Lake Garda Map – Where is Lake Garda and What to Do around Italy’s Largest Lake

Lake Garda Map – Where is Lake Garda and What to Do around Italy’s Largest Lake

Where is Lake Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake?

Lago di Garda – as it is known in Italian – is in Northern Italy. It serves as the natural border between three Italian regions:

• Lombardy to the west and southwest;
• Veneto to the east and southeast; and
• Trentino-Alto Adige to the north.

As such, the lake is a great destination if you want to see as much of Italy and its regional differences as possible within a short amount of time.

Plus, Lake Garda is quick and easy to reach from a number of large Italian cities (for example, Verona, Milan, Venice, and Bologna) and eight international airports.

Italy’s Lake Garda has a perimeter of almost 160 km. A ring road circumnavigates the whole lake and connects it to several high-speed motorways. Two of the lakefront towns – Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda – have train stations. A network of buses serves the lake. Ferries connect the different lakefront towns, too. Well-maintained cycling paths allow you to travel from town to town by bike.

If you need tips about getting to and around Lake Garda, have a look at this blog post: 8 Best Ways to Get Around Lake Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake.

Map of Lake Garda with The Best Things to Do and See around Italy’s Largest Lake

How to Use This Map of Lake Garda?

I prepared this map of Lake Garda in Italy 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, click on the different pins to see their coordinates and exact address, and calculate distances and directions from wherever you are in Italy (or abroad) to Lake Garda and its many points of interest. You can also share this Lake Garda map on social media.

The map has ten thematic layers: A. Lake Garda Towns; B. Lake Garda Medieval Villages; C. Lake Garda Roman Ruins and Medieval Castles; D. Lake Garda Museums, Sights, and Landmarks; E. Lake Garda Theme Parks; F. Lake Garda Hikes; G. Lake Garda Natural Sights; H. Lake Garda Sport and Sailing Clubs; I. Lake Garda Wineries; J. Other Lakes near Lake Garda.

Each layer features the best points of interest pertaining to its theme. To open the menu with the different layers you can do one of two things:

• Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map. The icon is shaped like the outline of a small rectangle that has a tiny arrow pointing inside it. This will open a menu with a long list of all layers.
• Alternatively, click on the ‘View Larger Map’ icon in the top right corner of the map. The icon is shaped like the outline of a rectangle with only its corners visible. This will open the map of Lake Garda in a new browser tab. The menu with the layers will be on the left-hand side of the map.

Scroll down the menu with the different layers. Notice how by the name of each layer there is a tick box. You can choose to untick the layers you are not interested in. This will remove their points of interest from the map.

This way you can focus just on the landmarks and options you want to explore.

Which Are the Sights, Attractions, and Towns Pinned to This Map of Lake Garda?

Have a look at this extensive list below. It gives you all of the sights, attractions, and towns pinned to this map of Lake Garda in Italy. For many of them, I have already published detailed blog posts, too. So, further below I have provided links to them to make it easy for you to find relevant information for your Italy travel planning.

For the points of interest that I don’t yet have a specific blog post for, I have included a short overview and (where possible) links to their official website and/or official ticket reseller.

Now, let’s look into the specific points of interest grouped under the ten thematic layers of my Lake Garda map. Here they are:

A. Towns on the Map of Lake Garda

Lake Garda’s shores are dotted with cute towns. Some are right on the lakefront and a few are a little bit further inland. Travelling around the lake visiting as many of its towns is one of the best things you can do in this corner of Italy. Each town has a centuries-old history, a handful of must-see sights, it’s in the lush bosom of nature, and above all, it offers a quick and easy way to immerse yourself in the authentic Italian lake life.

