Let’s be honest, the Italian dolce vita way of life is a deeply appealing philosophy.

Imagine being surrounded by charm and history, savouring robust red wine, enjoying pasta, and embracing a slower tempo, a more deliberate pace that allows you to be fully present.

It’s not about luxury or extravagance, or even avoidance. It’s a shift in a mindset that lets you savour what you have and focus on the things that truly matter.

Of course, you don’t have to hop on an aeroplane and travel to Florence or drink espresso in a Roman café to experience la dolce vita.

With a few small shifts in habits, you can bring a little bit of it into your daily routine, too, but nothing comes close to embarking on a journey exploring the unique aspects of the Italian lifestyle in Italy, where palpable energy sweeps through the cobblestone streets.

Read More: Discover Some of the Very Best Things To See and Do Around Lake Garda, Italy

I’ve been fortunate to travel to Italy a dozen times throughout my life.

I ventured from Bergamo to Como and Milan during my first trip to Italy. Each destination surprised me with unique experiences as I constantly found myself face-to-face with millennia of history.

But it wasn’t until I travelled to some of the country’s smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns that I truly fell in love with it.

As I absorbed the enchanting environment, I realised there’s something truly extraordinary about being here. 

And that’s exactly how I felt on our recent trip to Lake Garda, which has dozens of tiny towns dotted along the coastline.

If you wish to experince fulfilling concept of La Dolce Vita, or “the sweet life,” for yourself, there are a handful of places around Lake Garda to do just that.

Read More: The Dolomites: Your Guide To Visiting Val Gardena Valley in Northeastern Italy

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How to Get Around Lake Garda and Where to Base Yourself

Before you start planning a trip, keep in mind that Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake at 370 km², and you will need at least a week, if not more, to see all the villages thoroughly.

At the very top of the lake, you have Riva del Garda and at the bottom is the town of Sirmione, with other notable hamlets like Brenzone nestled in the hills.

One of the best things you can do is to base yourself in any of the towns on Lake Garda and explore the nearest towns on day trips.

You could even break up your trip and base yourself in the North to explore the northern towns, then move on to stay closer to the South and explore the towns there.

By doing so, you’ll get a chance to experience the distinctive differences of this lake of contrasts.

Southern shores are flat and wide with more of a seaside feel, but the further north you travel, the narrower the lake and the more mountainous the landscape becomes.

Alternatively, you can follow our lead and stay in Malcesine, a historic town with excellent ferry connections to the north and south.

In addition to ferry routes, you can conveniently reach Riva del Garda and Sirmione by car too.

Malcesine turned out to be a brilliant base for us – but it is even better if you are keen on windsurfing and cycling. 

Pros of staying in Malcesine are:

• It’s a great place to stay if you want to hike in the mountains, but also explore the other lake towns, too.

• If you are looking for a place with beautiful views, they don’t come much nicer than Malcesine because you’re closer to the opposite side of the lake.

• It has easy access to the opposite side of the lake via the ferry, which docks here.

• You are only about 40 kilometres northwest of Verona and can even embark on a day trip to the beautiful city

Read More: The Beginner’s Guide to Venice: 12+ Powerful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Trip

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Sirmione

If you ever wanted to visit a place that seamlessly blends medieval castles, thermal baths and Roman ruins, then Sirmione is for you.

The southern town is located on a skinny little peninsula jutting out into Lake Garda. Its biggest draw is one of Italy’s best-preserved castles –  a magnificent 13th-century Scaligero Castle.

After visiting the castle, take a walk around the Archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo. The ruins are named after Catullus, perhaps the most famous Roman poet of all time.

You can also check out the Church of San Pietro and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, or even escape the crowds and discover the crystal-clear waters of Jamaica Beach, a hidden gem accessible only by boat.

Read More: 8 unforgettable things to see and do in beautiful Venice, Italy

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Peschiera del Garda

This waterfront city boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and an enviable location.

Located on the southern shore of the lake, just a few kilometres from cities like Desenzano, Verona, and Sirmione, it serves as an excellent starting point for day trips.

In Roman times, Peschiera was an important trading centre and a transport hub that connected the Roman provinces of northern Italy with the south.

Roman remains, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, are still in the surrounding area, bearing witness to the town’s important past.

And that’s not all. This picturesque town also offers a variety of attractions and activities suitable for all ages.

Here, you’ll find beaches, a lovely little historic centre, amuseum dedicated to the history and traditions of fishing on Lake Garda, as well as thestar-shaped fortress of Peschiera, an imposing military building formed by tall walls and five bastions built between 1551 and 1553.

Read More: An Unforgettable 10-day European Itinerary For You To Borrow

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Lazise

Bordered by hills on one side and Lake Garda on the other, this charming medieval town offers unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and recreational opportunities.

