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Desenzano del Garda, Italy – How to Visit and Best Things to Do in the Largest Town on Lake Garda (With Maps and Practical Tips)

Desenzano del Garda is the largest town on Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda.

Easy to reach from Milan, Verona, and even Venice and Bologna, this picturesque lakefront town is a great day trip destination and the perfect base for a longer Italian holiday.

The historic harbour - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

With a beautiful historic centre and sprawling lake views, the town is also sometimes called Desenzano sul Garda. Either way, this is a vibrant place where you can visit historic landmarks, spend time on the beach, tuck into delicious food, and enjoy a year-round programme of exciting events.

Well-connected by train and road to the largest cities in Northern Italy, Desenzano del Garda also offers quick and easy access by road and ferry to the numerous beautiful towns around Lake Garda. It stands on the southwestern shores of Italy’s largest lake and is part of the Northern Italian region of Lombardy.

The tower of the medieval castle - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

I loved visiting Desenzano del Garda during my six years of living in Italy. It was an easy day trip for me either by train or by car. No matter the weather or the season, the town had so much to offer. I loved the beautifully preserved mosaics in its Roman villa and the bird’s-eye views from its hilltop medieval castle. I loved sitting down for a meal and watching the boats crisscross the blue lake.

I appreciated how convenient Desenzano del Garda was for an easy trip by ferry to the long and narrow promontory of Sirmio on which Lake Garda’s most famous town – Sirmione – stretches under the Italian sun.

Above all, I loved the vibe of Desenzano – a great mix of authentic Italy and a summer hotspot. It was so easy to switch between the two or to enjoy them both together with history right next to all mod cons.

The view from the medieval castle with the Duomo and Lake Garda in the distance - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

So, in this blog post today, I want to share with you everything that I have learned first-hand about Lake Garda’s largest town. Scroll down for a long list of the best things to do in Desenzano del Garda – from the best local sights to the best local foods and hikes.

I have also included two maps. One shows the exact locations of all sights and landmarks to see in Desenzano del Garda. The other pinpoints the best destinations to explore in its vicinity – from beautiful towns on Lake Garda to some of the most important cities in Northern Italy.

This is followed by a section with lots of practical tips. When is the best time to visit Desenzano del Garda? How to find the best accommodation there for your budget and needs? All sorts of details are covered to give you a clear answer to the perennial question that you are faced with when considering a potential destination in Italy: ‘Is Desenzano del Garda worth a visit?’.

The marina - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

I hope that the information provided herewith will come in handy when you are planning your trip to Lake Garda in Italy. For even more helpful details, have a look at these blog posts:

Otherwise, Desenzano del Garda is one of the most popular destinations on the lake. So, make sure that you put this pretty town on top of your Lake Garda travel list. 

Here is why!

20 Best Things to Do in Desenzano del Garda on Italy’s Lake Garda

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1. Explore the Historic Centre of Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The historic centre and Lake Garda seen from the medieval castle - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda has a lovely historic centre. Lined with eateries, boutiques, and gelaterias, it’s a lively, energetic place. To get to know the town, go for a walk following the curves of its many cobbled lanes and enjoy the expanse of its squares.

Tall houses flank streets and piazzas. Their facades – in faded pastel shades – reflect the different historic periods that Desenzano del Garda has gone through. Buildings dating back to the times when the town was part of the Republic of Venice, Renaissance facades and Baroque elements – there is much to see here, especially if you like architecture and taking photos.

Porto Vecchio – the old harbour – is especially picturesque. Already functioning in the Middle Ages, it was then significantly expanded by the Venetians in the 16th century. Under their rule, Desenzano del Garda was a major destination in terms of the vitally important commerce with grain.

The stone arches of the elegant Palazzo Todeschini flank the old harbour. The palace is named after its architect – Giulio Todeschini – who, in the 16th century, redesigned Desenzano’s historic centre.

The town’s main square – Piazza Malvezzi – is also his work. The square is a lively hub right in the heart of the historic centre. Here you can see the statue of Santa Angela Merici – Desenzano’s patron saint – take part in the traditional for Italy evening stroll (called passeggiata) or catch one of the many events that are regularly organised in town.

2. Visit the Roman Villa in Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The entrance of the Roman Villa - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

The ruins of a once splendid Roman villa are one of the main sights in Desenzano del Garda. In fact, it is thought that the town’s name is a corruption of the name of one of the owners of the villa – Flavius Magnus Decentius. He was the brother of the 4th-century AD Roman Emperor Magnentius.

In its heyday, the villa was large, beautifully decorated, and with stunning views of Lake Garda. Its location was strategic. It stood near Via Gallica – a Roman road that connected Bergomum (modern-day Bergamo), Brixia (modern-day Brescia) and Verona.

Nowadays, Desenzano del Garda’s Roman villa is recognised as the most important and best-preserved mansion from the Late Antiquity in Northern Italy. Originally, the villa was built in the 1st century BC. Then it was expanded on several occasions during the next few hundreds of years. The ruins which can be seen today date mainly to the first half of the 4th century AD when the villa and its buildings were completely rearranged.

The villa had been badly damaged by fire before a landslide covered its remains in the 12th century. It was then discovered in 1921. The archaeological excavations performed since then revealed vestiges of its original splendour over an area of one hectare. There are residential quarters, a dining room, thermal baths, and agricultural outbuildings.

Of particular interest are the many very well-preserved floor mosaics. With their rich colours and lavish patterns, they depict curious scenes with boats surrounded by flocks of fish and cherubs holding overspilling cornucopias.

Large marquees protect the ruins so that you can marvel at the Roman mosaics and the villa’s hypocaust irrespective of the weather conditions. The adjacent Antiquarium has a small collection of statues, fragments of wall frescoes, and ceramic oil lamps. Large posters provide lots of details about the villa and other Roman ruins around Lake Garda.

You will find the entrance to the Roman villa and the Antiquarium on Via Crocefisso, 22 in Desenzano del Garda. This is a quiet side street in the historic centre. It’s a short walk away from the town’s Duomo. Have a look at the official website here. It’s in Italian so you can use Google Translate to help you get the gist of the information.

3. Admire Tiepolo’s Last Supper in the Duomo of Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Duomo of Santa Maria Maddalena - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

As is customary for Italy’s towns and cities, Desenzano del Garda has a large and imposing main church or Duomo.

Dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena (In English, Mary Magdalene), the Duomo was designed by Giulio Todeschini. Its construction started in 1586 and lasted until 1611 when it was consecrated. The Duomo stands on the place of an earlier church dating back to the 12th century.

