Seven things to do in Lake Garda

Justifiably one of the most popular towns in Lake Garda, Sirmione has a lot to entice visitors, including the handsome Scaligero Castle and the impressive Roman ruins of Grotte di Catullo. While there, be sure to enjoy a steam at the local thermal baths and spas, where you can rejuvenate tired feet and aching muscles in the area’s warm, sulphur-rich waters.

Known locally as MuSa, this small museum in the town of Salò is definitely worth a visit. Offering insightful exhibitions on regional and national history, scientific collections and a mix of modern and classical art, its rooms are packed with sculpture, photography, vintage posters and musical instruments. MuSa is a real hidden gem.

Visiting pretty Malcesine is a must and so is taking a trip on its mountainside funicular when there. Once you’ve been gently transported to the summit of Monte Baldo, you’ll be greeted by a panorama across the lake and all of its surrounding scenery, which is considered one of the finest vistas in the region. From here, you can follow one of the well-posted hiking trails or simply relax with caffè and cake at the SkyWalk lounge bar.

More than 15 venues in the Lake Garda region boast one or more Michelin stars, including the smart, stylishly decorated La Veranda del Color in Bardolino. The dishes here show off flavours and fresh ingredients from all over Italy and look like mini artworks on the plate. Guests can choose between different menus (The Land, The Sea and The Nature) depending on their tastes and dietary preferences.

The colourful houses of lovely Limone make a wonderful backdrop to the town’s gorgeous promenade, which is perfect for leisurely strolling. Away from the promenade, Limone’s old town is packed with pretty winding streets and cosy cafés where you can watch the world go by, while the famous lemon groves that gave the town its name aren’t to be missed either.

Varone isn’t your average waterfall, mainly because it’s set inside a steep cave, adding an extra sense of otherworldliness to the crashing waters. Having been opened to the public by Montenegrin royalty in 1874, there’s a lot of history behind this unique site, which has become one of the most popular things to do in Lake Garda in recent years. The bridges, walkways and railings that surround the waterfall make it accessible to everyone.

There are plenty of ways to relax around Lake Garda, but if you want to get the blood pumping, the area is a hotspot for hiking, biking and water sports, too. The towns of Gargnano and Trentino both offer lots of mountainside trails from which to admire the wild and rugged scenery, as does Torbole sul Garda, which is also a popular place for keen windsurfers.