Surrounded by the spectacular Italian Alps, it’s easy to see why Lake Garda is one of the most popular holiday locales in northern Italy. From castles and lemon groves to promenades and beaches, the lake offers photogenic views around every corner. Our travel experts at Plum Guide know the area well and have selected some of the best towns and villages to stay in. So, if you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Garda, take a look at our favourite destinations below.

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Set at the very tip of a peninsula on the southern shores of the lake, Sirmione is one of the most popular towns for holidaymakers. It’s known for its thermal baths, and you’ll find a wide selection of spas where you can soak in the healing waters – we recommend Aquaria Thermal Spa. Once you’re feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, take a leisurely boat tour to admire the town from the water.

If you’d rather sightsee on foot, Sirmione is a great place to do it as the narrow streets are pedestrianised. Wander through the piazzas, discovering hidden courtyards and flower-filled balconies. You can’t miss Scaligero Castle, the town’s most famous landmark. Rising from the water, this turreted medieval fortress is one of the most well-preserved in Italy. Walk along the fort walls and climb the tower for breathtaking views – the castle is said to be haunted, so keep an eye out for any ghosts. If you’ve worked up a sweat climbing the tower, head down to Jamaica Beach at the tip of the peninsula for a cooling swim.

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The largest city on Lake Garda's western shores, Salò is an elegant place filled with Belle Epoque squares, handsome townhouses and charming cafes. Despite being larger than other towns, it remains surprisingly quiet and is best suited for those looking for where to stay in Lake Garda with a laid-back atmosphere. Days here are best spent strolling or cycling down the beautiful promenade – at 3 kilometres, it's the longest in Lake Garda. There are plenty of interesting sights along the way, including the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria and the Palazzo del Podestà, as well as the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, home to paintings by Moretto, Romanino and Paolo Veneziano. The Duomo di Salò is also worth a visit, boasting jaw-dropping frescoes and a magnificent domed roof.

If you’re around on a Saturday, be sure to pop into the local market held in Piazza Mario Pedrazzi, where you’ll find bargains on everything from local cheese to handicrafts and clothing. There are also several fashion boutiques in the town centre, as well as alfresco bars and coffee shops for when you need a quick break.

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Located on the western banks of the lake, Limone Sul Garda is one of the most picturesque towns in the area. As its name suggests, the town is known for its lemons and citrus fruits. Everything from the street signs to the many courtyards are covered in lemons – there’s even a lemon museum here, too. Summer is the best time to visit, as you’ll get to see the citrus orchards in full bloom and learn about the history of lemons in the town.

If you’re visiting off-season, there are still plenty of things to do. The town centre is relatively small, and is easily explored on foot. Wander the ancient cobbled streets, admiring the historic buildings home to bars, restaurants and shops. Pop into the many souvenir shops to pick up products like limoncello and lemon-printed ceramics and textiles. There’s also a market every Tuesday selling wine, cheese, olive oil and – you guessed it – lemons and lemon-based snacks. Pick out some tasty treats and enjoy a picnic in the Villa Boghi park.

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On the north tip of the lake is Riva del Garda. With the mighty Dolomites in the background, this town offers outstanding views of the lake and the mountains. It comes as no surprise that it attracts outdoor enthusiasts who come for the excellent hiking, cycling and climbing opportunities, as well as watersports like windsurfing and sailing. Some of the best walking trails include the Busatte-Tempesta path and the Monte Brione hill with its epic vistas.

Dating back to Roman times, Riva del Garda is also a wonderful destination for history lovers. As you walk through the town, you’ll come across a 12th-century fortress home to the Alto Garda Museum. This is a fantastic place to while away a morning, taking in the archaeology displays and paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries – there’s even a children’s workshop so that the little ones don’t get bored. Nearby is the Praetorian Palace and the Apponale Tower, two other historical sights worth checking out.

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Those wondering where to stay in Lake Garda for a bit of nightlife should head to Desenzano del Garda. Located on the lake’s southern shores, the town is just a ninety-minute drive from Milan, making it a popular weekend destination for locals. It attracts a young crowd, with plenty of trendy bars, clubs and live music venues.

But it’s not just a party destination – there’s plenty to keep you busy during the day, too. No visit here would be complete without popping into Castello di Desenzano del Garda, a 1,000 year old fortress built to protect the town from Barbarians. Climb up to the tower entrance for some dazzling panoramas. Meanwhile, keen shoppers will be pleased to know that there are plenty of boutiques and shopping centres in town, as well as a weekly market each Tuesday.

If you just feel like chilling out, spend the day sunbathing on Spiaggia Desenzanino or Margy Beach, both featuring idyllic views of the lake. You can even take a boat tour to discover other towns such as Lazise, Garda or Torri del Benaco. Those planning on travelling to other Italian cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Verona and Venice can enjoy excellent transport links from the town.

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The tranquil village of Bardolino lies on the eastern shores of Lake Garda. It’s the best choice for those seeking somewhere with a relaxed atmosphere as it doesn’t see as many tourists as other destinations. It’s also ideal for families, as amusement parks like Gardaland, Caneva Aquapark and Movieland are just a short drive away.

Revered for its wine and olive oil production, oenophiles won’t want to miss a chance to sample the local Bardolino red wine – our favourite spot to sip on some vino is Winebar PréOnda with its alfresco seating and live music. After a pre-dinner drink, check out the many trattorias for some local dishes. If you’re interested in seeing how olive oil is made, it’s worth checking out the Museo dell’Olio or Olive Oil Museum, just a four-minute drive south in Cisano.

When you’re not sipping wine or indulging in delicious food, set aside some time to visit Bardolino’s impressive churches. At the northern entrance of the city is San Severo, a Romanesque masterpiece with splendid frescoes. For something a little more active, the hills behind the town offer a variety of trails for mountain biking, horse riding and hiking, while the lakefront has plenty of watersport options.

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The final destination on our list of where to stay in Lake Garda is Malcesine, nestled between the blue waters of the lake and the dramatic peaks of the Monte Baldo range. It’s one of the prettiest villages on the lake, and has long attracted poets, painters and writers.

Malcesine’s highlight is its medieval castle, perched on a rock overlooking the lake. It’s home to a natural history museum as well as an exhibition about the famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who was accused of espionage in 1783. Once you’ve brushed up on your history, prepare to take the steps up to the tower – it’s quite a steep climb but absolutely worth it for the incredible vistas. Alternatively, skip the workout and hop on the Malcesine - Monte Baldo cable car instead.

Back in the village, spend some time wandering the labyrinth of streets. Despite its size, you’ll find a fantastic selection of restaurants, bars and shops. Be sure to visit Palazzo dei Capitani, a local history museum which showcases exhibitions and concerts during the summer. When you want to unwind, the waterfront is the best place for it, home to several alfresco cafes where you can watch the colourful boats come in and out.

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Discover our exclusive collection of homes in Lake Garda.