Come here to admire a very dramatic Last Supper painted in 1738 by the Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. He is considered to be the greatest Italian Rococo painter. Interestingly, the painting is executed in portrait orientation rather than the traditional for the Last Supper theme landscape orientation.

A pictorial cycle by the Venetian Baroque artist Andrea Celesti is another highlight to see here.

Finally, don’t miss the chapel dedicated to Santa Angela Merici. She was born near Desenzano in 1474 and was the founder of the Angelines. Also known as the Company of St. Ursula, throughout the centuries it has been committed to the education of girls and women and taking care of the sick and poor.

Santa Angela Merici was proclaimed patron saint of Desenzano del Garda in 1962. The house where she lived with her family nowadays can be visited on the outskirts of the town.

Otherwise, you will find Desenzano’s Duomo looming over a sunlit square just off Via Roma in the heart of the historic centre. It’s just around the corner from the old harbour.

4. Fall in Love with the Panoramic Views from the Medieval Castle of Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The medieval castle - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda has a pretty medieval castle. Don’t miss it even if you are spending just a couple of hours in town. Perched on top of a small hill, the castle opens splendid panoramic views over the red rooftops of the historic centre and the blue expanse of Lake Garda.

A visit to Desenzano’s medieval castle will take you through the town’s curviest and steepest streets where colourful tall houses preside over tables placed outside in front of the local trattorias and restaurants. The uphill walk only lasts a few minutes but every effort you invest in it will be richly rewarded with the stunning views that suddenly will open in front of you as soon as you reach the castle.

You can stop at the small landing in front of the castle’s main entrance and enjoy the views from there. For the best panorama though, make sure that you pay the small entrance fee to explore inside. From the top floor of the castle’s donjon, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Desenzano, Lake Garda, and the adjacent plains and hills.

The castle of Desenzano del Garda was erected more than ten centuries ago at the same spot where the Romans once had a fort and a town. Originally, the medieval castle served to protect the local population from raids and marauding. At one point there were about 120 houses and artisan workshops built inside the castle’s walls. By the 19th century though, the castle was housing military barracks.

Nowadays and after an extensive restoration, this medieval castle proudly presides over Desenzano del Garda. Its courtyard has been transformed into an open-air stage where concerts and other cultural events often take place.

5. See the World’s Oldest Preserved Plow in the Archaeological Museum of Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The Archaeological Museum Giovanni Rambotti - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

The lands around Lake Garda have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over the last century, archaeological excavations in the lands adjacent to Desenzano del Garda have revealed many intriguing artefacts throwing light on life millennia ago.

The most priceless finding is an ancient plough. It dates back to the Early Bronze Age and it’s considered to be the oldest of its kind found anywhere in the world. Very well preserved, nowadays the plough can be seen in the Archaeological Museum ‘Giovanni Rambotti’ on the edge of the historic centre in town. While a plough per se may not sound that exciting, we need to consider it in the context of the culture that it served and the enormous technological advance it must have represented at the time.

After all, being able to quickly plough the fields meant better harvests and more food meant greater chances of survival and future achievements.

The archaeological museum in Desenzano del Garda occupies a large and nicely appointed building facing the lake. It’s just 400 m or a 5-minute walk down the promenade from Porto Vecchio. The museum offers lots of information about the pre-historic pile dwellers of these lands. The artefacts, including the plough, come from the archaeological site of Lavagnone just over 4 km inland from Desenzano.

Lavagnone was once a small glacial lake. It has been established that human presence there dates as far back as the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Most importantly, this was an important centre of pile dwelling life during the Bronze Age. Nowadays, Lavagnone is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bear in mind that the excavations there are not open for visits.

6. Go for a Walk along the Promenade in Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The 19th-century lighthouse seen from the promenade - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda has a long lakefront promenade. Known as Lungolago Cesare Battisti, it brims the historic centre of the town and leads to the nearby beaches.

The promenade is a great place to go for a walk to admire the blue expanse of Lake Garda and the beautiful nature that surrounds it.

A couple of the most interesting things you will see along the way are:

  • the lighthouse at the end of a long breakwater stone wall. Built at the end of the 19th century, the lighthouse stands at the mouth of the large harbour where boats and yachts are moored in straight lines thus creating a very pleasing image.
  • the Venetian Bridge that separates Porto Vecchio – the old harbour – from the new harbour with the breakwater wall and the lighthouse. The bridge was built in 1937.

Numerous eateries and gelaterias are dotted around the promenade. You can either have lunch here enjoying the sprawling views or grab a delicious gelato to eat on the go.

Every Tuesday morning, Lungolago Cesare Battisti also hosts one of the largest markets around Lake Garda. Come here to stock on fresh fruit and veg if you are spending a long holiday in Desenzano del Garda or to imbibe the authentic atmosphere if you are in town for the day.

7. Spend Time at the Beach in Desenzano del Garda, Italy

A beach in the surroundings of Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Lake Garda is a great place to go to the beach on a hot summer day. Desenzano del Garda is home to some of the nicest lake beaches for you to top your tan.

Here are some of the most popular beaches in and around this lovely lakefront town:

Spiaggia Desenzanino – you will find this beach right in front of Hotel Villa Rosa. It’s one of the beaches with the biggest footfall in Desenzano del Garda. There are showers, toilets, places to change into your swimming costume, a bar and a restaurant. Umbrellas are available for hire.

Margy Beach (formerly known as Spiaggia Feltrinelli) – right in front of Hotel Riviera on the Cesare Battisti promenade, this is Desenzano’s most central beach. You can hire an umbrella and a sun lounger for your day in the sun but there are no toilets here.

Spiaggia d’Oro – this beach has a pebbly part and an area covered in grass. Small dogs are allowed here. There are showers, toilets, places to change into your swimming costume, a bar and a restaurant, as well as a beach volleyball court. Umbrellas are available for hire.

Spiaggia di Rivoltella – a spacious and well-looked-after beach in front of the beautiful late 16th-century Villa Brunati. There are showers, toilets, places to change into your swimming costume, a bar and a restaurant, as well as a beach volleyball court. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for hire.

There are several other beaches near Desenzano del Garda. For example: Spiaggia dei Cannetti and Spiaggia Via Lario.

Most beaches around Lake Garda are covered in pebbles. Suitable beach shoes both in and out of the water are recommended. Also, please, exercise caution when swimming here. As with every lake and body of water, it’s important to be careful and use common sense. Especially, as the water can get very deep very quickly at Lake Garda’s beaches.

