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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.

Where to stay in Bardolino

Sisan Family Resort

With a huge pool, kids’ splash pool, waterslides and heaps of kid-friendly activities, there’s loads going on here for little ones. Plus, it’s a short stroll to the centre of Bardolino and the lake’s shore.

Where to stay in Riva

Hotel Du Lac et Du Parc

The Du Lac and Du Parc’s super-sized gardens stretch to the lake’s shore, with a handy sailing school, beach area and lakeside path right on your doorstep. Add in pools, a weekly activity programme and top-notch food and you’ve every base covered.

Where to stay in Malcesine

Hotel Sole

Teens are in for a treat here when it comes to mealtimes. You’ll stay All-Inclusive, so from waking up hungry to post-adventure refuels, you’re sorted. The pool’s perfect for energetic kids to let off steam, with tiptop views for the grownups. Heading out? You can cycle along the lake to Malcesine or hop on a bus.

Where to stay in Sirmione

Hotel Meridiana

The Meridiana’s a charming, family-run hotel tucked in the old town, close to the lake and historic spots. Start your day with a tasty breakfast and don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a spot of scenic chill-time.

Where to stay in Peschiera

Bella Italia Apartments

When it comes to activities, you’ve everything from archery to volleyball as well as five outdoor pools. There’s a supermarket on hand for rustling up a family fave or head to one of the four restaurants.

Where to stay in Castelnuovo (Gardaland)

Gasparina Village Apartments

These colourful, practical apartments make the perfect base for heading to nearby Gardaland. For chilled family days, there’s a lagoon-style pool with slides, fun-filled games at the kids’ club and plenty of sun loungers if you want to lie back and relax.

Lake Garda for families: FAQs

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.

Author: Robinia Wareham

Last updated: 19.05.2026