Dreamy Lake Garda: A Slice of Paradise in Italy
We flew from SFO into Milan Airport and rented a car to drive to Lake Garda. It was a scenic 4-hour drive from the airport.
We selected Lake Garda because we had read that it was a less touristy version of Lake Como and provided a more serene experience. We were drawn to the unique colorful lakeside towns, mountain-backed scenery, and elegant waterfront hotels.
Lake Garda is much larger than many first-time visitors expect, and traffic can be an issue. Stretching for more than 50km from north to south, it can take over two hours to drive between some of the lake’s most popular towns. So plan accordingly and be patient.
Lake Garda was one of the most beautiful spots we visited on our three-week trip to Italy. We highly recommend planning a trip to Lake Garda.
We selected Eala-My Lakeside Dream Hotel for the location, generous suites, restaurant offerings, and amenities. We reserved the Alisa Suite, which featured 650 square feet of space, luxury furnishings, and panoramic lake views from the terrace. The hotel was a great launchpad for trips to Limone and boat rides around the lake. We spent our time enjoying the hotel amenities and the beautiful lakeside setting.
Every morning we grabbed our cup of coffee and headed out to our patio to watch the kite surfing. It was an incredible experience. Mornings on Lake Garda are generally windy, perfect conditions for kite surfing, windsurfing, and sailing.
Day trip to Limone, Italy
Our hotel provided a free shuttle that ran all day and evening to the town of Limone.
We spent a few hours getting lost in Limone's narrow cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and flower-filled alleys. This is the heart of the town and part of its charm. We found great, unique shops that offered leather shoes, handbags, and dresses. Lemon ice cream is a must! You will find a gelato stand on every corner.
We found a bustling cafe in the heart of the waterfront to try an Aperol Spritz (not a huge fan, but wanted to try it) and dine on some pasta. We loved watching the ferries, wind surfers, and sailboats.
After lunch, we took a ferry to Malcesine from the ferry dock. The crossing took 20 minutes, and the views were spectacular.
Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero) dramatically overlooks Lake Garda from a rocky point. Upon arriving by ferry, it’s hard to miss this iconic structure. The castle resembles something from a historical romance novel, featuring towering stone walls, a tall tower, and the picturesque mountains of Monte Baldo in the background. Tickets can be purchased at the castle or reserved online.
Tip: Don't miss climbing the tower; the views are breathtaking.
The old town is full of charming Italian village shopping. We were surprised by the quality of shops and had so much fun exploring.
Italian leather goods
Linen clothing
Olive oil and local specialties
Jewelry and artisan gifts
Gelato shops and cafés
Ride the Monte Baldo cable car
We grabbed tickets for the Monte Baldo cable car to see the majestic peak of Monte Baldo.
Get tickets for the cable car at Baldo cable cars - From the lake to the mountains in the "blink of an eye"
There are many trail options available once you leave the cable car. I was wearing tennis shoes and wasn't prepared for a challenging hike. We opted for the panoramic walk at Lake Garda, which is a classic among the easier trails on Monte Baldo. This trail was beautiful and allowed us to stretch our legs at a high altitude after ascending via the Malcesine Monte Baldo cable car.
It is an easy and very relaxing itinerary at 1760 meters, perfect if you are looking for the most famous views of Lake Garda without having to face demanding elevation gains.
HOTEL RELAXING
Our last day in Lake Garda was spent enjoying the hotel amenities.
Coffee on our terrace watching the kite surfers and sailboats.
Breakfast at Bistrot Lake Garda outdoor patio with incredible views of the water. The ham and cheese omelette with sautéed mushrooms was delicious.
Relaxing at the pool in two comfortable lounge chairs.
Lunch and beer at Eala Beach Grill. Fresh veggies, fish, and grilled meats.
Swimming in the lake. We secured a lounge bed that sits directly on the water after lunch. The lounge bed offered shade and panoramic views of the water. The water was brisk, but lovely.
Michelin Dinner at Senso Restaurant. After the 2 Michelin Keys 2026, Senso restaurant, curated by chef Alfio Ghezzi, has been awarded the Michelin Star 2026 and the prestigious Michelin "Passion Dessert" 2026 award. We made our reservation months before we arrived in Lake Garda. We dressed for the occasion and had an incredible dining experience. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Final Thoughts:
We wish we had more time in this extremely beautiful spot. We loved the vibe of the lake community. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. This is a spot to be active. You have so much opportunity to interact with the water and the surrounding area. We highly recommend Lake Garda.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this personal blog are strictly my own and do not reflect those of any organization or entity. I have not received compensation in any form for the content provided. Please see the home page for the full terms & conditions statement.
Comments