1st: Sirmione

Lake Garda’s most famous resort has an enticing setting on a narrow peninsula that juts 2.5 miles into the lake. The old town is heralded by the photogenic Rocca Scaligera, a 13th-century castle accessed via a drawbridge. Beyond the medieval center are pleasant lakeside terraces, beaches, and a headland of olive trees.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Scaligera Castle (Rocca Scaligera), Grotte di Catullo (Roman villa ruins), Jamaica Beach, and the thermal sulfur springs.

2nd: Desenzano del Garda

As the largest town on the lake, Desenzano is one of the most colorful and lively. It serves as a major transportation hub with a direct train line to Milan and Venice. The heart of the town is the picturesque Porto Vecchio (Old Port), flanked by cafes and a popular weekly market.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Porto Vecchio, Villa Romana (3rd-century mosaics), Desenzano Castle, and the vibrant nightlife scene.

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3rd: Riva del Garda

Located at the northern tip in the Garda Trentino region, Riva is set against the dramatic backdrop of Monte Brione. It offers a unique alpine atmosphere with elegant squares and a moated fortress. It is a world-class center for sailing and windsurfing.
Highlights of this neighborhood: La Rocca (fortress and museum), Torre Apponale, Piazza III Novembre, and the scenic waterfront walk to Torbole.

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4th: Malcesine

Dominated by a medieval castle on a rocky outcrop, Malcesine has a historic center with tiny streets and a small harbor. It is the primary gateway to Monte Baldo, offering a rotating cable car that provides 360-degree views of the entire region.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Castello Scaligero, Monte Baldo cable car, and the Garden of Europe (botanical hiking paths).

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5th: Limone sul Garda

This picturesque town is famous for its historic lemon orchards and rows of white stone pillars from defunct citrus terraces. Built into the steep rocky cliffs, it offers some of the most dramatic views on the lake and features a unique suspended bike path.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Limonaia del Castel (historic lemon house), the Ciclopedonale (cliffside bike path), and the Sentiero del Sole (Sun Trail).

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6th: Bardolino

Located on the eastern shore, Bardolino is a charming village renowned for its namesake red wine and olive oil. It features one of the prettiest lakeside promenades on Lake Garda and is a center for wellness and gastronomy.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Bardolino Wine Museum, Olive Oil Museum (nearby in Cisano), and the lively Thursday morning market.

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7th: Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera is a UNESCO-protected fortress town built on an island at the mouth of the Mincio River. It is a major gateway to the lake with its own train station and serves as the best base for families visiting nearby amusement parks.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Venetian Defensive Walls (UNESCO), Canale di Mezzo, and proximity to Gardaland and Movieland.

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