Here are the best Lake Garda towns to see for yourself:

1. Sirmione; 2. Peschiera del Garda; 3. Valeggio and Borghetto sul Mincio; 4. Lazise; 5. Bardolino; 6. Garda Town; 7. Torri del Benaco; 8. San Zeno di Montagna; 9. Castelleto sul Garda; 10. Brenzone sul Garda; 11. Malcesine; 12. Nago; 13. Torbole; 14. Arco; 15. Riva del Garda; 16. Limone sul Garda; 17. Gargnano; 18. Toscolano-Maderno; 19. Gardone Riviera; 20. Salo’; 21. San Felice del Benaco; 22. Manerba del Garda; 23. Moniga del Garda; 24. Padenghe sul Garda; 25. Lonato del Garda; 26. Desenzano del Garda

For detailed information about how to reach and what to see in these Lake Garda towns, have a look at this blog post: 20 Best Towns to Visit around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake.

B. Medieval Villages on the Map of Lake Garda

Several medieval villages dot the hills around Lake Garda. Small and picturesque, they preserve their centuries-old houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and vestiges of an ancient way of life. Some of them, for example, Campo di Brenzone, can be visited only on foot. Others, like Canale’ di Tenno, attract artists from all around Italy and Europe.

Here are some of the most beautiful medieval villages to see around Lake Garda:

1. Campo di Brenzone – a ten-century old village with only a handful of people still living in it. It can only be reached on foot. Have a look at this blog post for details on how to hike to it and what to do there: Campo di Brenzone – A Great Day Trip to a Medieval Village in the Hills above Lake Garda, Italy

2. Canale’ di Tenno – officially one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Expect stone houses and narrow cobbled lanes coupled with a strong artistic presence and authentic rustic events. The village is also a short hike away from the turquoise Lake Tenno just off the northern tip of Lake Garda.

3. Rango – officially one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Just up the road from Canale’ di Tenno. It holds a splendid Christmas market every year. It’s lovely to walk around and getting to know Italy authentically.

4. Tremosine sul Garda – officially one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. It enjoys stunning panoramic views of Lake Garda. It 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 blue waters of Lake Garda.

C. Roman Ruins and Medieval Castles on the Map of Lake Garda

The ancient Romans knew a good thing when they saw it. So, it’s not surprising then that they settled on the shores of Lake Garda and built lavish lakefront villas to enjoy life. Nowadays, archaeological excavations have uncovered large-scale Roman ruins here. Seeing them during your time at Italy’s Lake Garda is a great idea.

Throughout the centuries that followed the Fall of the Roman Empire, many medieval dynasties and city-states fought for control over Lake Garda. During the Middle Ages, many strongholds were erected on the lake’s shores. They were used to keep an eye on the lucrative commerce that flourished here and to defend settlements and trade routes from enemy’s attack.

Several of these medieval castles and fortresses survive to this day. Visiting them is a wonderful way to learn about local history and to see some of the most picturesque historic sites this side of Italy.

So, first, here are the best Roman ruins to see around Italy’s largest lake:

1. Grotte di Catullo and Archaeological Museum – a vast archaeological park with the excavated ruins of a majestic Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. It stands right next to the lakefront town of Sirmione at the tip of the long promontory Sirmio.

2. Terme Romane – in the historic centre of Riva del Garda. These are the excavated remnants of the thermal baths that the Romans had built at the northern extremity of Lake Garda in the 1st century AD.

3. Roman Villa of Nonii Arrii – near Bau Beach in the lakefront town of Toscolano. This is one of the most important Roman residential buildings found on the shores of Lake Garda. It dates back to the 2nd century AD and has some well-preserved mosaics.

4. Archaeological Museum A. Mucchi – in the lakefront town of Salo’. This museum showcases the findings made during the excavations of the Lugone Necropolis – a Roman burial site with 165 graves.

5. Roman Villa of Desenzano del Garda – an important archaeological site in the largest town on the shores of Lake Garda. Come here to admire many beautiful and well-preserved Roman mosaics. It is thought that Desenzano del Garda was named after the owner of the villa – a Roman citizen called Decentius.

