Finally … a romantic trip just the two of us! As a mama bear, taking a trip without my child wasn’t easy. But how good did it feel to reconnect with my husband! After dropping off our daughter at her grandparents’ in Piedmont, we headed to Lake Garda—a romantic getaway that reminded us of one of our very first weekends together at Lake Maggiore.
Lake Garda is located in northern Italy, about 2.5 hours from Milan, 30 minutes from Verona, and 1.5 hours from Venice.
We absolutely loved our Lake Garda escape: stunning landscapes, charming villages, and excellent restaurants. It’s a destination we highly recommend.
Our top 5
of the most beautiful villages around Lake Garda
Riva del Garda
At Riva del Garda, the lake looks like the sea, surrounded by jaw dropping cliffs. The lakeside promenade is breathtaking, and the village itself is lovely. You can really feel the Austrian influence here—it is, after all, part of Trentino-Alto Adige. But don’t worry, those colorful Italian touches are still present.
Lazise
We arrived in Lazise in the late afternoon and instantly fell for its quaint streets, small port, and undeniable charm.
Malcesine
This medieval hilltop village offers breathtaking views over the lake and reminded us a bit of Corsican villages in the Balagne area.
Sirmione
Very touristy, but absolutely worth seeing! Try to go to Sirmione at sunrise or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Torri del Benaco
With its castle and picturesque port, Torri del Benaco has an irresistible charm. Time seems to stand still there.
Port of Torri del Benaco
Itinerary
Because some of you have asked us on Instagram, here is our day-to-day detailed itinerary.
Day 1
Desenzano del Garda > Sirmione > Peschiera del Garda > Lazise > Bardolino > Villa Cordevigo
We began our trip in the southeastern part of the lake. First stop was at Desenzano del Garda,whose port is not to be missed. Next up was Sirmione (in our Top 5), where we had a lovely lakeside lunch at Tancredi (details can be found below in our “where to eat” section.
Desenzano del Garda
We were less impressed by Peschiera del Garda and therefore didn’t linger.
Peschiera del Garda
Late afternoon light welcomed us to Lazise, and we ended the day in Bardolino with a gorgeous sunset and dinner.
Check out this light … Purely magical !
Bardolino
Day 2
Torri del Benaco > Malcesine > Riva del Garda
We followed the eastern shore to the northernmost point of the lake. Torri del Benaco, Malcesine, Riva del Garda. All three stops were highlights. Top 5 scenic villages with totally different vibes.
Day 3
Cavaion Veronese > Riviera del Garda
We visited Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, once home to poet and politician Gabriele D’Annunzio. Now a museum, it features a villa, terraced gardens, a mausoleum, and more. The estate is impressive, though I found the villa itself dark and oppressive (he hated light). Still, the guided tour was fascinating.
Il vittoriale degli Italiani
Practical aspects
Where to stay?
We stayed at Relais & Châteaux Villa Cordevigo in Cavaion Veronese. It’s not on the lake, but it’s surrounded by vineyards and perfectly tranquil. The hotel is beautiful, the rooms cozy and air-conditioned, and while the on-site restaurants didn’t wow us, they were convenient.
Villa Cordevigo
Where to eat?
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Sirmione: Tancredi. Lakeside terrace, great service, and delicious food. Bonus: they were very accommodating with my pregnancy restrictions. And this view …
Tancredi – Sirmione
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Riva del Garda: Lido Bistrot at Lido Palace. Quiet, scenic, and every dish was excellent.
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Bardolino: La Veranda del Color. Don’t let the hotel’s cheap appearance fool you—this inner courtyard restaurant is a gem!
How to get there?
Fly into Milan or Verona. Lake Garda is 2.5 hours from Milan and 1.5 hours from Venezia.
Your questions / Our answers
Is Lake Garda family-friendly?
Yes! While we went as a couple, we’d love to return with our children. Many lakeside campsites are kid-friendly, and there’s also Gardaland, one of Italy’s largest amusement parks (including a Peppa Pig section).
Do you need a car to explore Lake Garda?
Absolutely. But be warned—summer traffic between villages can be heavy, so don’t be too optimistic when planning your itinerary.
What else to see nearby?
We combined our Lake Garda trip with a day in Venice—easy from the eastern side of the lake. You could also visit:
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Lake Como
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Verona
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Venice
Is Lake Garda crowded in August?
Yes, though still manageable. If you can, we recommend off-season for a more peaceful experience.
What’s the weather like in August in the Lake Garda region?
Hot and humid! Make sure your accommodation has air conditioning.
What to read while visiting Lake Garda?
No specific book recommendations for this region, but you can check out my post “What to Read in Italy” (apologies the list is in French but you can find translated versions for most of them) for some regional picks.
August 2023
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