Italy: The 10 most beautiful villages for a holiday on Lake Garda

Whether you're looking for an active holiday, sunbathing on a white pebble beach, a leisurely holiday or simply enjoying the Dolce Vita – the diversity of Lake Garda is best experienced on excursions to its most beautiful villages.

Each place is distinguished by something different. We'll introduce the most beautiful villages around the lake and what they have to offer.

Borghetto today belongs to the municipality of Valeggio sul Mincio, south of Lake Garda. This former fortress village lies on the Mincio River in a hinterland untouched by tourist crowds. The ruins of a large Scaliger fortress characterize the town, as do its historic watermills and narrow streets.

The idyllic village is best known for the large tortellini festival "Festa del Nodo d'amore" ("Festival of the Love Knot"). It usually takes place annually in June on the 600-meter-long "Ponte dei Visconti" bridge.

In honor of the pasta variety that was supposedly invented in the municipality, two 600 Meter-long tables are set up, seating around 4,000 people to feast on hand-filled tortellini. You can also make the "love knots" yourself in various workshops, some of which are offered by local farms.

Another highlight in the municipality is the nearby Parco Sigurtà Giardini. The 600,000-square-meter park has already won numerous awards, including "Most Beautiful Park in Italy 2013" and "Second Most Beautiful Park in Europe 2015," "Best Attraction 2020," and most recently the "World Tulip Innovation Award 2024."

You can also combine a visit to Borghetto with a bike tour from Peschiera, where the Mincio River leaves the lake. The route always follows the river. Incidentally, Peschiera, besides Desenzano, is the only town on Lake Garda with a train station. A train ride from Milan, for example, only takes about an hour and a half. This makes the area perfect for a day trip.

Malcesine is on the list of " Italy's Most Beautiful Villages " (I borghi più belli d'Italia). On the website of the Italian association of the same name, which annually recognizes new towns of "outstanding historical and artistic interest," the municipality is also referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Garda."

The village is located in the province of Verona on the eastern shore of the lake and is one of the most beautiful holiday resorts on Lake Garda . Narrow cobblestone streets characterize the village. A traditional weekly market takes place around the town hall every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

One of Malcesine's absolute highlights, however, is the Scaliger Castle, which towers above the rooftops. The fortress borders the lake and houses the Natural History Museum and the former powder magazine.

Also worth seeing are the Local History Museum in the Palazzo dei Capitani and the old parish church of S. Stefano. Those who want to admire the lake from above can take the cable car from Malcesine up Monte Baldo or explore the area on foot.

For sports enthusiasts, Malcesine offers numerous other activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, in addition to hiking and climbing tours.

Tremosine is located in the province of Brescia, on the west coast above Lake Garda. This town has also been named one of "Italy's most beautiful villages." Strictly speaking, it is a municipality consisting of 18 hamlets.

While Malcesine borders the lake directly, almost all of Tremosine's districts are perched on steep cliffs or mountain slopes between 400 and 600 meters above the water. Hence, the municipality is also known as a "paradise on the cliffs." The exception is the hamlet of Campione, located directly on the lakeshore.

Tremosine is famous for its spectacular panoramic road, the Strada della Forra . It winds its way up from the harbor of Porto di Tremosine to the hamlet of Pieve in dizzying switchbacks and through narrow tunnels. James Bond fans will remember the six-kilometer-long stretch as the setting for the chase in "Quantum of Solace" (2008).

Not only the road offers breathtaking views over the lake, but also the "Terrazza del Brivido" (Terrace of the Shivering). This photo spot is located at the Hotel Paradiso in Pieve and is accessible from mid-February to mid-November. From the terrace, 350 meters above the water, you can see the Forra, the Brasa Canyon, and the village of Campione. On a clear day, you can even see Monte Baldo on the opposite shore.

Like Tremosine, the municipality belongs to the province of Brescia and is also located on the western shore. Gargnano is quieter and less touristy than other towns on Lake Garda, such as Sirmione or Garda. It consists of 13 villages, most of which are inland. Only Bogliaco , Villa , and Gargnano border the lake.

There, nestled between olive groves, palm trees, lemon trees and cypresses, lie colourful houses, small boat docks and pebble beaches with breathtaking views of the lake, such as the Spiaggia del Corno.

One of the top attractions is the "Limonaia la Malora." The ancient lemon garden is located on a protected landscaped terrace and can be visited.

Villa Bettoni is also worth a visit. This magnificent neoclassical-style estate houses the local museum. The garden offers fantastic views of the lake.

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San Giorgio di Valpolicella is a village in the municipality of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella (province of Verona), which is also on the list of the "most beautiful villages in Italy".

The old village sits idyllically on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. Its characteristic feature is its panoramic terraces, built with dry-stone walls (in Italian: marogne), offering impressive views of the Valpolicella hills and Lake Garda in the distance.

The shore is about 15 kilometers away. For a Lake Garda vacation, San Giorgio is the ideal place for those who don't want to spend every day by the water. Instead, culture enthusiasts, hiking enthusiasts, and gourmets will find what they're looking for in this picturesque town.

The heart of the village is a Romanesque parish church dating back to the eighth century. According to the tourist organization Regione del Veneto, it is one of the oldest places of worship in the Verona area. The so-called "pieve" is decorated with colorful frescoes and intricate stone carvings. A fountain stands in the cloister courtyard.

