Planning a trip to Lake Garda and unsure where to stay? Then you’ve landed in exactly the right place.
Lake Garda is a fantastic destination with crystal-clear water and a perfect blend of Italian charm and Alpine-like natural beauty.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of the best areas to stay, whether you prefer romantic cobblestone streets, family-friendly beaches or active water experiences.
- I’ll also share some of my favourite hotels in each town – in different price ranges.
Where to stay in Lake Garda? Let’s get this guide started.
Best Areas to Stay in Lake Garda
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay at Lake Garda:
- Riva del Garda – Perfect for active travellers and water sports 🏄♂️
- Malcesine – Charming medieval town with cable car 🏰
- Sirmione – Romantic peninsula with thermal baths 💑
- Bardolino – Wine region with fantastic food and drink 🍷
- Desenzano del Garda – Lively town with great nightlife 🍹
- Limone sul Garda – Idyllic town with lemon trees 🍋
Click on the area’s name to see the best hotels in the area.
The guide on the best places to stay in Lake Garda continues below.
1. Riva del Garda – best area for active travellers 🏄♂️
Riva del Garda is located at the northern end of the lake, where mountains meet water and create perfect conditions for water sports and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for a combination of Italian charm and an active holiday, Riva del Garda is the place for you. Located at the northern end of the lake, where the Dolomites meet the water, the area offers unique conditions for water sports thanks to the constant afternoon wind known as “Ora”.
See the best hotels in Riva del Garda.
The town is about 1 hour from Verona airport and has good bus and ferry connections to the rest of the lake. The atmosphere is a mix of Italian dolce vita and Alpine ambience with a lively promenade full of cafés and restaurants.
Must-sees include Torre Apponale, which has a fantastic view, Rocca Castle, and the Monte Brione hike. Price levels are moderate, and safety-wise, Riva is excellent. A minor drawback is the cooler water compared to the southern part of the lake.
Places to Stay in Riva del Garda
Lido Palace ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This historic palace hotel has undergone a complete renovation and now stands as one of the most exclusive design hotels on the lake. With a spectacular location directly by the water, two gourmet restaurants and a luxurious spa area with panoramic views, this is the place for ultimate indulgence.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The staff’s service is world-class, and their spa area with views over the lake created the perfect break after a day of water sports.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel du Lac et du Parc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Surrounded by a 70,000 m² private park, this hotel is a true paradise for nature lovers. With two outdoor pools, tennis courts and a private beach, you have everything you need. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the centre and offers modern rooms with balconies, many with views of the lake.
A guest recently wrote: “The park around the hotel is a peaceful refuge, and the staff’s tips about local hiking routes were worth their weight in gold for our stay.”
See more photos and book here.
Are you planning a trip around Italy? Check out my guides on where to stay in Lake Como and my favourite areas and places to stay in Venice. Both places are near Lake Garda and they’re awesome as well.
2. Malcesine – charming medieval town with cable car 🏰
Malcesine enchants with its car-free medieval town, and the Monte Baldo cable car provides access to spectacular mountain hikes and views.
This medieval town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda has something truly magical about it with its narrow, winding streets between pastel-coloured buildings.
- Malcesine is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Verona airport and is accessible by bus, but arrival by ferry across the lake provides the best experience.
See the best hotels in Malcesine here.
The atmosphere is a perfect balance between liveliness and tranquillity. The town buzzes with life around the main square and harbour, but a few steps away, you’ll find quiet corners. The absolute main attraction is the cable car to Monte Baldo, which offers spectacular views.
Other must-sees are the Scaliger Castle and the charming harbour.
Price levels are moderate to high but with options for all budgets.
A disadvantage is that the town can be quite hilly, which can challenge those with mobility issues, and in high season, the queue for the cable car can be long.
