Lake Garda Holidays

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Lake Garda holidays are perfect for a family or couples getaway, with breathtaking scenery, a relaxed environment and plenty of activities on offer for everyone around the whole of Lake Garda.

It is obvious why holidays to Lake Garda are some of the most popular with British tourists; the south eastern tip of Lake Garda, known as the ‘Olive Tree Riviera’ provides a picturesque set of nearby villages to explore such as Brescia, Moniga, Manerba and Peschiera where you can visit the spectacular walled city of Mantua. But take our advice, go on a boat trip and see these pretty villages from the Lake, available from nearby Desenzano.

If this isn’t enough then take a 10 minute bus ride from our Manerba Del Garda parc to Sirmione where a fabulous castle awaits you, providing the prettiest backdrop for those Italian Lakes holiday snaps.

If you are staying at this end of the lake then your holiday to Lake Garda must include day trips to Verona, Milan and Venice as there are direct train routes from Peschiera to all three destinations.

On the western banks of Lake Garda there are spectacular views from both our Weekend and Eden parcs which both over look not only Lake Garda but also the sparkling town of Salo and the twinkling boats in the new marina, all of which is within walking distance from the parcs.

Lake Garda holidays are not complete without sampling some local ice cream, so whilst you are there visit one of the many traditional ice cream shops and treat your appetite to something Italian. Alternatively, if you need to quench your thirst then the only drink to be seen with is an Aperol Spritz, you can’t miss the bright orange glow!

Finally, if your Italian Lakes holiday itinerary allows it, then test your nerves at Italy’s number one amusement theme park Gardaland. It provides entertainment for all ages with 30 rides, a number of live shows and its own sea life centre.

Holidays to Lake Garda are some of the most enjoyable and memorable to be had; all you need to do now is decide which parc to stay on from the menu on the left and where to explore first.

Other Italian Lakes Holidays

Lake Maggiore, though slightly less famous is equally as beautiful, and perhaps more peaceful than the other Italian Lakes, while Little Lake Idro really is a haven of tranquility in an already perfect place.

Italian Lakes holidays are a a popular fly-drive option, thanks to the close proximity of Bergamo, Brescia and Verona airports. Having said that, a car would be useful here to make the most of the sights and cities that are within easy reach. Also, why not take a look at the other Italy holidays we offer?

Places to visit - Sightseeing

When you’re looking for peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings, camping in the Italian Lakes is the perfect option. Having said that, there’s plenty to see and do here, with some of Italy’s prettiest towns and finest cities within easy reach:

Milan
Milan is a historic and cultural centre, as well as a mecca for those seeking retail therapy at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The La Scala opera house and the Convent of St Maria delle Grazie, home of da Vinci’s The Last Supper, are also well worth visiting.

Verona
Home of some quite superb Roman remains, Verona’s old town is full of architectural treasures such as the famous Roman Ampitheatre and the Arco dei Gavi triumphal arch, not to mention the houses of Romeo and Juliet.

Venice
The Pearl of the Adriatic is within easy reach of the Italian lakes, and a trip to enjoy the faded grandeur of the Grand Canal, St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs should be on everyone’s list of things to do here.

Sirmione
Famous for its thermal springs, Sirmione is also home to the fabulous 13th century Scaliger Castle, which is a rare example of a fortified medieval port, as well as the Grotto of Catullus, the most complete Roman villa in Northern Italy.

Desenzano del Garda
The largest of the many towns around Lake Garda, Desenzano has a wealth of picturesque streets to explore, as well as a fine church, medieval castle and the remains of a Roman villa. A market is also held here every Tuesday morning.

Mantua
The walled city of Mantua is home to some of the finest town squares and historic buildings in all Italy, with the Piazza Sordello, Palazzo Te and Palazzo Ducale all worthy of note. It is also a wonderful place to simply sit and watch the world go by.

Peschiera del Garda
Peaceful and beautiful, Peschiera is an ancient fortress town at the point where Lake Garda meets the Mincio River. The fortress is a major attraction here, though the artworks within the sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino are also worth seeing.

Bergamo
This attractive and unusual city is actually a town in two parts, with an upper city and a lower city that are linked by funicular as well as roads and footpaths. Much of it is worth seeing, but the upper city offers the best of Bergamo’s historic sights.

Great for younger kids

Zoo Safari del Lago Maggiore
An excellent safari park featuring a host of wild animals from tigers to zebras in a vast natural habitat. Small children can also enjoy petting smaller animals, and there are a number of rides for younger children here too.

Parco Natura Viva
Located in Bussolengo, you will find the Parco Natura Viva to be a delight for children of all ages, though little ones especially love the Fauna Park section, where they can see more than 1500 animals, including Italy’s largest chimp colony.

Great for older kids

Gardaland
One of the biggest theme parks in Italy, Gardaland offers more than 30 rides to suit all ages, including the white-knuckle Raptor ride, billed as Italy’s first winged rollercoaster. There are also a number of live shows and a sealife centre here.

South Garda Karting
This outdoor karting track hosts some very serious karting events, but also allows you to hire karts suitable for ages eight and up, including some high-powered machines for teens and adults. 10-minute and 4-hour rentals are available.

