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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Lake Garda is considered the most beautiful Italian lake

At Citalia, we have almost 90 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.

Things to do in Lake GardaMedieval CastlesIf you’re a fan of castles, you’re in luck, as the shores of Lake Garda boast so many magnificent castles that you probably won’t be able to visit all of them on one trip. Some of the most popular include the Castello di Sirmione fortress, one of Italy’s most well-preserved; the Medieval Castello Scaligero di Lazise with its charming gardens; and the 13th-century castle, Castello Scaligero of Malcesine with its science and history museum.

Things to do in Lake GardaVillas and ViewsOr perhaps you prefer graceful villas and palaces to imposing castles? Lake Garda has plenty of those too. Visit the Roman villa in Gargnano, the impressive Bettoni Palace fit for a king, or the lakeside Palazzo Terzi Martinengo museum in Salò.

For one of the most spectacular views of Lake Garda, take the cable car up to the top of Monte Baldo, standing at 1760 metres high. It’s unique because it rotates, giving you a 360 degree view of Lake Garda’s landscapes.

Things to do in Lake GardaFood & Drink

The area around Lake Garda is known for its citrus fruits, and in particular its lemon groves. The lake is surrounded by historic lemon houses, some of which even date back to the 13th Century, when monks brought lemons here from Southern Italy. The lemons are used in everything from desserts and liquors to sweets.

Polenta and fish both feature heavily on menus around Lake Garda. Polenta is a soft savoury corn dish, which can be served as a hot porridge or after cooling can be fried and topped with various classic Italian ingredients such as cheese or tomato sauce. Fresh fish straight from the lake is of course popular here too and there are many varieties, from trout to pike. You will also find traditional dishes which pair fish and polenta together with olive oil to top it off.

Things to do in Lake GardaWine & DineLake Garda is also one of Italy’s best wine producing regions and the mountains and fertile soils around its shores are ideal for vine growing. Lake Garda holidays should include visiting vineyards such as Villa Calicantus and Guerrieri Rizzardi Winery, or even the Wine Museum in Bardolino to sample local wines. Bardolino also holds a fantastic wine festival. One of the best reds in the area also bears the Bardolino name and is light and fruity, pairing well with pastas.

Destinations in Lake Garda

Bardolino

Bardolino holidays take you to the south east shore of Lake Garda, in the north of Italy.

Lake Garda Holidays

Enjoy the picturesque Lake Garda

Speak to our Personal Travel Planners

Lake Garda is considered the most beautiful Italian lake

Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Garda

Handpicked Lake Garda Hotels

Aqualux Hotel and Spa

Bellevue San Lorenzo

Corte Valier

Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort

Gardea SoulFamily Resort

Grand Hotel Terme

Flight Information

When to go

Visa Information

Tipping

Introduction to languages

Our recommendations

Linda Kulka

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