Spend 7 Fun Days in Bardolino, Lake Garda

Guest Post  

I am please to have accepted this very informative guide to Bardolino at Lake Garda, visited and written by Helen Wildgoose founder and owner of Curious Goose travel blog.

Bardolino, is a pretty town located at the southern end of the beautiful Lago di Garda, in Italy’s Verona region. Bardolino may not be as well-known as some of the other towns around the lake, such as Limone, Sirmione or Garda itself, however, I would urge you to consider staying in Bardolino when planning a trip to Lake Garda.

Whether you are looking for a family holiday in Lake Garda, or are a couple seeking a romantic Italian getaway, Bardolino has something for everyone.

In this post, I will share my 7 day Bardolino itinerary. I managed to fit quite a lot into the 7 days I had in Bardolino, however, if you have less time, you can combine some of the activities into one day to condense the itinerary, or simply pick your favourites!

Equally, if you are lucky enough to be spending more than 7 days in Bardolino, you have the opportunity to slow down the pace and spend some time enjoying the beaches and cafes. You may also choose to explore the northern part of Lake Garda if you have more than 7 days to spare.

Before I share my 7 day Bardolino itinerary, here is some useful information to help plan your trip to Lake Garda.

You may also like “Isola Bella on Lago Maggiore”

Where is Bardolino?

Bardolino is on the south-eastern edge of Lake Garda, in Italy’s Verona region. Lake Garda sits conveniently between Venice and Milan, which means that you can take advantage of the good transport links when travelling to your accommodation in Bardolino.

How to get to Bardolino?

Bardolino is positioned close to two major motorways – the Milan-Venice motorway and the Austria – Verona motorway, making it very convenient if you are driving to Bardolino. If you are arriving by plane, the closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona airport, which is just a 30 minute drive to Bardolino. You also have the option of flying into Milan airport, although this is a little further away, with a 90 minute drive.

What is the Best Way to get around Bardolino and Lake Garda?

Bardolino is a small town and cars are not allowed in the centre of the old town. Even bicycles must be pushed through these central streets. Because of this, it is very easy to walk around the centre of Bardolino. This is the same for many of the other towns situated around Lake Garda.

However, in order to get between the towns around Lake Garda, it is best to drive or use public transport. The towns around the edge of Lake Garda are connected by main roads, so driving is very easy, however if you are camping in Bardolino and have a larger vehicle, you may find some of the roads close to the towns quite narrow.

There are local buses which operate around Lake Garda, however they are not always reliable, so the best and most popular way to get around Lake Garda is by ferry or bicycle.

The ferry from Bardolino runs regularly to the main towns around the southern part of Lake Garda. You can check the timetables here and tickets can be purchased either online or at the ticket office on the pier on the day of travel.

Hiring a bicycle is a must when on holiday in Bardolino and Lake Garda. There are plenty of places you can hire bikes from, but I rented my e-bike from Tittasport. They have a wide range to choose from, including children bikes, child trailers and baby seats. Bikes must be reserved in advance, especially during the peak season.

When is the Best Time to visit Bardolino and Lake Garda?

I visited Bardolino in the middle of June and the weather was perfect for exploring. Temperatures were around 26 degrees celsius and mostly sunny. I did have a few cloudy days, but it remained warm. During the peak summer months, temperatures can rise to the mid-30’s, which can make walking and cycling quite unbearable.

I would recommend visiting Bardolino during the ‘shoulder season’ months of May, June and September. These months avoid the intense summer heat, but are still pleasant. Plus, there are less crowds in the shoulder season and accommodation prices can be cheaper.

It is important to remember, however, that weather in a region with lots of mountains and a large lake can be temperamental and change quickly. So, whatever time of year you visit, pack an umbrella and a thin rain jacket.

Where to stay at Lake Garda

There are so many beautiful places to stay around the lake, at or near Bardolino. heck out the map and find your perfect accommodation.

7 Day Bardolino Itinerary, Lake Garda

Now, we have covered some of the practical advice to help plan your trip to Bardolino, let’s look at my 7 day itinerary.

Bardolino – Day 1

On your first day in Bardolino and Lake Garda, spend some time wandering around and getting to know the town.

As I already mentioned, the centre of Bardolino old town is mostly pedestrianised, but it is small enough that walking around the town is not strenuous. In the centre of town is the modest but pretty Church of San Nicolò. Visitors are welcome, but remember to act and dress respectfully.

