Nestled between the towering Alps and rolling vineyards of northern Italy, Lake Garda invites travellers to experience its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and unforgettable adventures. Lake Garda isn’t just Italy’s largest lake—it’s also one of its most diverse and captivating.
While Lake Como is famed for its luxury villas and romantic atmosphere, Lake Garda offers a dynamic mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure. We spent three unforgettable days exploring its beauty, just an hour drive from Verona so you can combine both into one trip as well like we did. Here are the must-see highlights to help you craft the perfect itinerary.
Experience Lakefront Luxury at Hotel Venezia: Your Perfect Lake Garda Getaway
We chose Hotel Venezia located in the town of Malcesine for its unbeatable location right on the water. A convenient parking garage sits just a few metres away, and the town centre can be reached within a short distance. From your private balcony to the sunbed-lined deck, you’ll enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lake Garda at every turn.
A Sunset Stroll to Lido Sopri: Cocktails, Bean Bags, and Lakefront Romance
After checking in, we set off on a leisurely lakeside stroll, soaking in the calm, serene atmosphere of Lake Garda. About 15 minutes in, we stumbled upon a cluster of inviting bean bags nestled right by the water’s edge. They belonged to Ristorante Pizzeria Lido Sopri, and they couldn’t have been more perfect. We settled in with our favourite Select Spritz in hand. As ducks waddled by and the sunset blushed, we relaxed in one of the most peaceful spots we’d found yet.
Explore the Ponale Trail: Lake Garda’s Most Scenic Hike
If you want adventure and jaw-dropping views, the Ponale Path should top your Lake Garda itinerary. Carved into the cliffs above the lake, this historic trail connects Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley. Undeniably, it offers sweeping vistas, dramatic drop-offs, and photo-worthy stops around every corner. Also popular with cyclists, the route is moderately challenging so it is recommended to wear hiking boots.
We parked in Riva del Garda, a 30 minute drive from Hotel Venezia. From there, you walk to the start of the path and picturesque views. We hiked all the way to Lago di Ledro. We had initially planned to make a return hiking journey, but after getting lost along the way stopping at a few locations for Select Spritz, we took the bus back to Riva del Garda from Lago di Ledro. While waiting at the bus stop, I had to run back to Ristorante Pizzeria Bar Al Lago as Sherry had left her bag (with her passport) behind! You can probably guess who indulged in more of those spritzes!
To cap off the amazing hike day, we had dinner in town at Trattoria da Nonna Pina, a small local restaurant offering authentic cuisine. You can never have too much pasta and tiramisu in Italy after all!
Dine at Trattoria Scaligeri: Authentic Flavours in the Heart of Malcesine
Tucked away in the charming lanes of Malcesine, Trattoria Scaligeri offers a taste of true Italian hospitality. With its rustic charm, locally inspired menu, and cozy atmosphere, this family-run trattoria is the kind of place where every dish feels like a homemade secret. Whether you’re craving fresh lake fish or handmade pasta Trattoria Scaligeri delivers a dining experience that’s simple, soulful, and utterly satisfying. Oh, and did I mention that their tiramisu was really to die for so do yourself a favour and make space for it!
Discover the Flavours of Lake Garda at Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery
Driving back to Verona, drop by Guerreri Rizzardi Azienda Agricola Catina Wineshop to sample Italian wine at its finest. This is in the Bardolino wine region of Italy. Bardolino wine, made primarily from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, is known for its fresh, approachable style—perfect for casual sipping, especially during warm summer days. Wine glasses are provided at this winery, you are free to go around and sample wine allocated at automated dispensers. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual taster, a visit to Guerrieri Rizzardi is a must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic tastes of Lake Garda.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, Lake Garda promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. From scenic hikes and historic villages to lazy afternoons by the water and world-class wine tasting, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Lake Garda’s magic will leave you already planning your next visit. We hope our guide of things to do in Lake Garda inspires your own journey to make the most of what this amazing place has to offer! When you do, we’d love to hear about it so let us know in the comments! ☺️
