Colorful villages overlooking the lake, lemon houses and olive groves, clear waters that the mountains bow down to: Lake Garda is all this, and so much more. Plan your trip with our guide: in this article, we’ll tell you what to see at Lake Garda in three days.
Lake Garda: 10 things to see
A favorite destination for visitors from all over the world, Lake Garda touches three regions of Northern Italy: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Over the years we’ve visited it several times, gradually discovering the beauty of its different shores.
On our last trip to Lake Garda, we stayed for three nights in the lovely lake-view apartment at Casa Francesca, in Torri del Benaco.
Once back home, we found ourselves reminiscing about our excursions in this area, so rich in natural and architectural beauty. If you’re wondering what the most beautiful places to visit at Lake Garda in three days are, here’s our list of 10 must-see spots. Follow the itinerary on the map.
Table of Contents
- 1. Sirmione and the Caves of Catullus
- 2. Desenzano del Garda
- 3. Vittoriale degli italiani
- 4. The Strada della Forra
- 5. Pieve di Tremosine and the thrilling terraces
- 6. Limone sul Garda
- 7. Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda
- 8. Scaliger Castle of Malcesine
- 9. Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino
- 10. Lazise
- Wineries to visit around Garda
- Where to eat at Lake Garda
- Where to stay at Lake Garda
1. Sirmione and the Caves of Catullus
“O Sirmio, jewel of all peninsulas”, sang the Latin poet Catullus when he thought of this village jutting out over the waters of Lake Garda, on an extremely thin strip of land.
And who could blame him? Sirmione is a dream come true. Right at the entrance of the old town, you’re met with the imposing Scaliger Castle, a rare example of a lakeside fortification and one of the best-preserved castles in all of Italy.
The fortress is surrounded by the lake’s waters on all sides, creating unforgettable views. Continuing through the old town, a twenty-minute walk brings you to the famous Caves of Catullus.
The name can be misleading: these aren’t actual caves, but the remains of a Roman villa built between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.
Walking among the majestic ruins, it’s easy to close your eyes and imagine this splendid Roman building overlooking Lake Garda on three sides. On sunny days, the lake water lapping against this narrow strip of land takes on an almost Caribbean shade of blue, a true feast for the eyes.
The name “Caves of Catullus” comes from the rediscovery of the Latin poet’s verses, in which Catullus describes his return home to Sirmione. Even though we can’t prove today that this villa truly belonged to him, the name has stuck as the way to identify the archaeological site.
Unfortunately, in recent years Sirmione has become almost impossible to visit during peak season, when tourist numbers hit their highest. Luckily for us, we visited in December and found it much quieter and more enchanting.
Caves of Catullus: visitor information
- Open Tuesday to Saturday (8:30 AM-7:30 PM) and Sunday (8:30 AM-2:00 PM)
- Full-price tickets: €8
- Website
2. Desenzano del Garda
Desenzano del Garda, just a few kilometers from Sirmione, is another village much loved by Italian and international tourists alike.
Although it’s a small town, Desenzano certainly has no shortage of attractions. We recommend visiting the Castle, the Civic Archaeological Museum and the Roman Villa, with its magnificent mosaic floors.
A stroll around the old harbor and Piazza Malvezzi also captures that romantic feel typical of lakeside towns. Here, as the sun sets, the historic buildings light up and a magical atmosphere settles over Desenzano.
Another reason Desenzano fully deserves its place among the must-see spots at Lake Garda is its proximity to the production area of Lugana, an excellent DOC white wine made in the provinces of Brescia and Verona.
Desenzano is the ideal starting point for boat trips on the lake, and for those coming from Milan, it’s only fifty minutes away by Frecciarossa high-speed train.
3. Vittoriale degli italiani in Gardone Riviera
In addition to being an incredible testament to 20th-century Italian history, the Vittoriale degli italiani is one of the most important tourist attractions in the entire Garda area.
Located in Gardone Riviera, the house-museum of Gabriele D’Annunzio reflects the poet’s highly personal taste in furniture and architecture. His unrestrained passion for collecting creates unique spaces that can feel almost overwhelming to the modern visitor.
