Malcesine sits on the northern east shore and combines much of what draws people to Lake Garda: an old town with lanes and a harbour, the Scaliger Castle on a rock above the water and, unique on the lake, a cable car up Monte Baldo that starts right in town.
Where to stay in Malcesine
| Location | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old town | Couples | Romantic, lively in the evening, no car at the door |
| North along the shore | Beach holiday | Hotels with pool and sunbathing lawn by the lake |
| South towards Cassone | Peace and quiet | Smaller houses, bus and boat to the old town |
Lakefront hotels in Malcesine
“Right on the lake” in Malcesine applies mostly to houses north and south of the old town with their own access to rock slabs, a pebble beach or a sunbathing lawn. Only a few hotels in the old town itself sit directly on the water. Check on the map whether the lakeside road (the Gardesana) runs between the hotel and the lake. More on the difference between lake view and lake location: lakefront hotels on Lake Garda.
Choose a hotel with parking: the old town is closed to cars, and the public car parks are often full by mid-morning in July and August.
Things to do in Malcesine
- Monte Baldo cable car: in operation from April to early November, return trip for adults about €28 online. All the details on the Monte Baldo cable car page.
- Scaliger Castle: the castle on the rock with a tower and a view over the northern lake. Goethe sketched it on his Italian journey.
- Boat trip: by historic sailing boat or scheduled boat across to Limone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Monte Baldo cable car take?
About 20 minutes including the change at the San Michele middle station. The top station, Tratto Spino, is at 1,760 metres.
Is Malcesine good for families?
Yes, especially for families with older children who want to hike or go up the mountain. For toddlers, the flat shores in the south are easier.
Can you park in Malcesine?
The old town is car-free, and car parks are on the edge of town and fill up early in summer. A hotel with its own parking is a real advantage here.
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