The Garda is the largest Italian lake and is highly appreciated for its beautiful mountains, beaches, and many tourist cities.
Stretching over three Italian provinces and spanning 370 sq km (143 sq mi), deciding where to locate in Lake Garda may be challenging. Do not worry, though, as we are here to help!
This guide will look at the best areas to stay in Lake Garda and what each entails. We will tell you about each town and the advantages and disadvantages of staying there and the best hotels in each one for every pocket.
Well, it is time to discover the best accommodation areas in Lake Garda!
List of the Best Towns to Stay in Lake Garda
If you would like a more detailed description of where to stay in Lake Garda, then stay tuned! Every one of the attractive towns on the shores of this stunning lake is incredibly crowded enough to provide visitors with lots of options, so picking the ideal place to stay is never a hassle.
To simplify things, we’ve selected the best destinations for you to stay in Lake Garda. So, let’s start with each awesome lakeside town and what it has to offer!
1. Sirmione
So, if the crowds are not an issue for you, Sirmione is definitely one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda! It has recently become one of the most beloved lakefront towns in this area, and it’s packed with restaurants, bars, attractions and unique shops.
This area has much to do, such as sunbathing at Jamaica Beach, taking a boat trip to the Grottoes of Catullus, and visiting the Aquaria Thermal Spa. However, the most visited of them is Scaligero Castle!
The seats are oriented on a peninsula, providing stunning views over Lake Garda and the mountains in the background. This is where Sirmione’s historic ‘old town’ is located with its little streets, car-free areas and amazing sights.
Staying in Sirmione is also advantageous, especially in the Lake Garda area. You can catch a bus or a ferry from town, but confirm with the timetable information since some stop early.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying in Sirmione
Advantages
- Many tourist attractions are available in the region
- Good access to other towns around Lake Garda
Disadvantages
- It may become rather crowded – especially during the summer holiday season
- It is among the most costly towns in the area of Lake Garda.
The Best Accommodations in Sirmione
- Luxury: Hotel Olivi Spa & Natural Wellness
- Mid-Range: Hotel Flaminia
- Budget: Hotel Porto Azzurro
2. Desenzano del Garda
Choosing the place to choose a hotel in Lago di Garda is not an easy task. However, Desenzano del Garda is worth visiting. It takes its place amongst some of the biggest lake-front towns and boasts good transport links, a wide selection of accommodations and lots of places to eat and drink into the night.
Desenzano del Garda is situated on the southern shore of the beautiful Lake Garda and is only 1,5 hours drive from Milan. This makes it one of the favorite destinations for the weekend; as such, many pubs and bars are open as late into the morning as one can imagine.
You will also discover many other great things to do in this place, such as catching a ferry to the lake, visiting Castello di Desenzano del Garda, or even enjoying great Italian food from many fabulous restaurants.
Desenzano del Garda is also among the best budget-friendly places to stay in Lake Garda. It is much more affordable than Sirmione, and you can get inexpensive accommodation around this place.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying in Desenzano del Garda
Advantages
- Budget-friendly accommodation
- There are many great food choices.
Disadvantages
- It can become quite boisterous in the evening, so it might not be appropriate for children.
- Often, it becomes congested, particularly on the weekends.
Accommodation Recommendations in Desenzano del Garda
- Luxury: Villa Rosa Hotel Desenzano
- Mid-Range: Piccola Vela
- Budget: Hotel Europa
3. Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda is actually one of the most beautiful towns in Lake Garda with a touch of ‘Venetian’ style feeling. It is a town built on this lake, making it special and beautiful for a stay.
It is understandable why this place is such a catch because of its architecture, the opportunity to walk around the lake, and the many great restaurants. This is one of the best places to base oneself while at Lake Garda if you’re traveling with children because it’s conveniently located for a visit to Gardaland, Italy’s premier fun fair.
However, there are also many other things worth visiting within the territory of Parma and its province, including Porta Verona, Braccobaldo Beach, and Madonna del Frassino Sanctuary.
Despite Peschiera del Garda’s small size compared to other towns around Lake Garda, it is one of the busiest. You will also enjoy beautiful beaches near the lake where one would just want to spend their time in this wonderful world.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying in Peschiera del Garda
Advantages
- Located on the lake itself
- Plenty of attractions nearby
Disadvantages
- A town where the population density is pretty low, so there are no mountains to look up to.