Have a look at these two blog posts for more information about the beaches at Lake Garda and how to spend a great beach day at Italy’s largest lake:

8. Practice Water Sports in and around Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The 19th-century lighthouse and the marina - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Lake Garda offers many opportunities to try your hand at water sports. You can surf, kitesurf, water ski, dive, paddleboard, hire a pedalo or a motor boat and even practice canyoning and canoeing here. You don’t have to be an expert either.

Many water sports companies around the lake offer tasters, individual and group training, guided practice, as well as boat and sailing tours. Also, at several of the beaches around Desenzano, you can rent pedalos and canoes. For example, try Margy Beach and Rivoltella Beach.

Here are some local companies to consider:

Dolphin Boat – right on the waterfront in Desenzano, this company rents out motorboats and offers boat tours.

SUP Rental Desenzano – a paddleboard-renting company providing full equipment and a range of training courses.

Tritone Sub – a diving club in Desenzano del Garda organising dives to interesting wrecks and submerged statues at different depths in Lake Garda.

LanaPlanet – this professional surf centre is in nearby Sirmione. Here you can give windsurfing and kitesurfing a try. Alternatively, you can hire a paddleboard.

Fraglia Vela G. D’Annunzio – an important local sailing club. It organises sailing courses for both adults and children. You will find it in the town of Gardone Riviera just over half an hour away from Desenzano and up the western shore of Lake Garda.

9. Have Fun and Shop in and around Desenzano del Garda, Italy

New Year's Festival in the historic centre - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is a great place to visit if you want to experience fun and lively Italian events. This popular town on the shores of Lake Garda has a rich calendar of happenings that take place all throughout the year.

In summer, sports competitions, art exhibitions, and food festivals are the order of the day. Dance clubs and small venues with live music make Desenzano del Garda an exciting place to be at night.

In winter, the town is a bit more sedate, yet it goes all out to celebrate Christmas and New Year. This is when lights are draped all around the historic centre and festive displays are placed at the most popular spots. In fact, the above photo shows a New Year’s celebration in Desenzano a few years ago. The atmosphere was incredibly family-friendly and there were lots of fun things to do in town.

In addition, next door to Desenzano del Garda, you will find Italy’s largest and most popular amusement and water parks. Click for further details and to purchase tickets: Gardaland and SEA LIFE AquariumCanevaWorld ResortAquardens Thermal Baths, and Cavour Water Park.

For more theme parks to visit nearby, have a look at this blog post:

Finally, you can use a visit to Desenzano del Garda as an excuse for a nice shopping trip.

The historic centre of this pretty lakefront town hosts a cluster of elegant boutiques selling the best in terms of Italian fashion, shoes, and jewellery. Every Tuesday morning, one of the largest markets for all of Lake Garda takes place at Desenzano’s long promenade. Expect stalls selling anything and everything – from fresh fruit and veg to tablecloths and bags. It’s an authentic Italian experience. Click to learn more about markets in Italy.

Right next door to Desenzano are several large shopping malls and outlet villages, too. Just take your pick: Leone Shopping Centre, Le Vele Shopping Centre, Franciacorta Outlet Village, and Mantova Village.

10. Take the Ferry Across Lake Garda from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Ferry on its way to Sirmione - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Crisscrossing Lake Garda on the board of a ferry is a pleasure like no other. Luckily, Desenzano del Garda is one of the main points of departure for ferry trips on the lake.

Seeing the lake and the lakefront towns from the water is a very photogenic experience. From the deck, you can spot lakefront promenades, road tunnels carved in the mountains, pastel houses, pebbly beaches, little coves, even centuries-old citrus gardens. 

From Desenzano del Garda, the ferry boats take 20 mins to the gorgeous town of Sirmione, from 1 h 05 mins to Garda Town, from 1 h 37 mins to either Salò or Lazise, and from 1 h 51 mins to Gardone.

Bear in mind, however, that travel times and the frequence of ferries depend strictly on the day and the season. There could be significant variations between the high and the low season and the different days of the week. Click to consult the official Lake Garda Navigation website for specific timetables.

Have a look at point 2 in this blog post for more information about travelling by ferry on Lake Garda:

11. Discover Unique Sights Near Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Museo Nicolis - Vilafranca di Verona, Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Next door to Desenzano del Garda you will find a long list of unique sights to visit as part of your exploration of Lake Garda in Italy.

From outstanding museums and expansive green spaces to historic sights of national importance, there is much to see and do in this corner of Italy if you are planning to spend a few days here.

Have a look at these suggestions and see which one(s) will appeal to you depending on your interests:

Parco del Laghetto – an extensive green park with a playground, skatepark, a football field, nd basketball courts. Come here to keep active, to let the kids run around or – if you are travelling with your dog – to let him enjoy a nice walk. Parco del Laghetto is about two km away from the historic centre of Desenzano.

Ugo da Como Foundation – a group of beautiful historic buildings in the nearby town of Lonato del Garda. From an ancient fortress to a historic house museum, there are many wonderful frescoes, books, and historic artefacts to admire here. The Ugo da Como Foundation is about six km away from Desenzano del Garda.

Tower of San Martino della Battaglia – a 74 m tall tower. It was erected in the 19th century to commemorate a historic battle held at its spot. A nearby ossuary keeps the remains of the fallen soldiers. The Tower of San Martino della Battaglia is about 10 km away from Desenzano del Garda.

Heller Garden – a lush botanical garden where art and nature unite. Created at the start of the 20th century, nowadays, the garden is owned by the Austrian multimedia visionary artist Andre Heller. He is also the designer of the experience attraction Swarovski Crystal World in Austria. Heller Garden is about 25 km away from Desenzano del Garda.

Vittoriale degli Italiani  – a huge hillside estate, this is one of the most important landmarks on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. In English, its name means ‘The Shrine of Italian Victories’. It was created by Gabriele D’Annunzio – a larger than life Italian poet, writer, fighter pilot, and army officer. He lived here for 16 years until his death in 1938. Time spent erecting an amphitheatre in the garden of the estate, encasing a battleship in the side of a hill, and furnishing the spacious on-site villa in a lavish manner recalling and exemplifying all the reasons that should make the Italians proud of their history. Vittoriale degli Italiani is about 26 km away from Desenzano del Garda.

