Welcome, travelers, to Malcesine, one of Lake Garda’s most enchanting pearls. Nestled on the eastern shore, at the foot of majestic Monte Baldo, Malcesine is a place where history, nature, and adventure intertwine. With its iconic Scaliger Castle, charming old town, and the famous cable car that whisks you up the mountain, Malcesine offers a blend of magic and excitement that truly captures the spirit of Garda.
Here at Garda Outdoors, we know you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, not just a postcard view. Malcesine promises just that. Get ready to discover its timeless beauty and thrilling opportunities.
Malcesine’s historical heart: the Scaliger Castle
Dominating the Malcesine skyline, the Scaliger Castle is more than just a fortress—it’s a living piece of history. This imposing medieval structure, with its towering keep and ancient walls, has witnessed centuries of events, from Roman times to the Scaliger lords. Even the renowned German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was captivated by its charm.
Events and Weddings: Throughout the warmer months, the castle often hosts cultural events, concerts, and even fairytale weddings, making its ancient stones come alive with new stories.
Exploring the Castle: Wander through its courtyards, climb the dizzying steps of the tower (Mastio), and imagine knights and ladies walking these very grounds. From the top, the panoramic views of Lake Garda, the town’s rooftops, and the surrounding mountains are absolutely breathtaking. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Museums within the walls: The castle houses a Natural History Museum of Monte Baldo and Lake Garda, offering insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology. There’s also a small museum dedicated to Goethe, commemorating his famous visit.
Monte Baldo Cable Car: your fast track to paradise
From Malcesine, the Monte Baldo cable car offers a truly unique experience. This isn’t just any cable car; it features innovative rotating cabins on the second leg of the journey, providing incredible 360-degree views as you ascend. In just minutes, you’ll be transported from the lakeside to the alpine heights of Monte Baldo, often called the “Garden of Europe.”
Accessibility: The cable car is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making the mountain experience enjoyable for everyone.
Current information (approximate for 2025):
Operating hours: Typically from early morning (around 8:00 AM) until late afternoon/early evening (last descent around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM), with increased frequency in peak season. Always check the official website of Funivia Malcesine Monte Baldo for real-time updates and seasonal variations.
Prices: A round-trip ticket usually costs around €25-€30 for adults, with reduced fares for children and seniors. Group discounts may be available.
Activities on Monte Baldo: Once at the top, a world of adventure opens up:
Hiking and Trekking: Numerous well-marked hiking trails cater to all levels, from gentle strolls with incredible lake views to more challenging routes that explore the alpine pastures and peaks.
Paragliding: Monte Baldo is a famous launch site for paragliding. Imagine soaring above the lake like an eagle—it’s an unforgettable tandem experience!
Mountain Biking: Downhill enthusiasts will find thrilling trails descending back towards the lake.
Nature Walks: Simply enjoy the fresh mountain air, the unique alpine flora (Monte Baldo is a botanical treasure), and the spectacular panoramas.
Malcesine’s charm: beyond the main attractions
Beyond its famous landmarks, Malcesine’s old town is a maze of cobbled streets, colorful houses, and charming little squares.
Water sports: The northern part of the lake, including Malcesine, is excellent for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, thanks to the consistent winds.
Pittoresque alleys: Get lost in the narrow, winding alleys, discovering hidden boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy cafes.
Lakeside promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, soaking in the serene atmosphere and admiring the boats.
Beaches: Relax on one of Malcesine’s pebble beaches, perfect for swimming or enjoying the sun.
Palace of the Captains.
Absolutely not to be missed in Malcesine sul Garda is the building called “Palazzo dei Capitani” which was the seat of the Scaligeri governors and, subsequently, of the Captain of the Lake. Built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries over the ruins of ancient buildings dating back to the ancient Romans, the palace was purchased by a notable Veronese who, towards the end of the fifteenth century, sold it to Alessandro Miniscalchi.
Renovated and embellished in Venetian style, the building passed from hand to hand until it became the residence of the Captain of the Lake. Today it is the seat of the local public library, after having undergone a restoration and consolidation.
The fresco that adorns the ceiling of the large hall is surprising, where the coats of arms of the Gardesana dell’Acqua, of Verona and of the Captain of the Lake stand out. You can admire halls with large Venetian-style windows, stairways, rooms and a balcony from which the panorama of the lake.
Cassone.
Just 4 kilometers from the center of Malcesine sul Garda, you can visit the small village of Cassone which totally overlooks the lake. Picturesque are the views that this little gem offers, as well as the uniqueness of its landscape.
Cassone is crossed by what has been declared the shortest river in the world: the Aril, just 175 meters long. Do not miss the lakeside promenade which apparently was also appreciated by the great Klimt who immortalized this village in one of his works entitled ‘Kirche in Cassone am Gardasee’.
If you fancy a nice uphill trek, the path to the Hermitage of San Benigno a Caro starts from there, built in the dense woods of Monte Baldo.
Aril: the shortest river in the world is located in Malcesine.
Arìl is the name of the very short stream that crosses a part of Cassone, a small hamlet of Malcesine. 175 meters long, the Arìl has earned the title of “shortest river in the world” (even if it is not an absolutely determinable geographical datum). Despite this, it is a potential drinking water source for the inhabitants of the area as well as being a unique environmental resource, both from a structural and landscape point of view.
Arìl was born in the heart of Cassone from a pond fed by a pool, a protected fishing reserve, where trout, going up the river, lay their eggs. From 1889 to 1913, the source of this river was exploited by a power plant and supplied energy to the wheel of two mills and an oil mill. Before flowing into Lake Garda, the Arìl crosses three bridges and forms a waterfall. During the Christmas holidays, a magnificent nativity scene is set up right on its waters.
Near the mouth of the small river is the recently opened Museo del Lago di Cassone, where you can find tools used for fishing and objects of the past for daily use on display. In this museum there are also photographs of the ancient sailing boats, in memory of a time when the transport of materials did not take place by road but thanks to the lake. Outside there are two large tanks where you can see eels, trout and chub. This is because the building was originally used as a hatchery for the breeding of fish. A visit to the Lake Museum can be an excellent opportunity to rediscover the entire village of Cassone: a small treasure well preserved and guarded by its inhabitants.
Val di Sogno.
Val di Sogno is part of the various hamlets of the Municipality of Malcesine. Its name will not disappoint you: it is a true Paradise! The most beautiful way to get to this peaceful bay is through a panoramic walk with a lake view, which from Malcesine leads directly to its beautiful beaches. This walk is part of the Brenzone – Malcesine cyclepedestian path. In Malcesine there are also equipped beaches and dog beaches.
Things to do in a day trip in Malcesine.
The Malcesine – Monte Baldo cable car.
The Malcesine – Monte Baldo cable car (see timetables and fares) has always been a must for tourists in the Garda area, in a few minutes it takes you up to almost 1800 meters above sea level and with its rotating cabins offers a 360 ° view all over Lake Garda capable of always arousing new emotions. It is also possible to transport the bikes and then go downhill or to follow the various routes at high altitude. And during the winter snow awaits you!
Madonna dell’accoglienza.
If you look upwards towards the mountain from the coast, you will see a white statue depicting the Madonna. It is the Madonna dell’Accoglienza, which overlooks and protects the entire town. If you want to do a beautiful ring trekking to reach it click here.
Paraglinding.
Malcesine is the lake capital of paragliding. Its landing field, located on the water’s edge, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world for the breathtaking panorama it offers. Find all the info by clicking here.
Ideal destination for all sailing sports.
In the morning at dawn in the Retelino area (where the ferry boarding is located), you will find the ideal beach for starting and practicing kite-surfing, wing-foil and wind-surfing. There the Peler (the wind that blows from the north to the south) reigns supreme for super adrenaline-pumping sessions! Also in Navene you will find a splendid marina called Fraglia Vela Malcesine.
Relaxing on the Beach
Malcesine offers numerous beaches where you can enjoy a peaceful day basking in the sun and frolicking in the serene waters of Lake Garda. Whether you choose Navene or Val di Sogno, you’ll discover an ideal spot to spend a sun-soaked day at the beach.
Your unforgettable Malcesine adventure awaits
Malcesine is a destination that truly has it all: history etched in stone, nature reaching for the sky, and an active spirit that invites exploration. Whether you’re climbing a castle tower, soaring above the lake, or simply savoring a gelato in the old town, every moment in Malcesine is a memory in the making.
Ready to experience the magic of Malcesine? Find your perfect accommodation and start planning your unforgettable Lake Garda getaway. Explore options and book your stay: Where to sleep in Malcesine (as Malcesine falls within the North East macro-area for accommodation options).
See you next time dear Outdoors!
