Garda Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Garda showing a lake or waterhole
Garda showing a lake or waterhole as well as a couple
Garda which includes street scenes and a small town or village
Garda featuring a lake or waterhole
Garda

Halfway up the eastern coast, and the namesake of northern Italy’s Lake Garda, this town is the perfect destination for a natural retreat.

Located inside a wide horseshoe bay on its namesake lake, Garda has picturesque, colorful houses surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the tall, green hills behind, home to vineyards and Venetian merchants’ villas. Wander to the famous palace on the nearby peninsula or relax on the lake itself. Bring your hiking boots and a picnic basket to enjoy an idyllic summer afternoon.

Go on an adventure up Monte Luppia in search of prehistoric rock etchings, according to legend made by bored shepherds tending their flocks. Walk out along the Punta San Vigilio to see stunning views of the lake and the renowned villa of Agosto Brenzoni, which hosted royalty, including Tsar Alexander and the British royal family in the early 20th century. Just south of town are the ruins of the Rocca, said to have been the location Queen Adelaide fled so she could marry King Otto.

Return to town and relax with a gelato or aperitivoin the shade in front of the Palazzo dei Capitano, a pale yellow Venetian Gothic palace presiding over one of Garda Town’s busiest piazzas. Ramble through the streets of the Old Town until you find the stunning old Santa Maria Maggiore church, which was rebuilt in the 16th century. Rent a yacht, motorboat or kayak from the harbor and set off before the sun goes down beyond the hills on the other shore.

Drive to Garda in 25 minutes from the closest train station in Peschiera del Garda or from Verona, the closest international airport, in 30 minutes. Peschiera del Garda offers connections throughout Italy, including to Venice and Milan. Take a bus to Garda from Peschiera del Garda in 30 minutes. Rent a car in Peschiera del Garda to explore the surroundings or rely on the region’s extensive bus service.

For lingering views of Garda, follow the lakeside path that leads north to Torri del Benaco and be rewarded with stunning views as you turn back along the peninsula.

Hotel Palme & Suite
Hotel Palme & Suite
3 out of 5
Via Don Gnocchi, 28, Garda, VR
The price is £102 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
£102
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
6.6/10 (355 reviews)
Great place
"Great place. Adequate food, clean pool, though they ladders are in need of servicing) the room was comfortable but had an unfinished look. The AC worked great and the environment was welcoming. Great staff"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Hotel Palme & Suite
Residence Parco del Garda
Residence Parco del Garda
Via Marconi, 34, Garda, VR
Stay at this residence in Garda. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a garden. Popular attractions Al Corno Beach and Golf Club Ca degli Ulivi are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (54 reviews)
Convenient hotel
"Very good"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2016

Residence Parco del Garda
Hotel Gabbiano - Garda Lake Collection
Hotel Gabbiano - Garda Lake Collection
3 out of 5
Via dei Cipressi 24, Garda, VR
The price is £75 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£75
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Al Corno Beach and Golf Club Ca degli Ulivi are ...
7.6/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in quiet location. About 10 minutes walk to bars and restaurants by the lake. Excellent and healthy breakfast choices."

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2024

Hotel Gabbiano - Garda Lake Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Parco del Garda
Residence Parco del Garda
Via Marconi, 34, Garda, VR
Stay at this residence in Garda. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and a garden. Popular attractions Al Corno Beach and Golf Club Ca degli Ulivi are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (54 reviews)
Convenient hotel
"Very good"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2016

Residence Parco del Garda
Poiano Resort Apartments
Poiano Resort Apartments
Via Poiano, Garda, VR
Stay at this spa apartment in Garda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Rocca del Garda and Golf Club Ca degli Ulivi are ...
"big apartment clean all fasilitis on the resort"

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2023

Poiano Resort Apartments
Residence Uliveto
Residence Uliveto
Via Monte Baldo, Garda, VR
Stay at this residence in Garda. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Al Corno Beach and Rocca del Garda are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Very cozy and clean apartment with a great double bed."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Residence Uliveto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Garda

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
30
5 - Excellent 81%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Just a beautiful place to visit.. we have always wanted to go to Italy and Garda was a perfect place to start.. everything was so easy and accessible there.. so many dining options, most places had soya options.. bardolino is absolutely beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent and relaxing holiday and friendly local people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful scenery. So much to do

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The bus services around the Lake and beyond were fantastic. Bravo.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Definitely going back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Having visited Garda for the past ten years it is our second home but like to try different hotels to stay, we found Hotel Mullino buy far the friendliest and Peggasso Bar ( Mammo`s) the best Pizza in town with Mammo becoming a very good friend.

Cities near Garda