The sparkling waters of Lake Garda are a huge draw, but there is plenty more to see in the area. Spend your days cruising around the shores, admiring the mountains and vineyards from the water or exploring towns like pastel-coloured Desenzano with its elegant promenade or the harbour-facing Sirmione. The northern part of the region is also close to larger cities such as Verona and Venice if you want to venture farther afield.
To make the most of your time at the lake, book a hotel in a town with stunning views or an enviable location. Our top picks include the swanky Grand Hotel Terme with its large outdoor pool and lake-facing rooms, and the Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort with its unique thermal wellness centre and mountain and lake views.
For a luxury hotel that’s perfect for couples, stay in the waterfront village of Garda. The hotel’s large rooms are elegantly furnished and feature huge picture windows to wake you up with uplifting views of the lake. The hotel’s cosy Mediterranean restaurant is a great spot for a hearty meal and they offer plenty of family suites too.
Alternatively, book a hotel in pretty Malcesine with a gorgeous backdrop of cypress trees and an inviting yellow sun lounger-lined pool that overlooks the shimmering lake. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Oseleta, where Italian food gets elevated and the wine cellar has more than 600 labels to browse.
The modern-leaning Locanda del Benaco is a refreshing antidote to the old residences found in many other hotels in Lake Garda. Its minimalist interiors and slick service make it a great mid-range choice and it’s just a short distance from the charming town of Salo on the western shore.
Other top hotels for families include the spacious Hotel Caravel in Lombardy’s Brescia province, which offers a big outdoor pool with lots of loungers and a quiet infinity pool right on the water, along with a kid’s club and a gym. There’s even a sauna and hot tub with lake and forest views, ideal for relaxing in between Lake Garda adventures.
If you are looking for a hotel with a beautiful view of the lake, look no further than Le Ali Del Frassino. The hotel is located in a former lemon plantation with stunning views of the city, the old harbour and the lake. The rooms are elegant and have a beautiful bathroom with shower, toilet and a bathtub.
The best time to visit Lake Garda is from spring to autumn when temperatures are pleasantly warm but not too hot. Avoid the busy summer months, when prices rise and crowds are at their peak. If you are aiming for an affordable rate, consider staying in the low season from May to March. For the cheapest rates, try to stay on Mondays, as prices tend to be cheaper on this day of the week than other days.hotels in lago di garda