Lake Garda Holidays

Enjoy the picturesque Lake Garda

Our favourite family destination, picture-perfect Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and boasts plenty of fun activities both on and around the water. Embark on a boat trip or take the opportunity to visit the Dolomites, just a short trip away.

Holidays to Lake Garda offer visitors some of the most stunning scenery in the country. Situated in the north, just west of Verona, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, elegant towns and scenic castles, Lake Garda holidays offer some of the best of the real Italy. 

Some of the most popular places around the lake include Peschiera del Garda, with its Venice like canals, the charming lakefront town of Lazise, Garda itself with its lakeside walkways, and elegant Bardolino, which is hemmed in by vineyards.

To the north you’ll find a more local, quieter and less crowded side to Lake Garda, with epic mountain views and picturesque viewpoints. Explore the lesser known villages around the area, such as Riva del Garda and Limone Sul Garda. Lake Garda holidays are chilled and relaxing, ideal for those who love nature, architecture and culture, but there’s still plenty to keep you occupied, from castles and museums to hiking, dining and wine tasting.
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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Lake Garda is considered the most beautiful Italian lake

At Citalia, we have 95 years of expertise in Italy, and being the leading Italian holiday specialist we can help you to enjoy holidays to Lake Garda like no other.

Lake Garda may be one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations, but if you know where to go, like we do, you can find lots of space and places off the beaten track with a more local flavour. If you’re a fan of botany, or simply gardens, a visit to the Parco Giardino Sigurtà is a must. It’s filled with manicured lawns, sculpted gardens, sparkling ponds and peaceful walkways.

To get a taste of local life on your Lake Garda holiday, visit one of the local markets held in the area. The town of Desenzano holds its weekly market on a Tuesday and is known for its fine Italian cotton shirts, while Bardolino hosts a market on Thursdays and sells everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

For a spot of relaxation and a bit of indulgence, Sirmione holidays are in order. Spend a day at Sirmione Spa, in the town of the same name, where you can indulge in massages and hot springs.

Destinations in Lake Garda

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) and the small Village of Cisano di Bardolino with the port, tourist resort in Verona province, Bardolino municipality, Veneto, Italy, Europe. Lombardy coast on the horizon.
Bardolino
Bardolino holidays take you to the south east shore of Lake Garda, in the north of Italy.
Desenzano del Garda harbor aerial panoramic view. Desenzano is a town on the shore of Lake Garda in the Brescia province in Lombardy, Italy.
Desenzano Del Garda
The charming town of Desenzano lies on the southern banks of Lake Garda, gazing out towards the Alps. 
Picturesque view of the shore of Lake Garda, Italy in the place Garda with its characteristic mountain ¨Rocca di Garda¨.
Garda
Situated at the southern end of the lake, Garda is one of the main destinations along the coastline and enjoys a great location just 20 miles from Verona.
Gardone riviera viewed behined flowers, Italy
Gardone Riviera
Gardone is an elegant resort on the west banks of Lake Garda. 
old town and port of Lazise in italy - lago di garda
Lazise
Lazise is one of Lake Garda’s hidden gems – a medieval walled town with heaps of charm in a winning location. 
Window overlooking the village Limone Sul Garda on Garda Lake. The most famous tourist destination on lake. Lombardy, Italy.
Limone
Perched on the north coast of Lake Garda, Limone sits against a mountainous backdrop in a secluded cove surrounded by olive groves. 
Fantastic summer vacation place, beautiful Malcesine mediterranean cityscape with colorful buildings view from the hill, lake Garda, Italy, Europe
Malcesine
A holiday in Malcesine takes you to the shores of Lake Garda, in northern Italy.
Sunset view of Canale di Mezzo in Italian town Peschiera del Garda.
Peschiera Del Garda
Situated just a 15-minute train ride from Verona at the southern end of Lake Garda, Peschiera del Garda is one of the lake’s most beautiful destinations.
Riva del Garda port aerial panoramic view. Riva is a town at the northern tip of the Lake Garda in the Trentino Alto Adige region in Italy.
Riva Del Garda
Riva del Garda is the northernmost town on Lake Garda and oozes Italian charm, in a historic old town full of winding passageways and a glamorous lakefront promenade.
An aerial view of Salo city on Lake Garda with houses in the morning
Salò
Salò is a sought-after holiday resort on the south-west shores of Lake Garda, close to Gardone Riviera.
Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione Lake Garda, Italy. Lago di garda
Sirmione
Sirmione is one of the most popular resorts on Lake Garda, within a historic spa town, famous for its thermal waters.
Summer landscape and wooden boats,Lake Garda,Torbole town,Italy,Europe
Torbole
Discover Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy from the beautiful town of Torbole, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Garda

Experience more of Italy by adding an excursion to your Lake Garda holiday. To pre-book one of our specially selected excursions or day trips, please call our Italy Experts on 01293 765055*.

Handpicked Lake Garda Hotels

Discover the real Italy while staying in one of our carefully selected Lake Garda hotels

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona (VRN). Direct flights to Verona are available from Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Garda is traditionally a summer getaway, with hotels usually welcoming guests between April and October. Temperatures hover around 25°C in July and August – and this is when Lake Garda is at its liveliest. 

However, the weather in Lake Garda is very mild in spring and autumn, with temperatures rarely ducking beneath 20°C. Fancy avoiding the busiest months? Consider visiting in May, June or September – you’ll avoid the crowds and still be treated to warm weather.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Our recommendations

Insider tips from our well travelled team
a person posing for the camera

Linda Kulka

There is a lovely restaurant in Malcesine called Restaurant La Pace. As well as serving amazing food (the prawn carbonara in particular), they make their own limoncello, which is some of the best I have ever tried.


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