Imagine waking up every day to a different view of Italy’s largest lake. Green hills and mountains, villages overlooking the water, medieval castles, beaches, lemon houses, wines and breathtaking views: all this (and much more) is Lake Garda.
And if you enjoy it in a camper van, the journey becomes pure freedom.
We propose a 14-day motorhome itinerary, perfect for exploring every corner of this jewel between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino.
Each stage is full of ideas for various visits, which may even require more than one night’s accommodation. So our proposal is purely inspirational, we show you all the things you can discover and visit, and then you will be the protagonists of each adventure.
Whether you are a zen traveller, an inveterate gourmand, or a parent struggling with a thousand ‘how much longer?’, Lake Garda will win you over curve after curve. Ready to go?
Day 1: Peschiera del Garda, welcome between the Venetian walls
Peschiera del Garda is the perfect starting point, easily reached by exiting the A4 motorway at the tollgate of the same name. Start with a nice walk through the ramparts and canals (which you can also explore by sup or gondola) and a relaxing coffee break in the picturesque centre.
If you have a bike (it is also possible to rent it or book guided tours), a ride along the Mincio river (Lake Garda’s emissary) to Borghetto sul Mincio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is a must; from there you can also visit Parco Giardino Sigurtà, a true oasis surrounded by centuries-old plants and flowers of rare beauty.
Day 2: Sirmione, poetry on water
With its fairytale castle and historic Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione is pure romance. You can relax at its thermal baths in the centre (open all year round) or set sail on a boat tour.
Bonus: not to be missed is a swim at Jamaica beach, one of the most atmospheric beaches on the entire Lake Garda.
Day 3: Desenzano, the lively soul of Lake Garda
Lots of shops, harbour bars, scenic lakeside walks. Desenzano, queen of the nightlife, is perfect for a sparkling and fashionable evening.
Take advantage of this to take a nice camper van tour also to the nearby Valtenesi, with its wineries, rosé wines and its 7 small villages that look like paintings, among castles and hills: Padenghe sul Garda, Moniga del Garda, Manerba del Garda with its Rocca overlooking the lake, San Felice del Benaco, Puegnago del Garda, Polpenazze del Garda and Soiano del Lago.
Extra excursion: starting from San Felice del Benaco, take a boat trip to Isola del Garda (the largest on the lake) with a visit to the villa and its spectacular garden park.
Day 4: Salò, panoramic walk
Salò, with the most elegant lakeside promenade on Lake Garda, awaits you. Lose yourself in its alleyways, its magnificent historic buildings and perhaps pop into the MuSa, a place alive with culture that hosts various museum exhibitions.
Obligatory: a good homemade ice cream by the lake, a bit of shopping and a lot of relaxation!
Day 5: Gardone Riviera, culture on the blue shore
Gardone Riviera is home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the house-museum of the writer D’Annunzio; visiting it is a unique (and even a little bizarre) experience: among statues, gardens and even a ship. Not to be missed!
Tip: also pay a visit to the Heller Garden, a large botanical garden with varieties from all over the world and various works of art. A real gem!
Day 6: Toscolano Maderno, nature and ancient paper mills
Toscolano Maderno offers a long lakeside walk, dotted with history and evocative views.
Not to be missed is a trip into a valley that will take you back in time: the Valle delle Cartiere, home to the paper museum and the ruins of its past life.
Day 6 – alternative: sailing sports in Campione del Garda
If you love sailing sports, you already know that Lake Garda is a perfect wind machine. Heading north, turn off towards Campione del Garda and let the adrenaline rush of kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing captivate you.
The only place to stay here is a large municipal car park with a camper van area (for a fee – there is only water. No drainage and no electricity).
Day 7: Gargnano and Limone, between lemon houses and suspended roads
In Gargnano time seems to stand still; stop at Villa di Gargnano for an evocative walk that will take you all the way to the centre. A wonderful trek to take in the surrounding area is the one that takes you to Cima Comer, with breathtaking views of the entire lower Garda area.
Then, in Limone sul Garda, walk (or pedal!) on the panoramic cycle-pedestrian path overlooking the lake: a thrill. Then a nice tour of the centre to the Limonaia del Castel lemon house.
If you like walking, you can see Limone from above by climbing Monte Bestone; panorama guaranteed!
Day 8: Riva del Garda, the pearl of the north
Three words to describe Riva del Garda: colourful, sporty and relaxing. Visit the Rocca, and hike the Sentiero del Ponale for a wow view.
Alternatively, if you don’t like walking, there is a beautiful panoramic lift that takes you up to the Bastione (or you can also walk to the Santa Barbara Church).
Irresistible alpine-lacustrine atmosphere.
Extra trips: we suggest a nice hike to the Varone Waterfall (bring a rain jacket, water vapour shower guaranteed!), or a healthy walk to Monte Brione with its fortifications (from here you can see Lake Garda from a unique perspective!).
