that plenty of places to hire kit or book a lesson and the kids’ll be busy for hours.

Back on dry land, switch to pedal power and follow the cycle trail to Torbole – why not add in a pizza pitstop before heading back? The Ponale path is another must-do, with hairpin bends and tunnels burrowed through rocks, plus a wow-worthy view of Riva as you walk, cycle or stop for another pic for the family album.

When you fancy dialling down the energy levels, chill out on the lake beaches with grassy lidos for a game or two and crystal-clear waters for a swim in the lake. For an indoor option, head to the Reptiland museum for all the lowdown on snakes and spiders.

Best for: active teens

Malcesine’s tucked on the right-hand side of the lake, with the mighty Monte Baldo serving up walking, climbing, mountain biking and a top-of-the-world vista, so it’s got what it takes to impress your teen. A cable car whisks you up, with rotating cabins and a ride worth it for the view alone. From there, you’ve got some of the best walks around Lake Garda, with circular paths perfect for easy rambles and hiking trails for energetic adventurers. Take your bike on the cable car and head off on two wheels, then it’s an adrenaline-charged descent back down. And most Snapchattable of all, treat the teen to a tandem paraglide – that’s a first, right?

Whatever your fave watersport, the lake’s got you covered too. While away the hours kayaking, kitesurfing or paddleboarding to name but a few. Or, if you’re sitting this one out, there’s a lakeside spot with your name on it for some R&R and the historic town’s right there for afternoon coffee o’clock.

Best for: historical haunts

Perched on a strip of land jutting out into the water, Sirmione’s standout setting’s sure to earn a ‘wow’ from the kids. Castello Scaligero’s been guarding the Old Town since the 14th century. Imagine days-gone-by-battles from the battlements and brave the count-the-stairs climb to the top. Speaking of brave, the castle’s said to be haunted, so keep your eyes peeled.

Amble up the peninsula and you’ll find the Grotte di Catullo archaeological site. Once a luxury Roman mansion, you can wander the ruins before topping up your Roman knowhow in the museum – family quiz anyone?

With wellness here also dating back to Roman times, Sirmione’s got zen down to a T. Hot natural springs serve up soothing waters for an afternoon taking it easy. Pair that with browsing local shops in the town’s colourful alleyways and you’ve just the thing for some mum and daughter time too.

Best for: exploring lots of spots

Peschiera’s a top spot to nab yourself a lovely lakeside base and set off somewhere different each day. Visiting lakeside towns by bus and boat’s a breeze and it’s worth checking out Peschiera’s railway station for exploring further afield. Big-hitters like Verona and Venice are easy to visit on a day trip, so you can get that family gondola pic or a snap of Juliet’s balcony. Insta-post envy’s on you.

Another winner is the Mincio cycle route, known locally as the longest green motorway. It winds its way through medieval villages for miles and with no cars allowed, it’s a relaxed and nature-friendly way to see the area. For theme park thrills, hop on the free bus to Caneva World Waterpark and Movieland and Gardaland’s just up the road too.

Add to that Peschiera’s own top-notch credentials – UNESCO World Heritage Site, canals and colourful buildings, and there’s more than enough to fill your week.

Best for: theme parks

Staying in Castelnuovo puts theme park magic at the heart of your holiday. You’re a skip and a hop from Gardaland, one of Italy’s most famous amusement parks. Ride the rollercoasters, laugh along to the shows and wonder at the marine life at the Sea Life Aquarium, the fun goes on and on. And if that’s not enough, the huge waterpark at Caneva World and the Movieland theme park are close by too.

Find out more about the best theme parks on a family holiday in Lake Garda.

Is north or south Lake Garda better for children?

Choosing between north or south Lake Garda depends on the sort of things you want to do. North Lake Garda has more dramatic mountain scenery and loads of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and watersports. Southern Lake Garda towns tend to be flatter, with public transport and frequent ferries making it easier to get around, suiting families looking for a more laid-back trip.

Which Lake Garda resort is best for toddlers?

Bardolino is a great choice for families with toddlers and very small children thanks to its mostly flat, car-free town centre and buggy-friendly promenade. You’ve also got plenty of hotels and self-catering apartments with pools to pick from.

Which Lake Garda town is closest to theme parks?

Castelnuovo is the closest Lake Garda resort to Gardaland, one of Italy’s best-known theme parks, as well as waterparks. It’s also easy to get to theme parks from places like Peschiera, which is just up the road and has a free bus to Caneva World Waterpark and Movieland.

Which Lake Garda resorts are best for teenagers?

For active or adventure-loving teenagers, Malcesine, Riva and Torbole are often the best fit thanks to mountain cable cars, watersports and dramatic mountain scenery. Sirmione at the southern tip of the lake has castles and Roman ruins to explore, as well as a hot natural springs to relax in.

Can you get around Lake Garda by public transport?

Yes – Lake Garda’s easy to explore by public transport, especially from resorts like Sirmione and Garda, which are particularly well-connected by ferries and buses. Boat-hopping between towns is a fun way to see more of the lake. Towns like Peschiera and Desenzano have train stations too – useful for exploring other places like Verona and Venice.

Browse Lake Garda deals to start planning your trip or discover more Italy inspo for the perfect family holiday.