Directly in front of the church is a small square, where you can sit outside the cafes and restaurants to enjoy lunch or a drink. If you continue to walk down the street leading away from the square, towards the lakefront, you will find further clothes and souvenir shops, as well as more bars.

At the bottom of this street is the pier to catch the ferry and the ticket office.

At the other side of Bardolino town centre is the church of Saint Severo. This stone mediaeval church, which you can also visit, dates back to the 12th century and it is quite charming.

Centre of Bardolino

In the centre of Bardolino is a cobblestone square, surrounded by brightly coloured buildings housing apartments and restaurants. The bright yellow and orange buildings reminded me of the beautiful town of Menton on the French Riviera. As this square is not facing the lake, the restaurants tend to be a little quieter here, meaning that you can soak up the charming atmosphere in peace.

Throughout the centre of Bardolino, you’ll find an abundance of clothes, jewellery and souvenir shops. You will also be spoilt for choice for cafes and restaurants. One of the best spots to watch the sunset with a drink in the evening is Cafe Italia, opposite the pier. And to keep children and big kids happy, the Pizzeria Gelateria Cristallo is just around the corner and sells the best ice cream in Bardolino (in my opinion!).

From Bardolino pier, you can walk along the lakefront promenade towards Garda or Cisone. This is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours, taking in the views along the way. On the way to Cisone, there is also the Mirabello beach. The water in Lake Garda is safe to swim in and this small, shingle beach is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.

One of the things that Bardolino is most well known for is its wine production. If you enjoy a glass of wine, you must try the Bardolino wine, which is available in all shops, restaurants and bars. There are many places which offer wine tasting experiences and tours and you can even visit the wine museum, which showcases the history of wine making in the region.

Garda – Day 2

It comes as no surprise that the town of Garda is one of the most popular towns in Lake Garda.

From Bardolino, you can walk around the lakefront promenade all the way to Garda. It takes approximately 1 hour to walk the 4km from Bardolino to Garda at quite a leisurely pace. Plenty of cafes to stop along the way invite for a rest during the walk. If you have rented bikes, you can also use the cycle path and cycle to Garda in about 15-20 minutes.

If you do not want to walk, or are unable to, you can catch the ferry. It will take 15 minutes and cost €3 for adults each way.

Once you arrive in Garda, you will be greeted with an abundance of bistros which line the promenade. Take your time to enjoy a leisurely lunch here, taking in the beautiful views across the lake.

After lunch, have a stroll through the charming historic centre. The centre of Garda old town is quite small, however there are some great shops to pick up ceramics, souvenirs and gifts.

Hike to La Rocca Viewpoint

If you are feeling energetic, one of the best things to do in Garda is to hike to La Rocca Viewpoint.

The hike up to La Rocca Viewpoint will take between 45-60 minutes and it is a steep uphill climb.

However the views at the top are certainly worth it. From the viewpoint, you can see all the way to Peschiera del Garda, at the southern tip of the lake, and back towards Garda.

This was one of my favourite things I did in Lake Garda, and if you enjoy hiking, it is a must!

Once you have soaked up the view, head back down the same way and follow the lake around, past Garda centre, towards Spiaggia Corno di Garda. This pebble beach was a great place to relax after the hike, and I had a refreshing swim in the lake to cool off, too!

Getting to the trail head

Start the walk from the small public gardens near Hotel San Marco, on Garda lakefront. There are public toilets located here, as well. From the gardens, walk along Piazzale Roma (make sure to top your water bottle up at the water fountain here before you start your hike).

At the end of Piazzale Roma, turn right along the main road, and then take the first left, along Via San Bartolomeo.

Here you will see the first signpost for ‘Roccocca vecchcchia’ Route A – follow these signs all the way up the hill to the viewpoint. The initial part of the walk is on stone steps, however, it quickly becomes quite rocky and muddy, so be careful if the ground is wet, as it can be slippery.

I would definitely recommend wearing trainers or hiking shoes for this hike as the terrain is very uneven.

Peschiera del Garda – Day 3

Peschiera del Garda is a beautiful town, on the southern tip of Lake Garda and a perfect place to take a day trip from Bardolino.