You simply can’t help but be amazed by D’Annunzio’s incredible collections of artworks and personal belongings, mostly dating back to the fascist period. The Vittoriale, after all, was designed specifically to create a lasting memory of the extraordinary life of the most famous poet-soldier in Italian history.
Among the unmissable rooms at the Vittoriale are the Prioria, D’Annunzio’s actual home, the Naval Museum, the military ship Puglia, given to the poet by the navy in 1923 and set into the hillside, the Italian-style gardens, the amphitheater, and the mausoleum.
During the summer, the Vittoriale’s amphitheater is often used for open-air shows and concerts.
Vittoriale degli italiani: visitor information
4. The Strada della Forra
After Desenzano and the Vittoriale degli italiani, we continue north along Garda’s Brescia shore in our imaginary loop around the lake. Near the scattered municipality of Tremosine, we come across the Strada della Forra, one of the most incredible places we’ve ever seen.
This is a road carved entirely into the rock, named “della Forra” because it cuts through the forra – or gorge – created by the Brasa stream. This striking scenic road leads to the village of Pieve, a hamlet of Tremosine.
Driving along the Strada della Forra feels like being on the set of a film set on another planet. As you climb toward Pieve, the lake remains a constant presence on one side of the road, offering breathtaking views.
Designed and built by self-taught engineer Arturo Cozzaglia, a native of Tremosine, the Strada della Forra was called by Churchill the “eighth wonder of the world”.
As of June 2024, the Strada della Forra is closed due to a landslide that occurred in December 2023
5. Pieve di Tremosine and the thrilling terraces
Eighteen rural hamlets make up the scattered municipality of Tremosine sul Garda, among which the village of Pieve stands out, included in the circuit of Italy’s most beautiful villages. The reason is immediately clear: perched 423 meters high atop a cliff, it enjoys a unique view over the lake and the Verona shore.
There are three main panoramic viewpoints for admiring the landscape in its entirety: the first is a belvedere near the Locanda al Castelletto, reached by taking the Vicolo della Scaletta and climbing a bit higher.
The second viewpoint is located near Piazza Cozzaglio, next to the restaurant-hotel Miralago. Here, a bench invites visitors to sit and spend a few minutes taking in this unparalleled view. To the right of the terrace, you’ll also notice the end of the Porto-Pieve trail, used by hikers coming up from the lake.
The third and final terrace, nicknamed the “Terrace of Thrills”, is located inside the Hotel Paradiso, which lets visitors admire the view in exchange for a small purchase at the bar. It’s without a doubt the most beautiful and famous viewpoint in Pieve, though the hotel is closed during the winter season.
6. Limone sul Garda
Lake Garda isn’t just the northernmost area in Italy where olive oil is produced, but also one of the northernmost places where lemons grow. It’s precisely this fruit that gives its name to Limone sul Garda, although the town’s name seems to have older origins.
Limone is one of those villages where you can get lost among cobbled lanes and discover hidden gems around every corner. Narrow staircases lead to hidden squares and lookout points, where the view of the lake feels more romantic than ever.
Limone is a place to visit at a slow pace, stopping to admire the elegant, colorful houses of the old town, as well as the many artisan workshops. At sunset, the sky turns a thousand different shades, and the lake water reflects the light show, creating truly incredible moments.
Today, Limone sul Garda is home to three different lemon houses, considered true museums in their own right:
- The Limonaia del Castél: built in stone and arranged across multiple terraces, it’s the most famous in the village. Besides lemons, mandarins, clementines, and grapefruits are also grown here.
- The Limonaia di Villa Boghi: in the gardens of this villa, now home to the town hall, there’s a lemon house open to the public where you can take a relaxing stroll.
- The Limonaia del Tesol: located two kilometers from the center of Limone, this lemon house sits in the striking setting at the foot of Monte Preàls.
7. Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda
At the northernmost tip of the lake, we find a taste of Trentino-Alto Adige, the third region touched by Garda after Lombardy and Veneto. Here lie Riva del Garda and Torbole, among the lake’s most beloved resort towns and top destinations for water sports.
