Things to do in Lake Garda

Looking for things to do in Lake Garda? Well, there's plenty to choose from.

1. Food & drink - Garda is influenced by its three neighbouring regions, so expect to see plenty of fish, meat and polenta! Yota is a popular stew of the region, made of beans, sauerkraut, potatoes and ham and a popular fish dish is Bigoli, a traditionally made egg pasta, with Pilchards. The lemons of Lake Garda, are an important ingredient in many local recipes, including Limoncino liqueur and lemon cream of the Riviera dei Limoni, a citron-flavoured beverage, and many desserts. A favourite on the lake for fine dining is Esplanade, a lakeside dining treat with majestic views from its home of Desenzano del Garda and run by the same family for over 30 years.

2. Sports & activities - you will be spoilt for choice on Lake Garda and it can be as relaxing or as energetic as you make it. There are plenty of fabulous lakeside promenades perfect for strolling between most of the resorts or to one of the islands to look at the beautiful villas or gardens. For the more energetic, you can rent bikes easily and you are spoilt for choice in terms of water sports. The northern part of the lake tends to have stronger winds than in the south, therefore, you will see the majority of water sports here, in particular windsurfing. A highly recommended visit is to the SKYclimber in Voltino where you can participate in anything from Canyoning to mountain biking and caters for all ages & levels. On the 1st weekend of September there is the annual Centomiglia Regatta, heralded as one the prestigious organised regattas on freshwater.

3. Boats & sailing tours - Always the best way to explore a lake is by boat and discover a different view from its water. Either take a speedy passage from one side of the lake to another on a catamaran or hydrofoil, or sit back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Garda at a slower pace on ones of its many pleasure boats. There is a ferry service for cars all through the year between Maderno and Torre del Benarco and between Limone and Malcesine in the summertime and also passenger ferries from Desenzano to Peschiera. We think the market boat trips are great value for money and offer a leisurely meander past the lake's pretty towns and breath-taking scenery. On a Friday you can sail from Limone or Malcesine across the lake to Garda town for its traditional market day, taking in the picturesque eastern shores of the lake and then having 3 hours to explore the typical local market with all its delicacies.

4. Wine tasting - thanks to Lake Garda's temperate climate, vines and olive trees dominate the landscape of Riviera degli Olivi (Olives Riviera) on the eastern shore of the lake, where excellent wine and oil are produced. This lush landscape provides easy to drink enjoyment made from grapes that are grown on morainic soils left behind from millions of years ago when the glaciers melted. Here famous wines like Bardolino, Valpolicella, Bianco di Custoza, Lugana and Soave are produced. Why not try ZF4 tasting trip in an ageing cellar amongst the medieval walls of Lazise. Here an arch leads you to the charming outdoor garden through which you enter the tasting area and wine shop where you can sample the local the offerings whilst enjoying the atmospheric surroundings.

5. Sights & landmarks - Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy and steeped in history and tradition but there are several not to be missed places on your visit there. The Grottee di Catulo at the tip of the Sirmione peninsular, once a huge Roman Villa, now an excavated ruin is worth a visit and we highly recommend taking a short boat trip around the headland to view the remains from the water. If weather permits there is no better way to see the Lake in all its glory is Funivia del Monte Baldo in Malcesine. A cableway that connects the town to the Monte Baldo, with cabins on the second section that rotates on itself to give passengers a 360° spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings. We also love the tower of Castello Scaligero of Malcesine where you can climb for beautiful views.

6. Beaches - there may be no ocean but Lake Garda is definitely an excellent beach destination and provides a stunning setting and backdrop for swimming & sunbathing in the Italian summer sunshine. There is over 28 miles of free beaches around the perimeter of the lake and you'll never be far from one when exploring each area. Many of its main beaches are generally quite long & narrow due to the steep mountains & hills they lie beneath. But there are also many smaller beaches tucked away and on exploring the lake you can discover some great private unspoilt spots. The natural beaches are mostly pebbly, however, there are a few man-made sandy beaches dotted around and therefore easier on the feet and each provides its own unique atmosphere. Our favourite for families is in Limone as it offers safe swimming and plenty of amenities. For a remote secluded spot, the Bay of Sirens on the eastern shore has a magical charm with nearby restaurants to sample the traditional food of the region.

7. Events & festivals - whether it's winter, summer, spring or autumn there always seems to be some kind of festival or event around the lake's shores. From huge firework extravaganzas to fish festivals, the lake inhabitants always seem to have something to celebrate and commemorate. Therefore, pretty much all year round you will find a feast, sporting event or exhibition to enjoy. A particular favourite of ours is the Mille Miglia, an annual legendary classic car race each May, starting in Brescia, through the towns of Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera and onto its finish line in Rome. The timetable is available online therefore we recommend planning early to ensure getting the best spots to watch one of the "most beautiful races in the world". If sailing is your thing, the first week in September hosts the Cento Miglia, the region's most important sailing regatta where hundreds of boats compete to race around the lake and in fact, this event currently holds the title of the longest-running sailing competition in the whole of Italy.

8. The arts, museums & history - from medieval monuments, turrets to climb to the top of ancient ruins or museums of art, Lake Garda is a historian and artist's dream. For the art lovers, we think the Museum of Art in Salo which hosts an impressive collection of paintings by well-known Italian artists is a must. If culture and history make you smile then you have to visit the lakeside town of Malcesine, with its museum of the lake in Cassone, The Scaliger Castle, The Natural History Museum on Mount Baldo and lastly The Captains Palace, all located in this magnificent ancient town. You could spend a week here just exploring its treasure trove of history and culture and ancient remains.