Once a stop on the so-called “Amber Road,” Lazise became one of Italy’s first towns granted independence from the Holy Roman Empire over a millennium ago by Emperor Otto II. 

You can start our visit in the Piazza V Emanuele, the town’s charming central square, where you’ll find vibrant cafés, checkerboard pavement and colourful buildings.

After that, meander down the narrow streets on your way to the harbour, where you can watch boats unload their daily catch of tench and other fish.

Unlike many of the pebbly beaches around Lake Garda, here you’ll find one of the best sandy beaches we found in Lake Garda — Spiaggia D’Oro, located just a short walk from the centre.

Read More: 9 Incredible Things to do in Fuerteventura, The Oldest of the Canary Islands

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Malcesine

Malsecine is a lovely town crowned by the Castello Scaligero, an imposing medieval fortress that was built by the Lombards in the sixth century AD.

This town has a rich historical background, and that was one of my favourite things about it.

Beside the castle, Malcesine’s other popular attraction is the mighty Monte Baldo, standing at 1760 metres between the River Adige and Lake Garda.

You can easily reach its summit by a rotating cable car, bicycle or even a hike, and that’s an experience I guarantee you’ll never forget.

When it comes to the town itself, one of the best things you can do in Malcesine is to explore its little intervening streets, alleys and courtyards.

If you love boat trips, you will be delighted to find out that Malcesine is one of the stops for the ferries of the public transportation services that cross the lake.

You could even sail around the lake on an authentic 1926 vessel: the Siora Veronica.

Read More: Must-See Attractions in Malcesine, Lake Garda: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide

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Torbole

Located on the northern shore of Lake Garda, Torbole is a popular destination for those keen on watersports due to steady winds that sweep through the northern Garda basin.

The town’s centre consists of colourful buildings clustered around a lively harbour, with narrow lanes leading up towards the hillside.

Its location at the meeting point of mountains and water gives it a distinctive atmosphere and a strong connection to outdoor life.

The town’s prime attraction is the beach, where you can sit on a warm summer’s day and gaze at the dreamy lake view.

If relaxing isn’t your thing, you can go for a stroll around the town or sign up for a windsurfing or kitesurfing school.

Popular Landmarks include the Casa Beust and the Customs House, reflecting the town’s role in regional trade. 

Read More: A Short Guide to Visiting Oxford University Museum of Natural History

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Riva del Garda

A five-minute drive from Torbole, at the head of the lake, you’ll find another lively harbour town crammed with colourful palazzo buildings and splashes of greenery.

Riva del Garda is Lake Garda’s second largest town, with a population of 17000, and it is here that you can see nature at its most striking due to its location being close to both water and mountains.

If you’ve got a lot of energy, climb 200 steps to the top of the 13th-century Torre Apponale, from where you can take in stunning views of the lake, mountains, and Riva del Garda rooftops.

Plenty of great walks start from Riva, notably the scenic but steep path up to the Chapel of St Barbara, or a more gentle stroll along the 3km lake-front promenade to the village of Torbole. 

You can also stop by the Museo Alto Garda and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. Here, you can see works of art, archaeological finds, and various exhibits that tell the story of Lake Garda.

Read More: Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do At The Beautiful Lake Bled

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Limone Sul Garda

You can easily visit the beautiful cliffside town of Limone from Malcesine without navigating the busy roads.

Just book a boat ride from Malcesine to Limone and back. The journey is around 20 minutes each way with a choice of eight daily departures, seven days a week.

Once you get off the boat and set foot in Limone, you’ll see right away that the little cobbled streets of Limone are perfect for a leisurely stroll as you enjoy the fresh scent from the surrounding lemon groves wafting over the shuttered houses.

Despite being a small village, it offers a surprising amount of activities and places to explore.

You can start by visiting the Historic Centre and admiring buildings with traditional architectural features.

You can also go to the Castello di Limone for a tour around the old lemon fruit garden, where you can learn about the fascinating history of lemon farming at Lake Garda.

Or you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakefront and check out the many luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and small restaurants.

Read More: Discover Wonderful Biarritz: The Top 9 Must-See Tourist Activities In The City

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And, that’s a wrap

As you can see, there are many wonderful towns and villages on Lake Garda, and they all have something to offer: castles, medieval villages, vineyards, olive groves, and hiking trails

Not only is Lake Garda spectacularly beautiful, but it also has a wonderfully unhurried vibe.

We enjoyed our stay and found that compared with Lake Como, Lake Garda is far more accessible for all types of travellers.

Don’t get me wrong, I saw my fair share of private helipads, mansions, and Ferraris, but what really sets Lake Garda apart is that it also caters to the more budget-conscious among us, despite its jaw-dropping natural beauty.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Lake Garda? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Lake Garda and have travel-related questions

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