Lake Garda Boat & Ferry Guide

Boats on Lake Garda offer the best way to get around. It can be the quickest way too, but my advice is to try not to rush; Garda is not that sort of place. Take your time and enjoy a slow cruise around the lake or from town to town. 

For those in a rush...

The hydrofoil and catamaran are the best options for those in a hurry. They are fast, and my son loves them. I think he would spend most of his day going up and down on the hydrofoil, but then he loves anything that goes fast - like the Frecciarosa trains. Personally, I find you zoom from one place to the next without seeing very much, and they are very expensive.

It is not worth it, in my considered opinion. While the experience undoubtedly has its merits, the hefty price tag challenges the notion of value. Is the fleeting thrill of speed truly worth the price? For some, the chance to partake in a swift aquatic adventure might be a memory worth making. For others, the idea of exchanging a slow meander across the lake for a swift passage might feel more like a transaction than an experience.

Taking the slow boats on Lake Garda…

The ferry ride is a symphony of visual delights. Each turn of the journey offers a new perspective, a fresh panorama. From the grandeur of Mount Baldo looming in the distance to the quaint harbors and pretty beaches dotted along the shoreline, every moment is a testament to Lake Garda's undeniable allure.

In an age where speed often dictates our lives, the Lake Garda ferries provide a welcome departure from the frenetic pace of modernity. As you step aboard, time itself seems to take a leisurely pause. The gentle lapping of water against the ferry's hull, the soft breeze that carries the scent of pine trees, and the unhurried movement across the lake all work in harmony to create an atmosphere of tranquility. This is the way to see the lake—slowly and calmly while sitting on deck and enjoying the sunshine.

Plenty of people take their cars across the lake like this, and it is quicker than driving all the way around. It makes sense considering the time saved, and if you work out the cost of the ferry versus the gasoline, it will probably save you money too. With multiple stops along the lake's perimeter, the ferries provide the flexibility to craft your own adventure, to hop off and explore a charming village, indulge in a leisurely lakeside lunch, or simply savor the feeling of the water beneath you.

Even slower are the old paddle steamers, the MPV Italia and the MPV G Zanardelli, still operating out of Desenzano and Riva. These are the oldest boats on Lake Garda and are over a hundred years old. They look quite magnificent, chugging up and down the lake. Sadly, I have never been on one, and I am not sure how you get to go on them. I believe they are now used only for private charters, so perhaps you need to work for a corporation that hires one for an event or something. If you do work for such a corporation, please invite me next time!

Tickets for the ferries, catamarans, and hydrofoils can be bought at the ports.
 

FAQ About Garda Ferries

Need somewhere to stay?

Hotels on Lake Garda are a mixed bag. I have a few I know and which I can trust to not let you down. Have a look at the list here.

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