If you’re looking for an Italian getaway that’s equal parts relaxing, adventurous and ridiculously beautiful, then Lake Garda should be at the very top of your list.
I’ve visited a lot of lakes around the world and there’s something special about Lake Garda. Maybe it’s the colourful towns that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a postcard. Maybe it’s the mountain backdrop. Or perhaps it’s the fact that you can spend the morning paddleboarding, the afternoon wine tasting and the evening enjoying aperitivo by the water.
Whatever it is, Lake Garda (and lakes in general!) have a way of making you slow down and enjoy life.
It’s also surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re planning a romantic break with your partner, a family adventure with the kids or a long weekend with your best friends, Lake Garda delivers that perfect combination of comfort, nature and freedom.
One of the best ways to enjoy the area is by staying in comfortable Lake Garda lodges that give you all the flexibility of self-catering accommodation while still enjoying resort-style facilities and beautiful natural surroundings.
For this itinerary, I’m focusing on two brilliant bases on the southern shores of the lake: Lazise in Veneto and Desenzano del Garda in Lombardy. Both offer easy access to the best attractions around the lake and both are home to fantastic Club del Sole properties.
Think lakeside strolls, boat trips, mountain views, beach days, delicious Italian food and plenty of opportunities to do absolutely nothing at all.
Airport near Lake Garda
One of the reasons Lake Garda works so well for a long weekend is how easy it is to reach from the UK.
The nearest airport to Lake Garda is Verona Airport, which is around 30 minutes from Lazise and less than 40 minutes from Desenzano del Garda. There are regular direct flights from airports across the UK, making it an easy destination even if you’re only travelling for a few days.
You can also fly into Milan Bergamo Airport or Milan Malpensa Airport if flight times or prices work better for you.
Read more: How to spend 1 day in Bergamo (Just in case you have extra time to explore!)
Once you arrive, hiring a car gives you maximum flexibility. However, the train connections around Lake Garda are excellent, particularly if you’re staying in Desenzano del Garda.
Where to stay for your Lake Garda weekend
The beauty of Lake Garda is that there are accommodation options to suit every type of traveller.
Personally, I love accommodation that gives me freedom. I don’t want to be squeezed into a small hotel room when travelling with family or friends. I want outdoor space, somewhere to relax in the evenings and enough room for everyone to spread out.
That’s why the accommodation at Club del Sole works so well.
Le Palme Lazise Family Collection
Located close to Lazise, Le Palme Lazise Family Collection offers a variety of accommodation styles depending on your travel style.
Families often love the spacious bungalows and apartments. Couples looking for privacy tend to choose the modern lodges. Outdoor enthusiasts can even opt for the campsite experience while still enjoying excellent facilities.
The lodges are particularly appealing. These modern mobile homes are surrounded by greenery and designed to combine comfort with nature. You get the privacy of your own space while still enjoying all the benefits of a high-quality resort.
Desenzano Boutique Resort
Over in Desenzano del Garda, the Desenzano Boutique Resort offers a more contemporary lakeside experience. Accommodation options include stylish suites, spacious apartments and beautifully designed lodges.
It’s ideal for couples wanting a romantic escape but it also works brilliantly for families and friendship groups who appreciate having extra space and flexibility.
Day one: Explore Lazise and the eastern shore
Start your Lake Garda adventure in Lazise.
This charming town is exactly what most people imagine when they think of an Italian lakeside escape. Colourful buildings line the waterfront, boats bob gently in the harbour and outdoor cafés spill onto sunny piazzas.
The old town is surrounded by medieval walls and is perfect for wandering without any real plan.
That’s my favourite way to explore places like this. Skip the itinerary for an hour and simply wander. Browse local shops, stop for a coffee, pick up a gelato and enjoy the atmosphere.
Lazise has that relaxed Italian charm that makes you immediately feel like you’re on holiday.
For lunch, find a restaurant overlooking the lake and settle in for a long meal. Nobody rushes in Italy and that’s exactly how it should be. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the lakeside promenade before returning to your accommodation to relax before dinner.
This is where staying in a lodge comes into its own. Instead of returning to a standard hotel room, you can enjoy your own outdoor space surrounded by nature, take a dip in the pool and enjoy a glass of wine on the deck.
Beaches in Lake Garda
One thing that surprises many first-time visitors is just how many beaches there are around Lake Garda. No, they’re not the endless sandy beaches you’ll find in southern Italy, but they’re beautiful in their own way.
Many of the beaches are made up of pebbles or small stones, with crystal-clear water and stunning mountain views. My family actually prefers these beaches to golden sand because it’s so much easier to comfortably spend the day and not be covered in sand!
Some of the most popular beaches near Lazise and Desenzano include Spiaggia d’Oro, Jamaica Beach and Baia delle Sirene. Many visitors spend hours simply relaxing by the shoreline, reading a book and enjoying the scenery.
Day two: Get out on the water
You can’t visit Lake Garda without spending some time on the water. The lake is the heart of everything here and many of the best experiences revolve around it.
After breakfast, dedicate your second day to exploring the lake itself.
