Lake Garda Holidays

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Glistening at the foot of the majestic Dolomites, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) of all the Italian lakes and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy.

Garda enjoys a gentle climate and its clear waters are ideal for swimming as well as watersports, with sailing and windsurfing being particularly popular. There are also good golf courses nearby and the surrounding countryside is a hit with walkers and mountain bikers.

The lake’s scenery varies from stunning craggy mountains in the north, to rich countryside and vineyards in the east, and gentle plains which fringe the southern shores. The western shore is lined with cypress trees, olive groves and citrus trees. While all around the lake, you will find pretty towns with lakeside trattorias and popular holiday resorts. A great way to explore Lake Garda and see its shoreline and islands close-up is from the water. Boat trips and lake cruises are available from several resorts.

Dotted around the shingle shore of the lake are many pretty Italian towns’ historic harbours. To the west of Lake Garda is the historic port of Sirmione, with its fortified harbour and 13th century castle. On the opposite side of the lake, visitors can sample some of the local wine, famous for its nose and palate. For literary fans there is the chance to visit fair Verona and its now infamous Roman amphitheatre as well as the balcony where Juliet called out for her star-crossed lover Romeo.

Use the online holiday search form to check availability of our campsites and apartments in the region and book your Lake Garda holiday online.

Garda town

Once a fishing village, Garda is a bustling little resort that has retained much of its old-world charm. There are twisting streets to explore, plus the Punta San Vigilio is good for an afternoon’s sunbathing.

Sirmione

On the southern tip of the lake, this fortified old village is a famous and much visited beauty spot and spa. Its setting, on a narrow peninsula jutting out into the lake, is idyllic as is the location of Sirmione’s 13th Century castle of Rocca Scaglieri. It is almost entirely surrounded by water.

Verona

The beautiful city of Verona is a treasure-chest of medieval buildings and Roman remains. There are also lots of stylish boutiques and jewellers just in case you fancy a little retail therapy. Verona is largely dominated by the Roman Arena, which was built in the first century AD and is today used to stage truly spectacular opera productions in the summer. Shakespeare aficionados will also know Verona as the setting of the Romeo & Juliet balcony scene. The Casa di Giulietta, Juliet’s house, can be found on Via Cappello (an avenue named after the Capulet family).

Desenzano del Garda

Lake Garda’s biggest town, Desenzano del Garda is a delightful, unspoilt resort with an attractive lakefront, and a lively Italian atmosphere. Located on the south-eastern shore, the town has a pretty old harbour. The picturesque Piazza Malvezzi, with its imposing cathedral and delightful old quarter, is well worth exploring.

Malcesine

This peaceful little fishing village on the shores of Lake Garda boasts a colour-washed palazzi and winding cobbled streets. For something a little more energetic than a peaceful stroll around the town, take one of the well-marked trails up neighbouring Monte Baldo or hire a mountain bike locally. For those who wish to take in the views at a gentler pace, a cable car ascends the mountain. You may have to queue at busier times.

Salò

The charming medieval town of Salò enjoys a wonderful position on one of Garda’s lakeside bays. This is a good place to buy local produce and the starting point for boat trips across the lake.

Riva del Garda

Easily one of the most popular of Lake Garda’s resorts, Riva del Garda has been welcoming holidaymakers for over a hundred years and has many elegant buildings and hotels. There are attractive public gardens by the waterfront where you’ll also find gelaterias and pizza restaurants. With its maze of cobbled streets, the old town is a lovely place to explore or watch the world go by. Back on the lakeside, Riva has an impressive fortress, the Rocca. The resort has also gained a reputation as one of Garda’s premier watersports centres.

Limone

An attractive resort lying beneath the dramatic mountains to the north-west of the lake, Limone has an exquisite setting amongst olive and lemon groves. Old-fashioned cottages, bright with flowers, line its narrow cobbled streets.

Lake Idro Valley

With ancient lakeside dwellings, alpine meadows and surrounding mountains, picturesque Lake Idro provides the perfect spot for a day spent walking. There are marked footpaths from the east shore that lead up into the hillsides. You can pick up a walking map locally.

Gardaland Theme Park

The kids will love a day at Gardaland, one of the largest theme parks in Europe and set on the southern shores of Lake Garda. Rides include the Blue Tornado, Magic Mountain and Sequoia Adventure.

Caneva World Water Park

On the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Caneva World has exciting water rides for the whole family. Don’t forget, Keycamp customers receive a discount on adult tickets at Caneva World.

Mirabilandia

Situated at Lido di Pomposa, this great theme park has roller coasters, water rides and more. Look out for the Paparazzi Tunnel.

Watersports

Around the shores of Lake Garda you will find lots of places where you can try your hand at sailing, windsurfing and other watersports.

Walking

The Lake Garda area is wonderful for walking and wine enthusiasts. We provide those staying at Keycamp parcs on the western shores with detailed walking and vineyard notes. Just log onto My Keycamp from the Home Page of our website to download the notes, or borrow some from the Keycamp Reception while you are at the parc.

Venice

The Basilica di San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Canal Grande, as well as the many other attractions of ‘La Serenissima’, the Republic of Venice, are not too long a drive from your accommodation in Garda. The city is best seen by taking a gondola around the labyrinth of canals.

Gardone Riviera

Home of the Giardino Hruska Botanical, an exotic garden, the Gardone Riviera still proudly shows the trappings that once made it Lake Garda’s most sophisticated resort. The Gardone Riviera has a graceful promenade and many elegant buildings. It is also the home of II Vittoriale, the spectacular former residence of writer, Gabriele D’Annunzio. Tickets for the house sell out quickly, so aim to arrive early in the day.

Gargnano

Once the refuge of Mussolini, this popular resort has a variety of shops and restaurants, not-to-mention a spectacular setting on the shores of Lake Garda and a superb mountain backdrop.

Bardolino

Surrounded by vineyards, this attractive little resort just happens to be where Bardolino wine is produced. You’ll find opportunities for wine tasting in the town. There is a pretty promenade that is ideal for a gentle stroll (perhaps before a spot of lunch and an aperitif or two). Then again, if Italian ice cream is more your thing, head down to the ice cream parlour near the ferry jetty. The choice of flavours is amazing. Every October, Bardolino bursts into life for its Festival of the Grape, stay at nearby Bella Italia to experience it for yourself.