Lake Garda has been an important point on the map of Europe since ancient times. The Romans fought a great water battle here in 268 or 269 AD, fending off Germanic tribes from the flatlands that rolled southwards to the Eternal City. In the medieval ages, the lake was a flashpoint between the city states of Venice and Milan. And it was the site of key conflicts during the Risorgimento, which ultimately led to the unification of Italy. You can delve into this rich past at places like Castello Scaligero, in Malcesine, which has enlightening exhibits that range all the way back to the prehistoric formation of the lake. Meanwhile, the soaring Bastione in Riva del Garda is a symbolic reminder of Venetian rule during the 16th century.
Strap on the hiking boots and hit the trails that shoot out in all directions and you'll be rewarded with visions of the rising Dolomites to the north and the Lombard Alps to the west. In fact, there are all sorts of walking routes leading away from the doors of Lake Garda holiday villas, from easy-going waterside paths to daring via ferrata that require climbing gear and bags of courage. Back on the lake itself, you'll also find loads of stand-up paddle board rentals, kayak places and windsurfing schools.
The flavours of Veronese gnocchi and Milanese rice dishes fuse with the highland cheeses of the Dolomites and beyond to create truly enticing gastronomy in Lake Garda:
Breezy paths connect many of the main towns around Lake Garda's southern shore. That means you can wander hand-in-hand between the pebble beaches and slender Italian cypresses as you hop from the pastel-painted piazzas of Lazise to the wine bars of Bardolino. Talking of wine bars, you can indulge in a couples tasting session to try the local Bardolino DOC there, or just grab a refreshing aperitif and watch the sun set over the serrated tops of the Lombard Alps. You can also crank up the romance by picking a luxurious Lake Garda holiday villa – think sweeping panoramas of the Dolomites and glimmering pools all to yourself.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 5,716 vacation rentals near Lake Garda. From 397 villas to 1,600 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Lake Garda for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.