Things to do in Lake Garda

Things to do in Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. In this region, you will find many attractions that will keep you occupied for days, including colourful cities, castles and Roman ruins, beaches and vineyards, amusement parks and historical monuments. Lake Garda has a huge list of things to do in lake garda, and in this guide, we explore the most popular attractions that can be found there.

Introduction to the Lake Garda area

This long, narrow lake is located in northern Italy and has three provinces: Trentino in the north, Brescia in the southwest, and Verona in the southeast.

The Ice Age, which occurred about 1.5 million years ago, shaped Lake Garda. In the north, mountains surround the lake because it is at the base of the Alps. The land around Lake Garda in the south is flatter and less stunning than in the north. It can also be a few degrees warmer there.

Along the lake’s edges are many small towns. You can drive around the lake to see it by car and boat. With ferries and private boats, you can get from one place to another without driving a car.

Things to do in Lake Garda for families

This guide provides useful tips for planning a holiday to Lake Garda with kids, including the best things to see, the main family sites, and useful tips for your trip.

One of the most popular places in Italy for families with kids to go is Lake Garda. It is beautiful and well-served, and there are great places to swim, cute towns, amusement parks for kids and teens, and a huge variety of places to stay, from B&Bs to family hotels and campgrounds that are great for families.

Lake Garda is in three regions: Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Lombardia/Lombardy. Getting to Lake Garda from Verona, Venice, or Milan is easy.

For families that love the great outdoors, Riva del Garda is Lake Garda’s ideal destination

The town of Riva del Garda is very pretty. It is on the northwest shore of Lake Garda, almost at the mountain line.

Tall mountains drop straight into the water, making for a beautiful view. This area is great for families because they can relax by the lake and easily access outdoor activities.

The town centre is pretty, a nice playground for younger kids, the water is close by, you can feed ducks and swans, and the vibe is generally laid-back.

For outdoor activities, there is Parco delle Cascate del Varone (Varone waterfall), many easy walks, and many chances to splash around, go boating, and ride bikes.

It’s easy to get around town, even with walkers, because it’s mostly flat, even though it’s close to mountains.

We mean it when we say it’s good for families.

Here are some family-friendly restaurants in Riva and the nearby area that you might like:

• Active and Family Hotel Gioiosa has a big yard with a pool and a play area. You can also rent strollers and other items for babies and toddlers.
• The Family Hotel Savoy has family rooms, a pool, a big yard, and a restaurant.
• For an extra fee, the Astoria Park Hotel has family rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, a play area outside, and a stroller hire service.
• Du Lac et Du Park Grand Resort has larger bungalows, family rooms, a pool, and a big yard.

For a memorable family holiday on the lake, go no farther than Bardolino

Bardolino is a famous tourist destination on the eastern bank of Lake Garda. It is situated on the beach where the lake narrows, making it ideal for games like “Can you spot the other side today?”

When looking for a lake to swim and play on the shore, one of the greatest places to take the kids is Bardolino because it is so welcoming to families.

Particularly during the summer, it has all the makings of a traditional lakeside town: shops, children, and outdoor eateries.

Some family-friendly activities in Bardolino include strolling along the lakeside promenade (perfect for strollers and scooters), renting a boat for the day, and playing at the town playground all afternoon!

As a base for a family holiday on Lake Garda, Bardolino is one of the greatest places to stay because it is easily accessible and has excellent services.

The Sisan Family Resort in Bardolino offers family-friendly accommodations, a pool with water slides, and indoor and outdoor play areas.

A 4-star hotel with fantastic thermal spa/pools (with kids hours) and beautiful family rooms for up to 4 guests, Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort is another fantastic option for families visiting Bardolino. A fantastic home base.

Perfect for amusement park-loving children, Peschiera del Garda is located on Lake Garda

Peschiera del Garda stands out from other nearby towns thanks to its extensive canal network, making it an ideal destination for boat excursions.

There is a charming downtown area with plenty of restaurants and stores and a picturesque playground that overlooks the lake and is great fun for kids and parents alike.

Peschiera stands out for most families with children because of its proximity to the area’s theme parks—Gardaland, Movieland, and Canevaworld Aqua Park.

