Self catering accommodation in Lake Garda for your Italian adventure

In July, we travelled to Lake Garda in Italy. Our destination was the Hotel Forte Charme in Nago Torbole. This hotel was the nicest we've stayed in Torbole so far. I can only recommend it, from up there you have the most beautiful view of Torbole. I wouldn't recommend booking full board in Italy, there are so many good pizzerias where you can enjoy a delicious meal in the evening. From Torbole you can take a boat trip to the towns of Limone and Malcesine. I can highly recommend these excursions, they are wonderful places with small alleyways that invite you to go shopping. The beach on Lake Garda is rocky. You have to be lucky with the weather, even in July: if it rains there, it takes quite a long time for the rain to clear from the mountains.

Travelling by boat to the next towns

The village of Limone and Malcesine

Yes, I would

No matter where you are on Lake Garda, there are small villages with friendly people and great guesthouses everywhere. I would only recommend a hotel with half board if you only want to go on a few excursions or wellness holidays. Tip: book a bed and breakfast, go hiking or biking and enjoy a pizza in a restaurant in the evening. However, you should still make a reservation as there are always lots of tourists and restaurants fill up quickly. Excursions to Limone or Bardolino are highly recommended. Another tip: many hotels and guesthouses now offer not only 'normal' bikes, but also e-bikes that can be hired by the day.

Biking, hiking, but also enjoying pizza and good wine.

Restaurant 'Emma' in Nago Torbole

Lake Garda is always worth a trip!

Lake Garda, a picturesque pearl in northern Italy, exceeded my expectations as a holiday destination in every respect. The charming lakeside towns such as Sirmione and Malcesine exude historical charm with their cobbled streets and well-preserved old towns. The panoramas along the lake, framed by majestic mountains, offer breathtaking views and create an unforgettable backdrop. The variety of leisure activities on Lake Garda made my trip particularly enjoyable. Whether it's water sports activities such as windsurfing in Torbole or a cable car ride to Monte Baldo for spectacular mountain views, the choice of activities is almost endless. Boat trips to hidden gems such as the Isola del Garda and the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione also added to the experience. The culinary scene around Lake Garda spoilt my taste buds. From fresh fish in small fishing villages to local wines in picturesque vineyards, the regional cuisine reflects the authenticity of the area. The gelaterias and cafés on the shore also invite you to enjoy relaxing moments of pleasure. However, you should bear in mind that the popularity of Lake Garda can lead to overcrowded places and traffic problems in the summer months. In some of the busier sections, the idyllic atmosphere can be somewhat spoilt by the crowds. In addition, prices are higher in tourist areas, which can affect budget-consciousness. Overall, my trip to Lake Garda was an unforgettable adventure that impressed with its many facets, scenic beauty and culinary delights. Lake Garda is a place that has something to offer for every type of traveller and will live long in the memory with its unmistakable charm.

The picturesque towns along Lake Garda, such as Malcesine and Sirmione, not only offer charming old towns, but also breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Water sports enthusiasts can live out their passion on Lake Garda - be it windsurfing in Torbole, sailing in Riva del Garda or simply taking a relaxing boat trip across the clear waters. The Botanical Gardens of Gardone Riviera, also known as the Heller Gardens, delight visitors with their impressive collection of exotic plants and artistic terraces. Monte Baldo, accessible by cable car from Malcesine, offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Garda and the Dolomites, which is appreciated by hikers and nature lovers alike.

Explore the charming village of Gargnano, less frequented than some other places on Lake Garda, and discover hidden gems such as Villa Bettoni and cosy restaurants on the shore. Equally worthwhile is a boat trip to Isola del Garda, an enchanting island with a magnificent villa and lush gardens, which is often spared from mass tourism.

Lake Garda enchants with its breathtaking scenery, diverse leisure activities and charming villages, making it an ideal holiday destination for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and culture vultures.

My family and I would be staying at Camping Zoo in Arco from 3 September to 6 September. It's right next to a river and there's a cycle path along the river that leads directly to Lake Garda. We then cycled further along it to Riva del Garda. The landscape in the north of Lake Garda is really beautiful, the people are very friendly and the various ice cream parlours in Arco are all really good.

Bike tour from Arco to Lake Garda Linfano, climbing tours around the campsite in Arco

Ice cream parlour in Arco is great

Very beautiful landscape