- It has transport links, but the area is not central, so the buses will take longer.
Top Rated Hotels in Peschiera del Garda
- Luxury: Le Ali Del Frassino
- Mid-Range: The Ziba Hotel & Spa
- Budget: Hotel Bell’arrivo
4. Riva Del Garda
Riva del Garda is one of the best destinations to stay in when looking for luxurious accommodation in Lake Garda. The area has many friendly hotels, and most of them provide a nice view of the lake and the mountains.
However, this town has many mid- and low-rental hotels, so people from all economic classes can find a hotel that suits them.
There can be no doubt, then, that there is something in Riva del Garda to suit everyone, from the leisurely pace to the history and the fun in the city and on the water.
There are many sites to visit, such as Spiaggia Sabbioni, Torre Apponale, and Riva Del Garda Hydro electrical powerhouse. The wonderful Cascate del Varone is only a thirty-minute walk from the town.
If you fancy something a little more adventurous, typical outdoor activities in this region are paddle boarding, sailing, mountain biking and hiking.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying in Riva del Garda
Advantages
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Ideal for adventure seekers
Disadvantages
- Right on the lake’s northern shores, so expect rather long road trips to the other towns using public transportation.
- May be quite active in the summer.
Top-Rated Hotels in Riva del Garda
- Luxury: Lido Palace – The Leading Hotels of the World
- Mid-Range: Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort
- Budget: Hotel Benacus Panoramic
5. Limone Sul Garda
Limone Sul Garda is one of the most picturesque towns of Lake Garda. Limon is the town’s name, which means ‘lemon,’ as the region specializes in lemons and other citrus fruits. It’s also well known that you’ll be able to taste fantastic olive oil there!
If you plan to visit Limone Sul Garda during the summer, you might want to see one of the lemon plantations around.
There is also the old town of Viareggio, the promenade, and what is locally known as Limonaia del Castel. You will also want to walk the cycle path here because it is so beautiful.
There is so much to see and do here, but Limone Sul Garda is one of the best places to stay in Lake Garda if you want to take it easy.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Staying in Limone Sul Garda
Advantages
- Great place to relax
- For this reason, it is one of the most beautiful areas surrounding the lake.
Disadvantages
- The area is very hilly, so if you are planning to walk- just keep that in mind
- It is a very small town and becomes very congested for tourists.
Top-Rated Hotels in Limone Sul Garda
- Luxury: EALA My Lakeside Dream
- Mid-Range: Hotel Du Lac
- Budget: Albergo Ristorante Montebaldo
Tips for Choosing the Best Place to Stay
- Identify Your Interests: One might found Riva del Garda interesting for adventure seekers, while Sirmione or Malcesine will suit those who want a romantic vacation.
- Consider Transportation: Desenzano and Peschiera are easily accessible by trains and ferries and thus are ideal places to begin.
- Budget: There is something for everyone, from five-star hotels to cheap bed and breakfasts in Lake Garda.
- Travel Season: Autumn and spring are relatively warmer and require less crowding, so summer is most suitable for water activities.
- Duration of Stay: If you spend longer, you can plan and divide your trip between northern and southern Bohemia to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Bottom Line
Lake Garda is as much about the activity in the southern towns as it is about relaxation in the northern areas’ estates. Depending on what kind of person you are, the thermal baths, wine country or reputably adventurous Riva del Garda are precisely what you want. Lake Garda is simply perfect, home to beautiful landmarks and lovely people and backed up by comfortable rental outlets. Do not wait and start organizing your vacation today: this beautiful Italian lake will surely give you an unforgettable experience!
Staying in Desenzano and Bardolino is particularly suitable for families because numerous hotels oriented to families are situated here, and many attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Yes, for those who need transportation, it is possible to visit several towns using ferries and buses on the island of Lake Garda.
Sirmione is recommended for cute couples and lovers, as with the beautiful landscapes, a calming atmosphere dominates the city.
Yes, many towns such as Limone sul Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and other cities are also very cheap to book and get guest houses or bed and breakfasts.
Absolutely! Most of the towns around the lake can be reached by car, though there are railway stations such as Desenzano and Peschiera, and ferry services are available for most of the towns around the lake.
The activities you can do in this region include hiking, cycling, windsurfing, sailing, paragliding, and others especially Cima and Riva del Garda and in Malcesine.