Parco Giardino Sigurta’ – an enormous landscaped park just off the southern shore of Lake Garda. It is officially recognised as one of the most beautiful parks in Italy and Europe. Its lush lawns, millions of tulips and roses, small ponds, and long alleys are a delight to see and photograph. You can read more about it in this blog post: 4 Gardens in the Veneto That Became Italy’s Most Beautiful Parks. Parco Giardino Sigurta’ is about 30 km away from Desenzano del Garda.

Museo Nicolis – a splendid museum housing 300 classic cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. It even has aeroplanes parked on its rooftop! Museo Nicolis is about 40 km away from Desenzano del Garda

For more amazing and unique places to see near Desenzano, have a look at this blog post:

12. Go for a Hike in the Beautiful Surroundings of Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The lakefront promenade Lungolago Cesare Battisti - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is a great starting point for many exciting hikes around Lake Garda, Italy. There are many trails to suit all abilities – from flat paths that afford beautiful panoramic views to Via Ferrata routes that require stamina and concentration.

You have several different optons here to explore the area on foot. One is to simply follow the lakefront promenade which will take you from the historic centre of Desenzano del Garda to a series of nearby beaches and even to the closest lakefront towns.

The other is to get in the car (or, where possible, use the local buses) and head to the trailhead of popular local hikes. The one I enjoyed the most is the hike to Rocca di Manerba. This is a rocky promontory which affords spectacular views of Lake Garda. Plus, there you can see the ruins of an ancient Roman villa and a medieval fortress.

The Parco del Monte Corno is another great place to explore on foot in the vicinity of Desenzano del Garda. For more ideas, you can check the list with hikes compiled by this very useful website.

In addition to hiking, the area around Lake Garda is also great for mountain biking, climbing, paragliding, canyoning, and nordic walking. So, it’s the perfect destination for lovers of nature and/or high-adrenaline sports. 

13. Eat Local Food in and around Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Fried lake fish - Lake Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Thanks to its location, Lake Garda enjoys a mild Mediterranean-style microclimate. Vineyards and olive orchards cover the slopes around the lake. Centuries-old gardens still provide rich pickings of citrus fruit.

The lake is territorially split between three northern Italian regions – Lombardy (to which Desenzano del Garda belongs), Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Each one of them has its own dishes. So, you will have a chance to try many different things during your time here – from the perennial pizza and pasta to authentic local specialities

Here are some traditional for Lake Garda foodstuffs and some traditional for Lombardy and Desenzano del Garda dishes to taste:

Extra virgin olive oil – Lake Garda’s microclimate has favoured the cultivation of olive trees since ancient times. Nowadays, some of Italy’s best olive oils are produced here. 

Fresh fish from Lake Garda – the lake waters team with fish – from common carps and eels to brown trouts and even pikes. The local restaurants serve a large variety of fish dishes. Sample as many as you can if fish is something you love to eat. Two typical ways to serve fish here are:

  • bigoli con le sarde – this is thick spaghetti-shaped pasta served with a delicious sauce of sardines.
  • fritto misto – expect a mix of small battered and fried pieces of different types of fish served with fried vegetables. It’s much more delicious than it sounds. It was one of my favourite dishes when I used to live in Italy. The above photo shows a glorious portion of fritto misto I enjoyed once at Lake Garda.

Black truffles – found on the slopes of Monte Baldo, you can see stalls selling these fragrant tubers at local events and Christmas markets around Lake Garda.

Peaches – Lake Garda is famous for its peach orchards which thrive thanks to the lake’s mild microclimate.

Kiwi – the kiwis grown around Lake Garda help Italy maintain its position as the world’s second-largest producer of kiwi fruit.

Citrus fruit – citrus trees were introduced around Lake Garda in the 14th century by the Franciscan friars. Nowadays, large citrus fruit gardens – called limonaia – flourish on the lake shores. Don’t miss a chance to sample the locally grown lemons and oranges.

Chestnuts – the famous chestnuts of the town of San Zeno di Montagna (about 50 mins away from Desenzano del Garda) are particularly tasty and enjoy a Protected Designation of Origin status. They are the fruit of centuries-old forests that grow around this little town on the slopes above Lake Garda.

Franciacorta wines – these are outstanding sparkling wines produced in the famous Franciacorta area just past the city of Brescia (to the province of which Desenzano belongs).

Bagoss – prized cheese that is only produced in the small town of Bagolino near Brescia. It has a lovely dense and salty flavour with hints of walnuts and chestnuts. Having a thick slice of Bagoss in a soft bread roll feels like a feast in itself.

Casonsei – large pasta shapes stuffed with a filling made of eggs, mature cheese (or ricotta), spinach or meat. They are served generously drizzled with melted butter and decorated with sage leaves.

Polenta taragna – this is polenta prepared with ground buckwheat and corn flour. It is then mixed with fresh cheeses and melted butter.

Tortellini di Valeggio sul Mincio – known as tortellini nodo d’amore (love-knot tortellini), these are delicious parcels of handmade pasta stuffed with different fillings. They are typical for the nearby town of Valeggio sul Mincio which is also famous for its medieval hamlet of Borghetto sul Mincio (see point 15 below for more detils about it).

14. Explore Beautiful Lakefront Towns Starting from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The historic harbour of the town of Lazise on Lake Garda - Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is only one of a number of beautiful towns dotted on the shores of Italy’s largest lake. If you are spending a few days in the area, then Desenzano is a great point of departure to visit as many of them as possible. Rich in history, culture, and nature, Lake Garda’s towns are a delight to discover one by one.

Here are the ones you can easily reach by car, ferry, train or bus from Desenzano del Garda:

Sirmione – this is easily the most beautiful town on Lake Garda. It’s only 20 mins away by ferry and about 15 mins away by bus 26 from Desenzano. Expect a mighty medieval castle, the ruins of a once-huge Roman villa, an excellent spa, and the cutest historic centre.

Southern and southeastern shores of Lake Garda: head to either Peschiera del Garda, Lazise, Garda Town, or Bardolino. All four are small, picturesque, and offer a long list of things to do and see in their historic centres and vicinity – from amusement parks and water parks to wine cellars and hikes.

If you don’t drive, then you can reach Peschiera del Garda by train from Desenzano, and then get bus 483 to explore the rest. You can also walk between Lazise, Garda Town, and Bardolino on a wide lakefront promenade.

Western shores of Lake Garda: explore Lonato, Padenghe sul Garda, Moniga sul Garda, Manerba del Garda, San Felice del Benaco, Salò, and Gardone Riviera. Expect impressive medieval castles, lush nature, beautiful drives, and small beaches.

If you don’t drive, you can take bus 26 to Lonato and bus 27 to the other small towns on this side of the lake.