Places to visit - Activities & events

Boating
Almost every town around Garda and the other Italian lakes has boats for hire, making it easy for you to enjoy a day’s touring from the comfort of your own motor boat. Licences are required in order to hire powerboats, but not the smaller motor boats.

Diving
The Italian lakes are largely clear and still, yet with plenty to interest you beneath the surface. Snorkelling is a pleasure close to the banks where hire boats aren’t allowed, and you can find diving courses at no less than 12 centres around Garda alone.

Windsurfing
Garda’s still waters and dependable winds make this an ideal location for windsurfing. Torbole, at the North of the lake has hosted a number of major championships and is also home to several hire and instruction centres.

Fishing
The Italian lakes are home to plentiful supplies of more than 30 fish species, including trout, pike, perch, tench and salmon. There are also great fishing spots everywhere here, as long as you have bought a licence from a municipal office first.

Unmissable events in the Italian Lakes

Jazz Ascona
Usually held in late June and early July, Jazz Ascona is a major jazz festival held in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues in the Lake Maggiore area. With everything from New Orleans jazz to Swiss jazz, it’s one for aficionados.

Lake Garda Music Festival
Held in mid-April every year, this fascinating event brings together choirs and orchestras from all over the world to perform in the San Giuseppe Auditorium at Riva del Garda.

Garda Jazz Festival
Held in a number of towns around Garda, including Arco, Torbole, Drena and Riva del Garda, the Jazz festival is a popular tourist event usually held in late June and early July, featuring a host of big names from the international jazz scene.

Centomiglia Regatta
Held on Lake Garda every year in early September, this is one of Europe’s most prestigious sailing events, with more than 300 racing yachts fighting it our over a number of races including the 100-mile main event.

Places to visit - Eating out

While pizza and pasta are as prevalent here as anywhere in Northern Italy, you will find that most restaurants in the Italian Lakes offer a variety of extremely fresh fish:

Sun-dried perch – Sun-dried fish are something of a Garda speciality, and the perch is especially good.
Pesto risotto with lake salmon – A gently flavoured risotto dish topped with grilled trout from the nearest lake.
Wine – Both Soave and Bardolino originate close to Lake Garda, and some of the very best examples can be found here.

Campsites in region

Rio Vantone | Lake Idro

Sitting on a beach on Lake Idro, Rio Vantone has its own windsurfing school and as motorboats are prohibited, it’s an ideal place to learn or simply enjoy a lovely swim.

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Valle Romantica | Lake Maggiore

As pretty as it is peaceful, Valle Romantica offers access to a private lake beach and a picture postcard location amidst gorgeous botanical gardens.

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Fornella | Lake Garda

With its lakeside beach on the shores of lovely Lake Garda, Fornella enjoys an excellent situation. It also offers great pools and restaurants, and plentiful shade.

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La Rocca | Del Garda

With boats as frequent as buses here, all of Lake Garda’s attractions are within your reach. The camp-site also has a lovely open feel with pleasant, grassy pitches.

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Europa Silvella | Lake Garda

A lively parc that enjoys direct access to its own lakeside beach, together with a stunning location amidst fragrant citrus and olive groves and a superb pool complex.

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Bella Italia | Lake Garda

Bella Italia is the ideal base for exploring Lake Garda, lying at the start of the ‘Olive Tree Riviera’ and less than a mile from the lovely town of Peschiera.

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San Vito/Cisano | Lake Garda

A friendly parc right on the lake, with holiday homes on San Vito and canvas on Cisano. The proximity of the Venetian ports of Lazise and Bardolino is a bonus.

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Camping Del Garda | Peschiera

This large, lively parc enjoys a scenic parkland location, as well as direct access to a lakeside beach. It is also just a short stroll from picturesque Peschiera town.

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Eden | Lake Garda

With fantastic views over Lake Garda, and enjoying shade from olives and cypresses, Eden is an idyllic parc offering a wide range of range of watersports.

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Zocco | Manerba Del Garda

The clear waters of Garda are easily reached from this gorgeous parc, with direct access to the pretty, pebbled beach and tree-lined shore. It also features a superb pool complex with Jacuzzi.

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Weekend | Lake Garda

The perfect blend of relaxation and organized activities, Weekend is popular with all the family. It also offers superb views over Garda and the mountains beyond.

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Butterfly | Lake Garda

A small but lively parc, Butterfly offers a range of activities as well as pools suitable for both adults and children. It’s also ideally located for discovering nearby Peschiera.

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Altomincio Family Park | Lake Garda

Designed with children in mind, Altomincio offers safe pools and play areas, together with facilities for the whole family. Beyond the parc you will also find Gardaland.

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Apartments in region

The Garda Village | Sirmione

Pretty waterfront villages, dramatic mountains and sandy coves make Lake Garda arguably the most beautiful of the Italian lakes.

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Belvedere Spa | Lake Garda

Ideally located between between Castelnuovo and Peschiera del Garda, Belvedere Village has been built within luscious gardens and has three lagoon pools.

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