Places to Stay in Malcesine
Hotel Bellevue San Lorenzo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This elegant villa hotel from the 19th century offers an extraordinary experience with panoramic views of the lake. Surrounded by olive groves and with an infinity pool that seems to merge with the lake, the hotel creates an oasis of calm with classically elegant rooms and a lush garden.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The view from the terrace at breakfast is indescribably beautiful, and the staff’s recommendations for local restaurants were all spot on.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Castello Lake Front ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With an enviable location directly below the Scaliger Castle and a few steps from the lake, this hotel combines history and comfort. The recently renovated rooms offer modern amenities and many have balconies with lake views. The hotel’s restaurant serves regional cuisine on a terrace with views over the water.
A guest recently wrote: “Waking up and stepping out onto the balcony with views of both the lake and the historic castle was like being in an Italian film.”
See more photos and book here.
3. Sirmione – romantic peninsula with thermal baths 💑
Sirmione is a fairytale peninsula stretching out into the lake, with Roman ruins, a majestic castle and famous thermal baths. This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda and perhaps in all of Northern Italy.
Sirmione is Lake Garda’s romantic jewel – a beautiful peninsula that stretches 4 km into the southern end of the lake, surrounded by crystal-clear water on all sides. The peninsula is a concentration of history, beauty and wellness in one.
See the best hotels in Sirmione here.
Location-wise, Sirmione is very accessible, only about 30 minutes from Verona airport and about an hours drive from Bergamo Airport.
The centre is a car-free zone, which enhances the charm. The atmosphere is sophisticated and romantic, and when you cross the moat at the Scaliger Castle, it feels like stepping into another world.
Highlights include Grotte di Catullo (Roman ruins) with breathtaking views, the water-surrounded Scaliger Castle and the famous thermal baths. Price levels are generally higher than other places on the lake.
The only real drawback is the crowding in high season, when the narrow streets can feel overcrowded.
Places to Stay in Sirmione
Grand Hotel Terme ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This iconic luxury hotel is located at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula with panoramic views of the lake and direct access to thermal baths. The elegant rooms and suites are decorated in classic Italian style, and the hotel’s spa centre is among the finest on the lake with treatments using the natural thermal water.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Swimming in the thermal pool while the sun sets over the lake, with views of the mountains in the distance, was one of the most magical moments of our journey.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Eden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Located within the historic city walls, this hotel offers a perfect combination of central location and tranquillity. The recently renovated rooms combine modern comfort with Italian elegance, and many have balconies with views of the lake or the historic town.
The hotel’s terrace with pool provides a fantastic view of the lake.
A guest recently wrote: “The location is perfect – right in the historic centre, yet peaceful. Our morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the Scaliger Castle was a highlight each day.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Ideal ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This charming budget-friendly hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of Sirmione and offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices. With a cosy garden where breakfast is served in the summer months and helpful staff who are happy to share local tips, this is a perfect choice for the romantic traveller on a budget.
Guests particularly love: “The homely atmosphere and the personal recommendations from the owner, who told us about a small local restaurant where we got the best pasta of the trip – a place we would never have found on our own.”
See more photos and book here.
Check out my other Italy travel guides:
4. Bardolino – wine region with fantastic food and drink 🍷
Bardolino is a paradise for wine lovers with its vineyards, wine routes and annual wine festival surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees.
Bardolino is Lake Garda’s gastronomic heart and a must-visit for any food and wine lover. This charming town on the eastern shore has lent its name to one of Italy’s beloved red wines, and the whole area exudes wine culture and food traditions.
See the best hotels in Bardolino here.
In terms of location, Bardolino is about 30-40 minutes from Verona airport and is easily accessible by both car and public transport. The town has a central location on the lake with a lovely promenade connecting it to the neighbouring town of Garda.
The atmosphere is lively without being hectic, and the area particularly attracts couples and mature travellers with an interest in gastronomy.
Must-sees include a walk through the vineyards on the “Strada del Vino”, the Museo del Vino and the charming historic town centre. In October, the famous Bardolino Wine Festival takes place.
Price levels are moderate with good options in all price ranges. A small disadvantage is that the beach is relatively narrow and rocky compared to other areas on the lake.