You can also take a boat tour to Isola del Garda or – conditions permitting – walk on foot to the small Isola di San Biagio which is also known as the Island of the Rabbits.

Have a look at this blog post for more ideas about beautiful towns to visit around Lake Garda:

15. Discover Charming Medieval Villages Near Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The ancient watermills on the River Mincio - Borghetto sul Mincio, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Don’t limit yourself to exploring just the towns on Lake Garda. Near Desenzano, you will also find many ancient villages. Pretty as a picture with their cobbled streets and centuries-old houses, they offer quick access to beautiful corners of nature, surprising historic facts, and rich local heritage.

Here are three of the best villages to see for yourself in the vicinity of Desenzano del Garda. Coincidentally, all three are on the official list of Italy’s most beautiful villages: 

Castellaro Lagusello – this small fortified village is just over 22 mins away. Perched on the shores of a small heart-shaped lake, it’s a great destination if you love medieval walled towns and their history. You can easily see it on the same day as Borghetto, too.

Borghetto sul Mincio – this small village of ancient water mills and delicious love-knot tortellini is about 30 mins away. It also has a hilltop castle and an impressive medieval bridge. One of Italy’s most beautiful garden parks and largest water parks are also here.

Tremosine sul Garda – this small hilltop village of stone houses is about 1 h 15 mins away. It affords stunning panoramic views of Lake Garda. Tremosine can be reached by driving on the Strada della Forra – one of the most scenic roads in the world! During your visit don’t miss the Terrazza del Brivido – a long terrace that stands at a great height and juts over the lake’s blue waters.

16. Visit Some of Italy’s Most Stunning Sanctuaries from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona - Spiazzi, Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Four of Italy’s most beautiful and interesting Christian sanctuaries are within an easy journey by car from Desenzano del Garda. A visit to them gives you a chance to explore Italy on a deeper level.

You can pick just one of these religious places to spend an hour or two at and then enjoy some hiking or other sights nearby. Alternatively, you can see either the first three or the first and the fourth on the same day.

If you are a quick sightseer and there are no traffic jams around the lake on the day of your visit, then you can try to see the first, the second, and the fourth on the same day, too.

Abbazia di Maguzzano – this is Benedictine abbey on the outskirts of Desenzano del Garda. You can either drive there in less than 10 mins or walk as the abbey is on several hiking paths in the area.

With a history that stretches back to the 9th century, the abbey has a beautiful Renaissance church and an iconography school.

Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino – this sanctuary stands at the spot where on 11th May 1510, a small statue of the Madonna appeared illuminated by a strong beam of light to the farmer Bartolomeo Broglia.

Broglia had been attacked by a poisonous snake and in his hour of need he prayed to the Virgin to save him. At that moment, the statue appeared in the branches of a nearby ash tree (in Italian, frassino) and the snake slid away.

The small statue and the trunk of the tree can be seen to this day in the church built to comemorate the divine miracle. This sanctuary is near the lakefront town of Peschiera del Garda in the Northern Italian region of Veneto. You can reach it by car from Desenzano del Garda in about 20 mins.

Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona – half-hewn into the rocks at a height of 774 m, this is a centuries-old sanctuary in the Northern Italian region of Veneto. Lately, it has been attracting a lot of attention on social media on account of its dramatic location.

For detailed information about how to visit and what to see there, have a look at this blog post: Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona – Visiting Italy’s Church Suspended Between Heaven and Earth. You can reach this sanctuary from Desenzano del Garda in about one hour.

Sanctuary of Montecastello – with its location on a steep mountain top, this recently restored sanctuary provides breathtaking views of Lake Garda. To visit it from Desenzano del Garda you will need to drive up the western shores of the lake passing through gorgeous lakefront towns and past majestic villas and citrus gardens.

The itinerary goes through the Strada della Forra – considered to be one of the world’s most picturesque roads. This sanctuary is in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy and you can reach it from Desenzano del Garda in about 1 h 15 mins – 1 h 30 mins depending on the day and season of travel.

17. Take a Day Trip from Desenzano del Garda to Some of Italy’s Most Beautiful Cities

Piazza della Loggia - Brescia, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is an easy distance away from some of the most beautiful and rich in history and art northern Italian cities. If you have picked this pretty town on Lake Garda as a base for your holiday in Italy, pencil a day trip or two. 

Here are some of the best destinations:

Brescia – Lombardy’s second-largest city has a history that spans more than 3,200 years. With impressive Roman ruins and an enormous museum that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brescia is a lively and exciting place to visit. By train, it takes only 15-20 mins to reach it from Desenzano del Garda. By car, you can make it in about 40 mins.

Verona – universally known as the City of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a great place with a multilayered history and dozens of sights to explore. By car, you will need between 40 and 50 mins to reach Verona from Desenzano del Garda, depending on traffic. The journey by train is just over 20 mins.

Milan – Lombardy’s capital is world-famous on account of its Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. By high-speed train, it takes about 50 mins to reach Milan from Desenzano del Garda. By car, you can make it there in about 1 h 30 mins on a good day.

Vicenza – this elegant city is famous for its Palladian palaces and Renaissance architecture. It is also an important centre of gold jewellery design and production. By car, you can reach Vicenza from Desenzano del Garda in about an hour. By high-speed train, you can get there in less than 50 mins.

Padua – the city of science and religion has a long list of must-see sights. Among them are Italy’s second-oldest University, the world’s first permanent anatomic theatre, and the famous Scrovegni Chapel which is one of the earliest sparks of the Italian Renaissance. By car, you can reach Padua from Desenzano del Garda in about 1 h 20 mins. The journey by high-speed train is 1 h 5 mins.

Mantua – Lombardy’s Renaissance Pearl is dotted with lavish frescoed palaces and more works of art than can be seen in a lifetime. The local food is also delicious. By car, you can reach Mantua from Desenzano del Garda in about an hour. By train, you will need over an hour and a half and will need to change in Verona.

Venice – the beautiful City of Canals doesn’t need an introduction. The best thing is that you can easily visit it for the day from Desenzano del Garda. By car the journey takes about 1 h 45 mins. By high-speed train it’s only about an hour and a half.

Please, note that all travel times are approximate. They may fluctuate widely based on the time and season of travel, the type of train used, and current traffic conditions.