Moving now from Roman times to medieval mores and here are the best Lake Garda castles to see for yourself:

6. Scaliger Castle in Sirmione; 7. Venetian Fortifications of Peschiera del Garda; 8. Scaliger Castle and Defensive Wall in Lazise; 9. Ruins of the Lombard Fort on Rocca di Garda; 10. Scaliger Castle in Torri del Benaco; 11. Scaliger Castle in Malcesine; 12. Arco Castle; 13. Rocca di Riva in Riva del Garda; 14. Drena Castle; 15. Padenghe Castle in Padenghe sul Garda; 16. Rocca di Lonato in Lonato sul Garda; 17. Castle in Desenzano sul Garda; 18. Scaliger Castle and Visconti Bridge in Valeggio and Borghetto sul Mincio.

For detailed information about how to reach and what to see in these Lake Garda castles, have a look at this blog post: 10 Beautiful Castles to Visit around Lake Garda, Italy (With Map and Insider Tips)

D. Museums, Sights, and Landmarks on the Map of Lake Garda

There are many must-see museums, sights, and landmarks dotted on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. Some are small and intimate, telling the little-known stories of the local fishermen and artisans. Others are large and flash, full to the brim with stunning exhibits and priceless artefacts.

My favourite Lake Garda landmarks are the historic citrus greenhouses. There is a centuries-old tradition of citrus growing around the lake. Expect to see some of the oldest and most beautiful citrus orchards this side of Europe.

Otherwise, here are the best museums, sights, and landmarks to visit for yourself during your time at Lake Garda, Italy. Notice the three very interesting religious sanctuaries, too:

1. 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.

2. Museo Nicolis – about 25 mins away from the lakefront town of Peschiera del Garda, this is a splendid museum housing 300 classic cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. It even has aeroplanes parked on its rooftop!

3. Museo della Pesca e delle Tradizioni Lacustri – a small yet must-see museum in Peschiera del Garda that introduces you to the fishing traditions of this corner of Italy’s largest lake.

4. Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino – five minutes away from Peschiera del Garda, this is an early 16th-century sanctuary and pilgrimage site. It grew around an ash tree in the branches of which a small statuette of the Madonna with the Child appeared miraculously on 11th May 1510.

5. Flover – ten minutes away from the lakefront town of Lazise, this is a huge garden centre. It is a must-see at Christmas when it transforms into an exciting Christmas village. Expect theatrical performances, many different events, an ice rink, visits by Santa, and tons of beautiful Christmas decorations.

6. Parco Natura Viva – a large zoological and safari park just off the southern shore of Lake Garda. It hosts one of Italy’s most important zoological collections. It’s also a centre of conservation of endangered animal species.

7. Museo Sisan – halfway between the lakefront towns of Lazise and Bardolino, this interesting museum explores the fishing, hunting, and craft heritage of Lake Garda. It also covers the ornithological diversity of the area.

8. Museum of the Olive Oil – just outside Bardolino, this is an interesting museum that explores the history and the production process behind Lake Garda’s green liquid gold. It also has a very well-stocked shop selling olive oils and olive oil-based products.

9. Zeni Wine Museum – next door to the historic centre of Bardolino, the museum is part of the Zeni Winery. It is a great introduction to the rich local history of viticulture and wine production. The highlights of the visit include an olfactory gallery, a barrique cellar, and 16th-century wine presses.

10. Museum of the Territory of Garda – right in the historic centre of the lakefront Garda Town, this is a very nicely curated museum that will introduce you to the traditions and customs of the people living in this corner of Italy.

11. Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona – about 25 minutes away from Garda Town, the church of this famous sanctuary is embedded in the rocks at a height of 774 m above sea level. With a centuries-old history and providing splendid panoramic views, it’s a must-see place near the shores of Lake Garda. Have a look at this blog post for more details: Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona – Visiting Italy’s Church Suspended Between Heaven and Earth.