The ferry takes 1 hour and costs €13 for an adult round trip. You can also cycle from Bardolino to Peschiera along the lakefront cycle path, which will also take 1 hour.

The town Peschiera is most well known for its historic stone fortress, which dates back to the 17th century. Parts of the impressive defensive walls still remain, as well as two of the main stone gatehouses – Porta Brescia and Porta Verona – which lead you into the historic centre.

In the centre of Peschiera, you will find lots of modern clothes stores, ice cream kiosks and many souvenir shops. Plenty of restaurants and bistros to enjoy lunch and enjoy the Italian atmosphere.

Piazza della Serenissima

One of the most scenic spots in Peschiera is Piazza della Serenissima. I absolutely loved it here and enjoyed an ice cream sat on a bench overlooking the water, watching the boats.

To see the water from a different angle, walk to Ponte dei Voltoni and climb the steps to the bridge overlooking the water. This is one of the best views in Pescheria. On the other side of the bridge, you can also see across to Isola dei terra – a leafy garden on a small island in the middle of the water.

Leaving the town centre behind, walk on the lakefront path towards Lido Cappuccini. Here, you can rent a sun lounger and relax on the shingle beach, or if you’re like me and enjoy walking, you can continue walking along Passeggiata Clelia Guazzi Leoncini, for beautiful, uninterrupted views of the lake.

Further along this walking path is Braccobaldo Beach, which is also a dog friendly beach.

Sirmione – Day 4

Just over an hour by ferry from Bardolino is the pretty town of Sirmione. It is well known for its thermal baths and mediaeval castle.

Sirmione is a long, thin town, which stretches out into the lake. Most of the tourist attractions are located in the small area of the peninsula. With everything quite close together, it makes it a very walkable town. However, it can get quite busy, especially in the peak summer months.

Another great activity is to book a 25 minutes boat cruise around the peninsula. This gives you a great view from the water towards the semi island.

Grotte di Catullo

One of the best things to do in Sirmione is to walk around the parkland on the end of the peninsula and visit the Grotte di Catullo. The grotto is an archaeological site, featuring the ruins of a roman villa, surrounded by an olive grove. Tickets for the grotto can be purchased at the office by the entrance and cost €8 for adults.

There are several pebble beaches around the park and peninsula and you will also come across the charming mediaeval stone church of Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino as you wander around.

Aquaria Thermal Spa

By the entrance to the park, is the Aquaria Thermal Spa. This is one of the most popular things to do in Sirmione, and great if you are planning a romantic getaway in Lake Garda.

It is the perfect place to unwind with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a steam bath. I’d recommend booking your ticket to visit the spa in advance.

Castello Scaligero di Sirmione

Visit the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione. This 13th century stone castle is almost completely surrounded by water. Climb the tower for beautiful views across the town and lake. To buy your ticket for the castle, simply head to the ticket office at the entrance. The cost is €6 for adults and free for under 18’s.

Malcesine – Day 5

On your 5th day in Bardolino, start your day early with a trip to Malcesine. Malcesine sits at the foot of Monte Baldo and is a very popular place in Lake Garda, due to the Malcesine Monte Baldo cableway.

Visit Monte Baldo

The cable car will take you from the town of Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo. Riding the cable car is a must when visiting Lake Garda, however that does mean that it is very popular and can be very busy. So, I would definitely recommend booking your tickets in advance online. Tickets cost €25 for a round trip.

Once you reach the top of Monte Baldo, there are a variety of walking, hiking and cycling trails for you to explore. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can also book to go paragliding!

Or, if you prefer, simply enjoy the breathtaking panorama in the cafe at the top. The views from here are simply stunning and can certainly rival some of the views I experienced when hiking over Lake Brienz in Switzerland. On a sunny, clear day, you can see almost the entirety of Lake Garda!

Stroll around Castello Scaligero di Malcesine

After you have spent the morning exploring Monte Baldo and soaking up the spectacular views, head back down to ground level and wander around Malcesine.

One of the best things to do in the town of Malcesine is to visit the castle. The Castello Scaligero di Malcesine sits in a prime position, right on the edge of the lake, with panoramic views from the tall tower.

Inside the castle is a small science and natural history museum, which is perfect for rainy days in Lake Garda. Entry to the castle is €6 for adults, and €3 for under 13’s, and you can buy your tickets at the entrance.

