Things to do & places to visit in Lake Garda, Italy

The largest of Italy’s fresh-water lakes, Lake Garda is located in northeast Italy. Tourists traveling here will find plenty of excursions and activities to keep them entertained year-round—everything from visiting hilly wine regions to exploring 14th-century castles. The towns and communities surrounding Lake Garda offer easy day trips from Venice, easily accessible by car or train. Major sights include the towns of Sirmione (which attracts most Lake Garda visitors thanks to its historic Rocca Scaligiera castle) and Riva del Garda (for the Varone waterfalls located nearby), as well as the region’s hills, which offer numerous hiking trails for adventurous walkers.

Lake Garda #21 destination in Italy 2023. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 4:11.

Lake Garda Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

68°F - 51°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly, humid but cool

Feels like

43%

Chance of rain

198.0 millimeters

Amount

8.3 mph

Wind speed

67%

Humidity

14.9

Daylight length

5:47 AM

Sunrise

8:39 PM

Sunset

45%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (27 attractions)

5.0 Strada Della Forra (1.147 reviews)
- Just as spectacular as advertised
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Strada della Forra, or Sp 38, is described as one of the most beautiful roads in the world as well as being certainly the most beautiful panoramic road on Lake Garda. Precisely because of its breathtaking view and the hairpin bends that climb the mountain with the image of the lake always in the background, it was used as a backdrop in the filming of the Quantum of Solace film of the agent 007 James Bond saga. Till 30 september, due to intensive traffic, the street will be one way uphill from 10.00 to 19.00 – from km 0 (intersection with Strada Gardesana locality Porto) to km 3 (locality La Forra) – restaurants on the road accessible 24 hours a day in both directions. During the day, before 10.00 and after 19.00, is on the traffc light in the narrowest point. The traffic rules are valid for cars, van, camper, motorbikes, ebike and bycicles. See more..
5.0 Tandem Paragliding Malcesine (1.134 reviews)
- WOW!! Totally amazing experience.
Parasailing & Paragliding • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Air Tours

Always wanted to do this and it certainly did not disappoint, for any one thinking about it - do it!! I was really nervous in the morning but as soon as I met Riccardo he put me as ease straight away, great sense of humour. Riccardo is an exceptional pilot, very reassuring, I felt totally safe the whole time. Spent a good 30 minutes soaring over the mountain range and then over the Lake, Riccardo was informative pointing things out. I absolutely loved it and will definitely do it again if given the chance, next time maybe try some twists! The SD card from the GO pro is a great souvenir. Thank you Riccardo- you were right, you really are the best !! See more..
5.0 Bertoldi Boats (913 reviews)
- Just do it, great value, interesting and nice guides.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals

We had never been to Sirmione so I checked to see what interesting things we could, it was closed season. The lake tour by boat was one of the more interesting and we really looked forward to the views. The main full lake tour is seasonal which was disappointing but we were walking toward the castle and saw this signs for a 25 min tour around north Sirmione, it only cost €10 each. It was the best thing we did that day and I thoroughly recommend it, we were with Bertoldi boats and the driver stopped at intervals and explained the sites, excellent. 5 days later we were still talking about it and have suggested to friends that they should do it too. Best value for money too, however, it might cost a little more in full season but it’s worth it. The lake is just beautiful, we’ve been to Como but preferred Garda. See more..
5.0 Canyon Adventures (903 reviews)
- Great guides, fun tour, beautiful canyon
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Climbing Tours • Water Sports • Kayaking & Canoeing

We loved the canyon tour! Really beautiful. Lead by a great company, from the moment I phone called them to investigate the possibility, they made our booking process super easy over WhatsApp with all the relevant info provided. The tour guides were great, made it really fun, and the group was good too, all similar aged adults. Deffo will be coming back for another canyon with them next time! See more..
5.0 Fly2Fun Tandem Paragliding (887 reviews)
- Great experience - would definitely recommend.
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Parasailing & Paragliding • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

