Lake Garda offers a great variety of leisure activities to suit all tastes. For example, children can enjoy the local Gardaland theme park or a day at a nearby SEA LIFE aquarium.
Nature lovers can walk all around the lake or hike to a summit such as Monte Baldo. Then there are the historic towns of Torri del Benaco and Malcesine with their medieval castles.
Walks & Hikes
The scenery around Lake Garda is postcard perfect – aqua blue waters, towering peaks, and lovely stretches of beach. Whether you want to explore this picturesque landscape by foot or bike, there is something for everyone here.
There are countless walks to try, including trails that follow in the footsteps of writers and artists who came to admire the area’s medieval heritage. Others lead to villages whose quaint alleyways and ancient bell towers were once the homes of famous German writers such as Goethe, Rilke, and Durer.
The Garda Trek initiative offers a trio of multi-day hut to hut routes that loop around the mountains at northern Lake Garda. The medium loop takes 4 days and covers 72 kilometres at an altitude of 800 metres, offering stunning panoramic views and flora and fauna to discover along the way. You can also take the cable car up to Monte Baldo if you want to cut down the length of your walk.
Boating & Watersports
When the sun is shining on Lake Garda, hopping between historic towns by boat is one of the best ways to see its scenic beauty. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail from the comfort of a yacht or charter your own craft for a day on the lake with picnics, swimming and sightseeing at your own pace. The famous lake is internationally known for sailing, and its Ora wind often alternates with the Peler wind – so you can practice your favourite water sports all year round.
Paddling your own canoe or kayak around the coves and cliffs of Lake Garda is also a fantastic experience. Alternatively, you can join organized kayak or canoe tours for a more fun experience in a group.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, canyoning up a river gorge is another popular activity. Or try your hand at windsurfing, as the northern part of Lake Garda is famous for having perfect conditions all year round – thanks to its reliable and consistent wind.
Climbing & Climbing Competitions
The mountains around Lake Garda host a wealth of sports and activities. Whether you want to try your hand at windsurfing on the northern shore of the lake, hike up to a mountain summit, or scale a cliff, the choice is vast.
Climbing is deeply rooted in Trentino, and the region’s crags offer ideal conditions for bouldering, sport climbing or alpine climbing. Arco is a prime example and hosts the Rock Master festival each year, drawing some of Europe’s best climbers to the town.
Take a basic course with an IFMGA certified guide to learn the fundamentals of this fascinating sport in the cliffs around Lake Garda. Or join UIAGM-certified guides on multi-pitch itineraries among the giant crags that surround the lake. And for something truly different, sign up to a via ferrata adventure and scale one of the region’s most challenging routes. A rewarding experience with stunning views!.
Wellness & Spas
When you feel the need to relax and unwind, you can’t do better than a visit to one of the superb Lake Garda spas. For example, in Sirmione there is the Aquaria Thermal Spa – an award winning resort with 21 treatment rooms (half of which have lake views), indoor and outdoor pools, training, ice and thalassotherapy pools as well as saunas.
The Spa also has a new program devoted to mental wellness with yoga and mindfulness sessions.
For couples, there is the Sweet Spa with Jacuzzi that is a true romantic dream. With its refined circular bed and a shower cabin with hydromassage, chromotherapy and a waterfall, it is the perfect way to spend time together while relaxing at the same time. Some hotels with spa on Lake Garda also offer a range of bespoke packages for couples, including special Valentine’s Day deals.gardasee freizeitaktivitäten
