Where to stay on Lake Garda: North vs South

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When I first started looking into where to stay in Lake Garda, I assumed it would be fairly easy to get around, as the lake looked much smaller on the map than it actually is. However, Lake Garda is much bigger than you might expect, and the north and south of the lake are quite different. The north is surrounded by mountains and is great for hiking and outdoor activities, while the south has flatter scenery, pretty historic towns and more of a traditional holiday feel.

Excellent ferry and bus connections make it easy to explore both areas, so wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be able to experience the very best of Lake Garda.

Read my blog post on getting around Lake Garda without a car.

Why Stay in the North of Lake Garda?

The north of Lake Garda is ideal if you enjoy hiking, cycling and outdoor activities like windsurfing. The mountain views are also a big reason why we preferred the north, as they make the towns even prettier. It can also be a bit cooler and windier than the south, which was a bonus when we visited and temperatures were over 30°C!

Each town in the north has its own charm. Malcesine is ideal for a classic lakeside stay with easy access to Monte Baldo, Riva del Garda suits visitors looking for a lively base with plenty of amenities, while Torbole is a favourite among windsurfers and those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere.

Best Towns to Stay in Northern Lake Garda

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda is one of the bigger towns on the lake, with plenty of things to do, good amenities and lots of outdoor activities nearby. With a beautiful waterfront, access to lake front beaches within around 10 minutes. Riva del Garda also has so many excellent restaurants to choose from. The town has easy access to hiking and cycling trails.

Best Hotels in Riva del Garda

There is so many beautiful hotels in Riva, but here are some that I found when researching:

Villa Miravalle – a boutique hotel which is around 5 minute walk away to the town of Riva Del Garda and over a 1km away from the beach.

Grand Hotel Liberty – This hotel is definitely more luxury, it has a beautiful spa. the hotel has a perfect location being in the town of Riva del Garda and 5 minute walk away from the lake.

Hotel Vittoria – Hotel Vittoria is located right in the centre of the town of Riva del Garda, the hotel is highly reviewed for its location and breakfast but unfortunately does not have a pool.

Torbole

Torbole has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and is best known as one of Europe’s top windsurfing destinations. We loved watching the windsurfers from the beach. It’s an ideal base for people who love the outdoors, with easy access to walking trails such as the scenic Busatte-Tempesta Trail and access to cycling paths. If you prefer a quieter stay with incredible mountain views, Torbole is a fantastic choice. Torbole was my favourite town to say in!

Best Hotels in Torbole:

Hotel Roma – We loved this hotel. The hotel is located around 5-10 minute walk away from the beach and the town which has so many nice restaurants/cafes. The hotel is clean, has amazing options for breakfast and also has a pool so you can relax there after chilling by the lake. great base for exploring the north of the lake, with Torbole nearby and plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

Villa Claudia – This is another great option for a hotel in Torbole, this was one of my favourited hotels whilst searching. This hotel is also a great base for exploring the north of the lake, with Torbole nearby and plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

Hotel Paradisco Conca -This hotel is on the shores of Lake Garda right opposite the beach and very close to the central of Torbole. The hotel pool has beautiful views overlooking the lake. It has the perfect location, this was also one of our favourites which researching but was sold out on Booking.com.

Malcesine

Malcesine is one of the most picturesque towns on Lake Garda, with its beautfiul harbour and streets and lakeside castle. It’s an excellent choice for couples, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a classic Italian lakeside experience. Malcesine has lots of good restaurants and beaches nearby. The town is also home to the Monte Baldo Cable Car, making it a great base for hiking and panoramic views. As most of the towns do, they have a ferry port but from the town, you can get to Limone in 30 minutes.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Garda for mountain views and easy access to Monte Baldo, Malcesine is hard to beat.

Best Hotels in Malcesine:

Hotel Lago Di Garda – This hotel is in a fantastic location right in the heart of Malcesine, making it a great option if you want to be close to the lake, restaurants and the main sights. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace with beautiful views across Lake Garda and is only a short walk from the Monte Baldo cable car.

Beach Hotel Du Lac Malcesine – If you want to stay right by the lake, this hotel is definitely one to consider. It is located directly on the lakeshore and has its own private beach area, swimming pool and beautiful views across the lake. The hotel is also around a 10-minute walk from the centre of Malcesine, so you get the best of both worlds – a relaxing lakeside stay while still being close to the town. This was another hotel I loved the look of when researching where to stay in Malcesine.

Hotel Castello – This is another hotel I would definitely consider when staying in Malcesine. Hotel Castello Lake Front is right on the lake and has its own private beach area, with many of the rooms offering beautiful lake views. Its location is also fantastic, as it is close to the historic centre and Scaliger Castle.

Park Hotel – If you would prefer to stay somewhere a little more peaceful, Park Hotel Val di Monte is a great option. It is set above Malcesine surrounded by nature, with beautiful views towards Lake Garda and Monte Baldo. The hotel has a swimming pool, gardens and balconies or terraces with views, making it a lovely place to relax after a day of exploring. It is a little further from the centre of Malcesine!

