Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake, and one day here gives you a taste of why it's been drawing visitors for centuries. The lake is long (52 kilometres north to south) and the character changes dramatically between the wide, Mediterranean south and the narrow, Alpine north. One day doesn't cover the whole lake, but it covers one end of it well.

Getting In and Out

The closest major airports are Verona (around 30 kilometres from the southern shore) and Brescia (around 25 kilometres). Trains stop at Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda on the southern shore. Driving gives the most flexibility: the SS45 runs along the western shore and SS249 along the eastern shore, both scenic.

Morning

Sirmione, on the southern shore, is the most visited town on the lake for good reason. The Scaligero Castle, a medieval fortress with towers rising directly from the water, is one of Italy's most dramatic lakeside structures. The town sits on a narrow peninsula, which gives it an almost island-like quality. Get there early: by 10am in summer it's packed.

The Grotte di Catullo, Roman ruins on the northern tip of the Sirmione peninsula, date from the 1st century AD and include some of the largest private Roman buildings in northern Italy. The views from the ruins across the lake are excellent.

Afternoon

Take the lake ferry (Navigazione Laghi) from Sirmione or Desenzano toward the northern shore. The boat journey up the lake is itself one of the best ways to see it. Depending on how far north you go, Gargnano on the western shore or Malcesine on the eastern shore are both excellent stops.

Malcesine is dominated by another Scaligero Castle and has a cable car up Monte Baldo (1,750 metres) with views across the lake and the Alps. The cable car takes 10 minutes and is worth it on a clear day.

Lunch in any of the lakeside towns will include fresh lake fish, including lavarello and trout, alongside pasta and local wines from the Bardolino or Lugana appellations.

Evening (if time allows)

Riva del Garda, at the northern tip of the lake, feels more Austrian than Italian: the enclosing mountains, the architecture, and the climate all point north. It's the most dramatic setting on the lake and worth the journey if you have the time.

Watching the sun set behind the mountains from the western shore is one of Lake Garda's signature experiences. The village of Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore is particularly good for this.

What to Skip

Driving the entire lake circuit in one day is possible but leaves no time to actually stop and experience any of it. Pick one end of the lake and do it properly.

Gardaland (the theme park near Peschiera) is a full-day commitment for families. Obviously not for a scenic day visit.

Lake Garda gets significantly better with more time. Our Lake Garda guide covers how to base yourself for a proper visit.