12. Punta di San Vigilio – considered to be the most charming corner of Lake Garda, this small, cypress-lined peninsula juts deeply in the water at the spot where the wide southern base of the lake – known as Lower Garda – begins to narrow into the elongated northern part – Upper Garda. Come here for the lovely beach, the renowned trattoria, the centuries-old church, and the elegant Villa Guarienti which operates as an exclusive hotel. To arrive in style, consider booking a boat tour. Otherwise, have a look at this blog post for more details: Punta di San Vigilio – A Walk Through the Most Charming Corner of Lake Garda, Italy

13. Historical Ethnographic Museum – housed in the Scaliger Castle of the lakefront town of Torri del Benaco, this museum will introduce you to the history and traditions of the local people. It also has a very interesting exhibition dedicated to the petroglyphs or rock carvings found on the shores of Lake Garda. Some of them date back to pre-historic times. The museum/castle also has a splendid Limonaia. This is traditional for Lake Garda greenhouse for the cultivation of citrus fruit. For more details, have a look at point 1 in this blog post: 15 Best Things to Do in Torri del Benaco on Italy’s Lake Garda.

14. Ethnographic Museum of Madre Maria Mantovani – right in the historic centre of the lakefront town of Castelletto sul Garda, this is a very interesting ethnographic museum. It introduces you to the rural traditions of the territory. Madre Maria Mantovani was one of the founders of the local convent of the Piccole Suore della Sacra Famiglia.

15. Museum of the Lake – in the heart of the beautiful lakefront village of Cassone, it preserves the memory of the local fishing traditions. The museum has two water reservoirs where you can see the typical for Lake Garda fish like trouts, carps, and eels.

16. Natural History Museum of Monte Baldo and Lake Garda – housed in the Scaliger Castle that dominates the historic centre of the lakefront town of Malcesine. It gives you a good overview of the flora and fauna to be found in this corner of Italy.

17. Funivia Malcesine Monte Baldo – the world’s first cable car with an all-rotating cabin. It connects Lake Garda with the top of Monte Baldo at a height of 1760 m. The cable car is right next to the beautiful lakefront town of Malcesine on the eastern shore. It’s one of the most exciting landmarks around Italy’s largest lake. The panoramic views from the top are spellbinding. You can read more about Monte Baldo and its rotating cable car under point 2 in this blog post: 19 Things to Do in Malcesine on Italy’s Lake Garda.

18. Galleria Civica Giovanni Segantini – this art gallery is housed in the 17th-century Palazzo dei Panni – one of the most beautiful buildings in the historic centre of the town of Arco.

19. MAG Museum of Upper Garda – nestled in the medieval fortress Rocca di Riva, this museum stands on a small island right in the historic centre of the lakefront town of Riva del Garda. It has archaeological, historical, and art sections.

20. Centrale Idroelettrica – the monumental power plant of Riva del Garda can be visited with a guided tour. Housed in an imposing 1920’s building right on the edge of the lake, it offers multimedia installations and a journey into clean energy. It’s a great destination, especially for families and kids.

21. Bastione and Funicular – the Bastione is an early-16th century fort that stands above Riva del Garda on the slopes of Mount Rocchetta. A brand new panoramic lift transports you from the town’s historic centre up to the fort. The views are striking and you can continue to enjoy them from the bar and restaurant which nowadays operate inside the Bastione.  

22. Limonaia Pra dela Fam – a historic citrus grove and ecomuseum on the outskirts of the lakefront town of Limone sul Garda.

23. Limonaia del Castel – in the heart of Limone sul Garda, this is a restored terraced citrus grove. Here you can learn more about the centuries-old tradition of growing citrus fruit on the shores of Lake Garda.

24. Museo dei Pescatori – a small museum in Limone sul Garda exploring the local fishing traditions.

25. Sanctuary of Montecastello – a hilltop sanctuary opening stunning bird’s-eye views over Lake Garda. Much lesser known than the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, it’s a peaceful, beautiful place.

26. Church and Cloister of St. Francis – a 13th-century Franciscan convent in the lakefront town of Gargnano. It’s believed that it was founded by St. Francis himself. Different citrus fruits are chiselled in the capitals of the columns of the cloister. Hence, the historians think that it was the Franciscan friars who started cultivating citrus fruit around Lake Garda in the 14th century.

27. Villa Bettoni – this absolutely enormous yet stunningly beautiful villa stands a short driving distance away from Gargnano. The monumental gardens, especially, are fabulous. Visits are by prior reservation. Otherwise, you can glimpse the gardens and the villa’s facade as you drive through the village of Bogliaco.

