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Where to stay on Lake Garda: 7 lesser-known gems

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest and best-loved lake, with lakeside towns like Garda, Bardolino, Sirmione and Riva especially popular. But they’re not the only places where you can experience the Italian good life that Lake Garda holidays are all about. Whether you’ve visited before and want to try somewhere new, or just prefer to get off the well-trodden track, these lesser-known Lake Garda resorts are sure to win you over.

Lake Garda – your way

Use our interactive resort finder to find the best place for you to stay based on what you love to do.

Maderno – for a little bit of everything

This pretty, pastel-coloured village on the lake’s west shore is one of Lake Garda’s least-known spots, meaning you’ll feel like you’ve uncovered a true hidden gem on a holiday here. It’s a quiet place but with all the ingredients of a classic lake break: a waterside promenade lined with cafés, a week’s worth of beaches and lemon groves, olive trees and vineyards adding a Mediterranean feel.

Maderno’s backed by the lush green Monte Pizzocolo, with lots of walking trails to choose from high above the lake. And it’s easy to get out on the water too – hire paddleboards and canoes from the beach, or take a boat trip over to the secluded island of Isola del Garda.
Terracotta-coloured hotels and other buildings lining a lake harbour with trees and hills beyond.
Where to stay in Maderno: the Hotel Milano is bursting with classic Italian charm and gives you front-row views over the lake.

Torbole – for walkers and cyclists

If getting out among Lake Garda’s incredible natural scenery is on your list, you need to know about Torbole. Right up in the north-west corner of the lake and surrounded by mountains, this relaxed village boasts natural scenery turned up to 10.

You won’t be short of walking routes around here, but you’ll definitely want to add the 8.1km Tempesta Trail to your list. One of the best walks around Lake Garda, it’ll take you high above the terracotta tiles of Torbole and neighbouring town Riva, to a viewpoint where you can drink in the unforgettable view straight down the lake, framed by mountains. If you prefer exploring on two wheels to two feet, there are lots of lovely cycle routes too.
View through trees over a red-roofed town beside a lake.
Where to stay in Torbole: the Hotel Caraveli in the village centre has an outdoor pool with mountain views, plus bikes for hire.

Desenzano – for explorers

If you want to explore further afield than just Lake Garda on your holiday, Desenzano should be on your list. There’s a train station in town, meaning it’s easy to visit iconic Italian cities like Milan, Venice and Verona for a day. You can easily get to loads of other spots around Lake Garda from here too, with plenty of ferries connecting Desenzano with places like Sirmione, Bardolino and Salò. And there’s lots to see in Desenzano itself as well, from the archaeological museum and elaborate Roman Villa to all the boutiques and eateries that fill the town’s higgledy-piggledy streets.
Aerial view down over red-roofed buildings with a small harbour filled with boats.
Where to stay in Desenzano: the central, modern Hotel Nazionale’s a 15-minute walk from the station and less from the lakefront.

Peschiera – for history buffs

Peschiera’s crammed with canals, cobblestones and colourful buildings – and it’s a town with a colourful history too. A fortified town built on a Roman settlement, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can still see some of the ancient ruins. The town also played a key role in World War I so whether you're into ancient or 20th-century history you’ll find plenty to discover. In the evenings, take a stroll down the long lakefront promenade, or settle in with a drink at a canalside café, and watch the sunset turn the sky all kinds of colours.
Bright, multi-coloured buildings lining the side of a harbour with a rowing boat in the foreground.
Where to stay in Peschiera: The Hotel Bella's a modern pick, but being just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town makes it an ideal base to get stuck into Peschiera’s past.

Lasize – for beach lovers

If a beach is your holiday must-have, Lasize will hit the spot. Most of the beaches around Lake Garda are pebbly but Lasize is home to some of the few sandy ones. The standout beach is considered to be Spiaggia d’Oro, a gorgeous curve of golden sand that’s perfect for a spot of lakeside lounging. It’s just a short stroll from Lasize’s historic centre, and this is a town that takes charm to whole new levels. Its colourful harbour is home to bobbing fishing boats and plenty of bars and restaurants, where you can sit back and soak up the sunset.
Multi-coloured buildings lining a harbour full of small boats with an Italian flag flying beside.
Where to stay in Lasize: the Hotel Bella Lasize has a large outdoor pool, bright rooms and is in a peaceful spot.

Gardone Riviera – for garden enthusiasts

This part of Lake Garda’s known for its lush botanical gardens, opulent villas and lavish bloom-filled parks. Gardone’s backed by tree-covered hills with mountains to the north, creating a wonderful subtropical climate that’s behind the booming plant life. It’s one of the quietest spots on the lake, so it’s ideal for a laid-back break – fill your days with walks along the lakefront and wanders through the botanic gardens. And don’t miss a visit to Il Vittoriale – an intriguing complex of gardens and waterways filled with interesting artefacts.
Bright yellow buildings partly obscured by tall trees with tree-covered hills beyond.
Where to stay in Gardone Riviera: the listed Grand Hotel Gardone is right on the lakefront, and oozes Italian grandeur and glamour.

Padenghe sul Garda – for wine lovers

This peaceful, red-roofed village is filled with cobbled streets and something pretty round every corner. It’s in the Valtènesi region, known for its wines, and the rolling hills around Padenghe are covered with vines and olive groves. Walking paths lead you to rural villages and tucked away wineries, where you can settle in for an afternoon tasting. Down by the lakeside, you’ve got a colourful harbour, pebbly beaches and a lakeside path dotted with cafés and bars serving local tipples.
Boats on a blue lake just off the shore of a red roofed village surrounded by trees.
Where to stay in Padenghe sul Garda: the five-star Splendido Bay Luxury Spa Resort has a spa, private beach and a well-stocked wine cellar.
Take a look at everywhere you can stay on Lake Garda, or visit our Italy homepage for more tips and inspo.

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 14/05/2026

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