• Lakes
    • Art & Culture

Weekend on Lake Garda

You can't help but fall in love with Lake Garda in the north of the Italy. Known as the lakes region, this stunning area features some incredible locations and activities for anyone who loves sports, nature, culture, and history.

However, this gem in particular is one of our favorites. With so much to do around the entire lake, it's easy to get lost in each lakeside town (trust us, it's a good thing). 

So without further ado, we're starting you off with a 48 hour guide to Lake Garda. Feel free to stick around though, there's plenty to see, do, and eat.

Day 1 - Sirmione and Desenzano

Your weekend can't not start with a stroll among the charming town of Sirmione, a truly one of a kind place destination. Once you've climbed the wall of Scaligera Castle, you'll be taken back in time. A perfect destination for artists, there's a unique kind of charm here where poets and singers have chosen to call home. Even the legendary Maria Callas once settled in here (also check out the Palazzo Callas Exhibitions, which was named after the renowned singer). A visit to the Grotte di Catullo (Caves of Catullo) are also in order, featuring roman remains that bring a special presence to the area. 

Enjoy lunch on the lake shores in one of the numerous restaurants before heading over to the Terme di Sirmione, where you can indulge in a spa day amidst the thermal pools, relaxing in the sun and take advantage of the regenerative treatment. Once you've fully relaxed, slip out for happy hour or dinner in Desenzano. It's here that you'll find some of the chic locales in a historical setting. (You simply cannot miss the views from the wall of the famous Castle here).

Day 2 - Gardone Riviera and Salò

Start the day off with breakfast along the lakeside of Gardone Riviera, where you can admire the amazing landscape and a view of Monte Baldo. Even during winter, the scene is one to remember, as the snow capped peaks rise up above the "Isola del Garda", the island that reflects on the calm water's surface. 

Spend the rest of the morning uncovering the secrets of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the house of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio. Here you can lose yourself among the gardens, the theater, the museum, the mausoleum with a guided tour of the house built in 1938 where the writer lived up until his death. This place is a must, and even features it's own amphitheater…

Take it easy and finish the day off with a stroll for a bit of shopping in Salò. This little town is an absolute must of the Riviera dei Limoni, with a fascinating past that has left its mark in the city center…small streets cross to reveal charming little corners and plazas with elegant buildings that make for the perfect Sunday vibe.

Take me here: Weekend on Lake Garda

On the same topic

Botanical garden and lakeside of gardone riviera

Splendid village of Lake Garda, an exceptional place, among botanical gardens and memories linked to Gabriele D'Annunzio.
  • Lakes
Botanical garden and lakeside of Gardone Riviera

Lago di Iseo: the pleasant isle

Cars are not allowed on Monte Isola island, where visitors must walk or cycle as they explore the delightfully silent, narrow streets in its villages
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo: l'amena Monte Isola

From Como to Bellagio by Boat

Traveling between the two shores of the lake, between splendid coasts and the majestic frame of the Pre-Alps
  • Lakes
From Como to Bellagio by Boat

Lago d'Idro Clear cool water

At the foot of the Piccole Dolomiti mountains, and surrounded by their wooded slopes, this is almost a mountain lagoon.
  • Lakes
Lago d'Idro Fresche e dolci acque

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

  • Lakes
Laghi Brianza (Ph: shutterstock)

Lake Como in 5 Villas

Como, Varenna, Bellagio. Go for Villas on Lake Como, discovering enchanted gardens and work of art
  • Lakes
Lake Como in 5 Villas

Lago di Como:Bellagio, the pearl

One of the world's best-loved places, Bellaggio lies on the tip of the central headland, offering convenient ferry access to both branches of the lake
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: Bellagio, la perla

Lake Como in spring

Discovering Lake Como, among blooming wisteria, idyllic landscapes and crystal clear waters.
  • Lakes
Visiting the Villas by boat

Lago di Garda: the shadow of D’Annunzio

From the Vittoriale degli Italiani to the fifteenth-century Cathedral in Salò, via the Valle delle Cartiere valley in Toscolano Maderno: all the spectacular sights around Gardone Riviera
  • Lakes
Lago di Garda, lungolago Zanardelli

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.
  • Lakes
Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Weekend on Lake Garda

  • Lakes
Weekend sul Lago di Garda

Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings

At an altitude of four hundred metres, Lake Idro is a place of peace, nature and history, and is the coolest and most secluded of the Lombard lakes
  • Lakes
Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings - in Lombardia

Centre of colico

Discover what to see in Colico, the pearl of Lake Lecco.
  • Lakes
Centre of Colico

Lakeside and centre of gravedona

Welcome to Gravedona, one of the most important historical-religious centers of Alto Lario.
  • Lakes
Lakeside and centre of Gravedona

Lago di Iseo: prehistory and bubbles

The Valle Camonica rock engravings are as famous worldwide as the wine made in Franciacorta. On a journey of discover what else this area has to offer
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo Preistoria e bollicine

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

5 consigli per una giornata indimenticabile: da Gardone Riviera all’Isola Comacina, alle sponde perfette per chi ama la bici
  • Lakes
Laghi in Lombardia autunno

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

Gargnano: one of the most beautiful historical centers of Lake Garda.
  • Lakes
Lakeside and centre of Gargnano

Lago di Como: charmingly seductive

Described by Stendhal as ‘voluptuous’, the south-western branch of Lake Como charms with its gardens, villas and breath-taking views.
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: sedotti e affascinati

Canyoning in Valmalenco

A unique canyoning route in the Alps
  • Lakes
Speleocanyoning nel torrente Cormor in Valmalenco

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

Visit the "Balcony on the Alps".
  • Lakes
Outdoor trip to Brunate