28. Museum of Paper – a captivating museum nestled in an old paper mill. It tells the centuries-long story of paper manufacture in the valley of the River Toscolano and it stands a short driving distance away from the lakefront towns of Toscolano-Maderno.

29. Botanical Garden ‘G. E. Ghirardi’ – free to visit, this botanical garden was established in the 20th century and it’s dedicated mainly to medicinal plants. Nowadays, it’s owned by the University of Milan.

30. 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.

31. Museum Il Divino Infante – in Gardone Riviera, this is a unique museum born out of the passion of an artist. It showcases carefully restored historic figures and statues of Baby Jesus.

32. Heller Garden – right next to the historic centre of the lakefront town of Gardone Riviera, this is 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.

33. MuSa – Museo di Salo – the main museum of the lakefront town of Salo’. Here you can learn more about the history of the area – from ancient Roman times to the cult of Mussolini. Particularly interesting is the meteorological and seismic observatory.

34. Isola del Garda – this is Lake Garda’s largest island. It can be visited from April to October by boat with a guided tour starting from different lakefront towns. For example, Gargnano, Gardone Riviera, Lazise, Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione, Bardolino and Garda. The highlights of the visit are the lavish Italian and English gardens, as well as the splendid Venetian Villa in the Neo-Gothic style. The island is the property of the Borghese Cavazza aristocratic family.

35. Ugo da Como Foundation – a group of beautiful historic buildings in the 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.

36. Archaeological Museum ‘Giovanni Rambotti’ – a well-curated museum in the historic centre of the lakefront town of Desenzano del Garda. Here you can see the oldest plough in the world.

37. Tower of San Martino della Battaglia – ten minutes away from Desenzano del Garda, this is 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.

E. Theme Parks on the Map of Lake Garda

The shores of Lake Garda are dotted with some of Italy’s largest and best adventure, amusement, and water parks. Here they are:

• Lake Garda Adventure Parks: 1. Flying Frogs Adventure Park 2. La Quiete Adventure Park 3. Jungle Adventure Park 4. Parco Avventura Busatte 5. Rimbalzello Adventure
• Lake Garda Amusement Parks: 6. Movieland the Hollywood Park 7. Gardaland (Magic Winter event) 8. Legoland Water Park 9. Gardaland Sealife Aquarium
• Lake Garda Water Parks: 10. Aquardens Spa Verona 11. Caneva Aquapark 12. Cavour Water Park 13. Le Ninfee del Garda 14. Parco La Quiete 15. Parco Termale Villa dei Cedri 16. Picoverde

For detailed information about how to reach and what to do in these Lake Garda theme parks, have a look at this blog post: 19 Best Theme Parks at Lake Garda, Italy (With Maps and Practical Tips)

F. Hikes on the Map of Lake Garda

Italy’s Lake Garda is a wonderful destination for those who love hiking. There are dozens of hiking paths around the lake. Traversing them allows you to immerse yourself into Lake Garda’s lush nature, enjoy stunning panoramic views, and get active in one of the most beautiful corners of Italy.

While it would be impossible to cover all of Lake Garda hiking trails in this map, I have included some of the very best in it. Here they are:

1. Rocca di Garda; 2. Tibetan Bridge; 3. Park of the Waterfalls; 4. Naole’s Crest; 5. Circular Tour of Madonna dell’Accoglienza; 6. Busatte-Tempesta Panoramic Path; 7. Military Forts of Mount Brione; 8. Strada del Ponale; 9. Rocca di Manerba

If you prefer to hike with an expert local guide, then have a look at these organised hiking tours (not included in the Lake Garda map):

• Private Hiking Tour of Monte Baldo
• Private Hiking Excursion at Lake Garda

In case you prefer cycling, there are many opportunities to ride your bike around Lake Garda, too. Long promenades stretch between the different lakefront towns allowing you to explore Italy’s largest lake from the saddle of your bike. If you prefer organised tours, have a look at these three (not included in the Lake Garda map):

• Bike Tour with Wine Tasting; 
• Bike Tour to Mount Baldo, and 
• E-Bike Tour with a Wine Tasting.

