Destination guideItaly
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Holidays in Lake Garda

Lake beaches, ferries between pretty towns and Italy's biggest theme park. Here's what Lake Garda is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🧘 Relax & spa
NIGHTS AWAY7
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSMay–Jun, Sep
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Lake Garda at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 2 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
1 HR AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F / L · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANCold, closed, quieter
  2. FEBCold, closed, quieter
  3. MARWaking up, quieter
  4. APRSpring, a good time to go
  5. MAYWarm, best time to go
  6. JUNSummer, best time to go
  7. JULHot, busy, a good time to go
  8. AUGHot, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPWarm, best time to go
  10. OCTAutumn, a good time to go
  11. NOVClosed, quieter
  12. DECChristmas markets, quieter

May, June and September are perfect, with warm days and room on the beaches. July and August are hot and lively. Many hotels, ferries and attractions close from November to March.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Gardaland

Italy's biggest theme park, with rides for all ages and an aquarium next door.

TICKETED

Lake ferries

Hop between lakeside towns by boat. A day pass makes it easy.

TICKETED

Sirmione

A castle surrounded by water, Roman ruins and the best gelato on the lake.

TICKETED

Monte Baldo cable car

A rotating cable car from Malcesine to mountain meadows high above the lake.

FREE

Lake beaches

Pebbly beaches with clear water and gentle shelving, good for little swimmers.

DAY TRIP

Verona

A Roman arena and Juliet's balcony, about 30 minutes away.

Lake Garda: common questions

Is Lake Garda good for a family holiday?

Yes. It's an easy mix of swimming, theme parks and mountains, with lots of campsites and family hotels. There are no waves, which suits young children.

How many nights do you need?

A week is typical. Pick a base in the south for theme parks or in the north for mountains and watersports.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Do you need a car?

It helps, but the ferries and buses link the main towns. Verona airport is about 30 minutes from the south of the lake.

If you like Lake Garda

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