On the Veneto side
The Venetian and Veronese shores of Lake Garda begin in Peschiera, the next town after Sirmione. The eastern side is traditionally known as the Riviera degli Ulivi (The Olive Riviera).
The coast runs alongside the eastern Gardesana Orientale road from south to north and further inland by the motorway to Affi and the A22 motorway. It is dotted with picturesque villages and small beaches and is dominated by the presence of Mount Baldo: the Riviera also offers perfect views of the wonderful sunsets of Lake Garda behind the mountains of the western coastline.
Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its impressive Venetian fortifications. The town was founded by the Scaliger family and has a network of canals. It is situated at the mouth of River Mincio that flows from Lake Garda towards the surrounding moraine hills.
Established as a defensive outpost until the Napoleonic era and the Italian wars of independence, today Peschiera has a thriving historic centre and you can also visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino and ride along the cycle path following the river to Mantua.
Lazise
Named as the oldest municipality in Italy by a diploma of Emperor Otto II, Lazise still preserves its ancient heritage in the buildings of its historic town centre and within the walls of the Dogana Veneta, one of its best known monuments along with the imposing Scaligero Castle at the entrance to the town.
On a tour of the town you can admire the San Martino altarpiece at the Church of Saints Zenone and Martino and walk along the lakeside promenade to Bardolino, while nearby you can relax at the Colà thermal spa and the Villa dei Cedri thermal spa gardens.
Garda
Garda shares its name with the lake and is situated in a wide inlet protected from behind by the Rocca di Garda. The Rocca is a hill where an ancient fortification once stood, the remains of which still exist and which, according to legend, was where the Italian queen and German empress Adelaide of Burgundy was imprisoned.
Punta San Vigilio can be found at the other end of the town. It is a natural promontory that is home to the beautiful Baia delle Sirene (Mermaid bay) park and beach, while the well-equipped La Cavalla beach is closer to the town centre.
Torri del Benaco
Situated at the end of the lake where the Lombardy and Veneto regions’ coasts start to meet and narrow further north, the impressive Scaligero Castle at Torri del Benaco overlooks Lake Garda with its majestic crenulated walls and towers.
It is possible to visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the fortress with exhibits related to local history, activities such as olive growing and fishing, and rock engravings found in the municipal area, as well as a characteristic lemon house.
The historic town centre offers a pleasant stroll among the small local businesses and the port area.
Malcesine and Mount Baldo
Located on the eastern side of Lake Garda, Malcesine is a medieval village with ancient cobbled streets that intersect at the foot of an impressive Castle; it has an exceptional vantage point from which to admire the lake and surrounding countryside.
Behind Malcesine, Mount Baldo is one of the area’s natural sites par excellence: it is ideal for walking, discovering nature and practising sports and can be reached using private transport, cable car or even by ferry boat directly from Sirmione.
What to visit on Lake Garda: the map
Use the map below to organise your stay and travel along the Verona, Brescia and Trentino Rivieras of Lake Garda:
