Lake Garda Holidays

Enjoy the picturesque Lake Garda

Our favourite family destination, picture-perfect Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and boasts plenty of fun activities both on and around the water. Embark on a boat trip or take the opportunity to visit the Dolomites, just a short trip away.

Holidays to Lake Garda offer visitors some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Situated in the north, just west of Verona, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, elegant towns and scenic castles, Lake Garda holidays offer some of the best of the real Italy. 

Some of the most popular places around the lake include Peschiera del Garda, with its Venice like canals, the charming lakefront town of Lazise, Garda itself with its lakeside walkways, and elegant Bardolino, which is hemmed in by vineyards.

To the north you’ll find a more local, quieter and less crowded side to Lake Garda, with epic mountain views and picturesque viewpoints. Explore the lesser known villages around the area, such as Riva del Garda and Limone Sul Garda. Lake Garda holidays are chilled and relaxing, ideal for those who love nature, architecture and culture, but there’s still plenty to keep you occupied, from castles and museums to hiking, dining and wine tasting.
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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Lake Garda is considered the most beautiful Italian lake

At Citalia, we have 95 years of expertise in Italy, and being the leading Italian holiday specialist we can help you to enjoy holidays to Lake Garda like no other.

Lake Garda may be one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, but if you know where to go, like we do, you can find lots of space and places off the beaten track with a more local flavour. If you’re a fan of botany, or simply gardens, a visit to the Parco Giardino Sigurtà is a must. It’s filled with manicured lawns, sculpted gardens, sparkling ponds and peaceful walkways.

To get a taste of local life on your Lake Garda holiday, visit one of the local markets held in the area. The town of Desenzano holds its weekly market on a Tuesday and is known for its fine Italian cotton shirts, while Bardolino hosts a market on Thursdays and sells everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

For a spot of relaxation and a bit of indulgence, Sirmione holidays are in order. Spend a day at Sirmione Spa, in the town of the same name, where you can indulge in massages and hot springs.

Destinations in Lake Garda

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Bardolino
Bardolino holidays take you to the south east shore of Lake Garda, in the north of Italy.
Aerial panoramic view of Desenzano del Garda town with red tiled roof buildings, Garda Lake water surface, Monte Baldo mountain range, Sirmione peninsula, blue sky background, Lombardy, Northern Italy
Desenzano Del Garda
The charming town of Desenzano lies on the southern banks of Lake Garda, gazing out towards the Alps. 
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Garda
Situated at the southern end of the lake, Garda is one of the main destinations along the coastline and enjoys a great location just 20 miles from Verona.
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Gardone Riviera
Gardone is an elegant resort on the west banks of Lake Garda. 
Panoramic view of the resort town of Lazise on Lake Garda, north of Italy. Aerial photography with drone.
Lazise
Lazise is one of Lake Garda’s hidden gems – a medieval walled town with heaps of charm in a winning location. 
Limone Garda, Garda Lake, Lombardy, Italy
Limone
Perched on the north coast of Lake Garda, Limone sits against a mountainous backdrop in a secluded cove surrounded by olive groves. 
Town of Malcesine castle and beach view, Veneto region of Italy, Lago di Garda
Malcesine
A holiday in Malcesine takes you to the shores of Lake Garda, in northern Italy.
Morning in Peschiera del Garda, Italy, pastel retro toned
Peschiera Del Garda
Situated just a 15-minute train ride from Verona at the southern end of Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda is one of the lake’s most beautiful destinations.
The picturesque town of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda. Province of Trento, Trentino Alto Adige, Italy.
Riva Del Garda
Riva del Garda is the northernmost town on Lake Garda and oozes Italian charm, in a historic old town full of winding passageways and a glamorous lakefront promenade.
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Salò
Salò is a sought-after holiday resort on the south-west shores of Lake Garda, close to Gardone Riviera.
Aerial view of Sirmione, an ancient village on southern Garda Lake. Brescia province, Lombardy, ItalY
Sirmione
Sirmione is one of the most popular resorts on Lake Garda, within a historic spa town, famous for its thermal waters.
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Torbole
Discover Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy from the beautiful town of Torbole, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Garda

Experience more of Italy by adding an excursion to your Lake Garda holiday. To pre-book one of our specially selected excursions or day trips, please call our Italy Experts on 01293 765055*.

Handpicked Lake Garda Hotels

Discover the real Italy while staying in one of our carefully selected Lake Garda hotels

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona (VRN). Direct flights to Verona are available from Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Garda is traditionally a summer getaway, with hotels usually welcoming guests between April and October. Temperatures hover around 25°C in July and August – and this is when Lake Garda is at its liveliest. 

However, the weather in Lake Garda is very mild in spring and autumn, with temperatures rarely ducking beneath 20°C. Fancy avoiding the busiest months? Consider visiting in May, June or September – you’ll avoid the crowds and still be treated to warm weather.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Our recommendations

Insider tips from our well travelled team
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Linda Kulka

There is a lovely restaurant in Malcesine called Restaurant La Pace. As well as serving amazing food (the prawn carbonara in particular), they make their own limoncello, which is some of the best I have ever tried.


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What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.

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