Boat tours on Lake Garda
One of the easiest ways to see multiple towns in a single day is by taking a boat tour.
The public ferries are excellent and connect many of the most beautiful destinations around the lake but a simpler way is to do an organised boat tour. You’ll get fantastic views of the shoreline while avoiding the hassle of parking and traffic.
Popular stops include Sirmione, Bardolino, Garda and Malcesine.
A boat tour also gives you a much better appreciation of the scale and beauty of Lake Garda. The scenery changes dramatically as you move around the lake, with gentle rolling landscapes in the south giving way to dramatic mountains in the north.
Boat rental on Lake Garda
If you want a little more freedom, consider hiring your own boat.
One of my favourite travel experiences is being able to explore at my own pace, and renting a boat on Lake Garda gives you exactly that opportunity.
You can discover quiet coves, stop for a swim whenever you like and enjoy some of the best views on the lake. It’s particularly fun for groups of friends and families with older children.
There’s something incredibly liberating about setting off across the lake with no strict schedule and nowhere you absolutely need to be!
Castles on Lake Garda
After a morning on the water, it’s time to explore some history.
Lake Garda is dotted with impressive castles, many of which sit dramatically beside the water. The most famous is undoubtedly Scaliger Castle in Sirmione.
This stunning medieval fortress rises directly from the lake and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the region.
Walking through the castle feels like stepping back in time. The views from the towers are spectacular and well worth the climb. You’ll also find impressive castles in Lazise, Malcesine and Torri del Benaco. Even if you’re not usually interested in history, these castles are impossible not to appreciate.
Enjoy an Italian evening
One of the best things about Lake Garda is that evenings are wonderfully simple. Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoy an aperitivo and settle into a restaurant for dinner.
This is where Italy really shines. Good food. Good wine. Good company. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Day three: Adventure in northern Lake Garda
For your final full day, head north.
The scenery changes dramatically as the mountains become steeper and the lake narrows. This part of Lake Garda feels completely different and it’s paradise for outdoor lovers.
Lake Garda’s cable car
One of the most spectacular experiences on Lake Garda is the cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo. Even if you’re not normally a mountain person, this is worth making time for.
The rotating cable car provides incredible views as you climb from the lakeshore into the mountains. At the top you’ll find panoramic views stretching across the lake and surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the scenery is breathtaking.
There are walking trails for all abilities and plenty of places to simply sit and enjoy the view. It’s one of those experiences that reminds you how incredibly diverse this area is. You can go from lakeside beaches to mountain peaks in less than an hour.
Bike hire in Lake Garda
If you’re feeling energetic, hiring bikes is another fantastic way to explore.
There are cycling routes for every ability level, from gentle lakeside rides to more challenging mountain routes. Electric bikes have become increasingly popular and make the hills much more manageable – ideal for multi-generational bike rides!
One of the things I love about cycling around Lake Garda is that you constantly discover hidden corners you would otherwise miss. Small villages, quiet viewpoints and family-run cafés often become the highlights of the day.
Even if you’re only visiting for a long weekend, a bike ride is a lovely way to experience the landscape.
Campsite Lake Garda
Camping has always been popular around Lake Garda and it’s easy to understand why. Waking up surrounded by nature with the lake nearby is a pretty wonderful experience.
If you enjoy the camping lifestyle but still appreciate modern facilities, Le Palme Lazise Family Collection offers campsite pitches alongside its lodges, bungalows and apartments.
This flexibility means everyone can choose the type of accommodation that suits them best. Some travellers love the simplicity of camping while others prefer the comfort and privacy of a fully equipped lodge. Having those options available makes planning group trips much easier.
Lake Como or Lake Garda?
This is probably the question I get asked most often. Both destinations are beautiful and both deserve a visit.
Lake Como tends to feel more glamorous and luxurious. It’s known for elegant villas, celebrity visitors and dramatic scenery.
Lake Garda feels more relaxed, accessible, family-friendly and a little more affordable. There’s more variety, more outdoor activities and generally better value for money.
For families, friendship groups and travellers looking for a balance of adventure and relaxation, I often recommend Lake Garda. There’s simply more to do.
You can spend one day exploring historic towns, another day on the water and another in the mountains.
Why Lake Garda works for couples, families and friends
The older I get, the more I appreciate destinations that work for different travel styles. Not everyone wants the same thing from a holiday. Some people want adventure. Others want relaxation. Some want excellent food while others just want a comfortable sun lounger and a good book (Mum, I’m talking to you!)
Lake Garda somehow manages to offer all of it.
Couples can enjoy romantic lakeside dinners and scenic boat trips. Families can spend their days exploring beaches, castles and outdoor attractions. Groups of friends can mix activities with lazy afternoons and long evenings catching up over wine.
It’s flexible, beautiful and easy to reach from the UK.
What’s not to love?
Lake Garda for a long weekend?
If you’re looking for an Italian escape that combines stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, delicious food and plenty of opportunities to relax, Lake Garda is hard to beat.
With beautiful towns, mountain views, beaches, boat trips and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s the kind of destination that leaves you planning your return visit before you’ve even boarded the flight home.
And honestly, that’s usually the sign of a very good holiday!
