Desenzano del Garda at a glance
Desenzano del Garda lies on the south shore of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia in Lombardy. It has about 29,000 residents. It is easy to reach without a car: the station Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione is on the Milan to Venice line, and the A4 motorway has an exit for the town.
The harbour is the starting point of the passenger boat line to Peschiera del Garda and Riva. A Roman villa lies a 15 minute walk from the station. Sirmione is only 9 kilometres away, which makes Desenzano a convenient base for the south shore.
What to do in Desenzano
A Roman site, the lakefront and trips by boat.
Villa Romana and Antiquarium
The Roman villa stands at Via Crocefisso 22, a 15 minute walk from the station. It is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it opens 9:00 to 19:30, and on Sunday 14:10 to 19:30. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Sectors B, C and D have no lighting and close to visitors at 17:00. The villa is closed on 1 January and 25 December.
The harbour
The ferry company has its lake headquarters on Piazza Matteotti in Desenzano. From the harbour boats run north to Peschiera and Riva while the passenger service operates.
Lake Garda ferries →Isola del Garda
The island near Salò can be visited with a guide and a boat transfer from Desenzano. Visits last about two and a quarter to two and a half hours, not counting the crossing. Reservation is compulsory.
Swimming
Surface water in high summer ranges from about 19 to 27 °C depending on wind and shore. See the weather page for the month by month picture.
Lake Garda weather →Tours and boat trips from Desenzano del Garda
Boat trips, Isola del Garda visits, wine tastings and day trips to Verona, with live prices and availability.
Tickets and prices 2026
Adult prices unless stated.
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Villa Romana | €6; reduced €2 (EU citizens aged 18 to 25) | Closed Mondays |
| Combined ticket | €20 | Valid for 7 days at the villa, the Scaliger Castle in Sirmione and the Grottoes of Catullus |
| Isola del Garda, from Desenzano | €49; €45 reduced; €33 children 5 to 12; infants free | April to end of October 2026, no visits on Saturday and Monday; includes boat, guided tour, welcome drink and olive oil tasting |
| Boat day ticket, whole lake | €39.50; 3 days €79 | Passenger boats until 1 November 2026 |
| Boat day ticket, lower lake | €27; 3 days €54 | South of the Gargnano to Torri line |
Getting to and from Desenzano
By train, Desenzano is on the Milan to Venice line, and a bus operated by SIA runs from the station to Sirmione. By car, take the Desenzano exit of the A4. Verona Porta Nuova is 44 kilometres away, about 35 minutes by car without traffic. From Verona airport, take the Verona Airlink bus to Porta Nuova for €7 and continue by train.
By boat, the first service north leaves Desenzano at 8:50 in the autumn timetable. The full trip to Riva with all stops takes 3 hours 10 minutes and arrives at 12:00. The last boat south from Riva leaves at 16:40 and arrives in Desenzano at 19:40. Boats run until 1 November 2026 and from 13 March 2027. In between, only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco runs.
Single boat fares depend on the distance. Adult fares run from €1.50 to €17.50, and a trip from Sirmione to Riva costs €16. Children aged 4 to 11 pay less, and younger children travel free. Passengers over 65 get a reduction from Monday to Friday. Buying on board adds €1 when the ticket office at the pier is staffed.
Distances from Desenzano
Drive times by car without traffic.
| Destination | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sirmione | 9 km | 15 min |
| Peschiera del Garda | 16 km | 19 min |
| Salò | 20 km | 29 min |
| Verona Porta Nuova | 44 km | 35 min |
| Riva del Garda | 97 km | 84 min |
Nearby places
Easy to combine with Desenzano.
Sirmione
Scaliger Castle, Roman villa and old town, 9 km away.
Peschiera del Garda
A UNESCO fortress town and the shuttle to Gardaland.
Lake Garda ferries
Routes, day tickets and the winter timetable.
Lake Garda holidays
North, east or south shore: which town suits you.
Desenzano del Garda: frequently asked questions
Does Desenzano have a railway station?
Yes. The station is called Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione and is on the Milan to Venice line. The Roman villa is a 15 minute walk away.
How much is the Roman villa in Desenzano?
Entry is €6 in 2026, or €2 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. It is closed on Mondays. The €20 combined ticket also covers the Scaliger Castle in Sirmione and the Grottoes of Catullus for seven days.
How long does the boat from Desenzano to Riva take?
The trip with all stops takes 3 hours 10 minutes. In autumn 2026 the morning boat leaves at 8:50 and reaches Riva at 12:00.
How do I get from Desenzano to Sirmione?
By road it is 9 kilometres, about 15 minutes by car. A bus runs from Desenzano station to Sirmione, and boats call at both towns.
Can I visit Isola del Garda from Desenzano?
Yes, until the end of October 2026, except on Saturdays and Mondays. Visits are guided and must be reserved in advance. The adult price from Desenzano is €49, including the boat transfer.
How much is a boat day ticket from Desenzano?
The adult day ticket for the whole lake costs €39.50, and a three day ticket is €79. The lower lake ticket, which covers the south, is €27 for a day. Children aged 4 to 11 pay €20 or €13.50 respectively, and two paying adults can bring up to two children free with the Happy Family offer on the full price tickets.