Well organised and executed. Good value, my daughter and I were up in the air for over 30 minutes. Daniel & Fiori were great, like the top guns of paragliding. They put my 14 yr old at ease from the get go, taught us all about thermal cycles, pointed out the sights, pulled us together in the air side by side, gave us the controls and allowed us to pilot over the lake……before asking if we fancied doing a few acrobatics before we landed….we both said yes! The sights from Montebaldo are amazing, even more so from a paraglider. It was such a smooth flight, landing and take off, like looking out of the window from the aeroplane just closer to nature. An amazing experience for everyone, it is not an extreme experience in the slightest……unless you ask it to be at the end! Thoroughly recommend. See more..
5.0 SKYclimber (852 reviews)
- Awesome
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Bike Tours • Climbing Tours • Gear Rentals

Tignale: Drena Canyoning Tour for Beginners: It was a real fun for everyone, our guide (Thomas) is very nice and knowledgeable about the track, and his team is well equipped, with the right tools to complete the track. Highly recommended for families, couples, and even for solo travel. رحلة جدا رائعة و ممتعة مع skyclimber. المدرب توماس كان ممتاز جدا و بساعد الجميع، ومعهم كل المستلزمات الخاصة للرحلة، حتى التصوير . شكرا skyclimber و شكرا توماس See more..
5.0 Mmove - Into Nature (443 reviews)
- Gorgeous Tour through the Gorge
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Climbing Tours • Water Sports

We had a great day Canyoning with Mmove and their two helpful and entertaining guides. Well organized, lots of attention to detail - a perfect and thrilling adventure. The hike from the car park to the entry point of the gorge was strenuous as well for my daughter. All the effort was forgotten once we were sliding, jumping, abseiling down the gorge. For a memory we would have liked to have our picture taken inside the gorge (you can't easily take your own camera or phone unless your equipment is small, water and shock proof) - anyway, now we preserve the memories of this great half day excursion in our hearts. See more..
5.0 La Barca di Salvo (356 reviews)
- Secret Engagement and tour
Boat Tours • Boat Rentals

Salvo is a great host! He made all of his guests feel very welcomed and relaxed. I planned to get engaged to my girlfriend during the trip. Salvo took care of everything, we exchanged numbers a few weeks before the trip and he helped me plan it. On board he provides drinks and snacks, Which were top quality. I had all of my family with me, one of which was pregnant and he showed extra attention when she moved around the boat. My trip was a sunset tour and it certainly did not disappoint! Salvo kept in regular contact two days before the trip with updates of the lake and weather conditions. It appears quite pricey but I would definitely recommend. The general cost of things around lake Garda are fairly pricey anyway so it wasn’t really a surprise. Worth every penny! Think it worked about £37 pp for 2 and a bit hours. See more..
5.0 Est Garda - Vela Etica (320 reviews)
- Enjoy a day like the sailing pros
Water Sports

A great way to fully experience the Garda Lake. The super experienced team, Sergio, Carmelo and Carlo made us feel the vibe of a professional regatta teaching the basics and sailing with us on the incredible Asso 99 racing boat. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Villa Calicantus (308 reviews)
- A wonderful find!
Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Come to discover with us the amazing wine world! We are a small organic and biodynamic winery, 5km from Bardolino, on the hills near Garda Lake. We organize guided tours and wine tastings that will bring you from the winery to the vineyards, passing by the tasting of our wines matched with different local and home made foods. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 12pm and 8pm. The guided tours are at 5pm. Cheque our web site or contact us to have more informations and reserve an incredible experience! See more..
5.0 Roberto Paragliding Malcesine (301 reviews)
- The buzz of a lifetime, highly recommend this for anyone visiting Malcesine!!
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parasailing & Paragliding • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Air Tours