Places to Stay in Bardolino
Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This luxurious spa resort is located between Bardolino and Cisano, surrounded by olive groves and with views of the lake. With five swimming pools, extensive wellness facilities and an award-winning restaurant serving local specialities paired with Bardolino wines, the place offers a complete luxury experience.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Their wine tasting events with local producers were the highlight of our stay – enjoying a Bardolino wine while looking out over the vineyards where the grapes are grown is a very special experience.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Nettuno ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This family-run hotel is located directly on the lake promenade, only a five-minute walk from the centre. With a beautiful terrace and pool overlooking the lake and rooms that are comfortable and well-appointed, many with balconies and lake views, you get a lot for your money here.
The hotel is known for its excellent breakfast buffet with local products.
A guest recently wrote: “The location is perfect – close enough to the centre for everything to be within walking distance, yet far enough away that we could enjoy peace and quiet. The staff recommended a couple of lesser-known vineyards, which became the absolute highlight of the trip.”
See more photos and book here.
Camping Village Du Parc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the budget-conscious traveller, this campsite with bungalows and mobile homes offers a fantastic location only a 10-minute walk from the centre of Bardolino. With direct access to the lake, a pool and a good restaurant area, the place provides high value for money. Bungalows are well-equipped with private kitchens and terraces.
Guests particularly love: “The beautiful location directly by the lake and the cosy bar, where we met with other travellers in the evening for a local Bardolino wine. The owners also arranged wine tasting directly at the campsite one evening.”
See more photos and book here.
5. Desenzano del Garda – lively town with great nightlife 🍹
Desenzano combines historic charm with the energy of modern city life and has some of the lake’s best restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Desenzano is Lake Garda’s largest town and offers a dynamic mix of historic charm and modern lifestyle. If you want more than just natural beauty and relaxation on your holiday, then Desenzano is the place where you can have it all.
See the best hotels in Desenzano here.
The town is only 20-25 minutes from Verona airport and has its own train station with direct connections to Milan and Venice. This makes it a perfect base for day trips. The atmosphere is lively and cosmopolitan with a mix of holiday vibes and authentic Italian city life.
Must-sees include the Roman Villa with mosaics, the medieval castle and the historic harbour. Shopping opportunities are excellent, and the restaurant scene is among the most varied on the lake. The nightlife is the most active around the entire lake with cocktail bars, wine bars and nightclubs.
A potential drawback is that the beach is not as impressive as some of the more northern areas, and in high season, the centre can be quite busy.
Places to Stay in Desenzano del Garda
Palace Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This elegant Belle Époque-style hotel is located directly on the lakefront and offers luxurious accommodation with fantastic views. The stylishly decorated rooms combine classical elegance with modern amenities, and many have balconies with lake views. The hotel’s restaurant serves gourmet dishes on a panoramic terrace.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The sunset seen from our balcony was spectacular, and the hotel’s central location made it so easy to explore the town’s nightlife and restaurants.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Oliveto ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Located in a quiet area of Desenzano, but still within walking distance of the centre, this modern hotel offers a perfect balance between peace and convenience. With a large outdoor pool, wellness centre and well-equipped rooms, it’s a popular choice for both couples and families.
A guest recently wrote: “We loved that we could relax by the pool during the day and then walk into town in the evening to have dinner and enjoy a drink by the harbour. It was the best of both worlds.”
See more photos and book here.
6. Limone sul Garda – idyllic town with lemon trees 🍋
Limone sul Garda is a picturesque postcard motif, wedged between dramatic cliffs and blue water, known for its historic lemon groves.
Limone sul Garda is like a living postcard at Lake Garda. This small town on the western shore has an almost unreal beauty, wedged between dramatic cliffs and azure blue water. The name comes from the historic lemon groves (limonaie) that have existed here since the 17th century.
See the best hotels in Limone sul Garda here.
The town is most accessible by ferry or car via the spectacular western lake road carved into the cliffside. This relatively isolated location provides a feeling of peace and authenticity that is rare in the more easily accessible areas.
Must-sees include the historic lemon groves “Limonaia del Castèl“, the town’s small museum and the charming old harbour. A stroll through the historic town centre with its narrow stair streets and flower-adorned balconies is an experience in itself.