G. Natural Sights on the Map of Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a very beautiful place in Italy. This is where sub-Mediterranean and Alpine climates and vegetations meet and mix. Spots of natural beauty abound and quirky natural sights are only too easy to come across.

Here are a few to make you want to see them for yourself:

1. Monte Baldo – this is an Alpine mountain chain that shelters the eastern shores of Lake Garda. 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. In winter, Monte Baldo is a ski and snowboard hotspot. The easiest way to visit it is to head to the lakefront town of Malcesine and take the rotating cable car to the top of the mountain. You can read more about Monte Baldo under point 2 in this blog post: 19 Things to Do in Malcesine on Italy’s Lake Garda

2. Lessinia Nature Park – a very beautiful area of hills and vineyards to the east of Lake Garda. Here you can visit caves, hike across lush meadows, and explore such wonderful and whimsical formations as the Valley of the Sphinxes and the Covolo di Camposilvano (see point 9 in this blog post).

3. Grotta Tanella – this is a beautiful cave that stretches for 400 m inside Mount Baldo. It can be visited as part of a guided tour and it’s’ in the Localita’ Pai di Sopra. In the nearby village of Crero, you can also see millennia-old petroglyphs carved by pre-historic communities on slickensides – rocks smoothly polished by ancient glaciers.

4. River Aril – only 175 m long, this is Italy’s shortest river. You can see it in the small village of Cassone on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Fed by underground freshwater streams, Aril starts as a wide pool of crystal clear waters which tumble down a small but mighty waterfall and with a deafening sound run under a road and three bridges along a narrow canal to then flow straight into Lago di Garda – Italy’s largest lake. You can read more about Italy’s shortest river in this blog post: Visiting the River Aril in Cassone at Lake Garda.

5. Marmitte dei Giganti – just a short drive away from the lakefront town of Torbole.  This is a series of enormous wells formed during the melting of the glacier which created Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda. Their name in Italian means literally ‘the cooking pots of the giants’ and when you see them you understand how fitting it is. You can read more about the Marmitte dei Giganti under point 13 in this blog post: 15 Amazing Places to Visit in Trentino – The Coolest Corner of Italy (With Map and Practical Tips).

6. Parco Grotta Cascata Varone – easy to reach by car and by bus from Riva del Garda, this is a large gorge that was eroded over 20,000 years by a huge waterfall. Almost 100 m high, the waterfall can be admired from two different caves at two different levels. A stunning botanical garden has been planted between the two.

7. Arboretum of Arco – in the heart of the small town of Arco, this is a small arboretum and botanical garden with over 150 varieties of plants from all around the world. While it’s man-planted, it’s natural in spirit. Plus, it’s free to visit, so I included it in this portion of the list of Lake Garda sights.

H. Sport and Sailing Clubs on the Map of Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a heaven for those who like to keep active or want to experience new, exciting things. From sailing and diving to paragliding and paddleboarding, there is lots to do and enjoy around Italy’s largest lake.

Plus, Upper Garda is recognised as the European capital of windsurfing. The triangle between Limone sul Garda, Torbole, and Malcesine offers the ideal waves and winds. You can also dive down to the bottom of the lake at 346 m.

Here are a few local sports and sailing clubs to look into during the planning stages of your Lake Garda holiday:

1. Yeti Extreme – for paragliding and fly tours. With launches from a height of 1,200 m to 1,700 m, you can see and feel what birds see and feel when looking at Lake Garda from above.

2. Beekite – a kite and windsurf school in the lakefront town of Castelletto sul Brenzone.

3. Fraglia Vela Malcesine – a large yacht club and organiser of regattas and events. Their impressive marina is right at the back of the beach at Navene – just over 4 km up the road from Malcesine.

4. Monte Baldo Ski School – for lovers of winter sports who want to ski and snowboard on top of Monte Baldo while enjoying splendid views of Lake Garda and the hills and mountains that surround it.

