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- Posted: 29/07/2025
Best Area to Stay in Lake Garda – Ultimate Guide 2026
Jenna Carr
Founder of The Travel Mum
Looking for the best area to stay in Lake Garda? We’ve got you covered!
Why Lake Garda for a family friendly holiday?
When we first booked Lake Garda, we weren’t totally sure what to expect. It’s often talked about as a romantic, grown-up destination – but after spending time there as a family, we can confidently say: it’s brilliant for kids too.
Lake Garda somehow manages to be calm and relaxing and full of things to do – which, as any parent knows, is pretty rare. There are safe swimming spots, lakeside playgrounds, cable cars, castles to explore, and gelato shops on what feels like every corner. It ticks all the boxes without ever feeling too hectic or overly ‘touristy’, and we loved not having to choose between beautiful scenery and kid-friendly fun.
Best Area to Stay in Lake Garda?
Peschiera del Garda
If you’re dreaming of a family holiday filled with charming lakeside views, historic streets, and plenty of outdoor activities, Peschiera del Garda is a fantastic choice. Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Garda, this town offers beautiful scenery, safe swimming spots, and lots to keep kids and adults entertained alike.
Wondering where to visit in Peschiera del Garda? Try these:
Peschiera Old Town – Wander through quaint cobbled streets, historic walls, and colourful buildings, perfect for a relaxed family stroll.
Lake Garda Beaches – Enjoy safe, clean beaches ideal for swimming and water sports suitable for all ages.
Gardaland Theme Park – Just a short drive away, one of Italy’s biggest and best theme parks for thrill-seekers and little adventurers alike.
Movieland Theme Park – A cinema themed park based on the magic of Hollywood.
Caneva Aquapark – Splash around at this fun water park with slides and pools for all ages.
Boat Trips on Lake Garda – Take a family-friendly ferry ride to explore charming lakeside towns and scenic views.
Recommended Accommodation Options:
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Eurocamp Bella Italia (See first pic above!) Located close to Peschiera, this large family resort offers tents, mobile homes, pools, campsites and direct access to a sandy lagoon beach. Great for families looking for resort-style camping with entertainment, water slides and on‑site shops. We have a blog post on Bella Italia Eurocamp here.
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Gardaland Magic Hotel – A huge pool and the most gorgeous themed rooms. Kids will LOVE this one!
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Le Terrazze Sul Lago Residence & Hotel – Family-friendly residence with 3 outdoor pools, near Padenghe Castle.
Bardolino
If you want a family holiday with a relaxed lakeside vibe, delicious local food, and plenty of outdoor fun, Bardolino is a wonderful pick. This charming town on Lake Garda’s eastern shore offers beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and gentle walking paths perfect for families.
Wondering where to visit in Bardolino? Try these:
Bardolino Old Town – Stroll through streets filled with shops, cafes, and gelaterias for all ages to enjoy.
Lakeside Beaches – Safe, sandy spots great for paddling and relaxing by the water.
Bardolino Wine Museum – Discover local wine heritage (for adults) while kids enjoy nearby parks.
Parco Carrara Bottagisio – A lovely park with playgrounds ideal for little ones to burn off energy.
Boat Excursions – Explore Lake Garda’s beauty with family-friendly boat trips departing from Bardolino.
Recommended Accommodation Options:
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Eurocamp Cisano San Vito – Just outside Bardolino, situated at Cisano sul Garda, this park offers mobile homes among olive groves, pools, sports facilities and shuttle service into the town – ideal for family camping with easy access to Bardolino
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Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort – Large, family-friendly resort with pools, wellness facilities, and lakeside setting.
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Solho – Elegant lakeside hotel with spacious rooms and outdoor pool.
Sirmione
For a magical family getaway combining history, thermal spas, and lakeside beauty, Sirmione is a top choice. This picturesque town sits on a peninsula with ancient castles, warm thermal baths, and lovely beaches that appeal to all ages.
Wondering where to visit in Sirmione? Try these:
Scaliger Castle – A fairytale fortress kids will love exploring.
Grotte di Catullo – Roman ruins set in a beautiful park with stunning lake views.
Thermal Spas – Relax in warm waters that families can enjoy together.
Jamaica Beach – A family-friendly beach with clear shallow waters perfect for swimming.
Boat Tours – Take a scenic boat ride around the peninsula to soak in the views.
- Eurocamp San Felice del Benaco (near Sirmione) – While there’s no Eurocamp in Sirmione town itself, nearby parks under the Eurocamp network serve the western shore and offer direct lake access, pools and family amenities, with easy drive or ferry access to Sirmione.
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Grand Hotel Terme – Lakeside, luxury spa resort with pool, wellness centre, and thermal baths access.
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Hotel Enrichetta – Budget option with great reviews. Close to Desenzano Castle and Desenzanino Beach.
Malcesine
For adventurous families looking for mountain views alongside lake fun, Malcesine is perfect. This charming town boasts a medieval castle and easy access to hiking, cable cars, and water activities that suit all ages.
Wondering where to visit in Malcesine? Try these:
Malcesine Castle – Explore towers and museums with fantastic lake vistas.
Monte Baldo Cable Car – Ride up the mountain for hiking, picnics, and panoramic views.
Lakeside Beach – Swim or relax in the calm waters ideal for kids.
Boat Rentals – Rent a pedal boat or kayak for family fun on the lake.
Hiking Trails – Gentle trails near Malcesine for family walks and nature spotting.
Recommended Accommodation Options:
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Hotel Castello Lake Front – Boutique lakeside hotel with family rooms, direct beach access, and castle views.
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Villa Edera – Budget, friendly hotel offering lake views.
Riva del Garda
If your family loves a mix of outdoor adventure and lakeside charm, Riva del Garda delivers. Located at the northern tip of Lake Garda, it’s surrounded by mountains with biking, hiking, and water sports that keep kids engaged.
Wondering where to visit in Riva del Garda? Try these:
Riva Old Town – Picturesque streets, cafes, and shops perfect for a family stroll.
Lake Beaches – Safe spots for swimming and sunbathing with plenty of space.
Varone Waterfall – A spectacular natural site just outside town, great for curious kids.
Bike Paths – Family-friendly cycling routes with stunning lake and mountain views.
Tremosine Adventure Park – A thrilling treetop adventure course suitable for older kids and teens.
Recommended Accommodation Options:
- Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort – Lago di Garda spa resort with theme-park shuttle, pools, sports activities, and gardens.
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Grand Hotel Liberty – Historic, family‑oriented hotel in the old town centre with pool and panoramic roof terrace.
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Hotel Santoni Freelosophy – Family hotel offering bicycle rentals right by Penede Castle.
Best Area to Stay in Lake Garda?! Overall
It’s easy to see why Lake Garda is one of the top picks for a family holiday in Italy. With breathtaking lake views, charming towns, fun day trips, and pizza and gelato the kids will actually eat – it really does tick all the boxes. The best area to stay in Lake Garda will depend a lot on what you plan to do, but honestly, you can’t really go wrong in this gorgeous area of the world!
Whether you’re after chilled-out lakeside days, mountain adventures, or just some proper downtime in a beautiful setting, Lake Garda has something for every kind of family. The resorts we’ve included offer a great mix of fun, comfort, and value – with plenty to keep the little ones happy while you get to relax too.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.
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Written by: Jenna Carr
Founder of The Travel Mum
Our family is passionate about helping you save money. We are real people who understand the need to make your budget go further. With The Travel Mum we have created a vibrant community of over 840k+ savvy travellers who want to travel more while spending less. No problem is too big or small, together we will do everything in our power to make sure you are making the absolute most of your well earned budget!
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