I took the flight of a lifetime with Jack the cool Aussie pilot that works for Roberto’s Paragliding. What an amazing experience!! it’s been 5 hours since we leapt off the top of the beautiful Monte Baldo at 1,800m and i’m still buzzing and riding the adrenaline rush!! Absolutely stunning views over Lake Garda and all in the very safe hands of my pilot Jack, who was a total professional and expert on not only paragliding but also some of the history of Lake Garda. Cannot recommend this highly enough! Very good value for money for an amazing experience that will take some beating!!! Thank you very much to Jack and all at Roberto Paragliding Malcesine!! See more..
5.0 Arco Mountain Guide (224 reviews)
- My fourteen year old says “A+”
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Walking Tours • Climbing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We spent 4 days in a row with Gino from Arco Mountain Guide. We had never done a via ferrata so started easy and worked our way up to the hard ones. Gino was an exceptional guide! Every day brought new and different challenges with unique terrain. Day by day Gino helped us build our skill sets to tackle some really amazing trails. My teenager gave it an “A+”. He stayed off his electronic devices (for a few hours) got some good exercise worked up a heart appetite and slept well. Great shared bonding experience. We will definitely be back for more soon : ) See more..
5.0 Bee Boat Service (202 reviews)
- Bellissimo
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Speed Boats Tours

Visiting Salo for a few days with Friends we decided on Bee Boat Cruise for 2 hours. I'm thinking 2 hours is an hour too long but now I wish we had a cruise for 4 hours. The area is simply magnificent - the captain very informative and to hear the history of the area and significant sites was just so interesting. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. Even though it may at first appear a little expensive it is very very good value for money. If I ever visit Salo again which I certainly hope to I would have absolutely no hesitation in taking another cruise with Bee Boat Service on this magnifisent lake. See more..
5.0 CittaDiLazise Experiences (198 reviews)
- ZF4 wine shop
Paint & Pottery Studios • Bike Tours • Boat Tours • Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings

I enjoyed a tasting at ZF4 in Lazise yesterday. I had a excellent lady looking after me, her knowledge of the wines and family history was exceptional. I highly recommend to go to ZF4 as they have a very good range of red and white wine plus grappa See more..
5.0 Onepiò Winery (158 reviews)
- Great wine and fab experience
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Do you want to know which is the secret ingredient? Only by drinking a glass of this collection, you’ll recognize the secret ingredient. Easy to guess…Love See more..
5.0 Wind Riders (151 reviews)
- Loved it!!
Tuesday: 6:45 AM - 7:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing • Water Sports

I was already an independent kiter and joined Windriders for the lift service. Their team is super helpful, professional and most importantly: fun! The morning sessions are mind blowing and I would definitely recommend doing them with the Windriders team. Cheers team, Bas See more..
5.0 AVID Kiteboarding (121 reviews)
- Fun and professional team, very motivated☀️
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Surfing & Windsurfing • Water Sports

The team is great, fun and professional. I learned a lot, always felt safe and had a great time! They have good kite gear and the location is awesome. Absolutely recommend this kite school! :D See more..
5.0 Cascina Maddalena (120 reviews)
- Lovely family owned Winery
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

We had such a wonderful wine tour in English, which was for an hour + wine tasting. This winery is small but their wines taste really nice. We loved the white and the red wines and ended up buying a few bottles. We really liked the warmth of the host and the history of the winery. The snacks were nice and paired beautifully with the wines. We did the 4 wines for €27 which was perfect. Would love to visit the place again and enjoy a perfect morning. The Lugano region has one of the best best white wines in Italy. See more..
4.5 Lungolago di Lazise (1.446 reviews)
- Breathtakingly beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wow wow wow words can not describe the serine beauty of Lazise on Lake Garda - Italy. The water is crystal clear, the walkway next to the water edge towards the small quint harbor is romantic and magical _ One forgets who you are and where you are - time stops and you do not want it to move on - you just want to be there and make every little detail, smell, sound and sensation part of you. See more..
4.5 Lago di Garda (802 reviews)
- Amazing largest lake of Italy
Bodies of Water

