Things to Do at Lake Garda

The lake is about 52 km long, so it depends on what you want. The southern shore (Sirmione, Peschiera, Desenzano) is closest to Gardaland and to Verona; the eastern shore (Lazise, Bardolino, Garda) is the wine side; the northern end (Malcesine, Torbole, Riva) is for mountains, wind sports and climbing. Check where a tour starts before you book – crossing the lake by road takes time.

No. Gardaland is in Castelnuovo del Garda, a few kilometres inland from Peschiera. Tickets are sold in several forms – one day, two consecutive days, and a fast-track upgrade that does not include the entry ticket – so read the product before you buy. Opening days change by season.

Not as a day visitor. The historic centre beyond the castle bridge is a limited-traffic zone, and cameras fine unauthorised cars. Park outside the walls or arrive by lake boat from Peschiera or Desenzano – the public ferries and many boat tours serve Sirmione.

It is a long day. The group tours we list are 11–14 hours for Venice and 10–12 hours for the Dolomites, most of it on a coach. They suit people who want transport and a guide arranged. Verona is much closer and easier to do independently by regional train.

Bardolino and Chiaretto come from the eastern shore, Lugana white wine from the southern shore around Sirmione and Desenzano. Most tastings last one and a half to three hours and meet at a farm or cellar rather than in a town centre. If you drive, agree who stays sober or choose an offer with pick-up.

Wind and storms can shorten or cancel boat trips, canyoning and wind sports, and operators decide on the day. Look at the cancellation terms on the booking page; many offers can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before, but not all.