If you’re planning a trip to Lake Garda, this might be the best way to explore it. We spent a full day visiting beautiful lakeside towns by ferry, and it became one of our favorite experiences in northern Italy.
In this post, you’ll find out which towns we visited, how the Navigarda boat system works, what it costs, and a few helpful travel tips.
About Lake Garda Italy
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located between Milan and Venice. It’s surrounded by the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino.
The lake is known for its clear blue water, charming towns, and scenic mountain views. You come here to relax by the water, explore by boat, or rent a self-driven motorboat. It’s also a great destination for swimming, hiking, and water sports like kitesurfing, sailing, jet skiing, or kayaking.
It’s one of Italy’s most popular holiday spots, and it’s easy to see why.
Exploring Lake Garda by Navigarda Ferry
We decided to explore the lake towns by boat using the Navigarda ferry. It turned out to be the best decision. The views from the water are stunning, and the lake’s color looks incredible compared to driving along the shore.
You also avoid the stress of finding parking in every town, which can be tough during peak season from June to August. If you have a car, visit during the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to October. Parking is easier, crowds are smaller, and the weather is more pleasant. You’ll also have a better chance of finding good seats on the boat.
Just keep in mind that in low season, Navigarda routes are limited. During that time, exploring by boat may not be possible. We’ll cover ticket prices and how to buy them soon.
But first, let’s start with one of the prettiest towns on the lake.
Sirmione Italy
During our trip, we drove from Madrid to Italy and stayed at Lake Caldonazzo in Trentino. It was the perfect base to explore the Dolomites and Lake Garda.
On our way, we stopped in Sirmione, a gorgeous town at the southern end of Lake Garda Italy. We had been here before on another trip when we also visited Peschiera del Garda and parts of Lake Como, but we couldn’t resist coming back.
We love walking by the water here and crossing the little bridge with flower boxes that leads into town. It’s right by Scaliger Castle, one of the top attractions in Sirmione.
Don’t miss Ponte Levatoio di Sirmione and grab a drink at Caffè Grande Italia in Piazza Giosuè Carducci. It’s a lovely square surrounded by colorful houses, with people relaxing and enjoying their drinks or lunch.
Quick tip for Sirmione: There are many gelato shops in the tourist area. Check Google reviews first and make sure prices are visible to avoid tourist traps.
We shared a few more things to do in Sirmione on our Instagram, so follow us there if you’re interested.
Starting the Journey in Riva del Garda
The Northern Lake Garda Route
Riva del Garda sits at the top of Lake Garda and was where we began our ferry journey. We bought our boat tickets here and started exploring the upper lake area.
The town has a lovely old port with plenty of cafés and lakefront restaurants. It’s also one of the best-connected towns in the north. Many Navigarda routes begin here, which makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Lake Garda by boat.
What to See in Riva del Garda
Before boarding, we visited Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta, a beautiful church that’s worth seeing. From the outside, it looks simple, but the interior is stunning.
If you enjoy visiting churches, there’s also Chiesa di Santa Maria Inviolata, though we didn’t have time to go inside.
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Navigarda Ticket Prices and Options
We bought our tickets at the stand near the boarding area. We chose the Northern Lake daily ticket, which takes you from Riva del Garda to Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, and Torbole, then back again.
It costs €20.50 for adults and €11 for children aged 4 to 11. Kids under 4 travel free but must sit on your lap. Tickets are also available online, but the round-trip options can be confusing. That’s why we preferred buying them in person at the port.
You can also get the Whole Lake Day Ticket, which includes both the upper and lower lake. If you choose this option, start early and only stop at towns you truly want to see. It’s better to visit fewer places and enjoy them than to feel rushed.
This trip we focused on the upper part of Lake Garda, but on our previous visit, we explored the southern area. Next time, we’d love to stay somewhere central and use the hop-on hop-off boat for a full week of exploring. It’s a great idea if a one-day trip feels too rushed.
Dinner by the Lake
After returning to Riva del Garda, we had dinner at Bellavista Ristorante Pizzeria. The name fits perfectly. The lake and mountain views at night were beautiful.
The food was good, not exceptional, but the setting and service made it worth it. It felt really romantic and is a lovely spot for a date night.
Visiting Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is one of those towns that lives up to its name. It’s famous for lemons, and you’ll see lemon trees, lemon-themed gifts, and decorations everywhere.
The town’s lemon-growing tradition dates back hundreds of years. Today, it’s one of the most charming and picturesque towns around Lake Garda Italy. It’s small, with about 1,000 residents, but full of charm and character.
We first visited by car but returned by boat since it was part of our Navigarda route. If you’re driving, park in the lakeside parking lot and walk into town.
The moment we arrived, we were blown away by the beauty. Out of all the towns we visited, Limone sul Garda was our favorite.
What to Do in Limone Lake Garda
One of the prettiest spots is the small port Porto Vecchio, surrounded by colorful houses and bougainvillea.
That’s where we found the best lemon sorbet we’ve ever had. It’s served inside a frozen lemon, and you can even eat the lemon inside of the shell afterward. They sell lemon-based products inside, including liqueurs like limoncello and handmade soaps. The sorbet costs €6, which is completely worth it for the quality and presentation.
We sat by the port watching boats come and go. When we got hungry, we found Focacceria Dal Piasarot, a small sandwich shop nearby. They make delicious focaccia with fresh ingredients. Our favorite was the “O’ Sole Mio” with mortadella, lemon carpaccio, stracciatella cheese, and pistachio cream. It cost €9 and was packed with flavor.
Malcesine Lake Garda
The views of Malcesine as the boat docks are incredible. The main port, Porticciolo di Malcesine, offers a postcard-perfect view of the lake.
You’re immediately greeted by Castello Scaligero di Malcesine, which you can visit for €7. There’s also a free viewpoint nearby called Punto Panoramico Malcesine with fantastic views over the water.
Exploring Malcesine
Malcesine is full of colorful streets, crystal-clear water, and beautiful views in every direction. One of the best spots for photos is the outdoor area of Palazzo dei Capitani, right by the lake. It has that cinematic Italian vibe that feels straight out of a movie.
Malcesine did feel more touristy compared to other towns like Limone sul Garda or Riva del Garda. Those towns also attract visitors but still feel a bit more authentic. We still recommend Malcesine, though we didn’t stay long. Overall, we enjoyed Limone and Riva slightly more.
We could have stopped at Torbole, but we were tired and ready for dinner back in Riva. It looked lovely from the boat, so we’ll save it for another trip.
Where to stay in Lake Garda
If you feel like splurging…
Cascina Borghetta – Cascina Borghetta has a peaceful location in the Lugana wine district, a 10-minute drive from Sirmione on Lake Garda. It is a working farm producing its own wine. Each property with a view of the vineyards
For a medium sized budget…
Try Camping in Sirmione at Estivo mobile homes on Camping Bella Italia. Each unit includes air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a garden, terrace, outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant. Additional amenities include a bar, children’s playground, and a waterpark. Located 19 km from Verona Airport, the camping is a 17-minute walk from Bergamini Beach. Nearby attractions include Gardaland (4.2 km) and Sirmione Castle (9 km).
Final Thoughts on Exploring Lake Garda Italy
If you’re planning to visit Lake Garda Italy, taking the Navigarda ferry is truly the best way to see it. You’ll experience more, stress less, and enjoy some of the most beautiful lake views in Italy.
Safe travels and enjoy your time at Lake Garda!
Planning more trips around northern Italy? Check out our guides to the Dolomites and Lake Como.
We also have a guide on everything you need to know to spend Rome in a day!
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