Lake Garda Activities

Lake Garda Attractions

Parco Baia delle Sirene

Mermaid Bay is a private beach area on the shore of beautiful San Vigilio (between Garda and Torri). Ideal for families on a hot summer’s day, you can swim and sunbathe while children enjoy play areas and activities. It’s well worth staying here into the early evening not only to get your money’s worth – the sunset over the lake and mountains is unforgettable.

Parco Giardino Sigurtà

A stunning park with colourful botanical gardens near Peschiera which you can experience on foot, bicycle or golf buggy. Great for a day out nearby the lake, there is a petting zoo, maze as well as various gardens and wide open spaces to explore.

South Garda Karting

Located in Lonato del Garda, behind Desenzano, South Garda Karting has a 1,010m where you can follow the tracks of international champions in a hired kart. Karts are available for children and adults, making this a fun place for a family day out.

Varone Waterfall

This natural wonder is well worth visiting on a hike or bike ride (it’s about 3km if you’re travelling from Riva). The waterfall is located in a stunning natural park which has a botanical garden and it can be viewed from two spots - the lower cave and the upper cave.

Parco Natura Viva zoo & safari park

Behind Lazise, this is one of the biggest Zoos in the country and has over 250 different species of animal. You’ll find drive-through and pedestrian safari parks, a tropical greenhouse and a Dinosaur Park. Perfect for a day out for animal lovers or families staying nearby.

Lemon houses

The lemon houses have had a huge cultural and architectural importance in Lake Garda ever since citrus fruits were brought to the area in the 13th century. Identified by their high walls and stone pillars, they can be found all around the Riviera dei Limoni on the west side of the lake including the Castèl and Villa Boghi in Limone.

Dogana Veneta

This Venetian lakeside landmark in Lazise’s main square has been a huge part of local life since it was built in early 1300. Once used as a customs house, it is well worth admiring if you’re staying in or visiting Lazise and has been recently renovated inside to accommodate private events like weddings.

Torri del Benaco Scaliger castle

One of the most important buildings in Torri and certainly the most striking, this medieval castle was built near the end of the 14th century by Antonio della Scala. It’s now home to a Lemon Grove and a museum where you can learn about local produce and culture.

Sirmione Scaliger castle

A fantastic example of Lake Garda’s historic defence system, Sirmione’s castle sits on the foundations of a Roman fortress. Having seen various wars, housed the Della Scala family served as a barracks for centuries, it’s now open to the public and is well worth a visit for the amazing views from the bastions and the tower.

Malcesine Scaliger Castle

A huge emblem of the town, the ancient castle has some fascinating history behind it. Nowadays, it is home to a Goethe exhibition and a Natural History Museum where you can learn all about the lake and mountains in the area. It offers amazing views over the lake and mountains.

Andrè Heller Botanical Garden

This stunning garden in Gardone Riviera was founded by Arturo Hruska (which is why some know it as the Hruska Garden) and is nowadays looked after by artist Andre Heller. An absolute must visit, it’s a spectacular place with flowers, plants, water features and sculptures to discover and enjoy.

Olive oil museum

Enjoy some real culinary culture in Bardolino’s famous Olive oil museum. People visit this in the tens of thousands every year to learn all about the history of olive oil making from the experts - the Turri family who own and run the museum have been making their highly acclaimed oil for generations.

Wine Museum

Soak up an important part of local heritage at Bardolino’s Wine Muesum. The Zeni family who own the museum have been making the famous Bardolino red wine here since in 1870 and offer a fascinating insight into wine making techniques both past to present as well as tasting sessions where you can sample their wine.

Paper Museum

In the heart of the Paper Mill Valley behind Toscolano Maderno, the Paper museum will tell you all you need to know about the history of the paper making industry, which dates back to the 12th century in the area. Exhibitions include photos, machinery and tools.

San Martino Tower

A popular landmark in Desenzano, the San Martino Tower is 74 metres high and is home to the Risorgimentale Museum. The tower was built to remember the Italian Unification which played a big part in local history and the museum displays frescos, sculptures and lots of information on the Risorgimento wars.