Additionally, the stunning Parco Giardino Sigurta, one of the most picturesque gardens in Italy and the world, and Mantova and Verona are all quite approachable for students.

Several boat companies provide enjoyable day trips on the lake from Peschiera, a popular destination.

Peschiera is home to several great family-friendly hotels: Hotel Bella Italia, which features pools (with slides!), play areas, and family rooms; Camping Bella Italia, which is a favourite among families thanks to its water park and five pools; and Hotel San Marco, a three-star establishment with a pool, a 24-hour reception, a buffet breakfast, a beachfront location, and rooms that can accommodate up to four people.

Other pretty Lake Garda places that families with kids can visit

Sirmione

There are many pictures of Sirmione on Lake Garda because the castle (Rocca Scaligera) coming out of the water is stunningly beautiful. You’ll never forget the Rocca. Little kids will love seeing the ducks and swans in the moat, and older kids who want to try something new can climb to the top and see amazing views.

If you’re travelling with kids, the thermal baths (great in the winter or on a wet day) and Grotte di Catullo (Catullo’s grottos), which are not caves despite their name, are also great things to do.

Beautiful Parco Giardino Sigurta’ is close to Sirmione. It’s a great garden named one of the top five gardens in the world, so you know it’s unique.

Torbole

This cute little town is on the northern side of Lake Garda and is a great place to go with kids. The town is near beautiful mountains like Riva, and it has a fun thing for kids to do called the Busatte Adventure Park.

Malcesine

Another small town on Lake Garda is Malcesine, between the lake and the mountains. The castle is the main attraction in town, and anyone can visit. The town is nice for families because it moves slowly, has nice parks for younger kids, and has a cable car that goes up Monte Baldo.

Taking the boat to Limone, which is right in front of Malcesine, is a cool experience. You can see both sides of the lakes! You can visit this lovely town or make it your home for a peaceful lake holiday. 

Limone sul Garda

Limone is in Lombardy, on the western shore of Lake Garda. It is linked to Malcesine by boat, so the two towns can be visited together for a day trip to both sides of the lake! Limone is a small, pretty town that offers few “things to do in Lake Garda.” Instead, it has good vibes that you can enjoy. The harbour and city centre’s pretty shops are fun for adults and children. The olive trees that give the town its name are also very cool.

Lazise

It’s easy to get to Lazise from Bardolino. It’s another small, pretty town on the western shore of Lake Garda. A nice lakeside walkway links them, and when you get to Lazise, you’ll see the town’s most recognisable feature: the beautiful castle that stands tall over it all! The town is nice for families with kids and a beautiful spot for a day on the water.

Torri del Benaco

Another beautiful town is Torri del Benaco, where you can spend an afternoon enjoying the views of the lake, the castle by the lake, and the playground.

Things to do in Lake Garda with kids

Lake Garda has lots of fun things to do in Lake Garda for kids. Here are some kid-friendly things you and your family might enjoy:

Enjoy Lake Garda beaches 

There are beautiful beaches around the lake where you can splash, swim, and lay out in the sun. There are beautiful ways to get to the water in Desenzano, Riva del Garda (nice grass with cafe), Lazise, and Garda.

Go to a theme park

If your kids love theme parks, Lake Garda is the right place to take them. Gardaland is popular because it has many rides, different “worlds,” and the Legoland theme park. People also like Caneva World because it has a water park and a Hollywood Cinema theme park.

Go to the local waterpark’ Parco la Quiete’

The water park “La Quiete” is another fun place for kids in the summer at Lake Garda. This park is south of the park and has big grounds, pools, sun umbrellas, and food stands that are good for families.

Experience the thrill of a lifetime by zipping through the air in one of Lake Garda’s

Adventure Parks

Guests of all ages can enjoy thrilling treetop adventures in the beautiful forests surrounding Lake Garda. Several parks are specifically designed to cater to this need. Check out Adventure Park Busatte, Rimbalzello, Jungle Adventure Park, and Parco Avventura la Quiete, all nearby.

Get on your bike and ride.

