Panorama over Lake Garda with mountains

Lake Garda holiday: choosing the right shore for your trip

Lake Garda is big, and each shore offers a different holiday. Choose the right shore first and you will find the right hotel faster.

Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0

By Redaktion HotelGardasee.com · Updated

Our top pick: Gardaland: day ticket with fixed date

Which shore suits you?

Shore Towns Best for
South Sirmione, Peschiera, Desenzano Families, train travellers
East Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine Old towns, promenades
North Riva del Garda, Torbole Cycling, hiking, windsurfing
West Limone, Gargnano Peace and quiet, steep coast
FamiliesSouth shoreFamiliesGardaland, trainWith childrenRead guide East shoreOld townsPromenadesCouplesRead guide North shoreActiveMountainsSporty travellersRead guide

Getting there

  • Car: by car via the Brenner pass on the A22 to the Rovereto Sud exit (north shore) or Affi (east shore).
  • Train: to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano on the south shore, then boat or bus.
  • Air: Verona airport is the closest, about 20 to 25 minutes by car from Peschiera on the south shore and just over an hour from Riva.
Families

Gardaland: day ticket with fixed date

The big theme park on the south-east shore.

Check availability

Lake Garda: 4-hour boat tour with a stop in Sirmione

See the lake from the water.

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Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Check Lake Garda hotel prices

Frequently asked questions

Which shore of Lake Garda is the best?

The south shore for families and Gardaland, the east shore for old towns like Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine, the north shore for sport around Riva and the west shore for peace and quiet.

How do you get to Lake Garda?

By car via the Brenner pass and the A22 motorway to Rovereto or Affi, by train to Peschiera or Desenzano on the south shore, or by air to Verona airport, 20 to 25 minutes from Peschiera.

Camping Lake Garda camping at a glance: south-east shore, west shore or the north? Season, pitch types, booking tips and day trips worth doing from your campsite. Read guide Dog-friendly hotels Dog-friendly hotels on Lake Garda: towns with plenty of room to walk, what pet fees mean, beach rules, and tips for boats and day trips with your dog. Read guide Weather Lake Garda weather at a glance: temperatures by month, water temperature, the Pelèr and Ora winds on the north shore, and the best time to visit for each activity. Read guide

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Keep planning

Towns Riva, Limone, Malcesine, Garda, Bardolino, Lazise or Sirmione? The best towns on Lake Garda compared for families, couples, active travellers and car-free trips. Read guide Best time Best time to visit Lake Garda: air and water temperatures from April to September, when it is busy and when it is cheap, for swimming, hiking and families. Read guide Family hotels Family hotels on Lake Garda: the most child-friendly towns, what to look for in pool, room and location, and which trips kids love, from Gardaland to boat rides. Read guide Day trips The best Lake Garda day trips: boat trips, Monte Baldo, Gardaland, boat tours, Verona and the Dolomites. With durations, ratings and tickets. Read guide Weather Lake Garda weather at a glance: temperatures by month, water temperature, the Pelèr and Ora winds on the north shore, and the best time to visit for each activity. Read guide With kids Lake Garda with kids: Gardaland, Movieland and Parco Natura Viva compared, the best children's beaches on the south shore, rainy days and suitable family hotels. Read guide Hiking Hiking at Lake Garda: the Ponale trail, Busatte-Tempesta near Torbole, Monte Baldo and Rocca di Garda. Best time, gear and a via ferrata option at a glance. Read guide Camping Lake Garda camping at a glance: south-east shore, west shore or the north? Season, pitch types, booking tips and day trips worth doing from your campsite. Read guide Dog-friendly hotels Dog-friendly hotels on Lake Garda: towns with plenty of room to walk, what pet fees mean, beach rules, and tips for boats and day trips with your dog. Read guide West shore Lake Garda's west shore at a glance: Salò, Gardone Riviera, Gargnano and Limone compared. Where it is quiet, what to see and how to get around. Read guide