Lake Garda

Sadly, there are no such hidden gems left, too many tourists!

However, with a car, I would like to suggest Gardone Riviera or Salo on the western shore. As there are no train connections, fewer tourists.

Both are charming small towns, with good ferry connections all over the lake.

Thanks. I appreciate the tips.

If you are coming in summer be aware that the west side is actually really busy with locals from Brescia area coming to the lake on weekends in summer (in addition to tourists from outside the area) so jammed with cars on the one lane road. So very busy with locals in addition to tourists outside Italy - if not as many train related tourists as east side. Weekdays better. .

hey hey Amy Mac
as Lin C says, hidden gems are no more "too many tourists". you'll need to find your own, keep it to yourself, with no mention on social media & instagram
make sure you get an IDP (aaa.com/IDP) mandatory in italy for every driver, read laws, rules, signage
several years ago we drove from venice to bardolino for their annual wine festival "festa dell' uva e del vino" late september early october, was fabulous. lake garda has become more popular and crowded with many passing by lake como.
when are you going, how many people and any kids "ages", many small towns/villages you take your pick. i would stay at least 4 days to explore both sides of lake, ferries, water activities, farmers markets, etc "family activities" on lower end of lake there are some camping resorts on the beaches with many activities, mobile home "maxicaravans", shops, restaurants, parking, laundry, grocery store
campingspiaggiadoro.com
laroccacamp.com
campingsanfrancesco.com
click village and will show you what's available for families
earthtrekkers.com/ lake garda: 25 things to do on lake
gardavisit.it (click find inspiration, click lake villages, or click towns on top of page)
summarizes what is there and things to do
lakegardatravel.net
lots of info for you to investigate with your own decisions. have fun & enjoy the beautiful views of lake and mountains
aloha

I don't know how long you have, but we had two nights (sadly only 1 day) so we stayed in Peschiera del Garda (LOVED IT) but only made it to Garda town and Sirmione via ferry. I would say one day you could ferry and one day you could drive to those farther places (like the WAY NORTH which takes HOURS to get there via ferry). Gardaland is an amusement park that families enjoy near the south side.

I loved staying in Torri del Benaco a couple years ago. There are many German tourists but few Americans. The popularity did not take anything away from our time there. Also, this town was way more laid back than others we visited.

I would recommend staying on the east side of the lake as the mountain views are more spectacular from that vantage point. Also the views are better on the northern half of the lake as it narrows.

We are staying in Malcesine for 5 nights right now and loving it. We’re in an Airbnb that has views of both the castle and the lake, and we’re a stone’s throw from the old town and a nice supermarket. It’s a great area. The mountains come right down to the lake and they’re breathtaking! We have no car. We always use public transport or hire a driver. The ferries take us wherever we want to go, and the lift up to Monte Baldo is only a 5 minute walk. This lake is gorgeous! We arrived here following 6 nights in Ortisei in the Dolomites. Next is Venice and then home. Enjoy your time in northern Italia!