Beautiful bike paths surround Lake Garda, making it an ideal family destination. You may discover it in the Lazise-Garda area, starting from Limone, and it is flat and car-free. On the sport, you can easily rent bikes for both adults and children.

Raise Monte Baldo via cable car

The proximity of the mountains, from where one may enjoy breathtaking vistas, is one of the many wonderful things about Lake Garda. If you want to gain a lot of elevation without driving or trekking, the cable car to Monte Baldo is the way to go. Not only is it breathtaking from up here, but in the summer, you’ll feel the heat melt away when you step foot in the air—the altitude makes all the difference! The lake tour is fantastic and easy for children to do independently.

Go on a boat ride

You can see Lake Garda from the water in several ways. You can rent a boat, take the train from one town to another, or take a cruise.

Here are some fun tours to think about:

• Tour by boat on Lake Garda from Sirmione
• From Lazise, you can take a boat tour of the south coast of Lake Garda.
• The lake tour by boat goes from Peschiera to Sirmione.

Hike around

The family-friendly hiking trails near Lake Garda are a great way to get the kids moving. Rocca di Garda, Monte Baldo (with a cable car), and Manerba are good walks for kids.

Visit Parco Natura Viva and go on a safari

A safari might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering Lake Garda. However, Parco Natura Vivia is a zoo and safari park that is fun for the whole family. The park has animals from all over the world and says its goal is to protect them.

See a Castle

There are many beautiful houses near Lake Garda, some of which are open to the public. One that is fun for kids is the castle in Malcesine, which is in a great spot with beautiful lake views. You can also boat to the Sirmione and Torri del Benaco castles.

Things to do in Lake Garda for couples

Couples like to go on honeymoons and sweet dates here. You won’t be able to enjoy your trip as much without the camera. Thus, you must know some lovely spots in Italy. Several love activities will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are a few of them.

Spa Termale Aquaria

Spa Termale Aquaria is the best spot to unwind and regain your strength. People all over the world know about thermal springs. It has many great facilities for tourists, like thermal pools, steam baths, cold baths, saunas, and, the most beautiful thing, freshwater pools outside. Making an appointment for a personal thermal massage is always a good idea.

Have a lovely evening at the beach

From the beach, you can see a beautiful sunset. Yes, the beach is the most beautiful place for two people to be together. This is the sweetest thing you can do here. A lot of people love Lago di Garda because it has beautiful beaches. Many people love to spend hours at the beaches because the water is clear. You can do water sports here, like sailing or windsurfing. Other choices include biking, trekking, climbing, horseback riding, or golf. Around the lake are pretty towns with old churches, historical sites, shops, and places to eat fresh food. You should go to this place.

Visit Grotte di Catullo to learn about art and fall in love

Spend a lovely day with art at Grotte di Catullo. This is the most important feature in this area. The Grotte di Catullo is a type of private Roman building. The page was empty before, but it’s now open. The name comes from the fact that the first owners were likely a rich family in the area who liked poetry. Here, you can find a small museum with pieces of paintings, mosaic tiles, ceramics, and a lot of old coins.

At Castello Scaligero, you can enjoy fishing

Three sides of this popular tourist spot are water, making it a great place to enjoy the water. It used to be a port defence. A castle dating back to the 1300s is also present. You can see the town, the lake, and other places from the walls very well. This area can also be seen from the water by taking a boat. If you’re in Italy on a date, you must go fishing. That being said, this is the best spot to take pictures of many things.

Il vittoriale degli italiani

People see this old house and admire how well it was designed. This place in Gordone Riviera will help you make memories you will never forget. Your camera can record a lot of different things.

Parco termale del garda

There’s no better place to stay for a longer time than this. Both old and new buildings surround the collection of thermal baths. From these rooms, which were built in the 1400s, you and your partner can enjoy the greenery and beauty of Lake Garda.

Scaliger castle in Malcesine

This house around Lake Garda is the most beautiful one. Some parts of the castle were built in the 5th century, but most of what you see today was added in the 13th century. A small museum is inside, but most people go there to see the tall tower. You can see the lake and the whole town from the top of the tower. Please don’t go up it at the end of the hour, when the clock bell rings with a huge sound.

