Lake Garda is undergoing a profound transformation, increasingly establishing itself as a completely season-proof tourist destination. Far from being a place to enjoy only in summer, Garda now offers a rich array of activities, entertainment and events that enliven its shores and hinterland even during the winter season.
This evolution makes it ideal for those seeking a holiday away from the crowds, enjoying a more intimate and authentic atmosphere.
Accommodation and catering open all year round
As evidence of this openness to winter tourism, it is important to note that many types of accommodation – including hotels, holiday apartments and B&Bs – remain open even during the festive season, including Christmas. At the same time, the gastronomic offer also remains widely available: restaurants and bars continue to operate, allowing visitors to taste the local cuisine and enjoy the conviviality typical of lakeside villages even in the colder months.
Winter navigation: an evocative viewpoint
As far as lake transport is concerned, Navigarda (Lake Navigation Management) adapts its service to the winter period, focusing on a connection of crucial importance and great charm. The boats operate solely on the Torri del Benaco – Maderno route, providing an essential car transport service. This line has the advantage of quickly connecting the eastern shore (Veneto) with the western shore (Lombardy). For travellers, this transfer is much more than just a simple journey: it is an opportunity to enjoy a truly picturesque view, admiring the Garda landscape directly from the water, with the tranquillity and unique colours of winter.
Villages and towns with the most beautiful Christmas markets
Winter is the golden season to immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere that pervades the villages around the lake. A fun and evocative way to visit the most charming and colourful lakeside towns is definitely to go ‘hunting’ for the numerous Christmas markets that enliven their streets and squares. These markets are not only a place to find gifts and handicrafts, but also represent a perfect combination of the warm Christmas atmosphere and the discovery of magical places on Lake Garda, enhanced by lights and decorations. For all the latest information on the dates and locations of the markets, click here.
Experience Lake Garda: Our tips
Easy and scenic trekking in the heart of winter
The climate of Lake Garda, which is notoriously mild even in winter, offers an extraordinary opportunity for trekking. The area boasts an extensive network of trails that can be explored safely and enjoyably, although it is essential to bear in mind that exceptional weather conditions can bring snow and ice at low altitudes; it is therefore always essential to check the conditions of the trail before setting out on an excursion.
Among the easy and highly scenic routes recommended during this period, the following stand out:
- Cima Comer
- Le Marocche di Dro
- Monte Creino
- Bosco Caproni
- Monte Brione
- Balòt tacà via
- Crero (with its famous Tibetan bridge)
- Monte Luppia and the Sentiero dei Graffiti (Graffiti Trail)
- Rocca di Garda
- Promontorio di San Fermo (San Fermo Promontory)
- Rocca di Manerba
- Valle delle Cartiere (Paper Mill Valley)
- Santuario di Montecastello (Montecastello Sanctuary)
If you would like further inspiration, click here.
Snow on Monte Baldo and in Lessinia
For those seeking the contrast between the blue of the lake and the white of the snow, it only takes a few kilometres. With a quick drive or a picturesque trip on the ski lifts, you can go from the tranquillity of the shore (“pieds dans l’eau”) to the alpine environment.
Monte Baldo: during the Christmas and winter season, the famous Malcesine – Monte Baldo cable car and the Prada – Costabella lifts remain open. From their peaks, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views, where the white snow of the peaks stands in stark contrast to the deep blue of the lake below.
Lessinia Plateau: Alternatively, the Lessinia plateau offers an excellent destination for snow lovers. Here you can go on easy winter hikes that often lead to characteristic mountain huts and refuges. These places not only offer shelter and warmth, but also allow you to taste typical local dishes, such as the unmissable and tasty “gnocchi sbatui” (mashed gnocchi).
Cultural visits to cities
The strategic location of Lake Garda makes it the ideal base for cultural excursions. The lake is “embraced” by four splendid cities with an immense historical and cultural heritage that is easily accessible. These are authentic art capitals, rich in monuments, museums and events that are well worth exploring: Verona, Mantua, Brescia and Trento.
Winter on Lake Garda is not a break, but a revelation. It is the moment when the summer frenzy subsides and the true soul of the landscape emerges, silent and majestic. Garda in winter does not just offer activities: it offers time. Time to connect with nature, with history and, above all, with the authentic beauty of its territory, far from the summer spotlight.
P.S.: remember that winter is an excellent season for motorhome owners, especially in terms of road conditions. Click here to find inspiration for your personalised itinerary.
Ciao dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza
