Reasons to Love Lake Garda

Sirmione’s most iconic monument

Sirmione: The one everyone should see

If it’s your first time on Lake Garda, I would absolutely include Sirmione. The town sits on a narrow peninsula that stretches into the lake, and the setting is hard to beat. You arrive through the medieval Scaligero Castle, cross the bridge into the pedestrian center, and suddenly you’re surrounded by little shops, cafés, gelaterias, and winding streets.

At the very tip of the peninsula are the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa surrounded by olive trees and some spectacular views over the lake. You don't necessarily need to be a history buff to appreciate it, the setting alone makes the walk worthwhile.

Sirmione is also famous for its thermal waters, so this is one of those rare Italian destinations where you can spend the morning exploring Roman ruins and medieval streets and the afternoon at the spa.

My advice: Sirmione is absolutely worth visiting, but if you can, stay overnight rather than coming only as a day trip. Once the day-trippers leave, the town becomes much more atmospheric.

Colorful town streets from around the lake

Villa Cortine: For a more romantic Sirmione stay

If I were planning a special stay in Sirmione, Villa Cortine is #1. While there are a couple of other lovely Terme properties, Cortine is my preference.

The hotel sits just above the historic center, tucked away in beautifully landscaped gardens. That location is a big part of the appeal. You’re close enough to walk into town, but once you’re back at the hotel, it feels wonderfully removed from the crowds.

The villa itself has that classic Italian grand-hotel feeling: antiques, beautiful gardens, chandeliers, fountains and plenty of old-world charm… but without feeling stuffy.

There’s also a private lakefront area with loungers and a pier, which I love for a leisurely afternoon. And of course, being able to take a boat directly from the hotel makes exploring Garda by water particularly easy.

This is the hotel I’d choose for: couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants a romantic, classic Italian lake experience.

One of the things I love about Lake Garda is that the hotels can feel completely different depending on where you stay.

Heavenly views from Lefay Garda

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

For clients who want the lake but also want to really disconnect, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is hard to beat.

Perched above Gardone Riviera, the resort has sweeping views over the lake and surrounding hills, and the entire experience is centered around wellness. The spa is a major draw, with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and an extensive treatment menu. The design is contemporary and understated vs. a traditional Italian grand hotel, and the spacious suites make it particularly appealing for a longer stay. Food is fantastic; the hotel’s isolated location above a cliff, yields well to half board (to avoid driving down windy roads at night!).

The most beautiful pool at Lefay Garda. Perfect for a tuffo!

This is the one I’d recommend for: wellness-focused travelers, couples looking for a relaxing escape, or anyone who wants to combine Lake Garda with a serious spa experience. It also packages well with its sister property: Lefay Dolomiti.

The spa at Grand Hotel Fasano. So many amazing spas around this lake.

Grand Hotel Fasano

Then there’s Grand Hotel Fasano, which is almost the complete opposite.

This is the hotel for someone who wants the history of an Italian grand hotel. Set right on the lake in Gardone Riviera, it has beautiful gardens, a private beach and a wonderfully elegant atmosphere.

The property has evolved over the years, so while it retains its historic character, the rooms and suites are comfortable and current.

This is the one I’d recommend for: travelers who love historic hotels, beautiful gardens, and that classic European resort feeling. Also, great for families.

Iconic views from Grand Hotel Fasano

Gargnano: My pick for something quieter

If Sirmione is the Lake Garda classic, Gargnano is the quieter, more understated alternative.

This little town on the western shore is surrounded by mountains and feels much less touristy than some of the lake's better-known stops. The harbor, colorful buildings and narrow streets make it a wonderful place to wander without much of an agenda.

What makes this area especially interesting is its history of growing citrus. The hillsides around Gargnano are dotted with traditional limonaie, or lemon houses. terraced structures designed to protect citrus trees from the colder winter temperatures.

For me, this is the kind of place that makes Lake Garda special. You’re not just looking at a beautiful lake; you’re seeing a landscape that still has a strong connection to its agricultural past.

My advice: Pair Gargnano with a stay at Lefay or Grand Hotel Fasano and spend an afternoon exploring the town and surrounding countryside.

Salò: For more restaurants, shopping & life

If you prefer a town that feels a little livelier, visit Salò.

Salò stretches along a beautiful bay on the western side of the lake and has a lovely waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and shops. It feels more like a small Italian city than a resort village, which means there’s a little more happening here once the sun goes down.

I particularly like Salò for clients who don't want to be completely dependent on their hotel for dining and activities. You can spend the morning shopping, have a long lunch overlooking the water, and then take a stroll along the lakefront in the evening. Easy to visit from Grand Hotel Fasano too.

Lunch with a view

And then there’s the food

Lake Garda is a destination where I would make room for some memorable meals. The region has developed a surprisingly strong dining scene, from refined contemporary Italian restaurants to traditional spots focused on the lake’s fish, incredible olive oil and local produce.

In Sirmione, while there are a few Michelin Stars, I always love Casa dei Pescatori. It's relaxed, amazing food, and beautiful setting. I've been dining here for years, and even sent my (very picky) Italian in-laws recently, who loved it.

In Gardone Riviera, Villa Fiordaliso is a beautiful choice for a special dinner, particularly if you want a setting right on the water.

In Garda, Regio Patio combines a beautiful garden setting with seasonal cooking and a menu that makes good use of local ingredients..

The other advantage of staying on Garda is that you're within easy reach of the wine regions around Prosecco, Verona and Valpolicella, so I’d absolutely consider adding a winery visit to an itinerary (or at least drinking a lot of vino) .

Incredible scenery from every angle

There is real appeal in slowing down. My biggest piece of advice? Don't try to see the entire lake in one day or even one trip. Pick a base, slow down, and let Garda surprise you. More and more, I am beginning to book clients in two hotels around the lake in the same trip (as there is simply too much to do, and Lake Garda is too expansive to see it all quickly).

Spend a few hours wandering Sirmione before the crowds arrive. Take a boat across the lake. Have lunch overlooking the water. Visit a lemon house in Gargnano. Spend an afternoon at the spa at Lefay. Have an aperitivo in Salò. And, most importantly, give yourself enough time to actually enjoy the hotel you're staying in. The resorts are incredible.

If you want something a little less expected, Lake Garda is absolutely worth considering. And with such a variety of hotels and experiences around the lake, I think it works particularly well for couples, honeymooners, food and wine lovers, and travelers who want a more relaxed version of the Italian lake experience.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Italy page.