Watersports on Lake Garda: Where to go and what to try

For calmer waters in the south:

• Paddle-boarding
• Swimming
• Boat trips

For stronger winds in the north:

• Windsurfing
• Kayaking
• Sailing

TUI’s top spots: Sirmione and Peschiera

Paddle-boarding’s an easy one to pick up on Lake Garda, especially down south where the water tends to stay calmer. Boards are wide and forgiving, so you can start off kneeling and work up to standing as you find your balance – usually sooner than expected.

Hire a board and head out yourself or join a stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) experience around Sirmione to see the peninsula from a unique, on-the-water perspective. With an instructor taking the lead, you’ll drift past the caves of Catullus, Scaliger Castle and Jamaica Beach – one of Europe’s best lake beaches.

Or there’s a SUP experience in Peschiera, where routes weave through canals and under bridges, giving it a Venice-like feel. Both are relaxed, guided sessions that help build confidence as you go.

Top tip: Head out early in the morning (before 10am) for the calmest water.

TUI’s top spots: Garda and Lazise

Stunning alpine backdrops, clear freshwater, no salt left on your skin – Lake Garda makes a refreshing switch from your usual sea swim. In late summer, the southern end warms to around 21-24°C, after months of steady sunshine. It’s the kind of set-up that suits longer, unhurried swims with open views across the lake and mountains rising in the distance. The warmer water makes it a great place for swimming with kids too.

In Garda town, pebbly beaches sit just a short stroll from the centre, with cafés close enough for an easy gelato stop. Lazise is quieter, with gently sloping entry points and a more relaxed vibe – plus it’s one of the few resorts on Lake Garda with sandy stretches at spots like Spiaggia d’Oro.

Top tip: Pack water shoes and a mat or thick towel to get comfy on the pebbly shores.
 

TUI’s top spots: Bardolino and Sirmione

Heading out on the water by boat can be as lively or laid-back as you like. You can hire a small motorboat for a more hands-on way to explore at your own pace. Just make sure to stick to the southern spots, as private motorboats can’t go further north than Malcesine. Or, in places like Bardolino, hop on local ferries to cruise between nearby towns. Guided trips run along the coast too, gliding past scenic sights like Punta San Vigilio and grand lakeside villas.

Around Sirmione, boat tours circle the peninsula, with views back to the old town. Sunset cruises slow things down, often with wine or aperitif breaks on board. For something faster, private skippered speedboats add a bit more freedom, with swimming stops built in.

TUI’s top spots: Riva and Torbole

Stand on a board, tilt the handheld sail to catch the wind, and you’re off – windsurfing often clicks quicker than you’d imagine. Riva and neighbouring Torbole are two of Lake Garda’s main hubs for it, and both are well set up for beginners as well as seasoned windsurfers. Both resorts have strong reputations thanks to their reliable thermal winds: the punchier morning Pelèr and the softer afternoon Ora, which is better for easing into things.

There’s a well-established scene here, from easy water access to rental spots and plenty of lessons. Windsurfers often move between Riva and Torbole depending on the wind, but you don’t need to overthink it – for many, it’s just about getting out and seeing how it feels. Torbole’s Surf Segnana Beach is a good starting point, with space to spread out, plus first-timer sessions and gear hire on hand.

TUI’s top spots: Limone and Malcesine

Get out on the water in a kayak and things slow right down – it’s super quiet and peaceful being out on the open water. Limone and Malcesine are two of the best spots in the north, each with a slightly different vibe. In Limone, you can paddle beneath limestone cliffs and into tucked-away coves you couldn’t reach on foot. There are hire points dotted along the waterfront where you can grab equipment or book a guided session, if you’d rather have a bit of direction.

Over in Malcesine, the views shift to Scaliger Castle rising above the lake, backed by peaks. It’s a super Insta-worthy scene you’ll definitely want to snap a picture of. Kayaks are up for grabs right by the lakefront, just a short walk from the old town.

Top tip: Paddle out early (before 10am) for the calmest water, especially if you’re with kids or just starting out.
 

TUI’s top spots: Malcesine and Riva

There’s no place like Lake Garda for getting the wind in your sails (literally). The steady breeze and that alpine-meets-Mediterranean backdrop give it a real edge for sailing. Around Malcesine, you’ve got Monte Baldo rising behind you and views of Scaliger Castle as you sail out. Just north of town, Navene’s where you can hire dinghies or catamarans, with beginner-friendly lessons if you’re still learning the ropes. The afternoon Ora wind tends to be more forgiving, making it ideal for settling into a slower cruise.

Further north, Riva has stronger winds and a lively, on-the-water scene. It’s perfect for more practised sailors, but the conditions are predictable enough to plan around if you’re just starting out. Though if you’d rather skip the technical side, skippered boats can be arranged, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Author: Charlotte Baldwin

Last updated: 08/07/2026