Best Places To Stay In Lake Garda

The lake is basically divided into three areas, which have different vibes and attract different people.

The south end is flatter, warmer, and much easier to navigate without a car. I learned this the hard way when I first visited and tried to rely on buses in the north: an absolute nightmare! The south is perfectly connected to trains and ferries, making day trips to Verona or Venice very easy. More than half of Lake Garda visitors stay in this area, and honestly, if you’re a first-timer or coming with family, it makes sense.

Meanwhile, the north is made up of dramatic cliffs and windy roads – absolutely stunning but a little trickier to get around. You really need to plan carefully to get the most out of your trip and you will probably need to rent a car.

Southern Shores: Where Convenience Meets Charm

Desenzano del Garda: the victory of transport

If you’re avoiding a rental car (and the stress of Italian driving), Desenzano is your best bet. It is on the Milan-Venice train line and has fantastic connections.

My first trip, I based myself in Hotel Vittorio and I really loved my stay. Their balcony rooms overlook the water and I spent each evening with a glass of local Lugana wine watching the sunset unfold over the lake. The ferry dock is about a 10 minute walk away, which is perfect for getting to other towns without the hassle of buses or taxi costs.

There’s a bit more of a city vibe than some of the smaller towns: real shops that don’t close for three hours at midday, restaurants open late, and young locals meeting for aperitifs. But that means it feels less like a tourist trap and more like a real place.

The downside? If you want to explore the stunning northern cities, you’ll consider longer ferry journeys. And it’s not the most picturesque spot on the lake: if you’re looking for those picture-perfect cobblestone streets, you might be disappointed.

Sirmione: the paradise of the peninsula

Sirmione is so pretty. It sits on this narrow peninsula jutting out into the lake, with a real medieval castle with a moat at the entrance. Walking through the castle gates for the first time was like stepping into an Italian fairy tale.

If you want to splash around, stay at Palace Villa CortineIt’s worth every penny. The grounds look like a movie set: statues hidden among the cypress trees, a private dock where staff bring you towels and drinks, and gardens that seem to go on forever.

The trap? It’s expensive like anything, especially in high season. And getting in and out can be a pain: the single road is clogged with cars in summer and there is no train station. But if you’re staying put or happy with the ferries, it’s magical, especially once all the day-trippers have left and you can wander the quiet streets.

For a more economical option, you can stay in a small B&B called The Garda Residence just outside the old town. The owner prepares these amazing breakfasts with homemade cakes and local cheeses. It’s just a five-minute walk from the lake and a cute little beach called Lido Galeazzi, the perfect place to relax or rent a kayak or paddle board.

Peschiera: Central Theme Park

Do you have children? Peschiera could be the ideal place for you. It’s perfectly located for Gardaland (Italy’s answer to Disneyland) and has this charming canal system running through it – think a mini Venice but without the crowds and exorbitant prices.

Garda Parks Hotel is perfect if you stay in summer. After sweating it out in Gardaland all day, coming back to cool off in their huge pool is absolute heaven. They also offer shuttles to the theme parks, meaning you can have a cheeky prosecco with lunch without worrying about driving back.

The town itself has decent beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not the most glamorous spot on the lake, but it’s convenient if theme parks are on your agenda and it also has good transport links.

The center of Lake Garda: the Sweet Spot

Bardolino and Town of Garda: Wine and Walks

The central region gives you the best of both worlds: still relatively easy to reach but with more spectacular scenery than the south.

Bardolino is known for its red wines (the Bardolino wine route is awesome) and has this wonderful promenade that connects it to the neighboring town of Garda.

If you are looking for an independent apartment, Olivo Residenceis perfect and offers hotel perks like a swimming pool and a reception for local advice. The location was perfect: quiet enough to sleep with the windows open but a 5 minute walk to restaurants and the ferry.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, try La Vittoria Boutique Hotel which is located right next to the harbor with a view of the lake.

Bardolino’s central location means that day trips north or south are achievable without spending half your day on transport. And the weekly market is great for buying local cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables to prepare your own Italian feast.

Only downside? Fewer direct rail connections, so airport transfers require a little more planning. But once there, the ferry network is easy to use and the central location allows you to explore both north and south.

Northern Lake Garda: for views and actives

Riva del Garda: the majesty of the mountain

It’s to the north that the lake becomes spectacular: the foothills of the Dolomites plunge directly into the water, creating a breathtaking fjord-like setting.

Lido Palace in Riva offers true luxury and incredible mountain views. The hotel itself is beautiful: all glass and light, with a spa that will spoil all your future spa experiences for you.

Riva is a bit of a hiking paradise. You can take the panoramic elevator up to Bastione, but don’t imagine yourself taking a gentle stroll. It’s still a strenuous walk, but definitely worth it for the stunning lake views you get from the top.

The northerly winds make it perfect for windsurfing and sailing. I tried paddleboarding and spent more time in the water than on the water, much to the amusement of my family and the locals drinking their sundowners by the lake.

Just keep in mind that getting here without a car requires some planning: it’s far from major airports, and public transportation becomes less reliable the further north you go.

Limone: lemon trees and hidden treasures

Limone has to be my favorite: it’s an incredibly pretty town on the west bank, with steep streets lined with lemon trees and little shops selling homemade limoncello and lemonade.

For a luxury stay EALA My dream hotel by the lake— features an infinity pool facing the mountains that makes you feel like you’re floating directly in the lake. The sleek modern design contrasts beautifully with the traditional city and the facilities are out of this world. Perfect for couples as it is reserved for adults.

If you are looking for a place to take the family, Leonardo da Vinci Hotel is ideal because it is designed for children. There’s a kids’ club, family rooms, two swimming pools and even a shuttle service to Limone so little legs don’t get tired.

Limone welcomes cruise ship visitors during the day, but in the evening it becomes quiet and peaceful again. We found this little restaurant tucked away on a side street where the nonna was still making pasta by hand. No English menu, just whatever she decided to cook that day: absolutely magical.

Our practical advice

Here’s what no one tells you but which makes all the difference:

• Ferry tickets are much cheaper if you buy multi-day passes. I saved almost €50 on a week’s stay by purchasing a weekly ticket.
• If you are there in summer, reserve air-conditioned places. The lake breeze helps, but July and August can be sweltering.
• Even in fancy restaurants you will see Italians in shorts and t-shirts. Lake Garda’s dress code is fairly casual.

Ultimately, there’s no bad place to stay on Lake Garda: it just depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. Want easy access and family fun? Stay south. After spectacular photos and hiking trails? Head north. Want a little bit of everything? Central cities are your best bet.

But wherever you go, my best advice is to take at least one sunset ferry ride on the water. Watching the lakeside towns light up against the darkening mountains, a glass of local wine in hand, is something that will stay with you long after your tan has faded.