Below, we’ve ranked the best Lake Garda towns by size and given insider tips so you can experience each place like a local.
Desenzano del Garda
Best for: Nightlife, shopping, and a lively year-round atmosphere
The largest town on Lake Garda, Desenzano is the lake’s energetic capital. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of culture, beach life, and entertainment. The historic centre offers stylish boutiques, artisan gelaterias, and an impressive Roman villa with intricate mosaics. The marina is always busy, and the promenade is ideal for an evening passeggiata. Sandy beaches make it easy to relax during the day, while bars and clubs keep the energy going well into the night. Desenzano also serves as a transport hub, with direct trains to Milan and Verona.
Insider Tip: For the best sunset view, head to Spiaggia d’Oro with a takeaway aperitivo. In summer, arrive early to grab a spot.
Riva del Garda
Best for: Active holidays and lakes-meet-mountains scenery
Riva blends Mediterranean lakeside charm with Alpine grandeur. Tall peaks frame the old town, where pastel buildings surround the lively Piazza III Novembre. The lakefront is lined with palm trees, and the breeze here is perfect for windsurfing, sailing, or kitesurfing. Hiking and biking trails start right from town, leading into the surrounding hills. Riva’s mix of culture, nature, and sport attracts travellers who want more than just relaxation.
Insider Tip: Rent a bike and ride the Ponale Road Path, a historic cliffside route with jaw-dropping views over the lake.
Peschiera del Garda
Best for: Families and theme park access
Enclosed by Venetian walls and surrounded by canals, Peschiera is both beautiful and strategic. It’s a gateway to southern Lake Garda and home to a major train station, making it one of the easiest towns to reach. Its calm waters and flat lakefront paths make it family-friendly, while Gardaland, Caneva Aquapark, and Movieland are just minutes away. The town centre is full of relaxed restaurants and small shops, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Insider Tip: Catch an early-morning ferry to Sirmione before the day-trippers arrive — it’s the most peaceful way to see the “Pearl of the Lake.”
Sirmione
Best for: Romantic scenery, history lovers, and spa indulgence
Perched on a slender peninsula, Sirmione is instantly recognisable thanks to its fairytale Scaliger Castle. Beyond the drawbridge lies a warren of cobbled streets leading to lakeside cafes, boutique shops, and the famous Grotte di Catullo Roman ruins. Thermal baths have drawn visitors here since ancient times, and you can still soak in mineral-rich pools while gazing out at the lake. Sirmione is a magnet for couples and history buffs, but it’s also perfect for anyone who wants to slow down and take in the views.
Insider Tip: Skip the main beach and head to Jamaica Beach for turquoise water and flat rock ledges — best visited in early morning or at sunset.
Garda
Best for: Classic Lake Garda views and romantic evenings
Garda sits in a beautiful bay framed by hills and cypress trees. The colourful lakeside promenade is perfect for strolling, and the town has a slightly more relaxed pace than Desenzano or Bardolino. A short walk or boat ride brings you to Punta San Vigilio, one of the most romantic spots on the lake. Garda’s old town is full of restaurants spilling into the squares, making it an ideal base for slow-paced holidays.
Insider Tip: Hike up La Rocca di Garda for panoramic views over the bay — it’s a short climb and stunning at golden hour.
Bardolino
Best for: Wine lovers and lakeside cycling
Bardolino is all about flavour and scenery. Surrounded by vineyards, it’s the birthplace of the famous Bardolino wine, celebrated with festivals in spring and autumn. The lakeside promenade is one of the longest and most beautiful on the eastern shore, linking to both Garda and Lazise. The old town is compact but full of life, with wine bars, trattorias, and boutiques.
Insider Tip: Visit during the Bardolino Wine Festival in October for live music, food stalls, and endless tasting opportunities.
Lazise
Best for: Medieval charm and picturesque streets
Lazise’s historic walls and Scaliger Castle make a dramatic first impression. Inside, narrow streets lead to a lively lakeside promenade lined with cafes and shops. The harbour is picture-perfect, especially at sunrise when the fishing boats return. Lazise is quieter than its neighbour Peschiera but just as charming, making it ideal for slow exploration.
Insider Tip: Try dinner at a lakeside trattoria during sunset — the reflections of the pastel houses in the water are unforgettable.
Malcesine
Best for: Mountain views and outdoor adventure
On the northern shore, Malcesine combines history and adrenaline. The Scaliger Castle dominates the skyline, while the Monte Baldo cable car takes you from lake level to Alpine meadows in minutes. Windsurfers, hikers, and cyclists flock here for the variety of outdoor activities. The old town is romantic and atmospheric, with twisting alleys that seem unchanged for centuries.
Insider Tip: Take the cable car up Monte Baldo in the morning, hike for a few hours, then descend in time for an evening aperitivo by the harbour.
Limone sul Garda
Best for: Dramatic scenery and lemon-scented charm
With its colourful houses clinging to steep mountainsides, Limone is a feast for the eyes. The town’s name and history are tied to its lemon groves, and you can visit traditional limonaie to see how citrus was grown in this unique microclimate. Limone also offers one of the most scenic cycle paths in Europe, suspended above the water along the cliffs.
Insider Tip: Walk the elevated cycle path at sunset for incredible light on the mountains — you don’t even need a bike to enjoy it.
Torri del Benaco
Best for: Peaceful stays and scenic hiking
Small, quiet, and authentic, Torri del Benaco is a haven for travellers who want to escape the busier southern towns. The harbour is picture-perfect, overlooked by a Scaliger Castle that houses a museum and an ancient lemon house. The Monte Baldo foothills are right behind the town, offering hiking trails with sweeping lake views.
Insider Tip: Visit in spring when the lemon greenhouse in the castle gardens is in bloom — it’s a photographer’s dream.
FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Lake Garda
What is the most beautiful town on Lake Garda?
Beauty is subjective, but Sirmione is often called the “Pearl of the Lake” thanks to its romantic setting, castle, and Roman ruins.
Which is the best town to stay in for first-time visitors?
Desenzano del Garda is a great base thanks to its transport links, year-round buzz, and variety of restaurants and beaches.
Which town is best for families?
Peschiera del Garda is ideal for families thanks to its calm waters, flat promenades, and proximity to major theme parks.
Where should I stay for outdoor activities?
Riva del Garda and Malcesine are top picks for hiking, cycling, and watersports.
When is the best time to visit Lake Garda towns?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant festivals.