Why Stay in the South of Lake Garda?

Southern Lake Garda has a gentler, more traditional holiday feel. The flatter landscape, sandy beaches and excellent rail connections make it especially convenient for families and first-time visitors. It’s also a great base for exploring historic towns and nearby attractions.

Best Towns to Stay in Southern Lake Garda

Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is one of the easiest towns to reach thanks to its train station, making it an excellent choice if you’re visiting Lake Garda without a car. The town is so convenient. It’s also popular with families due to its lakeside beaches, relaxed atmosphere and proximity to attractions like Gardaland. The town has also some amazing restaurants and has a beautiful river front. The town felt a lot busier than other towns due to the convience of it.

Peschiera del Garda is a uniquely fortified, UNESCO-listed town where the waters of Lake Garda flow out to become the Mincio River.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Lake Garda without a car, Peschiera del Garda is one of the most convenient bases thanks to its train station and excellent transport links.

Best Hotels in Peschiera del Garda:

Hotel Ristorante Al Fiore – This is a great option if you want to stay in Peschiera del Garda and be close to the lake. The hotel is just a short walk from the lake, beaches and the beautiful centre, and it also has a swimming pool which is great for relaxing by. The breakfast was so nice and it also has its own restaurant, so you don’t have to go far for dinner after a busy day. It would make a great base for exploring the southern side of Lake Garda.

Pavillon Suite – This was definitely one of my favourite hotels when researching where to stay in Peschiera del Garda. The suites look absolutely beautiful, with a really luxurious feel, and some have their own sauna, hot tub and lake views. The hotel is also right in the heart of Peschiera, so you are close to the restaurants, lake and everything the town has to offer.

SEI Garda Apartments – If you prefer having a little more space and the option to have your own kitchen, SEI Garda Apartments are a great option. The apartments are modern with balconies and plenty of space, and they are only a short walk from the lake, beach and centre of Peschiera. They are also around 700 metres from the train station, making them a convenient base if you’re travelling around Lake Garda without a car.

Garda

Located on the eastern shore of the lake, Garda is a charming town that offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience. With its pretty waterfront, colourful streets and lively squares, it’s a lovely place to wander around and relax, with plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops to explore too.

Garda is also well positioned for visiting nearby towns such as Bardolino and Lazise, making it an excellent base if you want to explore the southern and eastern shores of Lake Garda. If you’re looking for where to stay in Lake Garda for a traditional lakeside holiday with plenty of charm, Garda is a fantastic choice.

We cycled from Garda to the town of Lazise and it was around 8km each way. Its the perfect day time activity! A great way to see other towns across the lakes.

Best Hotels in Garda:

Sky Pool Hotel Sole Garda – This hotel was located right next to where we stayed which was Hotel Virgina. We automatically wished we booked this hotel, as the pool and the views looked insane!! Its abit more expensive, but worth it for the views. We met a couple who stayed here and they said the rooms and food were also incredible.

Hotel Virgina – Hotel Virginia is such a lovely hotel which had clean rooms, very peaceful and had amazing breakfast options. This hotel doesnt have a pool but its a great hotel to book if you are wanting abit of a cheaper trip to Lake Garda.

Sirmonie

Sirmonie is a town, I did have on my list before visiting lake Garda, but we were told by other travellers that it was really busy so we didn’t visit the town in the end. But Sirmione is best known for its history and it is one of the most famous towns on lake garda. It will feel busy as a lot of travellers from other towns will visit for the day.

Sirmione is one of the most famous towns on Lake Garda, known for its fairytale castle, Roman ruins and thermal spas. Its charming historic centre makes it a popular choice for couples and first-time visitors looking for a relaxing lakeside escape with plenty to see and do.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Garda for history, thermal spas and iconic lake views, Sirmione is one of the most popular choices.

North vs South: Which Part of Lake Garda Is Right for You?

Choose the North of Lake Garda – If you prefer a quieter, less busy atmosphere and want to be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, the north is a great choice. It can be a little harder to reach by public transport, but this also means it generally feels less busy than the south.

The north is perfect if you enjoy hiking, cycling and outdoor activities, with plenty of trails to explore. It is also cooler and windier, which is why it is so popular for windsurfing. Personally, we preferred the north of Lake Garda, as we loved the mountain backdrop and the beautiful towns around this part of the lake.

Choose the South of Lake Garda – The south is a great option if you are looking for a more relaxed, family-friendly and touristy holiday. It is home to popular attractions such as Gardaland and the nearby water parks, as well as more sandy and accessible beaches compared to the north, where you will find more pebbly shores.

The south is also easier to reach, with airports and train connections nearby, and its flatter landscape makes it easier to explore. However, this also means it can be much busier, particularly during the summer and with visitors coming from nearby Verona on day trips.

Both ends of Lake Garda offer beautiful scenery and memorable experiences, and I have been lucky enough to visit a couple of times. Personally, I preferred the north, but wherever you choose to stay, you are sure to have an amazing time exploring Lake Garda.