The Most Beautiful, Lesser-Known Spots on Lake Garda

Lake Garda is very popular, especially in the summer. That’s understandable, because the lake and the surrounding area are beautiful. In some places, it gets too crowded, especially in August. For example, during peak season, Sirmione and Limone are flooded with international tourists—not only from the Netherlands and Germany, but now also from Asia and the United States.

All the more reason to visit the area during the early or late season. Lake Garda is working to spread out the tourist season and improve quality in order to combat overtourism. We set out to find the lesser-known, beautiful spots on and around the lake and, fortunately, we found them. Discover the most beautiful, somewhat quieter spots on Lake Garda that are well worth a visit and are best enjoyed outside of peak season.

Lake Garda: the regions of Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino

Just a quick note to clarify: Lake Garda is located within and along the borders of three different regions (more or less marked on the map below), which—aside from the natural differences—largely explains the differences in their approach to tourism:

1. Trentino: the north side of the lake. Here you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, biking, and skiing in the winter—thanks, of course, to its location in and near the Dolomites. As for accommodations, you’ll mostly find hotels here.

2. Lombardy: the western shore of the lake as far south as Peschiera. This is where you’ll find the most small-scale campgrounds, B&Bs, and other accommodations. The area is lush and wooded.

3. Veneto: the eastern side, starting from Peschiera in the south. Here you’ll find the larger campgrounds, vacation resorts, and amusement parks. A little further from the lake, you’ll also find charming B&Bs and agriturismos, as well as beautiful wine regions.

Depending on your preferences, you can already decide which side of the lake you’d like to stay on.

The Most Beautiful Places on Lake Garda

The highlights of Lake Garda listed below are some of the lesser-known and less crowded spots, although it can get busy everywhere during peak season.

Campo di Brenzone

A medieval ghost village in Brenzone on Lake Garda. Nestled in the woods, this village was abandoned years ago but is now home to a number of artists. The small church of San Pietro in Vincoli still bears witness to the centuries-old significance of this place in the past. The village can only be reached on foot or by mountain bike. From Magugnano, you can walk the beautiful trail to Campo. From Campo, you descend to Castelletto di Brenzone, pass through Fasor and Biaza, and return to Magugnano via the bike path along the beach. This route is approximately 7 kilometers long.

Chiesetta di San Fermo

A 15th-century church between Moniga del Garda and San Felice del Benaco. The church is somewhat tucked away but offers a beautiful view of Isola del Garda. A charming little church on a site where a castle once stood—destroyed in 1279. From the garden, you have a magnificent view of Lake Garda. From Baia del Veneto beach, it’s just a few minutes’ walk uphill to the little church.

Gargnano

Gargnano is an authentic little town on the northwestern shore of Lake Garda. The town has a charming little harbor, and you’ll find the beautiful monastery of San Francesco here. The monastery was founded by the Franciscans in 1266, and the church was built in 1289.

There are several beautiful hikes starting from Gargnano, such as those to the hamlets of Musaga and Sasso, to the hermitage of San Valentino, and the “Santelle” (holy statues) trail. Click here for details on the hiking routes.

Sailing on Lake Garda

Highly recommended: one of the tours on the Siora Bianca, a beautiful three-masted ship. The boat can accommodate up to 10 people and is docked in Garda. You can visit Isola del Garda or Jamaica Beach in Sirmione.

You can choose from a morning or afternoon tour, an aperitivo tour, a sunset tour, and—in the summer—even a night tour from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Rocca di Garda

A beautiful, still somewhat lesser-known hike. From Garda, it’s about a 12-kilometer walk to the summit. You can also hike to Rocca di Garda from Bardolino. At the top, you’ll enjoy a truly breathtaking view from the woods and meadows. Here you’ll find more information about the various hiking trails.

Montebaldo

Although it’s gotten a bit busier during peak season, Montebaldo is a beautiful place for hiking on Lake Garda. With a little luck, you might still find snow there in the spring. In Malcesine, take the cable car up for the most beautiful hikes at every level. It’s also great for mountain bike tours. You’ll see beautiful flowers, many birds (including birds of prey), chamois, and marmots.

