Lake Garda towns: a guide to the most beautiful ones

Which towns on Lake Garda are worth visiting? Desenzano, Sirmione, Peschiera, Gargnano: we have selected towns and villages worth discovering

30 July 2023
Lake Garda towns: a guide to the most beautiful ones

Towns around Lake Garda: which towns to visit

Discovering the towns of Lake Garda is a great way to get closer to the culture of the place, to be surprised by unexpected places, by a belvedere overlooking the lake or by slightly hidden villages. Small towns, villages and hamlets that are pure wonder, for the views they offer, for the nature that surrounds them, but also for the stories and traditions they preserve.

With NowMyPlace Lake Garda experiences , it is easy to enjoy exciting activities in these locations: nature hikes, yoga and meditation classes with a lake view, boat trips, local produce and wine tastings in wine cellars, to make your trip unique and memorable.

From the Veneto coast to Upper Garda, there are plenty of centres that are a must-see. Let's discover them together!

Travellers' favourite cities on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a perfect holiday destination, for a romantic getaway, a weekend away from home. Here, in fact, there is so much to do and discover, starting with the towns overlooking the lake: splendid jewels set into the coast.

Let's take a look at which of the main cities directly overlooking Lake Garda are among the most popular with Italians and travellers.

Desenzano

Desenzano is the most populous municipality on the lake, also known as the 'capital of Lake Garda'. It is located on the Lombard shore and its historic centre holds important archaeological and architectural treasures such as the morainic amphitheatre (the largest in Italy!). A walk to the mediaeval castle, Piazza Malvezzi and the Porto Vecchio, surrounded by 16th century palaces, will take you back in time. As one of the main tourist resorts on Lake Garda, there is no shortage of evening entertainment here: you can choose to spend the night in a beach club, cocktail bar or discotheque.

With NowMyPlace, you can try a unique experience to discover the area and Desenzano: the sunset sailing excursion on board a craft for up to 5 people. The skipper will guide you to quiet spots for a swim or for a tasty aperitif with a suggestive view.

Peschiera

Its conformation as a fortified city, built within a network of canals for defensive purposes, makes Peschiera unique. Located on the Venetian coast, this town on Lake Garda has Scaliger origins. The centre is elegant, lively, full of small shops and activities to visit, as well as historical places to discover such as the fortress, the Ponte dei Voltoni, the Palazzina Storica Museum and Catullo Park.

Not only history and architecture: Peschiera can also be explored in terms of food and wine and nature. With NowMyPlace you can visit the area with a Vespa tour. A journey through taste, among places selected by a connoisseur, to visit local activities (such as a family-run farm, a distillery, extra virgin olive oil producers) and be surprised by breathtaking views on two wheels.

Sirmione

One of the most visited and loved towns on Lake Garda is Sirmione. What makes it so special? Certainly the atmosphere, magical and romantic, the alleys decorated with flowers and plants, the unique view of the lake, and the Scaliger castle, which lends a fascinating touch to the town.

NowMyPlace allows you to admire it from a privileged vantage point, thanks to a motorboat tour. It is ideal to start from the peninsula and head to the most important historical and natural sites: an experience you will remember with great pleasure and even a little nostalgia.

Bardolino

Bardolino is a village on Lake Garda, on the Veneto shore, among the most sought after by travellers for its combination of nature, history and food and wine. Here, in fact, the wine of the same name, known and appreciated all over the world, is produced: a characteristic that distinguishes its territory rich in vineyards, hills and a magical view of the lake.

Lake Garda: towns and villages on the Trentino coast

The Trentino shore comprises the northernmost part of the lake. A stretch rich in small villages and pretty towns, with naturalistic corners and panoramic views.

Worth visiting is Riva del Garda with its medieval castle (which houses the Alto Garda Museum, perfect for holidays at Lake Garda with children), its human-scale centre, the panoramic lift that takes you up to the Bastion and offers a magnificent view of the lake. With NowMyPlace you can enjoy many outdoor sports activities (from trekking to windsurfing) and experience a horseback ride amid nature and historical villages in the Trentino Dolomites.

Torbole is also a place worth visiting. The centre is colourful, with many activities and the panoramic terrace of the Belvedere provides a breathtaking view of the entire area. A place so beautiful that it also fascinated the writer Goethe when he visited Italy in the 18th century.

Lake Garda: towns and villages on the Brescia coast

The Brescia coast of Lake Garda is perfect for those who enjoy slower tourism, such as discovering the area by bicycle, even with children.

In Limone sul Garda, for example, there is a panoramic walkway that offers a unique view of the lake. A romantic village, adorned with stairways and squares, famous for its fragrant lemon houses. Also nearby are Salò, Toscolano Maderno and Gardone Riviera: small jewels surrounded by nature, close to fabulous attractions such as the Vittoriale degli Italiani and the André Heller botanical garden.

Lake Garda: towns and villages of Upper Garda

There are also other beautiful places worth visiting in the area of Gargnano and Alto Garda. Places linked to agriculture, to nature, surrounded by hills.

Not to be missed:

  • Gargnano, on the western shore, arranged between plains, hills and mountains;
  • Tignale, which is located in the Alto Garda Bresciano Park and extends to the shores of the lake;
  • Campione del Garda, a corner of paradise between the lake and the rock.
The coastline stretching from Gargnano to Limone can be admired from the lake by booking a motorboat tour. All you have to do is relax and contemplate the scenery: a selected professional from NowMyPlace will take care of the trip.

Why rely on NowMyPlace to discover the villages, towns and cities of Lake Garda

Discovering Lake Garda towns, villages, hamlets with NowMyPlace means indulging in the pleasure of travel and discovery. You can evaluate unique experiences and itineraries, climbing aboard a vintage Vespa, a sailing boat or a motorboat, always followed by experts and in complete safety. Activities that combine sight and taste with tours that let you discover the products of the territory and the stories of those who have been producing those products every day for many years.

How about setting off with us to discover the towns and villages of Lake Garda? We will let you discover their most beautiful side!

Slow Discovery
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