Tandem paragliding Malcesine

If you like flying, you should not miss this chance to do it when you go to Lake Garda. Malcesine is where it is. You will have a great view of the whole river once you get high enough. This ride will stay with you long because it is so high and has great scenes.

Strada della forra

It is found in Tremosine. Along Lake Garda, there are lovely parks, many trees, and big mountains. This mountain range is tough to climb, and you must be careful near the edges. You can get customised tours here, making your trip more interesting. Imagine being on a high peak with your partner, with beautiful views.

Villa calicantus

You should stop by this lovely house when you go to Lake Garda. The villa has lovely parks, cosy coffee shops, and interesting sites. You will miss a big event if you don’t go to Lake Garda.

This is not the end of the list. Yes, you can do a lot of other things here. There is a great and private nightlife scene in the area. Do not forget to go to places for the dinner by the candlelight. The food can only be found here. There is music in the bars and clubs all night. You can drink your favourite wine in bars and get closer to your partner. Enjoy your time here. Without question, pictures are an important part of your memories.

Unusual Things to do in Lake Garda

You can get to the Ponale Waterfall by SUP or kayak

Stand-up paddleboards and canoes can be rented almost everywhere on Lake Garda. You can do SUP around the UNESCO Fortress in Peschiera del Garda.

There is, however, a secret spot that only a few lucky people can see. Those are the only two ways to get there. This is the Ponale Waterfall, which is close to Riva del Garda. After leaving the town, you must row south, following the rocks on the west side. You could see some of the Ponale bike paths if you looked up.

The task is to find a small gorge close to the Ponale harbour. There it is, the waterfall. It’s not hard for anyone, but if you’re brave… Do not wait any longer.

Cooking Classes

Guys, it’s Italy! Where else would you take it if not to enjoy a cooking class? We can all agree that food is one of the best things about living in Italy. Anyway, every town has its customs. One area of the lake that is very close to Valeggio is the southern part.

Use a camper to see Lake Garda!

Renting a camper is one of the most exciting and adaptable ways to see Lake Garda. Imagine having the freedom to choose which view of the lake and mountains you want to see every morning without following a set tour route or hotel routine. Having a camper allows you to go at your own pace and stop wherever you find interesting. Depending on the weather and your tastes, you can change your plans anytime.

Additionally, modern campers come with all the necessary features, including fully stocked kitchens, private bathrooms, and comfy beds, so you can enjoy the outdoors without giving up the comforts of home. By travelling with a camper, you can find secret gems and spots that aren’t as busy with tourists. You can also stop in small towns and hike on trails that aren’t as well known, giving you a more authentic and personalised experience of Lake Garda. 

Getting to the top of Monte Pizzocolo

Here is something for you! Here is the plan for the trip to Monte Pizzocolo. Getting to the top doesn’t take too long; the climb lasts two hours. It will be good as long as you have the right gear. Always remember that “slow and steady wins the race.”

The best thing about it is that you can enjoy the amazing view. Take a breath and look at the lake once you’ve done it. Imagine being at the very pinnacle of your world. You can walk in several different ways on this mountain. Which one to pick relies on how much training you have. Remember to bring two important things with you before you leave: water and food.

It doesn’t matter what time of year you go there. This place is a prize waiting to be found at any time. It will be amazing whether it is sunny or snowy.

Paragliding

When you fly by paragliding, what if you like the air and always look for ways to get off the ground? Have you ever thought about enjoying it?

This could be the most exciting sport ever. Someone with a very cold head would jump into the nothing. You will have the best view of your life. On the northern side of the lake, updrafts of warm air can help you fly up to 3,000 meters in the air. When you reach the top, where soft clouds surround you, you slowly go down to Malcesine.

Malcesine is a great place to visit on Lake Garda because it has so many fun things to do.

This sport can also be done in the western part of the lake, mainly in Toscolano Maderno. If this is your thing, there are many places to take off from Monte Baldo to fly over its beautiful slopes.

Having fun at Minigolf

It didn’t seem hard to list the unusual things to do in Lake Garda… This is about a new way to spend time with my family.

