Five Charming Towns & Villages in Lake Garda to Visit

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If you travel around the edge of Lake Garda, you’ll see not only incredible views of the water and mountains but also towns and villages with their own unique character. Some are destinations in their own right, home to castles, museums, and picturesque streets worth exploring. Others make a great starting point for visiting nearby attractions. Here are five that stood out to me the most. (Click the images to enlarge)

Sirmione

We kick off the list at Sirmione, which is the town that extends into Lake Garda on a narrow peninsula, almost entirely surrounded by water. Known for its rich history, thermal springs, and lively streets, this town is a great place to make a lot of discoveries and relax.

Scaliger Castle is the first thing that stands out—a medieval fortress with stone towers and a drawbridge that leads straight into the heart of town. Climbing to the top offers a wide view of the lake and the rooftops below.

At the tip of the peninsula, the Grotte di Catullo showcases the remains of an ancient Roman villa, where open terraces and crumbling stone walls overlook the water. Sirmione is also famous for its thermal springs, and the best way to experience them is at the Aquaria Thermal Spa, where warm pools sit right by the lake.

Between these sights, the town’s narrow streets are filled with cafés, boutiques, and gelato shops, making it easy to enjoy the slower pace of this lakeside getaway.

More info: Sirmione official website

Malcesine

Second on the list is Malcesine, which is the town that sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Garda, with its colorful buildings rising against the backdrop of Monte Baldo. Known for its medieval castle, lakeside views, and easy access to mountain trails, this town is a great place to explore.

Scaliger Castle (similar name with castle in Sirmione) is the highlight, standing on a rocky outcrop above the lake. Walking through its stone archways and climbing to the top of the tower offers a sweeping view of the water and the surrounding mountains.

Below the castle, the harbor and waterfront promenade are perfect for a relaxed stroll, with boats bobbing in the water and small cafés lining the shore.

For those looking to explore higher up, the Monte Baldo cable car takes visitors from town to the mountain peaks in just minutes. At the top, hiking trails lead through rolling meadows and panoramic viewpoints that stretch across the lake and beyond.

Back in town, the narrow cobblestone streets are filled with little shops, lively squares, and spots to sit and take in the view.

More info: Malcesine official website

Limone

On the opposite side of the lake across Malcesine, we find Limone, which is the third village on this list. It sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Garda, backed by steep cliffs that seem to rise straight from the water. This lakeside town is known for its lemon groves, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to wander and take it all in.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with colorful houses, small shops, and waterfront cafés. One of the highlights is the Limonaia del Castel, an old lemon house that gives a glimpse into the town’s history of citrus cultivation, with terraces of lemon trees overlooking the lake.

Along the waterfront, the promenade stretches past small harbors and beaches, offering some of the best lake views, especially at sunset. For those who love a good walk or bike ride, the Ciclopista del Garda is a must—it’s a scenic path that clings to the cliffs above the water, giving an incredible perspective of the lake below.

More info: Limone official website

Riva

Riva is the fourth beautiful town in Lake Garda in this list and sits at the northern tip of the lake, surrounded by mountains that give it a dramatic backdrop. Known for its mix of history, outdoor activities, and lively waterfront, this town is a great place to relax by the lake or set off on an adventure.

The heart of Riva is its lakeside promenade, where cafés and restaurants look out over the water, and sailboats glide by in the breeze. Torre Apponale, a medieval tower in the main square, offers a climb to the top with a wide view over the rooftops and lake.

A short walk away, the 12th-century Rocca di Riva, a fortress surrounded by water, now houses the town’s museum, which dives into local history and culture.

For those who love the outdoors, Riva is a gateway to adventure. Windsurfing and sailing are popular here, thanks to the steady winds that make this part of the lake ideal for water sports.

Just outside town, the hike to the Bastione, a stone fortress overlooking Riva, is well worth the effort, with a trail that winds up the hillside and a café at the top for a well-earned break.

More info: visitgarda.com

Arco

The last on our list, but certainly not least, is Arco. It is the town just north of Lake Garda, surrounded by olive groves and dramatic cliffs that make it a favorite for outdoor lovers. Known for its rock climbing, historic center, and iconic hilltop castle, it offers a blend of adventure and history.

The Arco Castle ruins stand high above the town, and the walk up is just as rewarding as the view from the top. Winding through olive groves and stone pathways, the trail leads to what remains of the medieval fortress, with sweeping views over the valley and toward the lake.

In the town center, elegant buildings and shaded squares give Arco a different feel from the lakeside villages, with a mix of Austrian influence in the architecture. The main streets are lined with cafés and small shops, making it a great place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.

Beyond its history, Arco is known as a rock climbing hotspot, attracting climbers from around the world to its limestone cliffs. Even for those who don’t climb, the surrounding trails and cycling routes offer plenty of ways to explore the landscape.

More information: gardatrentino.com

More in Lake Garda

Picturesque villages and towns are just the beginning of the unforgettable experiences waiting for you at Lake Garda. Explore castles, archaeological sites, beaches, and museums, with so much more to discover. WanderInEurope’s guide has everything you need to make the most of your visit. If you’re looking for ideas on how to enjoy the lake in just a few days, here’s a 3-day itinerary for Lake Garda. Enjoy your trip!

Check out the Guide to Discovering Lake Garda

Read FREE 3-Day Lake Garda Itinerary

How to Get Around Lake Garda

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