Open year-round, except in March and from November through mid-December. You can take your bike on the elevator before 9:00 a.m. Click here for more information. We recommend going early in the morning.

Rabbit Island

Officially known as Isola San Biagio, but better known as “Rabbit Island.” Less well-known than Isola del Garda, but it has been a protected nature reserve since 2016. The second-largest of the five islands in Lake Garda is uninhabited, except for the many rabbits that roam there.

The island is also popular with divers around the “Scoglio dell’Altare.” In the archaeological museum in Rocca di Manerba, you’ll find the remains of Roman-era tombs from the island.

Isola dei Conigli is open to visitors from early May through mid-September, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can walk to the island from Lido di Manerba, if the water level allows (up to knee-deep). If the water is too high, it is accessible only by boat. The island is owned by Camping San Biagio.

In the summer, there are jazz and classical music concerts. From the island, you have a beautiful view of the Rocca di Manerba fortress.

Valeggio sul Mincio

Valeggio sul Mincio is located on the border between Lombardy and Veneto, between Verona and Mantua. Valeggio sul Mincio is set in a beautiful natural setting that’s perfect for cycling.

Don’t miss these sights in Valeggio sul Mincio:

• Sigurtà Garden Park: This award-winning park is ranked among the five most beautiful parks and gardens in the world. A stunning park covering no less than 60 hectares, featuring a yew maze, a rose path, a panoramic walking trail, and magnificent trees, including “the great oak,” which is 400 years old. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day wandering around. The park is located about 8 km from Peschiera. Open from March through November. Click here for more information.

• Borghetto sul Mincio is a really charming medieval village, with the Mincio River flowing right through it. It’s one of the “borghi più belli d’Italia.” It gets very crowded on weekends and in the summer. It’s quieter outside of peak season and on weekdays.

TIP: Ride your bike there, and here’s another tip: keep riding a little further to the town of Valeggio sul Mincio for the most delicious fresh tortellini, for which the area is famous. At Ristorante alla Borsa, you can enjoy the most delicious pasta, made in-house.

Isola del Garda

This beautiful island is the largest of the five islands in Lake Garda. With its magnificent villa, the island has a rich history. St. Francis of Assisi and Dante Alighieri are said to have visited the island, and a monastery once stood on the site of the current villa, serving as a prison for praying monks. The island is still privately owned. The Cavazza family—four brothers and three sisters, some of whom still live in the villa on the island—are the proud owners of the island and lovingly maintain the villa and its beautiful gardens.

You can book a guided boat tour of the island from various locations along the lake. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a visit to the gardens and part of the villa, along with a wine and olive oil tasting. Tours run daily from April through October, except on Mondays. If you’re willing to splurge, you can also get married on the island.

Tenno Canal

Canale di Tenno, north of Lake Garda, is one of the lesser-known villages around the lake. It is one of the most fascinating “borghi più belli d’Italia.” The narrow stone streets and old courtyard houses give the village its charm. The Casa degli Artisti Giacomo Vittone frequently hosts exhibitions and events.

It’s also located in a unique spot, halfway between Lake Garda and Lake Tenno. Near this village, you’ll also find the Cascate del Varone, a waterfall in a nature park.

Marmitte dei Giganti

The Marmitte dei Giganti are karst depressions formed during the Ice Age. You’ll find these ancient ice pits near Torbole. There are many myths and legends surrounding these photogenic rocks, which were shaped by glaciers. According to one tale, giants used to quench their thirst here.

The Marmitte dei Giganti geological formation is located along the scenic road from Nago to Torbole, overlooking Lake Garda. The largest “giants’ pot” can be reached in a few minutes from a parking lot along the road via a marked hiking trail.

A beautiful hike of about 6 kilometers is the one from Torbole to Nago, passing by the Marmitte dei Giganti and Castel Penede. You’ll return downhill to Torbole along the historic mule trail of Valletta Santa Lucia. It’s not a crowded route!