Have a look at this blog post for detailed information and tips about driving around Lake Garda:

This blog post will give you further ideas about pretty towns and cities to visit in Lombardy – the Northern Italian region of which Desenzano del Garda is part:

Have a look at this extensive blog post for more ideas about beautiful historic cities to explore in Northern Italy:

18. Fall in Love with Lake Garda’s Most Romantic Corner Just Across the Lake from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

Punta di San Vigilio - Lake Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Punta di San Vigilio is a small promontory that juts deep into Lake Garda and separates its wide southern end from its elongated northern half.

Often referred to as the most romantic and the most charming corner of Lake Garda, Punta di San Vigilio is less than 40 km away from Desenzano del Garda. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore it in case you are spending a long holiday here and are looking for beautiful places to see!

The promontory is a truly lovely place steeped in legends. It has one of the best beaches on Lake Garda. It also has a medieval hamlet that nowadays functions as a luxury resort. It offers gorgeous views across Italy’s largest lake. Plus, a gulp of cormorants nests on a tiny islet just off its shores. Many celebrities and even royalty have holidayed at Punta di San Vigilio over the years.

Have a look at this blog post for more information about Punta di San Vigilio at Lake Garda and what to do and see there:

The easiest way to reach Punta di San Vigilio from Desenzano del Garda is by car. Alternatively, you can get either bus 26 or a train from Desenzano to Peschiera del Garda and once there change to bus 483 up to Punta di San Vigilio. You may need to ask the driver to specifically stop there for you. It is not a short journey but it will give you a chance to see the southern and eastern shores of Lake Garda and glimpse several beautiful sights along the way.

You can combine a quick visit to Punta di San Vigilio with a visit to the River Aril and the hamlet Cassone as well as the town of Malcesine and the cable car to Monte Baldo. These Lake Garda sights are covered under point 19 and point 20 below.

19. See Italy’s Shortest River Across the Lake from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The pool of the river Aril - Cassone, Lake Garda, Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

If you are spending a few days in Desenzano del Garda and want to see something curious, then head around the lake all the way to Aril. This is Italy’s shortest river! You will find it in the small village of Cassone on the eastern shores of Lake Garda. It’s about 60 km away from Desenzano.

Visiting Aril is a great experience. The river runs fast and furious. It starts from freshwater springs and after only 175 m it flows straight into the lake. Along its short course, it navigates a small weir and three bridges.

The village of Cassone itself is pretty as a picture. It was actually painted by one of the most famous symbolist artists – Gustav Klimt (of ‘The Kiss’ fame). His painting of Cassone was sold a few years ago for almost 27 million GBP!

In Cassone, you can also visit the Museum of the Lake. It preserves the memory of the local fishing traditions. The museum has two water reservoirs where you can see the typical for Lake Garda trouts, carps, and eels.  

Have a look at this blog post for more information about the River Aril, Cassone, and what to do and see in their vicinity:

The easiest way to reach Cassone from Desenzano del Garda is by car. Alternatively, you can get bus 26 or a train from Desenzano to Peschiera del Garda and once there change to bus 483 up to Cassone. It is not a short journey but it will give you a chance to see the southern and eastern shores of Lake Garda and glimpse several beautiful sights along the way.

If you are a quick sightseer, you can combine a visit to Aril and Cassone with nearby Punta di San Vigilio, Malcesine, and Monte Baldo. Malcesine is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda. Monte Baldo is covered in detail under the next point.

20. Take the Cable Car to the Top of Monte Baldo Across the Lake from Desenzano del Garda, Italy

The Scaliger Castle and the historic centre of Malcesine seen from the cable car to Monte Baldo - Malcesine, Italy - rossiwrites.com

This is a great thing to do if you are staying in Desenzano del Garda for a few days and are eager to see more of Lake Garda.

Monte Baldo is an Alpine mountain chain that shelters the eastern shores of Italy’s largest lake. Known as the Garden of Europe for its remarkable botanical diversity, the mountain is crisscrossed by hiking paths and it is a delight to explore.

The rotating cable car Funivia Monte Baldo gives you a chance to quickly get to the top of the mountain. Its ground station stands right next to the lakefront town of Malcesine (about 70 km away from Desenzano del Garda) and it has a spacious car park adjacent to it. The ride is truly spectacular as it opens panoramic views over the whole northern half of Lake Garda.

The journey to the top of Monte Baldo is split in two. The first cable car takes you from the ground station to the station of San Michele at a height of 560 m. The views of the town of Malcesine as the cable car smoothly glides uphill are soul-inspiring. You feel like you are flying over the red rooftops which slowly grow smaller and smaller and the enormous expanse of Lake Garda fills the panorama with its sparkling blue colours.

At San Michele, you take a second cable car that is bigger and even swisher than the first. While you wait, an open-air platform provides even more stunning views. Board the second cable car and don’t worry about trying to bag the best spot inside for panoramic views and pictures. The cable car slowly swivels around its axe providing a 360 degrees view. Thus everyone on board gets to enjoy it from all possible angles.

After a short but exhilarating ascent, the cable car stops at a modern terminal at a height of 1760 m. In summer, people go there to get active by hiking, paragliding, Nordic walking, and mountain biking or simply to take in the beautiful views. In winter, you can ski, snowboard or sledge.

Bear in mind that Monte Baldo’s cable car is a very popular attraction. During the high season, long queues tend to form. If you only have a limited time to spend at Lake Garda, either buy your ticket online in advance or head to the ticket office as soon as possible to book your time slot.

The easiest way to reach Malcesine from Desenzano del Garda is by car. Alternatively, you can get bus 26 or a train from Desenzano to Peschiera del Garda and once there change to bus 483 up to Malcesine. It is not a short journey but it will give you a chance to see the southern and eastern shores of Lake Garda and glimpse several beautiful sights along the way.

You can combine Malcesine and Monte Baldo with a quick visit to Italy’s shortest river – Aril – and Lake Garda’s most romantic corner – Punta di San Vigilio.

Map of the Best Sights and Landmarks in Desenzano del Garda

Here is a map showing you the location of Desenzano del Garda and all the sights and landmarks to explore in this lovely lakefront town.

I made it using Google Maps. So, you can use it just like any other Google map. You can zoom in and out, click to open the map in a separate tab, and click on the different pins to see their coordinates and pertinent information.

You can also use this map to calculate distances and directions from any of the featured sights and landmarks to any other point in Desenzano del Garda and vice-versa. This way you can make your own itinerary to explore the largest town on Italy’s largest lake.

If you want, you can also share this map on social media, too.