5. Fraglia Vela Riva – one of the most active both on national and international level sailing clubs in Italy. It organises sailing courses and events for people of different ages and abilities. You will find it in Riva del Garda on the northern tip of Lake Garda.

6. Fraglia Vela G. D’Annunzio – an important local sailing club. It organises sailing courses for both adults and children. You will find it in Gardone Riviera on the western shore of Lake Garda.

I. Wineries on the Map of Lake Garda

Surrounded by vineyards, Lake Garda is a dream destination for lovers of good wine. Here you can taste the wines of three Italian regions – Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige – and of dozens of renowned wineries.

Particularly famous are the pink claret and the light red wine of Bardolino, the Amarone and Durello wines of the Lessinia Hills, the Soave white wine, Trento D.O.C. of Trentino, as well as the Franciacorta wines.

Here are just a few wineries you can visit during your holiday at Lake Garda, Italy:

Masi Tenuta Canova – five minutes away from the lakefront town of Lazise, this is a large wine estate where you can enjoy a tasting session, shop for refined Italian wines, and visit the on-site Wine Discovery Museum.

Serego Alighieri – 20 minutes away from the lakefront town of Lazise, this is a historic wine estate that in 1353 was purchased by Pietro – the son of Dante Alighieri. Since then it has belonged for 21 generations to the direct descendants of the great Italian poet.

Recchia Vini – an Italian wine producer that has been established for over a century and it’s family-owned. You can visit the well-stocked wine shop and tour the cellars in Jago di Negrar – about half an hour away from the lakefront town of Bardolino.

Also, don’t forget the Zeni Wine Museum (covered under the heading D. Museums, Sights, and Landmarks on the Map of Lake Garda above).

By the way,  Bardolino is just the right place for wine tours and wine tastings. With family wineries dotting the adjacent area, you will be spoilt for choice. Click here, here, and here to compare some of the best wine (and food) experiences on offer.

J. Other Lakes on the Map of Lake Garda

It may sound counterintuitive to go visiting other lakes when Lake Garda has so much to offer. Still, don’t discount it altogether as there are a handful of small lakes within easy reach from Italy’s largest lake that offer great experiences and lots of exciting activities to make your Italian holiday even more special.

Here they are plus what makes them so special:

1. Lake Frassino – a small lake that is five minutes away by car from the lakefront town of Peschiera del Garda. Archaeological excavations around the lake have discovered remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling villages. The lake is also a haven for migratory birds.

2. Lake Tenno – famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters, this lake is just off the northern tip of Italy’s Lake Garda. You can walk around it in about an hour. In summer, people flock to its shores to sunbathe and enjoy water sports. The lake is about half an hour away on foot from the medieval village of Canale’ di Tenno.

3. Lake Ledro – a stunning blue lake less than 20 mins away by car from the lakefront town of Riva del Garda. It has been inhabited for millennia. A small museum tells the story of the lake’s prehistoric communities with recreated stilt houses. Hiking trails circumnavigate the lake offering stunning panoramic views.

4. Lake Idro – a thin and long lake about 50 minutes away from Riva del Garda. Allegedly, the legendary monster Idra dwells in its waters. You can visit both Lake Idro, Lake Ledro, and Lake Tenno on the same day. I would suggest that you don’t rush it though, especially, if you want to enjoy a beautiful hike and/or a visit to a medieval village in the area.

5. Lake Valvestino – a small yet very beautiful artificial lake about 25 minutes away by car from the lakefront town of Gargnano. It was created in 1962. The dam has turquoise waters and its steep shores look a bit like a Norwegian fjord. Plus, here you can see the roofless ruins of a building offering a spectacular focus for all photographers.

In addition, you can easily visit two more large and famous Italian lakes from Lake Garda: Lago di Como and Lago d’Iseo. The first is, most probably, Italy’s most famous lake and it doesn’t need an introduction. The latter became known worldwide a few years ago for this is where the renowned artist Christo set up his extraordinary installation The Floating Piers.

