Hotels in Lake Garda

Lake Garda Hotels

The largest in Italy, Lake Garda's shimmering waters stretch for over 50 kilometres and have been captivating tourists for centuries. And it's not hard to see why. The lake itself provides plenty of adventure, whether you want to sail over its wind-ruffled waters, bathe along the glittering shoreline or whiz around on a jet ski. But you don't have to exert yourself to enjoy the water – simply pull up a chair in a waterside cafe and admire the glistening waters as you sip a cappuccino and savour the tangy taste of locally made gelato.

Things to see

Lake Garda itself is often the key attraction with visitors flocking to the area to enjoy water sports and leisurely cruises to its waterside villages, but there's plenty more to see and do in the area too. Gardaland is a real family pleaser – this sprawling amusement park offers plenty of thrills and spills. Shoot down a summit and be soaked on one of the water rides then dry off as you hurtle along on a roaring rollercoaster. For something far more relaxing, the Thermal Park of Cola di Lazise is a haven of tranquillity. The scent of yew and Cyprus trees hangs in the air as you take a dip in the park's thermal spring and feel the warm bubbles massage way any aches and pains. History buffs won't want to miss the imposing Scaliger Castle with its angular bastions that jut into the sky. Stroll over its rickety drawbridge and walk about its crenulated walls which cast huge shadows. If you have the energy, climb its tower and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Garda's shimmering waters, Sirmione and beyond.

Hotels in Lake Garda

You're spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels in Lake Garda – whatever the sort of pad you're after you're bound to find it here. For full on luxury, a stay in one of the area's 5 star hotels won't disappoint, and you can expect butler like service from the minute you arrive as well as plush extras like swimming pools and often a lake-side setting. The mid-range choice is no less impressive and you'll find quaint country houses and historic boutiques hotels offering good value for money as well as convenient amenities like WiFi and flat-screen televisions.

Where to stay

There are plenty of towns and villages that sit on Lake Garda's banks that all make unique places to stay. The historic walled town of Sirmione sits on the south shore and is home to the 13th century Scaliger Castle and the striking Catullo's Grotto. To the north, there's Riva Del Garda where you can bathe on its lakeside beaches one minute and explore medieval fortresses the next. If you want to enjoy the lake and its surrounding countryside, Bardolino makes an ideal base as from here you mere moments from lush vineyards and sweet-smelling olive groves

How to get to Lake Garda

There are a number of airports which serve the Lake Garda region, including Verona, Milan Bergamo and Venice Marco Polo – which you fly into really depends on where you plan to stay. During the peak summer season, many hotels in Lake Garda will offer reasonably priced transfers from the airport, although it is also possible to use public transport to reach a good range of destinations. Trains do operate in the area, stopping at Peschiera del Garda Station and Desenzano del Garda Station in the south and Rovereto Station in the north.