The winds that blow in this area are steady and strong, creating ideal conditions for sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Nearby, the village of Arco is also worth a visit, a historic spa town known for its mild climate, as is Rovereto, a city rich in history, home to the MART museum of modern and contemporary art.
8. Scaliger Castle of Malcesine
Heading down along the Veneto shore, we come across the Scaliger Castle of Malcesine, another beautifully preserved fortress perched atop a hill in the village of Malcesine.
Although the castle’s original structure has been expanded and modified over time, it still retains many of its original features, including crenellated walls, towers, and a drawbridge.
Visiting the castle, you’ll be captivated by the stunning view of the lake’s Lombardy shore and the surrounding mountains. Inside the building, you’ll find permanent exhibitions including the Natural History Museum and the Goethe Room, where you can admire the images sketched by the German writer in his Italian Journey.
From the top of the keep, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Malcesine and the southern part of the lake. A true postcard moment that stays with every visitor.
9. Torri del Benaco, Garda, and Bardolino
On the Veneto shore of Garda, we find other very charming villages worth visiting, especially in peak season, while during winter they tend to empty out.
Could there be another Scaliger Castle? Of course – and indeed the castle of Torri del Benaco makes it a very important destination for tourism on the Veneto side of Garda. The village, though small, comes alive around its charming little harbor during the warmer months.
The small town of Garda is also well worth a stroll, and it’s where we had dinner at one of the best traditional taverns ever, the Osteria Caffè Amaro, which we’ll tell you more about shortly.
Finally, there’s Bardolino, which gives its name to one of the most distinctive wines in the Garda area. The town is a bit larger than Torri del Benaco and Garda, so you’ll find more bars and restaurants here, including the excellent Munus.
10. Lazise
Among the places you simply must visit at Lake Garda, we also include Lazise, a wonderful medieval village whose castle, in this case, can’t be visited.
If you’re looking for an aperitivo, you’ll have plenty of lakefront spots to choose from. Or you can grab a cone of fried fish from George Fish and Chips and enjoy it on one of the benches by the marina, as the day draws to a close and the sky turns pink.
Compared to other lakeside villages, Lazise has the advantage of being lively in every season. Even in winter, visitors keep coming, drawn especially by the Christmas markets.
Lazise is also a great base for anyone wanting to visit Gardaland while avoiding the traffic of Peschiera del Garda.
Six wineries to visit around Garda
The Lake Garda area is a true paradise for wine lovers and food and wine itineraries. To the south lies the Lugana production area, while to the east you’ll find both Bardolino and the more famous Valpolicella, home to prized wines like Ripasso and Amarone.
That’s why, during our trips around the lake, we discovered and visited several wineries, tasting their wines and bringing home the ones we loved the most. Below you’ll find the 6 wineries we recommend visiting during a vacation on Lake Garda.
1. Cobue
Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, we discovered this excellent winery in Lugana, where we had the chance to taste four wines: the Albis, a classic-method brut sparkling wine, the Chiaretto “29 agosto,” the Getulio, a red wine, and the Lugana CAMP8.
The wines are truly outstanding, and the price matches the experience. Cobue is also an accommodation with a pool and wellness center, not to mention the events, dinners, and blind tastings they organize.
2. Bulgarini
Another winery producing very good wines in the Lugana area is Bulgarini, where we especially recommend the Chiaretto and the sparkling wines. The winery, however, produces a vast range of wines that can only be fully appreciated through an on-site tasting.
3. Masi Wine Experience
We move toward Valpolicella to arrive at Masi Wine Experience, at the Tenuta Canova near Lazise. Here you can either eat or dedicate yourself entirely to wine by choosing one of the experiences on offer.
The estate is truly stunning, and the staff’s professionalism will lead you to discover wines of inimitable elegance.
4. Zeni 1870
Among the things to do on Lake Garda when it rains, we include a visit to Zeni and their Wine Museum in Bardolino, set up by the Zeni family inside their winery.
Not only is admission to the museum free, but at the end of the short tour you’re treated to six complimentary tastings of some of the winery’s wines. Among these, we particularly enjoyed a red Veronese and a Soave white from the Costalago line.