I have not included Lake Como and Lake Iseo in this map of Lake Garda. Yet, I thought I should mention them in case this gave you even more ideas as to how to structure your Italian holiday. You can read more about them here:

• Lake Como – The Beauty of Italy’s Most Famous Lake in 25 Photos
• A Walk Through Nesso – The Prettiest Village on Lake Como, Italy
• Christo’s Floating Piers – Walking on Sunshine

If lakes are your thing, then don’t miss these two blog posts, too:

• 8 Lakes in Trentino, Italy You Have to See for Yourself – Trentino is an autonomous Northern Italian province which almost 300 lakes. Bordering the northern extremity of Lake Garda, Trentino is a delight to explore and has a lot to offer to the person who travels for lakes.
• Gorgeous Lakes in Veneto, Italy You Have to See for Yourself – Veneto is the large Northern Italian region that has Venice as its capital. The region brims the southeastern and the eastern shores of Lake Garda and has dozens of beautiful must-see lakes.

In Conclusion

Here you have it! A detailed map of Lake Garda with pins of the most exciting and wonderful things to do and see on its shores. Best sights, attractions, and towns are on the map next to unique landmarks, hiking paths, and Roman ruins.

You can use this map to plan your Lake Garda holiday and during your time at the largest Italian lake. It will give you lots of ideas for hidden corners to explore and great places to see in this beautiful corner of Italy.

I prepared the map based on my visits and explorations of Lake Garda over the six years that I spent living in Italy. It was certainly one of my most favourite destinations here and I used every chance to revisit it and explore its sights, traditions, and stunning nature. All the photos peppered throughout this post were taken by me during this period.

I hope that you will find this Lake Garda map very handy.

Have a wonderful time at Italy’s largest lake!

More Helpful Lake Garda Info for You

Lake Garda Towns and Villages: Best Towns, Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, Torri del Benaco, Punta di San Vigilio, Campo di Brenzone, Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio
Lake Garda Hiking: Tibetan Bridge, Rocca di Garda, Park of the Waterfalls
Visiting Lake Garda: Map of Lake Garda, Lake Garda with Kids, 8 Best Airports, Travel Around Lake Garda, Venice to Lake Garda, Verona to Lake Garda, Milan to Lake Garda, Bologna to Lake Garda
Lake Garda Beaches: 16 Top Tips, 3 Unmissable Beaches
Lake Garda Sights: Best Theme Parks, Best Castles, Shortest River in Italy, Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Best of Italy: Best Time to Visit, Italian Piazzas, Italian Food, Italian Markets, Italian Coffee Culture, Types of Italian Coffees, Rules of Italian Breakfast, Italian Breakfast Foods
Northern Italy: Reasons to Visit, 18 Best Cities, 11 Major Airports
Day Trips in Italy: Bologna to Venice, Venice to Milan, Verona to Milan, Milan to Verona, Venice to Verona, Milan to Venice, Florence to Venice, Verona to Venice, Venice to Padua
Lake Como: Things to See, Nesso
Lombardy: Best Cities and Towns, Reasons to Visit, Brescia
Friuli Venezia Giulia: Venzone, Most Beautiful Villages
Emilia Romagna: Bologna, Ravenna, Comacchio, Most Beautiful Villages
Marche: Reasons to Visit, Gradara, Frasassi Caves, Temple of Valadier
Trentino: Best Cities and Towns, Beautiful Lakes, Lake Caldonazzo, Violins’ Forest
Veneto: Best Cities to Visit, Prettiest Small Towns, Most Beautiful Villages, Top 15 Places, 30 Adventures, 15 Most Colourful Places, Beautiful Lakes
Venice: Major Landmarks, Essential Tips, Hidden Gems, One Day Itinerary for Art Lovers, Best Beaches in Venice, Best Airports, Train Stations in Venice, Boats in Venice, Haunted Venice, Day Trips from Venice, Quotes about Venice
Verona: Things to Do in One Day, Verona Opera Festival, Day Trips from Verona, Romeo and Juliet Itinerary
Padua: Things to Do in One Day, 101 Facts About Padua, 10 Reasons to Visit Padua, Day Trips from Padua
Vicenza: Things to Do, Day Trips from Vicenza, Best Museums