Lake Garda in a nutshell
Lake Garda covers about 370 square kilometres, making it the largest lake in Italy. It is just over 51 kilometres long and up to 346 metres deep, and three regions share its shores: Trentino in the north around Riva and Torbole, the Veneto along the east shore from Malcesine to Peschiera, and Lombardy on the west shore with Salò and Limone.
The narrow north is framed by mountains and suits hiking, windsurfing and cycling. The wide south is flatter, with beaches, castles and theme parks. This independent guide lists prices and rules as of October 2026.
Autumn and winter 2026/27
After 1 November the lake switches to its quiet season.
Ferries until 1 November
The passenger boats between Desenzano, Peschiera and Riva run until 1 November 2026. From 2 November to 12 March 2027 only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco operates, a crossing of about 30 minutes.
Lake Garda ferries →Monte Baldo cable car closes for maintenance
The cable car from Malcesine runs until 1 November and is closed for maintenance from 2 November to 25 December. The winter season then runs from 26 December to 21 February 2027.
Monte Baldo →Gardaland's main season ends
The park's 2026 season closes on 1 November after its Halloween programme, and reopens for Magic Winter from 5 December to 6 January. A free shuttle bus runs from Peschiera del Garda station.
Gardaland →Castles stay open
The Scaliger Castle in Sirmione opens Tuesday to Sunday and costs €10. A €20 combined ticket covers the castle, the Grottoes of Catullus and the Roman villa in Desenzano for seven days.
Sirmione →Our picks: Lake Garda tours
A day in Verona, a wine tasting and a speedboat over the southern lake.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Verona day trip from Lake Garda
A coach with a guide and a guided walk through Verona, from ten meeting points around the lake. Arena entry is not listed.
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Wine and food tasting in the vineyards
At least six wines with cured meats, cheese, Garda olive oil and bread. No transport and no guided cellar tour.
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Two-hour speedboat tour of the southern lake
Views of Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Isola del Garda and Sirmione with a skipper. There are no landing stops and no toilet on board.
Check availability →Lake Garda tours and day trips
Boat trips, wine tastings, day trips to Verona and Gardaland tickets, with live prices and availability.
Plan your trip
Which part of the lake suits you, and how to get there.
Things to do in Lake Garda
Fifteen experiences from the castle in Sirmione to the lemon houses of Limone.
Lake Garda ferries
Routes, day tickets, the car ferry and the winter timetable.
Verona to Lake Garda
Airport bus, trains to Peschiera and Desenzano, and buses to Garda.
Weather and best time
Month by month, water temperature and when boats and lifts run.
Lake Garda holidays
North, east or south shore: which town suits your holiday.
Tours compared
Boat trips, wine and Verona: what is worth it and what is included.
Towns on the lake
From the peninsula in the south to the mountains in the north.
Sirmione
The castle in the water, the Roman villa at the tip and the old town.
Malcesine
Castle, harbour and the cable car up Monte Baldo.
Riva del Garda
Wind for sailing, hiking trails and the old town below the cliffs.
Limone sul Garda
Lemon houses, narrow lanes and the cycle path above the water.
Bardolino
A wine town with a long lakefront promenade.
Desenzano del Garda
The harbour town with a railway station and ferries.
Getting there in brief
If you fly into Verona, the Verona Airlink bus runs to Verona Porta Nuova station for €7. From there it is a short train ride to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda on the Milan to Venice line. Buses also run from Verona to the town of Garda.
By car from the Brenner Pass, take the A22 and leave at Rovereto Sud for the north shore or at Affi for the east shore.
Lake Garda: frequently asked questions
Do the Lake Garda ferries run in winter?
The passenger boats run until 1 November 2026 and again from 13 March 2027. In between, only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco operates, except on Christmas Day.
How much is the Monte Baldo cable car?
In 2026 a return ticket from Malcesine costs €30 for adults, or €28 online. Children up to 1.20 metres travel free but need a ticket from the desk.
Which is the best town on Lake Garda?
It depends on your holiday. Sirmione and Malcesine have the best-known castles, Riva suits active trips and Bardolino is known for wine. The things to do page compares them.
How do I get from Verona airport to Lake Garda?
Take the Verona Airlink bus to Verona Porta Nuova station for €7, then a train to Peschiera or Desenzano. A taxi or transfer is faster with luggage.
Is visit-lakegarda.com the official tourism site?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to any tourism board, town or ferry company.