To get to Malcesine from Bardolino, the best way is to either drive or take the local bus. The direct bus to Malcesine takes approximately 50 minutes. You need to catch bus number 483, which departs from Bardolino bus station, outside the main tourist office.

Lazise – Day 6

After a long, full day in Malcesine yesterday, you might want to enjoy a more leisurely day today, with a stroll to Lazise. From Bardolino, the walk along the lakefront to Laize is 5km one-way and will take approximately 70 minutes. You can also cycle if you have bikes, or if you prefer, you can catch the ferry which takes just 30 minutes.

If, like me, you decide to walk from Bardolino to Lazise, take a pit-stop half way in Cisano. Cisano is very small and only has a handful of cafes facing the lake. However it is a great place to enjoy a morning coffee and to break up your walk.

Lazise is a beautiful little town, with a tiny marina for small boats. Overlooking the marina is the Pieve Romanica di San Nicolò church, and next to the church, is an events venue where there are often weddings taking place. Most of Lazise is enclosed by historic old stone walls and at the southern side of the town walls sits the Castle of Lazise. Sadly, this castle is not open to the public and can only be visited by private tours, however it is beautiful to see from the outside.

Afternoon at Lazise

Back in the centre of Lazise, enjoy lunch in one of the cafes or restaurants. There are plenty to choose from along the front of the lake and marina, and also in the main town square.

After lunch, have a wander around the town, exploring the little side streets. For a small town, Lazise has plenty of shops, especially clothes and souvenir shops.

Once you have explored Lazise, walk back to Bardolino along the lakefront, and stop in Cisano again for an ice cream! (I think I ate ice cream every single day for a week when I was in Lake Garda – it is simply too good not to!) 

Cycle around Lake Garda or Theme Park – Day 7

I visited Bardolino with a group of adults, so on our final day, we cycled our e-bikes from Bardolino all the way to Desenzano del Garda.

The distance is 31 km each way, so 62 km in total. If you were to ride the distance without stopping, it takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. However, we stopped at several places along the way for a rest and to enjoy the view.

Between Bardolino and Pescheria, the cycle path follows the shoreline of the lake. However once you reach Pescheria, the cycle path takes you inland the rest of the way. You do cycle on some busier roads but the cycle paths are wide and I felt very safe.

Desenzano del Garda has a small marina, surrounded by restaurants, where we stopped for lunch. The town itself is quite small, but has a few clothing and gift shops. After lunch, we walked up to Desenzano Castle before cycling back to Bardolino. You can’t go in the castle, unfortunately, however you can enjoy the sweeping views over the town.

Bardolino with Kids

If a full day cycle ride sounds too much for you, or if you are visiting Bardolino with children, then there are several alternative family-friendly activities around Bardolino which you might be interested in: 

Gardaland Resort theme park

Gardaland is a 25 minute drive, or bus ride from Bardolino. If you are getting the bus, you will need either number 483 or 164, departing from the main bus station outside Bardolino tourist office.

Gardaland is great for the whole family, and has rides and shows suitable for all ages. Ticket prices start from €39 for a one day pass, and I would recommend booking them online as they are often cheaper.

Caneva Aquapark

Caneva water park is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day in Bardolino. The waterpark is great for families visiting Lake Garda, with a range of rides, lazy river, adult pool and restaurants. Note that the waterpark is seasonal and is only open between mid-june to mid-september. It is very popular, so it can get very busy, especially during the school holidays.

Tickets cost €34 and can be booked online. To get to Caneva Aquapark from Bardolino, drive in 15 minutes or take the number 483 or 164 bus.

Jungle Adventure Park

Another great family attraction in Lake Garda is the Jungle Adventure Park. It is located close to Malcesine and is best reached by car from Bardolino, in just 30 minutes.

The Jungle Adventure Park is great for families with older children. There are a range of tree top adventure courses and zip-lines to experience. Prices vary, depending on which courses you choose to take on, all of which can be booked on their website.

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I hope you enjoyed reading the 7-day Bardolino Itinerary at Lake Garda. 

If Helen has left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well

Curious Goose Author’s bio

Helen Wildgoose is the founder and owner of Curious Goose travel blog – sharing travel tips, itineraries and destination guides. Helen has a passion for hiking and all things travel. Her experience  includes; full time backpacking, van life adventures and travelling around a 9-5 job. Follow her adventures on Instagram

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