5. La Dama Vini
A family-run organic winery in the heart of Valpolicella, La Dama Vini is the perfect choice for anyone looking to get acquainted with the great red wines of Veneto.
Needless to say, the Amarone came home with us, right? If you’re a fan of sweet wines, instead, you’ll especially love the Recioto, Valpolicella’s quintessential passito wine.
6. Bonazzi Wine
The last winery on our list of recommendations is Bonazzi Wine, run by brothers Dario and Fabio Bonazzi. Here we got acquainted with Valpolicella wines for the first time, tasting as many as eight different glasses.
Beyond the inevitable sense of euphoria that followed such a hearty tasting, we carry with us the memory of a truly top-notch Ripasso and Amarone, at a lower-than-average price.
Where to Eat on Lake Garda: 5 Recommendations
Lake Garda isn’t known only for its olive oil and lemon production, and its winemaking tradition, but also for a truly remarkable gastronomy, capable of creating dishes that highlight local ingredients.
Here are our 5 recommended restaurants not to miss for a taste of lakeside cuisine.
Osteria al Rivelin, Peschiera del Garda
Our go-to spot in Peschiera del Garda is the cozy Osteria al Rivelin, a bit off the beaten path from the town center.
A restaurant specializing in “authentic flavors of Venetian home cooking,” the Rivelin offers dishes for every palate: from lake fish (bigoli con le sarde, tinca in saor) to meat, including traditional peasant dishes (pasta e fagioli, tripe, etc.).
Masi Wine Experience, Lazise
Our favorite places are the ones where you can drink well and also eat well. That’s why we had such a great time at Masi Wine Experience.
Here, after a selection of cicchetti made with local products, we dug into a delicious Amarone risotto with shaved Monte Veronese cheese. A risotto that rightfully earns a spot in our top ten.
Osteria Caffè Amaro, Garda
In the little village of Garda you’ll find this small osteria serving traditional Venetian dishes in an informal, family-style setting.
Pike with grilled polenta, bigoli con le sarde, and much more, all dishes paired with local wines and served by a friendly, down-to-earth owner. Osteria Caffè Amaro is a place where you’ll feel right at home.
Munus, Bardolino
We wrap up our recommendations on where to eat on Lake Garda with Munus, a recently opened venue in Bardolino that combines restaurant, pizzeria, and wine bar.
Munus was born from an idea by the Guerrieri Rizzardi estate, a historic winemaker from the Verona area. In the welcoming dining area, excellent dishes are served and presented elegantly.
Il Bagnolo Eco Lodge, Salò
Last but not least, we recommend a farmhouse stay on the opposite side of the lake: Bagnolo Eco Lodge, reachable by climbing a bit up the mountains surrounding Salò.
The family atmosphere at Bagnolo made us feel welcome right away, a feeling later confirmed by the delicious dishes we ordered: a cheese tasting, crepes with ricotta and nettles, straw-and-hay lasagna with farm-raised meats…
Where to Stay on Lake Garda
As we mentioned at the start of the article, for our latest stay on Lake Garda we chose Casa Francesca, a beautiful and spacious apartment in Torri del Benaco equipped with every comfort.
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room with kitchenette, and a terrace with lake views make this property perfect for a few days of relaxation in one of the most beautiful and romantic areas of Italy. In the warmer months, you can also take a dip in the pool among the olive trees.
Outdoor Experiences on Lake Garda
If you’re looking for inspiration for outdoor activities on Lake Garda, on Freedome you’ll find plenty of outdoor experiences to suit every need. From canoe excursions to sailboat tours, here are some of the adventures waiting for you:
- Scenic sailboat tour on Lake Garda
- Speedboat tour of the Sirmione peninsula
- Quad bike excursion in the Alto Garda Bresciano park
- Family-friendly via ferrata on Monte Colodri
- Horseback ride in the Alto Garda Bresciano park
- Horseback ride through the vineyards in Desenzano del Garda
- Sunset canoe tour in Peschiera del Garda with aperitif
- Beginner rock climbing lesson on Lake Garda
Our journey discovering Lake Garda ends here, but this area holds countless other gems to visit and admire. Do you have any tips for our next trip to the lake? Leave a comment below!
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