The destinations pinned to this map are as follows:

1. Train Station 2. Porto Vecchio 3. Palazzo Todeschini 4. Piazza Malvezzi 5. Roman Villa 6. Duomo 7. Medieval Castle 8. Archaeological Museum 9. Promenade (Lungolago Cesare Battisti) 10. Spiaggia Desenzanino 11. Margy Beach 12. Spiaggia d’Oro 13. Spiaggia di Rivoltella

Map of the Best Places to Visit from Desenzano del Garda in Italy

This second map shows you the location of all the best places to visit from Desenzano del Garda that I covered in this blog post.

Once again, I made it using Google Maps. So, you can use it just like any other Google map. You can zoom in and out, click to open the map in a separate tab, and click on the different pins to see their coordinates and pertinent information.

You can also use this map to calculate distances and directions from any of the featured places to any point in Desenzano del Garda and vice-versa. This way you can make your own itinerary to explore the surroundings of the largest town on Italy’s largest lake.

If you want, you can also share this map on social media, too.

The destinations pinned to this map are as follows:

Starting point: 0. Desenzano del Garda (marked with a red star, all other destinations are marked with a blue pin).

Theme Parks: 1. Gardaland 2. Gardaland SEA LIfe Aquarium 3. CanevaWorld 4. Aquardens Terme 5. Cavour Water Park

Shopping Malls: 6. Leone Shopping Centre 7. Le Vele Shopping Centre 8. Franciacorta Outlet Village 9. Mantova Village

Interesting Places Nearby: 10. Ugo da Como Foundation 11. Tower of San Martino della Battaglia 12. Heller Garden 13. Vittoriale degli Italiani 14. Parco Giardino Sigurta’ 15. Museo Nicolis

Hikes: 16. Rocca di Manerba

Nearby Towns: 17. Sirmione 18. Peschiera del Garda 19. Lazise 20. Garda Town 21. Bardolino 22. Lonato del Garda 23. Padenghe sul Garda 24. Moniga del Garda 25. Manerba del Garda 26. San Felice del Benaco 27. Salo 28. Gardone Riviera 29. Isola del Garda 30. Isola di San Biagio

Medieval Villages: 31. Castellaro Lagusello 32. Borghetto sul Mincio 33. Tremosine sul Garda

Sanctuaries: 34. Abbazia di Maguzzano 35. Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino 36. Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona 37. Sanctuary of Montecastello

Large Italian Cities: 38. Brescia 39. Verona 40. Milan 41. Vicenza 42. Padua 43. Mantua 44. Venice

Eastern Shores of Lake Garda: 45. Punta di San Vigilio 46. Cassone and River Aril 47. Malcesine 48. Cable Car to Monte Baldo

Practical Information about Visiting Desenzano del Garda on Italy’s Lake Garda

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Where in Italy is Desenzano del Garda?

Desenzano del Garda is the largest town on Lago di Garda – Italy’s largest lake. You will find it on the southwestern shore of the lake in the northern portion of the country. The above map shows you the town’s precise location. You can zoom in and out for better orientation. You can also use the map to calculate specific distances and directions.

In addition, this blog post will give you an idea about where the town stands in relation to Lake Garda’s best sights and attractions:

Desenzano del Garda has a population of around 30,000 people. Each summer, it accommodates many thousands more as it’s a popular destination for a day trip or a longer stay at Lake Garda.

The historic centre of Desenzano del Garda stretches along the curve of a wide bay and it’s shouldered by some of the most popular beaches on the lake. The town is linked by ferry and bus to the other beautiful towns on Lake Garda. It’s also one of the two lakefront towns with a train station (the other one is Peschiera del Garda).

Desenzano del Garda is part of the Province of Brescia in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. It stands around 30 km away from the city of Brescia and around 120 km away from the regional capital Milan.

The town is also right next door to the neighbouring Italian region of Veneto. As such, Desenzano del Garda is 40 km away from Verona and 155 km away from Venice. High-speed and fast regional trains connect all throughout the day the largest town on Lake Garda to all these large Italian cities.

A modern motorway passes by Desenzano del Garda, too thus making the town easy to reach by car and by public transport.

How to Reach Desenzano del Garda, Italy?

A ferry boat on its way to Sirmione - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is easy to reach either by car, bus, train or ferry from all towns around Lake Garda as well as from the nearby large Italian cities of Brescia, Verona, Milan, Vicenza, Padua, Venice, and even Bologna.

Here is how to do it:

By carAutostrada A4 (also known as Serenissima) is one of Italy’s most important motorways. It connects the largest cities in the north of the country like Trieste, Venice, Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia, Milan, and Turin. The motorway passes right by Desenzano del Garda thus making this lakefront town easy to reach from anywhere in Northern Italy.

If you want to travel to Desenzano from one of the towns on Lake Garda, the Strada Gardesana circumnavigates the lake. The Gardesana Occidentale branch of the road connects the towns on the southwestern, westerm, and northern shores. The Gardesana Orientale branch links the towns on the southeastern, eastern, and northern shores.

Bear in mind that both Autostrada A4 and the Strada Gardesana are two of the busiest roads in Italy, especially during the high season and the rush hour. Make sure that you always have your GPS app on to help you avoid (as much as possible) getting stuck in traffic. 

By bus – a well-developed network of local buses connects Desenzano del Garda to the other towns on Lake Garda and to the nearby large Italian cities.

Line 26 will take you from Brescia to Desenzano and then to Sirmione, Peschiera del Garda, and Verona. Line 27 will take you from Riva del Garda on the northern tip of the lake down to Desenzano del Garda. On the way, the bus also stops at the lakefront towns of Gardone Riviera and Salò.

By train – Desenzano del Garda has its own train station which is served both by high-speed and fast regional trains. This makes the town very easy to reach from anywhere in Italy. It is especially convenient for a day trip by train from Verona, Brescia, Milan, Vicenza, Padua, Venice, and even Bologna.

Bear in mind that the train station of Desenzano del Garda is uphill from the historic centre. It’s about a kilometre away from the medieval castle and over a kilometre away from the cenral Piazza Malvezzi. So, prepare yourself for a longish walk into town.

I always found the way back to the train station more taxing and quite stressful as it’s not only uphill but I also left it until the last moment to head there. Running up the steep hill was never a great idea but there were always so many great things to do in Desenzano that I never wanted to leave.

Don’t do this! Head to the train station with plenty of time to spare, especially if you are feeling tired after a long day spent sightseeing.

By ferry – Desenzano del Garda is well connected by ferry to several of the other towns on Lake Garda. You can reach it from Sirmione in about 20 mins and from Peschiera del Garda in about 35 mins.