According to the tourist organization, San Giorgio di Valpolicella is also known for its typical local wines such as Valpolicella, Recioto, Amarone, and extra virgin olive oil. For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding area offers a variety of trails leading through pristine nature, past blossoming trees, and through lush vineyards.

Located on a peninsula on the southern shore, Sirmione combines historic elegance with an exclusive atmosphere: There you'll find thermal baths, luxury hotels, upscale restaurants, small boutiques, numerous cafés, and picturesque beaches. At Lido delle Bionde—the "Beach of Blondes"—a long bathing jetty leads into the lake. Next to it is the Spiaggia delle Grotte.

The historic old town is Car-free. Access is via a pedestrian bridge and through the Scaliger Castle, which forms the entrance. It is the landmark of Sirmione and is one of the best-preserved moated castles in Italy . From the keep, you have an unforgettable panoramic view of Lake Garda.

Another must-see is the Grottoes of Catullus, an archaeological site containing the remains of a massive Roman villa.

The local museum contains the oldest finds on the Sirmione peninsula. The columns and walls, with the lake in the background, offer creative scope for spectacular photo opportunities. In addition to the ruins, you can also visit a historic olive grove.

Torri del Benaco, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, is charming and relaxed. You can sample fresh fish in small eateries, stroll through the picturesque alleys past colorful houses, or enjoy a creamy, homemade ice cream at "Gelateria La Limonaia" on the square in front of Scaliger Castle.

The fortress houses a small museum that showcases the region's history, traditional fishing, and olive cultivation. The tower offers breathtaking views of the lake. Those who wish to dive into the turquoise waters can do so at white pebble beaches like the "Baia Stanca" on the "Lungolago Torri del Benaco" promenade north of the old town.

Ferries depart from Torri del Benaco, providing quick access to other towns like Maderno and Limone, making the village an ideal base for further exploration.

Riva del Garda lies at the very northern tip of Lake Garda in the province of Trento. The town's landmark is the slightly leaning, 35-meter-high Apponale Tower at the harbor. Along with the medieval moated Rocca Castle in the old town and the fortified ring on Monte Brione, it is one of the three exhibition venues of the Museo di Riva del Garda.

The northern shore of Lake Garda is known as a climbing paradise . Whether you're a beginner or a pro, guided canyoning or via ferrata tours in the area offer something for everyone.

A worthwhile hiking destination is the Varone Waterfalls, just three kilometers from the town. The water plunges 98 meters into a narrow gorge.

You can hike into the Ledro Valley on the Strada del Ponale. The ten-kilometer route leads along steep cliffs overlooking the lake and is one of the most beautiful historic panoramic trails in Europe.

Monte Brione is popular not only with hiking enthusiasts but also with mountain bike fans. A cycle path leads through olive groves up the 307-meter-high mountain.

Bardolino, on the southern eastern shore, is world-famous for its eponymous red wine and the rosé "Chiaretto." Travelers can explore the vineyards and enjoy the local wines at tastings. Those interested in learning more about the history and tradition of winemaking should visit the Museuo del Vino.

The museum is located in the Zeni winery in Costabella di Bardolino on a hill outside the city. From the panoramic terrace, a picturesque view of Lake Garda and the numerous surrounding sights is revealed: the 74-meter-high church tower of San Martino della Battaglia, the Grottoes of Catullus, the Punta San Vigilio headland, and the striking rock of La Rocca di Manerb.

The charming old town, with its narrow streets, medieval walls, small boutiques, and cozy cafés, invites you to stroll and linger. Piazza Matteotti, in particular, is a lively meeting place with a variety of restaurants and bars. The Church of Saints Nicolò and Severo borders the square.

The long, well-maintained promenade connects Bardolino with Lazise in the south and Garda in the north. It offers magnificent views of the lake and is ideal for walks, bike rides, or simply relaxing. On Thursdays, numerous stalls line the lakeshore and the alleyways, as the market is held.

Every year on the last weekend in August, Riva del Garda hosts the "Notte di Fiaba" (Fairytale Night). True to the motto, the town transforms into a fairytale land for several days, with numerous stages hosting shows and concerts. From October 3rd to 7th, a wine festival enlivens the lakeside promenade.

San Felice del Benaco is located on a small peninsula between the Bay of Salò and the Bay of Manerba on the western shore of Lake Garda.

Part of this charming municipality is Isola del Garda . It is the largest island in Lake Garda. The Cavazza family palace sits enthroned on it, surrounded by magnificent Italian gardens and a diverse forest of cypresses, acacias, and pines. Visiting this little paradise is only possible as part of guided tours, which are offered from April to October. During peak season, tours should be booked at least four days in advance, according to the website " isoladelgarda.com ."

The municipality's three mainland towns – Portese , Cisano , and San Felice – also offer numerous sights. These include the "Palazzo Cominelli" in Cisano, the ruins of the Portese Castle, the Baroque parish church of San Felice Martire with its ornate interior, and the former Palazzo del Monte di Pietà. Just outside of San Felice, surrounded by vineyards, lies the Carmelite monastery of Madonna del Carmine.

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