Compare Lake Garda holidays

At almost 52 kilometres (32 miles) long, Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake. As a result, it's not that surprising that there's a huge difference between Lake Garda's top and tail, with the warm breezes of the south giving way to cooler Alpine winds and scuffed waters in the fjord-like north.

Lap up the local culture

Lake Garda's eclectic landscape is matched by its cultural diversity. Once part of Austria, the northern shore has Germanic-tinged notes, while the south has a more typically Italian flavour. The cuisine, the mindset and the scenery change from village to village, making it a fascinating place to explore.

It might sound obvious, but the biggest must-do on Lake Garda is a resort-hopping trip on the water. It's a wonderful way to soak up the scenery, swing past the tourist attractions and savour the sunshine at the same time. You can set the pace, travelling fast by hydrofoil or bobbing along on the slow-moving pleasure boat. Hop off for lunch on the lakefront, explore medieval castles and overload on Instagram shots (if that's your thing).

Monte Baldo Cable Car

Feel on top of the world by taking the rotating cable car to the top of Monte Baldo. At 1,760 metres (5,774 feet), it's Lake Garda's highest mountain. On clear days, you can look down upon the entire lake, set against snow-tipped peaks and sloping vineyards. The base station is set in Malcesine, so visit the stately Castello Scaligero at the same time, killing two Lake Garda tourist attractions with one stone.

Amusement parks

You'll never be left wondering what to do with the kids on Lake Garda. There's a handy cluster of fun parks within easy reach of the shoreline, each one perfect for tiring your little treasures out. With 113 acres of rides and 10 themed areas, Gardaland is the largest amusement park in Italy, while Movie Land and Canevaworld Water Park are both nearby.

Wine-tasting tours

The hills and valleys surrounding Lake Garda are carpeted with vineyards, so if you like your wine, you're in the right place. There are all kinds of wine-tasting tours up for grabs from Lake Garda, giving you the chance to amble between the vines, learn about the harvesting process and try a local blend