Day 9: Torbole and Arco, wind and rock
Torbole is the realm of windsurfers, Arco that of climbers. Climb up to Arco castle for an unforgettable view and don’t miss the Busatte – Tempesta panoramic path, with long stairs suspended in the air. Both towns have a beautiful historic centre in which to stroll.
Super sporty? You will find your paradise here.
Day 10: Malcesine, between castle and mountain
Malcesine is a village that looks painted, with its imposing Scaligero Castle (a must-visit) dominating the panorama.
Then take the panoramic cable car up to Monte Baldo at almost 1800 metres: from there Garda opens up in all its beauty (and goodness too! Don’t miss a good lunch in a refuge).
Extra: make a short stop at Cassone di Malcesine, you can say you have seen the shortest river in the world!
Day 11: Brenzone, the most authentic lake
Quiet villages, olive groves, paths and lots of local authenticity. Brenzone is the slow corner of Lake Garda, perfect for an unhurried stroll. In fact, a beautiful lakeside cycle path starts here, passing through all the hamlets, with their picturesque harbours and fish restaurants; in spring it is tinged with yellow by the blossoming of many mimosa trees.
Two treats: take an excursion to the medieval village of Campo, incredible atmosphere and excitement guaranteed. If, on the other hand, you want to feel like you are inside the set of Jurassic Park, go and see the Balot tacà via, an enormous boulder embedded in a gorge.
Day 11 – alternative: San Zeno di Montagna and its mountain huts
San Zeno di Montagna is located at an altitude of around 700 m, and from there various hikes for mountain and forest lovers depart, all exclusively with lake views and typical mountain huts and agritourisms ready to refresh you. You can climb up to Prada di San Zeno di Montagna, at an altitude of 1000 m, and from there take the beautiful Prada – Costabella cable car, which will take you up to 1850 m. On arrival you will find two refuges (Fiori del Baldo and Chierego), but if you want to go on a spectacular trek we suggest you reach the Telegrafo Refuge.
Before leaving, don’t forget to stock up on Monte Baldo milk and cheese, they are a real treat here!
Day 12: Torri del Benaco, between history and relaxation
Torri del Benaco is a true pearl of the lake, but to fully experience it you must also visit its 3 hillside hamlets: Albisano for a coffee break in Piazza Garibaldi and the spectacular view from the Church of San Martino, Pai di Sopra suspended in time and witness to past life, and finally Crero with its Tibetan bridge, which looks like a little Provençal oasis.
The Scaliger Castle of Torri dominates the beautiful harbour, and its lemon house tells of ancient times.
Day 13: Garda and Punta San Vigilio, postcard-perfect
Garda is elegant and beautiful. Stroll through its alleyways and along its spacious lakefront until you reach the pure magic: Punta San Vigilio, with its small harbour, emerald-green water, restaurants pieds dans l’eau and several well-equipped beaches. We recommend the camera always at hand! Hiking: from Punta San Vigilio you can continue by taking the Sentiero dei Graffiti (where there are boulders with ancient rock engravings) or, starting from the centre of Garda, climb up to its super panoramic Rocca.
A real treat: with half an hour’s drive in a camper van, stretch as far as Spiazzi di Caprino Veronese to visit Madonna della Corona, a sanctuary carved into a sheer rock face, unique in the world for its beauty and atmosphere.
Day 14: Bardolino and Lazise, final toast
End on a high note amidst wineries, walks and medieval villages. Bardolino is a super lively town full of events (many of them related to its wine); while Lazise, a real jewel with its ancient walls, is the first municipality in Italy.
To visit them at their best, without missing any glimpses or views, just take the lakeside cycle path that connects them.
One last glass with a lake view. Cheers!
Campsites, equipped areas and where to stay overnight
Every town on Lake Garda has plenty of campsites where you can find not only the main services (water supply and drainage, electricity) but also many other five-star amenities – here are the ones we recommend.
In some villages you can also find municipal campsites with reduced rates.
On Lake Garda, there are no areas solely for loading and unloading water, so it is always necessary to go through the campsites.
Useful information for campers:
- Recommended period: April – May – until mid-June or mid-September – October, to enjoy everything without too many crowds and find all activities regularly open. During the winter, Lake Garda is beautiful, but not all activities are guaranteed.
- Ferries, private boats, boat tours, antique sailing ships, boat hire: consider visiting and crossing the lake from the most privileged viewpoint – that from the water! There are the Navigarda commercial ferry lines, or many solutions with private hire or tours to get around anywhere in complete freedom.
- Bicycles: if you don’t have them with you, you can rent them directly on site
- Driving tips: from Gargnano to Limone sul Garda you pass through several tunnels which in some sections, for those with large motorhomes, require you to stay closer to the centre line because they are a bit narrow.
End of the tour? No way, it’s just the beginning!
You have had your fill of dream views, of flavours that remain in your mind, of laughter by the lake; but the great thing about travelling in a camper van is that… you can always come back or change course at the last second!
Lake Garda is not just a destination, it’s a small world to be experienced with slowness, curiosity, and a desire to be amazed.
Until the next adventure, dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza
