Lake Garda attractions:
The most beautiful destinations around the lake.
Picturesque alleyways, stunning mountain scenery and a Mediterranean zest for life: Lake Garda captivates visitors with a wealth of attractions just waiting to be discovered. In the north, steep cliffs meet turquoise-blue waters; along the shores, charming villages invite you to take a stroll; and in the south, historic castles and Roman villas tell tales of times gone by.
Discover the most beautiful sights around Lake Garda and be inspired to embark on unforgettable excursions.
Sights in the north of Lake Garda: where the mountains meet the lake.
This is where Lake Garda shows itself at its most impressive: towering mountain peaks, charming harbour towns and spectacular viewpoints characterise the landscape. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine nature, exercise and the Italian way of life.

Riva del Garda.
Set amongst imposing mountains and sparkling waters, Riva del Garda exudes its own unique charm. Stroll through the historic old town, enjoy an espresso in Piazza III Novembre or discover the Torre Apponale and the ancient water fortress, the Rocca. Those who wish to explore the surrounding area will be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Varone Waterfall.
Just a few kilometres from Riva del Garda, an impressive natural spectacle awaits. In the Grotta Cascata del Varone, a waterfall plunges down through a narrow rocky gorge. Via footbridges and through caves, you can get right up close to the roaring waters – a fascinating interplay of water, rock and light.

Torbole.
Colourful houses, sailing boats and a stunning mountain backdrop make Torbole one of the most beautiful places on the northern shore of Lake Garda. The small harbour is a lovely place to linger, whilst the steady winds draw sailors and windsurfers out onto the water. Enjoy the lively atmosphere or explore the surrounding area on a walk, for example up Monte Brione between Torbole and Riva del Garda.

Limone sul Garda.
Limone sul Garda lies nestled between steep rock faces and the deep-blue lake. Winding alleyways, flower-bedecked houses and historic lemon groves lend the town its distinctive character. The Limonaia del Castèl is particularly worth a visit, as it tells the story of the long tradition of lemon cultivation. A stroll along the lakeside promenade rounds off the visit.

Tremosine.
High above the western shore, Tremosine offers a completely new perspective on Lake Garda. The famous Strada della Forra winds its way through a spectacular rocky gorge up to the plateau. Once at the top, the Terrazza del Brivido ( often aptly referred to asthe ‘Thrill Terrace’) offers an unforgettable panoramic view some 350 metres above the water.

Malcesine.
Narrow cobbled streets, small boutiques and an imposing castle right by the lake: Malcesine is one of the most picturesque towns on Lake Garda. The Castello Scaligero towers high above the rooftops. Those wishing to go even higher can take the cable car up to Monte Baldo and enjoy sweeping views across the lake and mountains.
Monte Baldo.
High up, far above the lake.
Even the journey on the panoramic cable car from Malcesine up to Monte Baldo is an experience in itself. In around 15 minutes, you’ll reach an altitude of approximately 1,760 metres, whilst the rotating cabins offer ever-changing views of Lake Garda. Once at the top, numerous walking trails invite you to explore the alpine landscape. Particularly beautiful is the circular walk, around 3.6 kilometres long, over the Colma di Malcesine ridge, which delights with magnificent panoramic views and takes about two hours. Those wishing to go higher can hike to Cima Pozzette at 2,125 metres. The mountain huts, serving regional specialities, are the perfect place for a relaxing break.
Our tip: Set off as early as possible in the morning, when it’s even quieter at the cable car. Even in summer, remember to bring a light jacket and sturdy footwear – it can be significantly cooler on Monte Baldo than down by the lake.
Sights on the western shore of Lake Garda: a blend of culture and Mediterranean elegance.
Historic villas, magnificent gardens and idyllic lakeside promenades: on the western shore of Lake Garda, the Italian way of life blends with a unique sense of tranquillity. Here, cultural treasures and charming little villages await, inviting you to explore and enjoy them.

Gargnano.
Small fishing harbours, elegant villas and a relaxed atmosphere make Gargnano a special retreat on Lake Garda. Stroll through the narrow alleyways, explore the historic lemon greenhouses or let your gaze wander across the water from the lakeside promenade. Here, Lake Garda reveals its quieter side.

Isola del Garda.
A magnificent villa, lush gardens and, all around, the sparkling waters of Lake Garda: Isola del Garda is an extraordinary destination. On a guided tour, you’ll discover the impressive architecture and the beautifully maintained gardens of this private island. Even the boat journey there makes the visit a special experience.

Salò.
Salò welcomes you with one of the most beautiful lakeside promenades on Lake Garda. Stylish cafés, small shops and historic façades line the bay. The late-Gothic cathedral and the charming old town are also well worth a visit. It’s the ideal place to combine culture and the Italian zest for life in a relaxed atmosphere.
A-ROSA Hotel on Lake Garda.
Picturesque villages, historic castles and stunning natural scenery: the most beautiful sights around Lake Garda are just waiting to be discovered by you.
The A-ROSA Lake Garda, situated above Salò, is the ideal base for a variety of excursions around the lake. Explore charming old towns, enjoy spectacular views and let yourself be enchanted by the Italian way of life. After an eventful day, the A-ROSA offers soothing wellness experiences, delicious cuisine and plenty of space to relax. This ensures that every excursion becomes a special holiday experience.
Sights on the eastern shore of Lake Garda: la dolce vita amongst olive groves and vineyards.
Sunny waterfront promenades, medieval castles and rolling hills dotted with olive trees: the eastern shore exudes that Mediterranean way of life. It’s a wonderful place to spend the day, whether taking a stroll along the water’s edge, visiting historic sites or enjoying a glass of local wine.

Torri del Benaco.
A picturesque harbour, colourful house facades and a medieval castle make Torri del Benaco a special place to visit. Discover the Castello Scaligero or enjoy a cappuccino right by the water’s edge. Things really come to life on Mondays, when the traditional weekly market fills the old town and the waterfront promenade with regional specialities, Italian fashion and a colourful market atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets and soak up the Italian way of life.
Our tip: The weekly market takes place every Monday from around 8 am to 1 pm. If you arrive early, you can combine your visit to the market with a leisurely breakfast at the harbour.

Bardolino.
Bardolino is famous for its red wine of the same name and its relaxed atmosphere. Around the small harbour, restaurants, cafés and boutiques invite you to linger. In the surrounding vineyards, you can discover the region’s wine culture . A particular highlight is a stroll along the lakeside promenade as the evening sun bathes the lake in warm light.
Our tip: You can enjoy excellent ice cream at Gelateria L’altra Biancaneve. And if you look very closely, you’ll find a paving stone with a small Snow White motif on the ground right near the ice cream parlour.

Punta San Vigilio.
Cypress trees, olive trees and a small harbour right by the water’s edge: the Punta San Vigilio headland is one of the most romantic spots on Lake Garda. You can soak up the special atmosphere amidst historic walls and Mediterranean scenery. A wonderful place for a stroll and a view across the lake.

Garda.
The town that gives Lake Garda its name delights visitors with a lively lakeside promenade, historic palazzi and cosy squares. Stroll through the old town, savour Italian specialities or go for a walk to the Rocca di Garda. From there, a magnificent view of the bay and the surrounding countryside unfolds.

Lazise.
Surrounded by a well-preserved city wall , Lazise invites you to take a little journey back in time. Stroll through the winding alleyways, discover the imposing Scaliger Castle in Lazise and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the old harbour. The spacious waterfront promenade offers the perfect setting to round off your visit in a relaxed manner.
Places of interest in the south of Lake Garda: where history meets a zest for life.
In the south, the landscape becomes gentler and the Mediterranean atmosphere is even more palpable. Historic fortifications, charming old towns and lively squares make this part of Lake Garda a wonderful destination for a variety of day trips.

Sirmione.
Sirmione juts out into Lake Garda like a narrow headland. As soon as you enter the old town, you’ll be impressed by the imposing Scaliger Castle of Sirmione, which is surrounded directly by the water. Behind it, picturesque alleyways, elegant squares and a Mediterranean atmosphere await you. At the tip of the peninsula, the Catullus Caves bear witness to the town’s Roman past. A special place for anyone who loves history and the Italian way of life.

Desenzano del Garda.
Desenzano combines the charm of a small Italian town with the laid-back atmosphere of Lake Garda. Around the old harbour, cafés and restaurants invite you to relax and enjoy yourself. Discover the Roman villa with its ornate mosaics, stroll across Piazza Malvezzi or enjoy the view over the town’s rooftops from the Castello di Desenzano.

Peschiera del Garda.
In Peschiera del Garda, historic architecture meets the Mediterranean way of life. The old town is situated within an imposing Venetian fortress, the walls of which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the canals, over little bridges and through the charming alleyways. The fortress town’s extraordinary layout is particularly striking when viewed from the water.
Things to do around Lake Garda.
Whether cycling through picturesque vineyards, hiking amongst panoramic views or stand-up paddleboarding on the sparkling Lake Garda: the region offers unforgettable experiences. Discover a wide range of activities and special A-ROSA Signature Experiences that combine nature, exercise and the Italian zest for life.
Frequently asked questions about the
places of interest on Lake Garda
What are the most beautiful sights on Lake Garda?
Among the best-known attractions on Lake Garda are Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, the historic old town of Malcesine, Monte Baldo, the lemon groves of Limone sul Garda and the Venetian fortress in Peschiera del Garda. Isola del Garda and the Cascata del Varone waterfall are also well worth a visit.
Which places on Lake Garda are a must-see?
Particularly worth visiting are Riva del Garda and Limone in the north, Malcesine and Bardolino on the eastern shore, and Salò on the western shore. In the south, Sirmione, with its medieval old town, is one of the most popular destinations for day trips.
Where is the most beautiful spot on Lake Garda?
That depends entirely on what sort of holiday you’re after. The north captivates visitors with its imposing mountains and spectacular views, whilst the west coast boasts elegant towns and historic villas. On the east coast, you’ll find Mediterranean promenades and vineyards, whilst the south charms with its charming old towns and cultural attractions.
How many days should you allow for visiting the sights around Lake Garda?
For the main attractions, we recommend staying for at least three to four days. If you’d also like to discover smaller villages, walking trails and places of interest off the beaten track, you should allow five to seven days.
Which attractions on Lake Garda are suitable for a day trip?
For a day trip, the old town and Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, a cable car ride up Monte Baldo or a visit to Malcesine are all excellent options. The Cascata del Varone near Riva del Garda and the gardens on Isola del Garda are also well worth a visit. A drive along the lakeshore is a particularly lovely way to combine visits to several neighbouring towns.
Which attractions on Lake Garda can you reach by boat?
Many towns around Lake Garda are linked by public ferry services, including Riva del Garda, Limone, Malcesine, Garda and Sirmione. This means that even the journey there is an experience in itself. Isola del Garda can also be explored as part of organised boat trips with a guided tour.
Which attractions on Lake Garda are suitable for families with children?
A visit to Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, a cable car ride up Monte Baldo or a trip to the Cascata del Varone waterfall offer a variety of experiences for the whole family. A boat trip across Lake Garda is also a lovely way to explore the region together.
Which hotel on Lake Garda is a good base for day trips to the local attractions?
The A-ROSA Lake Garda is an ideal base from which to discover the most beautiful sights around Lake Garda. Situated above the charming village of Salò on the western shore, our 5-star hotel combines a peaceful, panoramic setting with a wide range of excursion options. After an eventful day, the spacious SPA-ROSA, several swimming pools and Italian cuisine invite you to relax and unwind.
A little piece of Lake Garda.
For your home.
Is your next holiday on Lake Garda still a while away? Then why not bring a taste of the Italian way of life into your own kitchen? With an authentic Italian pizza recipe from A-ROSA Lake Garda and a refreshing Aperol Spritz, your next evening will already have a touch of la dolce vita about it. Discover our recipes and enjoy a taste of Lake Garda at home.
Buon appetito and salute!























