Small beaches to relax on, nature trails, colourful villages to get lost in, gentle hills, and mountain landscapes. All of this in one splendid territory like Lake Garda, which offers possibilities for everyone’s taste. If you’re looking for experiences to enhance your vacation, you’re in the right place: in this article, you’ll find 10 activity suggestions to do at Lake Garda. Discover the recommendations from Rent Garda Lake, perfect for both a family trip and a getaway with friends!
Table of Contents
1. Group Water Sports
Lake Garda is the perfect destination for a weekend with friends. Here you can have fun with your friends and relax to the sweet sound of waves and wind while tasting some local cuisine and trying various water sports.
SUP (Stand Up Paddling) is very popular among young people, a sport that involves using a surfboard-like paddleboard where you stand and paddle. Exploring small beaches together will be truly enjoyable!
You must certainly try rafting in the Adige River if you prefer a more active activity. It involves descending a river in a rubber boat, carried by the water current. There are several facilities near the lake offering this type of experience, and you can choose between easier and calmer routes or more adventurous tours.
Finally, to see the lake from a different perspective, you can also relax on a canoe. This way, you can reach small tranquil coves where you can take a break and admire the charming towns of Garda directly from the water. And if you want to surprise your loved one, why not book a canoe tour towards sunset? It will be a truly exciting experience.
2. Explore the Most Beautiful Villages of the Lake
For history and culture lovers, venturing into the charming villages of Lake Garda is an unmissable activity. The architecture of these ancient villages will leave you speechless. Walking along the lake promenade or through the colourful alleys of the town centre will reveal charming views and local traditions with centuries of history.
Which are the must-visit villages? Here are some recommendations to start with:
- In the Venetian part of the lake, the not-to-be-missed ones are Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, Lazise, Garda, and Malcesine.
- Moving to Lombardy, you must visit most certainly Limone sul Garda, Sirmione, Salò, and Desenzano del Garda at least once in your life.
- Finally, on the Trentino side, Riva del Garda and Torbole are worth a stop.
3. Thrilling Rock Climbing
Are you someone who seeks thrilling experiences and activities that give you an adrenaline rush throughout your body? If so, this is tailored specifically for you. Lake Garda is dotted with hills and mountains, and rock climbing is a popular sport here. There are routes for professionals as well as easier walls suitable for beginners or children.
4. Exciting Vespa Ride
A Vespa is a fun and convenient way to explore Lake Garda. Easy to ride, it will take you on a discovery of this territory. At Rent Garda Lake, you can easily and quickly rent your Vespa and embark on an adventure. East or West Shore? North or South? Don’t worry: if it’s your first visit to the lake and you’re undecided about which part to explore, you can rely on organized tours. This way, you’ll see the typical villages and the most beautiful views of Garda, making stops at the most scenic viewpoints and tasting the local products this region offers.
5. Adventurous Via Ferratas
For hiking enthusiasts, Lake Garda offers numerous trails, trekking routes, and Via Ferratas. Particularly in the Trentino area, you’ll find some of the most beautiful and breath-taking iron-paths of varying difficulty levels, suitable for both beginners and professionals. Climbing steps and overcoming walls will soon be rewarded with incredible views.
6. Discovering Local Productions
In recent years, food and wine tourism at Lake Garda has become increasingly popular. Many visitors come to spend a weekend immersed in good food and wine, visiting wineries and farms in the area to learn about the local traditions and gastronomic culture. Freshwater fish, Garda D.O.P. olive oil, white and red wines, citrus fruits, and cheeses are just some of the typical products that the lake offers and that you can taste.
7. Land and Sky with Paragliding
Flying and admiring the lake from above? Paragliding is one of the activities not to be missed at Lake Garda. In this area, the air currents create perfect conditions for paragliders and hang gliders to take flight. There are many facilities where you can go for a tandem flight with an experienced instructor. The emotions you’ll take home will be truly indescribable and unforgettable.
8. Relaxing Panoramic Bike Ride
Have you ever heard of the bike path suspended in the void? We’re in Limone sul Garda, literally suspended between the blue of the lake water and the azure sky. A must-do experience is cycling along this famous bike path for a relaxing panoramic ride with lake views. A piece of advice? Keep your phone or camera handy! Every curve reveals an amazing view.
9. Savouring Lake Cuisine
What could be more experiential than sipping a good glass of wine on a terrace overlooking Lake Garda or savouring a delicious seafood dish in a restaurant by the lakeside? Food and wine themselves are an experience that involves all five of our senses. So, dedicating a part of your vacation to tasting the local cuisine is definitely one of the activities to do at the lake.
10. Nature and Fun in the Garda Parks
Why not spend a day immersed in nature? At Lake Garda, you’ll find one of the largest zoos in Italy. We’re talking about Parco Natura Viva, a wildlife conservation centre for species from around the world. Suitable for both adults and children, here you can get up close with giraffes, lions, hippos, tigers, and many other animals.
If you prefer a carefree and entertaining day, you can visit one of the amusement parks around Lake Garda. With Gardaland, Sea Life Aquarium, Movieland, and the water parks Caneva Aquapark and Legoland, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
In conclusion
No matter what spirit you want to bring to your vacation at the lake, thanks to the variety of this territory, finding the perfect activity for Lake Garda according to your personality is possible. Among the various sports you can practice, cities to discover, and surrounding areas to explore, these experiences will certainly enrich your trip.
If you’re curious about visiting the lake on a Vespa, you can find all the information you need on the Rent Garda Lake website. And for more personalized advice on our tours, feel free to contact us: we’ll help you plan the one that suits your vacation the best.