The biggest disadvantage is that the town can be challenging for people with mobility issues due to the many stairs and steep streets, and the town becomes very quiet in the evenings outside of high season.
Places to Stay in Limone sul Garda
Hotel Du Lac ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This iconic hotel with a dramatic location directly by the lake offers a luxurious experience in the heart of Limone. The elegant rooms and suites, many with private balconies and panoramic views of the lake, combine classic Italian style with modern amenities. The hotel’s infinity pool seems to merge with the lake.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “It felt like swimming out into the lake itself from the infinity pool, and the staff arranged a private boat trip for us to small secluded coves that only locals know about.”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Splendid Palace ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With a stunning location just a few minutes’ walk from the centre, this elegant hotel offers a perfect combination of comfort and convenience. The modern rooms all have balconies or terraces, many with views of the lake and mountains. With a large pool, a lush garden and a restaurant with a panoramic terrace.
A guest recently wrote: “Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake and the terraced lemon groves was a daily highlight. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable about local hiking trails and helped us find routes that weren’t in the guide books.”
See more photos and book here.
Garni Gianmartin ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This charming bed & breakfast is located in a renovated historic building overlooking the old harbour. With only a few rooms, all individually decorated in a rustic but comfortable style, the place offers a personal and authentic experience. The cosy roof terrace is perfect for enjoying a glass of local wine as the sun sets over the lake.
Guests particularly love: “The homely atmosphere and the fantastic location right by the old harbour. Host Carlo personally showed us around his family’s historic lemon grove and shared stories going back generations.”
See more photos and book here.
Where not to stay in Lake Garda? Areas to avoid
Although Lake Garda is generally a safe and beautiful area, there are some places you might want to consider avoiding to get the best experience on your holiday.
- Peschiera del Garda is a popular choice due to its easy train connection to Venice and Verona, but the town lacks the authentic charm that many other towns on the lake have. The area around the train station can feel over-touristed and impersonal, especially in high season. I would recommend choosing Desenzano instead if you want good transport connections, as it has both charm and good connections.
- The industrial areas around Toscolano-Maderno on the western shore have historically been the centre for paper production, and although the towns themselves have charming areas, some of the industrial zones can disturb the idyllic holiday atmosphere. You’ll get a better experience by staying a bit further north or south along the western coast.
- Torbole at the northern end is extremely popular among windsurfers due to the excellent wind conditions, but if you’re not into water sports, the constant buzz of surfers and the relatively spartan tourist infrastructure can provide a less relaxing experience. Staying in Riva del Garda gives you access to the same activities, but with more facilities and more charm.
- The main road SS45bis on the western shore has some hotels and apartments directly by the busy road, which can provide traffic noise all day. Booking a hotel located just a few hundred metres away from the main road will drastically improve your experience, so always check the hotel’s exact location.
Generally, you’ll get a better experience by staying in the historic town centres or just outside, rather than in newly developed areas or along the busy main roads.
To sum it all up:
For first-time visitors, I often recommend Riva del Garda or Malcesine, as they provide a perfect mix of natural beauty, activities, and an authentic Italian atmosphere. With their good infrastructure and many facilities, families with children will likely thrive in Bardolino or Desenzano, while couples on a romantic getaway will find Sirmione or Limone particularly enchanting.
The season also plays a big role in your choice. In summer, the northern areas like Riva and Torbole are more pleasant with their slightly cooler climate and fresh breeze, which are perfect for activities. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit the southern areas like Sirmione and Desenzano, where you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere without the summer crowds.
A practical thing to consider is transport between the areas. The ferries on the lake connect most major towns and give you the opportunity to explore several areas, no matter where you choose to stay. If you’re planning to explore both the northern and southern ends of the lake, consider staying in the middle, e.g. in Malcesine or Bardolino, to minimise travel time.
No matter which area you choose, remember that Lake Garda is about embracing “la dolce vita” – the sweet life. Take time to enjoy an espresso in a square, eat a slow dinner overlooking the sunset over the lake, and let yourself be seduced by the special blend of Alpine freshness and Mediterranean warmth that makes Lake Garda such a magical place.
Enjoy your stay at Lake Garda.
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