First Visit to Lake Garda

I practically grew up in Desenzano (well, not quite but I used to go there every year on vacation as a kid) and that's why I like it a lot. You have many options for shopping and of course the large market on Tuesday mornings right on the promenade at the port.

Your hotel is right on a street. I remember that the bus goes there, but I don't know how busy it is in October. In summer it gets pretty loud and busy on this street.

Peschiera is a beauty. There is a market here on Mondays and it is also a place where you can stroll around. I think even more than in Desenzano.

In your case, I would probably choose Peschiera :-)

I don't know when exactly the winter timetable will be available for this year, but there will be ferries even after October 8th.

Sirmione is a jam, but incredibly crowded in the summer. I think it will definitely be worth visiting in October. Also, of course, Malcesine. But I actually prefer the western shore of the lake and I love Sirmione. I particularly like Salò or Limone Sul Garda.
As you wrote, the north also has its charm. In October it is much more autumnal there. Here I particularly like Riva del Garda.

In autumn the air on Lake Garda is clearer and therefore a trip to Monte Baldo would be very worthwhile. Or you can rent bicycles.
But actually I would suggest just strolling through the vilages, enjoying a cappuccino on a promenade from time to time and just being happy that you are in one of the most beautiful places imaginable.

As far as eating is concerned, many tourist traps have already closed in October. Slowly (even more in winter) you're getting to the point where only a few restaurants are open where the locals would go. So you can't do too much wrong there.

Robin,

After careful consideration, I chose to stay in Peschiera del Garda and would do so again. I stayed at a very convenient hotel right across from the rail station, and found it to be very comfortable. I can't remember the name of the hotel but could check my records if you're interested.

I did visit Sirmione one day and wasn't impressed; I won't be going there again.

The boat docks were about a 15 minute walk from the hotel (I know, as I timed it), and there are frequent boats to various points on the lake. As I recall, you'll have a choice between car ferries, passenger ferries and the aliscafo (hydrofoil). There are schedules on-line that provide all the details - https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/ .

I don't remember any of the restaurants I dined at in Peschiera. I often just have a look inside the restaurant to see if there are lots of diners, and then check the menu outside to see if there's anything I'm interested in. All the restaurants I dined at there were good.

With such a limited time frame, something like this might work....

• Day 1 (half day): tour Peschiera, sample the local restaurants. You might want to pace yourself as you'll probably be dealing with jet lag.
• Day 2 (full day): Take the boats to the north end of the lake and visit Malcesine, Limone sul Garda or other locations you may be interested in. You'll have to prioritize your time as you won't be able to see them all. Limone is very scenic but not much to see. The restaurants along the waterfront are somewhat "touristy" and I thought the food was just "average". You might enjoy Malcesine as it's also very scenic and if the cable car is operating, you can take a trip up the mountain.
• Day 3 (full day): take the train to Verona and have a look at the sights there. The rail station is a short distance from the main part of town and Piazza Bra. There's a bus but I decided to take a taxi. I found the large Roman amphitheatre interesting. They still hold shows there on a regular basis. You'll have to decide whether the touristy Romeo & Juliet site is worthwhile. There are restaurants all over, so you won't have trouble finding one.

You might have a look at the current RS Italy guidebook for other suggestions.

Thanks for the Awesome information!

Don't limit yourself to towns with train stations. It is easy to take a ferry to other towns on the lake.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and valuable opinions. We plan to stay in Peschiera and take the ferry or hydrofoil to other towns. I'm sure we will have a great visit. Thanks again!

Sorry this is late considering your recent decision to stay in Pechiera. We just stayed in Desenzano and loved it. We stayed at The Park Hotel 4 nights. I would skip Sirmione unless you like to shop. I'd definitely spend a day in Verona. We did two tours there - a walking food tour and a wine tour. Both were outstanding.

Hi
We'll be visiting family in Bologna in late March - and will have 4-5 days for additional travel in the region. We were thinking of Verona for 2 nights - and then either Desenzano or Peschiera for another 2 nights.

Does anyone have strong feelings about travel to lake Garda in early Spring? Do any of the above stand out as best destinations? Hotel recommendations?

Charlie

Warm recordings of Lazise visiting with my family.
It is a really nice seaside town maybe 20 minutes from Peschiera, has a great waterfront walk area. And nice foodie parts...