The lake of Garda is a popular holiday location, especially for German people, it’s on the edge of Dolomiti . Glaciers formed this alpine region at the end of last ice age. The northern part of the lake is narrower, surrounded by mountains and often with strong winds so it’s particularly loved by windsurfers. The south of the lake is very large and calmly, with a wonderful climate all year round See more..
4.5 Chapel Santa Barbara (516 reviews)
- Awesome short hike with rewarding views.
Churches & Cathedrals

The small Chapel to Saint Barbara (m 625 – h 1,45 from Riva del Garda), was built in 1935 by the miners who worked on the conduits of the Ponale power plant. It is placed in a horrid and daring, yet panoramic position, on the slope of Mount Rocchetta near the start of the penstocks feeding the hydroelectrical plant. The Chapel is visible from afar thanks to nighttime lighting. See more..
4.5 Garda Tours (482 reviews)
- Dima A Garda Tours Guide Gem on Lake Garda
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals

My partner and I took a two hour + Lake Garda tour with a 20 min. stop at the lovely lake town of Gardone, time for a stroll or a drink at a cafe. It was a great way to see the Lake, the surrounding beautiful shore scenery and activities on the Lake, It what really made the excursion special was the enthusiasm, passion and English-speaking excellence and knowledge of our boat guide/driver, Dima, who took the time to educate us on the history of the Lake, both human and geographic, and made sure we really enjoyed the outing. He is a fabulous representative for Garda Tours on Lake Garda and we highly recommend him for your tour. Ask for him and he will make your tour special! See more..
4.5 Isola del Garda (475 reviews)
- Nellie
Spent 2-3 hours Islands

A pure gem nestled in the crystal clear waters of Lake Garda. Run by the Cavazza family, with immense passion and incredible care of such a beautiful ancient villa and island. A magical venue for a fairytale wedding! I would highly recommend a tour if you are in the area. 5 stars! See more..
4.5 Lungolago Di Salo (473 reviews)
- The pedestrian way beside the gulf of the Lake
Scenic Walking Areas

Salo’ is inside the gulf with its name and this beautiful pedestrian street runs through it entirely. All around the little Moreninici mountains From here you can take ferry that connects Salo’ to the others cities on the Lake See more..
4.5 Motoragazzi Peschiera del Garda (468 reviews)
- Top Scooter & Vespa Rental Station in Malcesine
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Gear Rentals • Vespa, Scooter & Moped Tours

We rented a Scooter 300 cc for a week to drive around the Lake. The Malcesine Motoragazzi Station is excelent, well organised and super helpful. We did enjoy the service and will rent again when back,. Michael & Maggie See more..
4.5 Rocca di Manerba del Garda (402 reviews)
- Lovely day with fabulous views
Tuesday: Ancient Ruins • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Lombardy Region officially recognised the Nature Reserve of Manerba del Garda ("Della Rocca, del Sasso e Parco Lacuale") with a regional resolution in April 2016. The park covers a territory of approximately 1,160,000 m2 (include meadows, woodland, trails, vineyards and olive groves), as well as 850,000 m2 of the lake itself. The Reserve was established to preserve and promote the ecosystem and landscape, historical and archeological sites, as well as to support such activities as education and understanding, preservation and divulgation of a unique environment, remarkable for both its history and biodiversity. The Valtenesi Archeological Museum within the Reserve is the information centre for visitor who wish to understand why throughout history humans have chosen to settle in this spectacular setting. The Reserve is always open to the public. See more..
4.5 Valle delle Cartiere (303 reviews)
- A delightful walk up the gorge
Speciality Museums

Allow two hours for the walk up this gorge and back. You walk alongside a stream and we saw brightly coloured lizards, dragonflies and some interesting ruins from the paper-making industry here. See more..