Events on Lake Garda
Where to stay on Lake Garda
Lake Garda doesn't have a single "right" area: the choice depends on how you're getting around, your budget, and what you're after. Here's how the lake's main areas differ.
Basso Garda: Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera, Lazise
The southern shore, the flattest and best connected: Desenzano and Peschiera have train stations on the Milan-Venice line, and Sirmione is the lake's most photographed stop, with its castle on the water and thermal baths. It's the most touristy and crowded area in high season, but also the most practical for anyone arriving without a car.
Best for: arriving without a car, first visits, families close to Gardaland
Verona shore: Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco
The Bardolino DOC wine coast, with lakeside villages strung one after another along the eastern Gardesana road. Quieter than the lower lake but still well served, with a good balance of village life, beaches and wineries a short bike or car ride away.
Best for: wine and wineries, a slower pace without giving up convenience
Alto Garda: Malcesine, Torbole, Riva del Garda
The northern part, where mountains drop almost straight into the water: the zone for sailing, windsurfing, climbing and mountain biking, with Malcesine and the Monte Baldo cable car, and Riva and Torbole as sport bases. In summer it's often a few degrees cooler than the lower lake.
Best for: outdoor sports, mountain scenery, escaping the heat
Brescia shore: Salò, Toscolano, Limone
The western shore, greener and less hit by mass tourism, among Art Nouveau villas, historic lemon houses and towns like Salò, Gardone Riviera (with the Vittoriale) and Gargnano. Limone, further north, combines the lemon houses with a very photogenic old town.
Best for: a quieter pace, historic villas, smaller crowds
Hinterland: a short drive from the lake
Towns like Puegnago del Garda, in the hills of the Valtenesi, offer accommodation and restaurants at noticeably lower prices than the coast, while staying a 10-15 minute drive from the lake. Worth considering in high season, when the shore is pricier and more crowded.
Best for: a lower budget, vineyards and hills, travelling by car
Common questions
Where should you stay on Lake Garda without a car?
On the lower lake: Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera are the only towns with their own or a nearby train station, as well as being connected by the Navigazione Laghi boats.
What's the cheapest area to stay in?
The hinterland, a short drive from the coast: towns like Puegnago del Garda in the Valtenesi cost noticeably less than Sirmione or Bardolino in high season.
Is it better to stay on the Verona shore or the Brescia shore?
The Verona shore (Bardolino, Garda, Peschiera) is more touristy and close to the big parks; the Brescia shore (Salò, Gardone, Limone) is greener and quieter, at a slower pace.