Lake Garda in summer: 3 great vacation spots
If you’re heading to Lake Garda in summer, it’s good to arrive knowing that this lake actually offers several different types of vacations. It’s not the kind of place where you’d stay by the hotel pool all week—unless you want to, of course. Garda offers so many activities and interesting spots that it would be a shame to stay in just one place. I recommend hitting the promenade, taking a boat to nearby towns, strolling through the alleys of old towns, and checking out the viewpoints above the lake.
Limone sul Garda
Find accommodation at Garda using the map:
Lake Garda in summer
In today’s article, I’ve put together 3 tips for places if you’re planning Lake Garda in the summer, along with a comparison to help you choose the right spot for your vacation this year. It’s not for nothing that you’ll often hear a vacation at Garda is frequently better than being by the sea.
Sirmione
For me, the southern part of the lake has the most relaxed vacation vibe. Sirmione attracts visitors with its peninsula featuring a castle and preserved Roman ruins, Peschiera del Garda works well as a transport hub thanks to trains and boats, and in Lazise or Bardolino, you can easily put together a day of swimming, lunch by the water, and an evening stroll along the harbor.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN SIRMIONE
You’ll especially appreciate this part of Lake Garda in the summer if you’re planning a peaceful vacation with nice restaurants within reach, shorter travel distances, and towns where you can enjoy romantic promenades. You’ll also love it here if you’re looking for a romantic wellness stay at a spa. In that case, I recommend booking your stay directly in Terme Sirmione. You can either stay affordably in nearby apartments and pay for a day pass to the wellness center, or book a luxury stay directly at the spa hotel depending on your budget.
You can find out more about Sirmione and its spas in my article:
Tip for tried-and-tested accommodation in Sirmione:
Olivi Hotel & Natural Spa
- The hotel is located in the middle of olive groves right on the Sirmione peninsula
- The new wellness center offers a heated outdoor pool and an indoor saltwater pool
- The restaurant focused on traditional Italian cuisine and great breakfasts will definitely please you, just as it did us
Olivi Hotel Sirmione
Riva del Garda – Lake Garda in summer
Are you interested in Lake Garda in the summer mainly from the perspective of sports activities and trips to the surrounding area? Then I recommend choosing the town of Riva del Garda as your vacation base. Near Riva del Garda and Torbole, the lake is squeezed between mountains, and you should expect windy weather in the summer, which is perfect for windsurfing enthusiasts.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN RIVA DEL GARDA
Lake Garda in summer – Riva del Garda
This is the place people go not just for windsurfing, but also for sailing, cycling weekends, and various levels of hiking. In any case, you’ll also enjoy relaxing on the beach here on your days off after strenuous activities. If you’re planning an active vacation on bikes or on the water, you’ll surely fall in love with Riva del Garda and I believe you’ll keep coming back, just like we do.
More posts from our vacation in Riva del Garda:
- Cycling weekend in Riva del Garda – 2 tips for trips to mountain lakes
- Tip for boutique accommodation with a stunning view of Riva
Tip for tried-and-tested accommodation in Riva del Garda:
Hotel Gabry 3*
- A pleasant boutique hotel with a nice pool and a small wellness center
- Great breakfasts with options even for my gluten-free eaters
- A few minutes’ walk to the center of Riva and the beach
Hotel Gabry – Riva del Garda
Limone sul Garda – Lake Garda in summer
For me, Limone sul Garda is one of the most beautiful places on the western shore of Lake Garda. In summer, you’ll find pebble beaches, a promenade with views, the famous cycle path suspended over the lake, historic lemon gardens, and alleys where the scents of citrus, olive oil, and Italian summer mingle.
>> TOP 10 ACCOMMODATIONS IN LIMONE SUL GARDA
So if you’re drawn to a bit of everything from the places described above and can’t (or don’t want to) decide on just one area, I recommend heading to Limone sul Garda. Here you can enjoy an active vacation on bikes or windsurfing, as well as pleasant relaxation on the beaches and walks through the historic town with a lemon sorbet served in a hollowed-out lemon. And of course, order the mussels in wine with parmesan at a restaurant.
And if the town of Limone sul Garda feels too small for a whole week’s vacation, head out by car or boat for a few euros to explore other beautiful spots worth seeing at Lake Garda in the summer. For example, you can easily get to picturesque Malcesine from here, which I’ll tell you about next time.
Full report from one of our June weekends in Limone sul Garda:
Tip for tried-and-tested accommodation in Limone sul Garda:
Sogno del Benaco 4*
- A nice hotel at the beginning of Limone, right above a nice public beach and with its own parking
- I recommend booking accommodation with a lake view; great breakfasts, including gluten-free options
- Offers its guests a free sunbathing garden with loungers and access to a rooftop wellness center with a view
Sogno del Benaco – Limone sul Garda
Whichever spot you choose at Lake Garda in summer, I believe you’ll enjoy your vacation here and maybe you’ll love coming back, just like we do. And if you liked today’s article, save it on Pinterest so you can easily find it next time:
