On Lake Garda you save mainly through travel time and location. A hotel inland from Bardolino in June often costs a fraction of an old-town room in Sirmione in August, and it is only a few minutes by car to the lake.
The seven best money-saving tips
- June and September instead of July and August: the water is already or still warm and prices are noticeably lower. Details on the best time to visit.
- Avoid public holidays: Easter, Whitsun and the German summer holidays push prices up.
- Inland instead of old town: a few kilometres from the shore, often with a pool and parking.
- Lesser-known towns: choose Cisano, Pacengo or Torri del Benaco rather than Sirmione or Limone.
- An apartment from a week: for families often cheaper than two hotel rooms, see apartments.
- Compare the total price: tourist tax, parking and final cleaning belong in the sum.
- Book early with free cancellation: reserve early for peak season and rebook if you find a better deal.
Half board often pays off: a dinner at a lakeside restaurant for a family quickly costs more than the half-board supplement at the hotel.
Cheap but still well located
| Place | Why cheaper | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Cisano (Bardolino) | Small district, quieter | Fewer restaurants |
| Torri del Benaco | Less well known than Garda and Malcesine | Smaller choice |
| Inland Lazise/Peschiera | Lots of space, large resorts | Car needed |
Compare cheap hotels on Lake GardaSort by price and check the location on the map
Frequently asked questions
When are hotels on Lake Garda cheapest?
In April, May and October, outside public holidays and Whitsun. June and September are a good compromise between price and swimming weather.
Which towns on Lake Garda are cheaper?
Places inland and in the lesser-known towns are usually cheaper than old-town locations in Sirmione, Limone or Malcesine.
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