Because of that, minigolf is a great game. You already know how to play, and the steps you need to take to win at Bardolino’s Minigolf are unique and fun. Playing it with friends is a pleasant experience.

And, of course, you can play minigolf in many different places on Lake Garda. It’s not where you are but who you are with!

Water sports and parasailing

In Lazise and Bardolino, you can meet Gardawake Watersports. Besides, you can always try them again if you haven’t already. They have a great player called the Flyboard. It means flying over the lake. It only takes a moment to find the right balance. Once you do, the next 15 minutes will stick with you forever.

You could play the Banana Boat, the Sofa, or the Crazy Disc with your friends. When we talk about them, you will be led by a fast boat moving quickly through the waves. Parasailing is the most well-known thing to do. One of the ten strangest things you have to do in Lake Garda! It will look like it’s flying over water again, but you’ll be sitting on a parachute this time. A boat on a clear lake will drag you through the wind.

Having fun at Movieland and the Rockstar Restaurant

How do you make a friendship or bond last a long time? Having fun with each other and sharing a meal! Of course, you can do that at Canevaworld Resort. There is still Movieland after the summer is over, along with the water park.

It’s all about an entertainment park and was inspired by the best movies ever made. Some examples of the things to do? The upside-down Diabolik roller coaster, the Kitt Superjet that splashes water, and the Pangea Tour, where you are the driver. Also, looking around, you’ll see stunt performers, dancers, singers, etc. There are great shows every day in Movieland.

They say you have to stop at the Rockstar Restaurant for dinner to finish the journey. 

You can find all your best foods in one place, like pizza, cotoletta, fried chips, and more. It would take me a whole page to write them all down. Let’s say Rockstar Restaurant is a food lover’s dream, shall we? You pay a set amount and can eat as much as you want. 

In Riva del Garda, you can sail and windsurf

There must be a fun way to face the strongest wind among the strange things to do in Lake Garda. The wind gusts are so strong in winter that sitting on the beach is hard.

Still, spring, fall and summer are among the best places on Lake Garda to go windsurfing or sailing.

There are a lot of rentals and schools right next to the beaches, one after the other. If you love being calmed down by a soft breeze, sailing is the sport for you. You could also try windsurfing if you like taking risks. Nothing is better than sailing on Lake Garda’s waves surrounded by such beautiful mountains. You wouldn’t be scared if you were far from the shore.

What are the names of the main winds that blow in this area? They are called “Ora” and “Peler.”

Going from Malga Valfredda to Malga Topei on foot

The cabins are called “Rifugio Telegrafo” and “Rifugio Chierego.” You may have heard of them already. If you are not an experienced climber, it is hard to get to both of them. By the way, you don’t have to be one of them to enjoy a beautiful view. We understand you want to walk on a mountain but can’t get there yet. To find Malga Valfredda on Google Maps, type it in.

Keep the left way when you get out of your car. Let us take a moment to figure out what “Valfredda” means… In simple terms, it means a very cold valley. That’s why you should cover up well. After that, all you have to do is follow the main way, which is a road. On the left, you can see the whole Lessinia mountain range and the places you can paraglide. It snows a lot in the winter.

You will come to a fork in the road after an hour. There is a secret safe place down the street that you have to take. That’s Malga Topei, and if the sky is clear, you can see our lovely Lake Garda from there.

Lake Garda holidays with Low Cost Vibes

If you want to have fun in a beautiful place, Lake Garda is the place to go. This magnificent lake paints a beautiful picture of rough mountain views, quaint waterfront towns, and lush vines. You can do all kinds of sports at the north end, from hikes and biking to sailing and windsurfing.

Moving further south, things to do in Lake Garda are more laid-back. You can visit different villages, taste wine, and eat outside. And every place by the lake has its special charm. Old-world luxury is what Gardone Riviera is all about, while Limone has a more laid-back Mediterranean vibe. There are many things to see in the mediaeval town of Peschiera, and nearby Gardaland is a great place for families to have fun. What could be more beautiful in the evening than a stroll along the water? So check out our low cost lake garda holiday packages, all included, and have all fun in one package or let us know your plan so we can make it happen.