Tremosine: Spooky Terrace on Lake Garda

Want to enjoy a drink on a terrace with a breathtaking view of Lake Garda? The terrace at Hotel Paradiso in Tremosine is the place to be. Locals also call it the“terrazza del brivido”(thrill terrace). You’d better not be afraid of heights, because the terrace hovers about a hundred meters above the ground. Food or drink purchase required.

The northernmost village, Riva del Garda

Bordering the mountainous region, this large village is a great destination for scenic hikes and water sports enthusiasts. From Punta Larici, you have a stunning view of the lake. The trail leading there is manageable, with an elevation gain of about 400 meters. You can also enjoy beautiful hikes here past ancient forts to Monte Brione, a battlefield during World War I.

Waterfalls on Lake Garda

The Varone Waterfalls

A few kilometers north of Riva del Garda, the Varone Falls plunge from a height of about 100 meters. The waterfall cave is a geological wonder, formed by the retreat of a glacier over the centuries. The waterfalls are located in Le Foci in Tenno, within a privately owned nature park. The waterfalls and caves are open year-round; there is an admission fee, and you’ll need sturdy hiking shoes because the terrain can be quite slippery.

It’s about an hour’s walk from Riva del Garda. There are also several buses from Riva del Garda (free with the Trentino Guest Card). It gets very crowded on Sundays and during the high season. Click here for more information.

Ponale Waterfall

In Riva del Garda, the northernmost town on Lake Garda. It can only be reached from the lake. You can rent canoes in Riva del Garda at Sailing du Lac, among other places. There is a trail along the old Ponale Road, but it is very difficult to navigate and not recommended. It’s best to visit the waterfall in the morning when there’s less wind.

The Aril River

Heading toward Malcesine along the Gardesana in Cassone, you’ll find the Aril River, also known as “Ri” by locals. It’s the shortest river in the world, just 175 meters long.

The pond is also a fish reserve and features a small waterfall and three bridges connecting the two sides. The river flows into a small harbor with an old watermill. It’s a particularly beautiful spot—it’s no wonder Gustav Klimt painted it in his work “Church in Cassone sul Garda.”

Climate of Lake Garda

The biggest challenge at Lake Garda is the unpredictability of the weather. A heavy downpour or thunderstorm can be short-lived and clear the muggy air considerably. The weather is usually lovely from mid-May through June, as well as from September through mid-October. It’s recommended to visit in the spring and fall, not only because of the weather but also to avoid the crowds. The northern shore of Lake Garda is particularly attractive in the winter because of its many winter sports options.

Unique Places to Stay on Lake Garda

If you head a little way away from the lake, into the mountainous hills to the west, you’ll find lovely agriturismos and B&Bs. For example, Agriturismo La Rocca and Camere Casaliva.

Glamping on Lake Garda

Fornella Eco Camping and Wellness Resort is a gem on the western shore of Lake Garda. The resort is a member of the Ecocamping network and won the ADAC Camping Award in 2024. The resort goes to great lengths to preserve biodiversity on the estate. The cottages each have their own small herb garden, are supplied with hot water via solar panels, and there is a beautiful wellness center and two swimming pools. There’s also a cozy restaurant with a view of the lake.

You can also take a guided tour to Isola del Garda from the campground (for a fee).

Small campground on Lake Garda

• A quick camping tip on Lake Garda: Rivablu Campground. A small-scale campground with beautiful glamping tents overlooking the lake.
• Here’s another little camping tip: Sivinos Camping Boutique, right on one of the lake’s most beautiful beaches and surrounded by nature.

Hiking at Lake Garda

In addition to the beautiful spots around Lake Garda mentioned above, it’s also a wonderful lake to hike around. Click here for multi-day hut-to-hut hikes—not technically difficult—around Lake Garda, with hotel stays before or after, as desired. Go on a self-guided hiking vacation in Italy with Bookatrekking.com.

The Most Beautiful Spots on Lake Garda on a Map

You can find more information about campgrounds on Lake Garda here.