Malcesine at a glance
Malcesine is the northernmost town on the Veneto side of Lake Garda, in the province of Verona. Its centre is a small harbour with a castle above it, and narrow lanes climb the slope behind. The mountain of Monte Baldo rises behind the town, and the cable car runs up from Malcesine.
Most visitors do two things: climb the tower of the castle and ride the cable car. Both close or change their hours in late autumn, so the dates below matter if you travel after October.
Malcesine Castle (Castello Scaligero)
A national monument since 1902, with a tower 31 metres high.
Opening hours until winter 2027
Until 31 October 2026 the castle is open daily from 9:30, with last entry in the late afternoon. In November 2026 it opens only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 to 17:00. From 5 December 2026 to 6 January 2027 it opens daily from 10:30 to 17:00. In January and February 2027 it is open at weekends only, from 10:30 to 17:00.
Tickets
In 2025 an adult ticket cost €7, children aged 6 to 13 paid €3, over-65s paid €5 and younger children entered free. Expect a similar price in 2026 and confirm it at the ticket desk.
Inside
The castle houses a natural history museum covering Monte Baldo and Lake Garda, as well as a room dedicated to Goethe. The address is Via Castello 39 and the phone number is +39 045 6589930.
Our pick: sailing from Malcesine
Two hours on a historic boat.
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.
Boat trips and tours around Malcesine
Lake cruises, activities and day trips on the east shore, with live prices and availability.
Monte Baldo cable car prices 2026
The cable car takes about 20 minutes from the valley station in Malcesine to the top station at Tratto Spino. It stops at San Michele at about 562 metres. The first cabin, which holds 42 people, runs to San Michele. The second, which holds 75 and rotates, continues to the summit station.
Children up to 1.20 metres travel free, but they need a free ticket from the desk. Holders of a Garda promotion card or an ATV pass get €3 off an adult return ticket at the valley station, which brings it to €27. An underground car park at the valley station has 170 spaces.
The full guide to hiking, views and winter operation is on the Monte Baldo page.
Prices and sections
Adult prices for 2026, with the online price in brackets. Junior fares apply to children born in 2012 or later.
| Section | Adult return | Adult single | Junior return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malcesine to Monte Baldo | €30 (€28 online) | €22 (€20 online) | €18 (€16 online) |
| Malcesine to San Michele | €12 (€10 online) | €8 (€6 online) | €10 (€8 online) |
| San Michele to Monte Baldo | €30 (€28 online) | €22 (€20 online) | €18 (€16 online) |
Season 2026
The summer season runs from 4 April to 1 November 2026. The cable car is closed for maintenance from 2 November to 25 December and reopens for the winter season from 26 December 2026 to 21 February 2027.
Last rides in autumn
From 5 October the last ascent is at 16:00 and the last descent at 16:45. In summer the last ascent is at 18:00. Cabins leave at least every 30 minutes from 8:30, depending on the weather.
Extras
A dog costs €10 (€8 online). A mountain bike with rider costs €30 (€28 online) one way. Paraglider and pilot pay €21 (€19 online) one way.
Getting to Malcesine
Distances by road, without traffic, as of October 2026.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Torbole | 14 km | 18 min |
| Garda | 28 km | 41 min |
| Peschiera del Garda | 46 to 52 km | About 66 min |
| Verona airport | 65 km | About 81 min |
By bus
ATV bus lines 483 and 484 continue from Garda to Malcesine and Riva. Buses 163, 164 and 185 run from Verona Porta Nuova to Garda. The Verona to Lake Garda guide explains the connections.
By boat
The Malcesine Centro pier belongs to the lake ferry network, and passenger boats run until 1 November 2026. After that, only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco operates until the passenger service returns on 13 March 2027. See Lake Garda ferries.
By car
From the Brenner motorway A22, leave at Affi for the east shore or at Rovereto Sud for the north and drive along the lake road. The valley station of the cable car has an underground car park with 170 spaces.
Nearby places
Neighbouring towns that fit into the same trip.
Monte Baldo
Cable car, summit station and trails above the lake.
Riva del Garda
Wind for sailing, trails and the old town below the cliffs.
Limone sul Garda
Lemon houses, narrow lanes and the cycle path.
Bardolino
A wine town on the east shore with a lakefront promenade.
Malcesine: frequently asked questions
How much is the Malcesine cable car in 2026?
An adult return ticket to the top costs €30, or €28 online. A single ticket is €22, or €20 online. Children up to 1.20 metres travel free with a ticket from the desk.
Is the cable car open in winter?
Yes, but not continuously. It runs until 1 November 2026, closes for maintenance from 2 November to 25 December and reopens from 26 December to 21 February 2027.
How long does the cable car take?
The ride from Malcesine to the top station takes about 20 minutes.
When is Malcesine Castle open?
It is open daily until 31 October 2026, at weekends in November, and daily again from 5 December to 6 January. The adult ticket cost €7 in 2025.
Can I get to Malcesine without a car?
Yes. Buses run from Verona to Garda and on to Malcesine, and passenger boats call at the Malcesine Centro pier until 1 November 2026.