Travel times and travel duration depend strictly on the day and the season. Click to consult the official Lake Garda Navigation website for specific timetables.

Have a look at the following blog posts for even more information about travelling to Desenzano del Garda in Italy:

When is the Best Time to Visit Desenzano del Garda, Italy?

The entrance of the medieval castle - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Lake Garda has a lovely Mediterranean-style microclimate. Winters are rarely freezing. In summer, a nice refreshing breeze brings a welcome respite even on a scorcher of a day.

When to visit Desenzano del Garda and Lake Garda in Italy depends entirely on what you want to do and see here. If it is beautiful views, great hiking, amazing food, and historic towns, feel free to come at any time of the year. The lake is gorgeous in any season. There are many events that take place on its shores all throughout the year. From Christmas events in winter to town-wide celebrations in summer, there is always something to do and see here.

Late autumn, winter, and early spring are mostly crowd-free and offer many different types of local entertainment like Christmas and craft markets, food and wine festivals.

When the weather gets warm, visitors start flocking to Lake Garda. In July and August, the streets are densely packed, restaurants are abuzz with people, and taking a dip in the clear lake waters to cool off is a pleasure like no other.

In August, temperatures in Desenzano del Garda reach on average 29 degrees Celsius. The shoulder season is especially pleasant here. April and May and then September and October bring temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, there is also a slightly bigger chance of rain.

If you are looking for more information on the best times to go to Italy, then have a look at this blog post:

Where to Stay in Desenzano del Garda, Italy?

Old houses in the historic centre - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

You can find all sorts and types of accommodation in and around Desenzano del Garda to suit any budget. From five-star hotels to value camping sites, there is something for everyone. 

For ideas about the types of accommodation available at Lake Garda in particular and Italy in general, have a look at this blog post:

No matter where you choose to stay, make sure that you book well in advance. The lake and the lakefront towns are very popular tourist destinations. Prices can rise steeply depending on the season and how little time there is between now and your visit.

I usually prefer to book all my accommodation through Booking.com. Click to see all available options for places to stay in and around Desenzano del Garda, Italy.

If you need some visual help in terms of precise location and price range, have a look at this map. It gives you a quick idea of the prices and whereabouts of the many hotels and other forms of accommodation you can book for your stay in Desenzano del Garda on Lake Garda, Italy. You can zoom in and out in order to search for a place to stay. You can also click on the option that interests you to find out more details or to make a booking directly.

In addition, if you click on ‘Accommodation’ in the top right corner and select ‘Experiences’ from the drop-down menu, then you can see some exciting experiences you can book with Get Your Guide in the area around Desenzano del Garda, Italy:

What to pack for Desenzano del Garda, Italy?

A cobbled street in the historic centre - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

In summer, don’t forget the suncream and your swimsuit. The shoulder season calls also for a light waterproof jacket. Hiking boots are a must in any season if you want to spend time exploring the local hiking paths.

Have a look at this blog post for more ideas about what to pack for Italy’s four seasons:

In Conclusion

Ancient mosaics in the Roman Villa - Desenzano del Garda, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Desenzano del Garda is the largest town and one of the most popular destinations on the shores of Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda. It is part of the Northern Italian region of Lombardy. Desenzano is the perfect place to visit if you like pretty settings, a bit of history, lots of good food, and plenty of beach time, sailing, and watersports.

From Roman ruins and a medieval castle to large sunlit squares and numerous beaches, Desenzano del Garda really has it all. Offering far-reaching panoramic views, the town is a delight to explore. It is also conveniently located for day trips to unique sights, spots of natural beauty, and some of the largest northern Italian cities.

Spending a day, a weekend or a longer holiday in Desenzano del Garda is a great way to have an authentic Italian experience.

So, in this blog post, I shared with you the best things to do in and around Desenzano del Garda, Italy. From local sightseeing to local hikes, from local food to local points of interest, everything is covered to provide you with lots of details to plan your trip in the best possible way.

I hope that all this information will galvanise you to experience this picturesque town on Lake Garda for yourself!

Have a wonderful time in Desenzano del Garda, Italy!

Now, get ready quick for your visit to Desenzano del Garda, Italy!

More Helpful Lake Garda Info for You

Lake Garda Towns and Villages: Best TownsDesenzano del Garda, Riva del GardaMalcesineTorri del BenacoPunta di San VigilioCampo di BrenzoneBorghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio
Lake Garda Hiking: Tibetan BridgeRocca di GardaPark of the Waterfalls
Visiting Lake Garda: 
Map of Lake Garda, Lake Garda with Kids8 Best AirportsTravel Around Lake GardaVenice to Lake GardaVerona to Lake GardaMilan to Lake GardaBologna to Lake Garda
Lake Garda Beaches: 16 Top Tips3 Unmissable Beaches
Lake Garda Sights: Best Theme ParksBest CastlesShortest River in Italy, Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy: Best Time to Visit, Italian PiazzasItalian FoodItalian MarketsItalian Coffee CultureTypes of Italian Coffees, Rules of Italian BreakfastItalian Breakfast Foods
Northern Italy: Reasons to Visit, 18 Best Cities11 Major Airports
Day Trips in Italy: 
Bologna to Venice, Venice to MilanVerona to MilanMilan to VeronaVenice to VeronaMilan to VeniceFlorence to VeniceVerona to VeniceVenice to Padua
Lake Como: Things to SeeNesso
Lombardy: Best Cities and TownsReasons to VisitBrescia
Friuli Venezia Giulia: VenzoneMost Beautiful Villages
Emilia Romagna: BolognaRavennaComacchioMost Beautiful Villages
Marche: Reasons to VisitGradaraFrasassi CavesTemple of Valadier
Trentino: Best Cities and TownsBeautiful LakesLake CaldonazzoViolins’ Forest
Veneto: Best Cities to VisitPrettiest Small TownsMost Beautiful VillagesTop 15 Places30 Adventures15 Most Colourful PlacesBeautiful Lakes
Venice: Major LandmarksEssential TipsHidden GemsOne Day Itinerary for Art LoversBest Beaches in VeniceBest AirportsTrain Stations in VeniceBoats in VeniceHaunted VeniceDay Trips from VeniceQuotes about Venice
Verona: Things to Do in One DayVerona Opera FestivalDay Trips from VeronaRomeo and Juliet Itinerary
Padua: Things to Do in One Day101 Facts About Padua10 Reasons to Visit PaduaDay Trips from Padua
Vicenza: Things to DoDay Trips from VicenzaBest Museums

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