Hiking around Lake Garda

Malcesine

This town on the eastern shore immediately captivates me. Despite its relatively small size, Malcesine offers an impressive variety. I find the winding old town especially picturesque, not least because colorful buildings line the lakeshore. For me, Castello Scaligero di Malcesine is a true highlight, visible from many spots.

I take a short hike with a steep ascent up to the Madonna statue (Madonna dell’Accoglienza) and its viewpoint. The effort is absolutely worth it for the fantastic bird’s-eye view I enjoy over the town and the lake.

Medieval Scaliger Castle in Malcesine with tall tower overlooking Lake Garda, framed by olive branches with mountains in the background.

San Stefano Church in Malcesine with bell tower and dome, framed by pink and yellow flowers. Mountains visible in the background.

Woman with backpack sitting on rocky shore of Lake Garda, viewing mountains and Malcesine town across calm water at dusk.

Hand reaching for Lake Garda travel guide on wooden table. The brochure shows a hiker on rocky terrain with blue lake view. A gray felt folder lies behind.

View of Limone sul Garda waterfront with colorful buildings, boats on Lake Garda, and people on the promenade framed by red flowers.

Scenic Circular Hike: Monte Brione

Not far from the center of Riva del Garda, I discover Monte Brione, an easily accessible viewpoint hill. The steep ascent takes me about 45 minutes. Rising 376 meters above sea level, the hill stretches right along the shimmering blue lake.

On my way up, I pass several viewpoints, which is why it takes me a bit longer to reach the top. Along the route, there are historic bunkers and a summit cross. From there, the path toward the antenna towers becomes a bit more rugged. For the way back, you can take a wider trail away from the cliff, making for a pleasant circular hike.

Narrow hiking path on Monte Brione with safety railing overlooking Lake Garda. Mountains rise in the background across calm waters.

The Hidden Roman Path in Torbole

Not far from Riva del Garda lies the charming town of Torbole. Here, I discover a particularly beautiful view of the town and its church tower from the hiking trail along an ancient Roman road that runs through the small valley of Santa Lucia. I find the trail well signposted and enjoy the changing views of the ruins of Castel Penede high above, as well as back toward the lake and Torbole.

View of Torbole village at Lake Garda with church tower, olive groves, and dramatic rocky cliffs. Mountains rise across the blue lake.

East Shore Lazise & West Shore Saló

Between Lazise and Bardolino, a long lakeside promenade stretches out, inviting me to take a leisurely walk. Here, I can be right by the water and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Garda’s shimmering expanse. It really brings home just how vast Italy’s largest lake truly is. Along the way, I pass campsites, piers, and benches. Reeds swaying in the breeze, chattering ducks, and a variety of birdlife reveal a special natural setting that I truly enjoy. In Bardolino, a large white Ferris wheel catches my eye, standing out unexpectedly against the landscape.

The small town of Salò is just a short walk from the larger Gardone Riviera. As I stroll along the promenade heading south, I keep enjoying stunning views of the townhouses and the striking cathedral of Salò. I find myself stopping every few steps, so impressive is the scenery. This part of Lake Garda, set within the bay, feels like the perfect place for a relaxed stroll and for capturing beautiful photos.

White ferris wheel on the shore of Lake Garda in Bardolino with water fountain, trees, and mountains in the background under a hazy sky.

Hiker touching an old olive tree on Lake Garda's rocky shore. The town of Salò with its church tower is visible across the water.

View of Salò town on Lake Garda with historic buildings and church tower reflected in calm water. Rocky shore in foreground, mountains in background.

Wooden lakeside promenade in Salò with railing and overhanging trees, leading along the calm waters of Lake Garda.

Paved lakeside path in Lazise with trees standing in water and reeds along Lake Garda's shore under a blue sky.

Hike from the Beach to Rocca di Manerba

I discover this somewhat secluded beach, which invites exploration rather than swimming. From here, a trail leads up to Rocca di Manerba. The beach offers an impressive view of the wooded hills. In the distance, I can even spot a small summit cross.

The scenery reminds me of Thailand’s beaches with their distinctive limestone cliffs. I also take the time to visit the Rocca, which is absolutely worth it for experiencing the landscape from a higher perspective. There are several paths leading up.

Hiker standing near tall metal summit cross on rocky hilltop at Rocca di Manerba. Ancient stone walls visible on rocky terrain under blue sky.

The Elegant Town in the North: Riva del Garda

Around the large town in the north of the lake, I discover numerous beautiful spots. On a walk out of town toward Limone, I come across a small beach. Beneath a bridge, I find a kind of tunnel that frames the view in an interesting way.

From here, I enjoy an impressive view of Riva del Garda with its towering mountains in the background. These are my seven favorite places on Lake Garda that I have personally discovered. Of course, there are many more beautiful spots around the lake that are worth exploring.