Discover Lake Garda

From stunning landscapes to exciting activities, and easy access from Verona airport

Scenic Italian road trip

🗺️ Getting to Lake Garda

Lake Garda is wonderfully accessible from across Europe. Whether you're flying, driving, or taking the train, here's everything you need to plan your journey.

✈️ By Air

Several airports serve Lake Garda, with excellent connections from the UK, Germany, and across Europe.

Verona (VRN)

25 min to lake

Closest airport, British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair

Milan Bergamo (BGY)

1 hr to lake

Budget airlines hub, Ryanair, Wizz Air

Milan Malpensa (MXP)

1.5 hrs to lake

Major international hub, long-haul flights

Venice (VCE)

1.5 hrs to lake

Good for combining with Venice visit

💡 Tip: Car hire is available at all airports. Book in advance during peak season (June-September).

🚆 By Train

Italy's rail network makes Lake Garda easy to reach. High-speed trains connect Milan and Venice to lakeside stations.

Desenzano del Garda

Main station on the Milan-Venice line

High-speed Frecciarossa trains stop here

Peschiera del Garda

Southern lake, near Gardaland

Regional trains from Verona (15 min)

Rovereto

For northern lake (Riva, Torbole)

Then bus to the lakefront

🔗 Book tickets at trenitalia.com or italotreno.it

🚗 By Car

Driving gives you the most flexibility to explore the lake and surrounding areas. The A4 motorway runs along the southern shore.

Key Motorway Exits:

Peschiera del Garda — South-east lake (Lazise, Bardolino)

Sirmione — Peninsula and thermal spas

Desenzano — South-west lake

Affi — Central east lake (Garda, Torri)

Approximate driving times: Munich 4.5 hrs • Zurich 4 hrs • Vienna 5.5 hrs • Milan 1.5 hrs

⛴️ Getting Around the Lake

Once you're here, ferries and buses connect all the lakeside towns — a car isn't essential.

Lake Ferries

Regular ferries connect all major towns. A scenic and relaxing way to travel! Car ferries also available.

🔗 navigazionelaghi.it

Local Buses

ATV and Trentino Trasporti buses run frequent services around the lake. Affordable and reliable.

🔗 atv.verona.it

🌊 Things to Do Around Lake Garda

Water sports on Lake Garda
🏄

Water Sports

Lake Garda is famous for its consistent winds, making it perfect for windsurfing and sailing.

  • • Windsurfing & kitesurfing (Torbole)
  • • Sailing & boat rentals
  • • Paddleboarding
  • • Swimming beaches
Hiking trails near Lake Garda
🥾

Hiking & Nature

Stunning trails with panoramic lake views and Mediterranean vegetation.

  • • Monte Baldo (cable car from Malcesine)
  • • Ponale Trail (Riva del Garda)
  • • Rocca di Garda walk
  • • Parco Natura Viva
Cycling around Lake Garda
🚴

Cycling

From leisurely lakeside paths to challenging mountain routes.

  • • Garda by Bike cycle path
  • • Peschiera to Mantova route
  • • Mountain biking on Monte Baldo
  • • E-bike rentals available
Wine tasting in the Bardolino region
🍷

Food & Wine

The Bardolino wine region and excellent local cuisine await.

  • • Bardolino wine tasting
  • • Local olive oil mills
  • • Lakeside restaurants
  • • Weekly markets
Theme parks and family attractions
🎢

Family Fun

Theme parks and attractions for all ages.

  • • Gardaland (Italy's #1 theme park)
  • • Caneva Aquapark
  • • Movieland
  • • SEA LIFE Aquarium
Historic castles and culture
🏰

Culture & History

Explore medieval castles, Roman ruins, and charming villages.

  • • Scaliger Castle (Sirmione)
  • • Grotte di Catullo (Roman villa)
  • • Vittoriale degli Italiani
  • • Historic town centers

🏘️ Towns Around the Lake

Bardolino

Bardolino

Famous for wine, charming promenade, lively nightlife

Lazise

Lazise

Medieval walls, beautiful harbor, close to Gardaland

Sirmione

Sirmione

Thermal spas, castle, Roman ruins, stunning peninsula

Malcesine

Malcesine

Monte Baldo cable car, Scaliger castle, northern charm

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda

Northern tip, dramatic mountains, water sports hub

Peschiera

Peschiera

UNESCO fortress, Mincio river outlet, train station

Desenzano

Desenzano

Largest town, great shopping, vibrant center

Limone

Limone

Lemon groves, spectacular cliffside road, quiet retreat

Ready to Experience Lake Garda?

Book your stay and start exploring this beautiful corner of Italy.

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