Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is undoubtedly one of the loveliest places to stay on Lake Garda.

What's so good about it? Read on...

Three Reasons Peschiera del Garda is Great

• Its position makes it ideal for exploring the lake and visiting charming nearby towns like Sirmione and Lazise. It has a great cycle path too, which leads you inland through picturesque little towns and villages and landscapes of incredible beauty. One of the loveliest of those little towns you'll pass is Borghetto sul Mincio, considered to be one of Italy's most beautiful small towns. 
• Little can beat long summer evenings spent in the maze of streets of the Peschiera del Garda old town. Wander the lanes or get a table at a pavement restaurant, like in the photo. Enjoy the laughter of friends and family while enjoying plate after plate of delicious Italian food.
• Lastly, if you have children, then Peschiera del Garda is just perfect. Right on the doorstep of Gardaland, Movieland, and other theme parks. Free buses run from the station to all the main parks. I tend to find three solid days of theme parks to be about enough for me, but my son is only just getting into it by then.

Where to Stay

Andrew and I have always stayed at the Hotel Puccini. It is at the end of the promenade, near the beaches, and a short walk from the old town.

The owners of the hotel know the area inside out and will offer you tons of advice on places to visit; most of their advice is excellent. Just don't eat at the restaurant down the road and to the left; even if the hotel recommends it, which they will, they own it! While it may offer great views, the food is bland and uninspiring.

The hotel itself is fabulous and clean, with a great swimming pool and views over the lake from most rooms. I always look forward to returning, and I have yet to be disappointed.

It can book up quickly in the summer, though, so don't leave it too late. We did that once and ended up having to stay elsewhere, and the place we stayed at was so terrible that it ruined our vacation.

What to See

Head to the Beach

Peschiera del Garda has a long beach, which, although pebbly, is a pleasant place. For the best Garda beaches access our Garda Beach Guide here. There is also a lovely lakeside promenade which runs all the way from the old town to the beach. I particularly enjoy summer evenings; the family and I buy gelato (ice cream) and stroll along the promenade, listening to the sound of Italians chattering away while the lake gently laps at the shore and the sky turns golden. Bliss!

Explore an Ancient Fortress

The town's roots stretch back to Roman times, and number one on the historical attractions list is the Rocca Scaligera, a formidable fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress and walls were originally built by the Romans, but the current ones date back to the 14th century. You can explore its intricate architecture, walk along its ramparts, and take in panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape.

As you walk around the town, the canals leading onto the lake give it a little bit of a Venice feel.

Shop the Old Town

The town has now expanded beyond the original walls, but I love the old part of town. Its historic center is a charming maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops, a delightful place to savor the ambiance of this ancient town, where you'll discover hidden corners, small piazzas, and inviting cafes. I always find a few good shops to waste my money. For serious shopping, though, the Monday market is by far the best option.

For more photos of Peschiera click here to view our gallery.

Getting to Peschiera 

From Milan

By Car:

The best option is to pick up a car rental at the airport; that way, you'll have more freedom to explore Lake Garda and the surrounding towns and countryside. Once you've got the car, take the A4 motorway eastbound, heading towards Venice. Continue on the A4 until you reach the Peschiera del Garda exit. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. For our guide to driving in Italy, filled with essential tips, click here.

By Train:

From Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP):

• Take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale railway station. The journey takes around 50 minutes.
• At Milano Centrale, board a train heading to Venice or Verona, which will make a stop at Peschiera del Garda. The journey from Milan to Peschiera by train takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.

From Milan Linate Airport (LIN):

• The easiest way is to take a taxi or a shuttle to Milano Centrale railway station.
• Once at Milano Centrale, follow the same steps as above to reach Peschiera del Garda by train.

From Verona, Treviso and Venice Airports

Verona:

The closest major airport to Peschiera del Garda is Verona Airport (Valerio Catullo), conveniently situated just 20 kilometers away. You can easily reach Peschiera del Garda by taxi or rental car. The scenic drive from the airport to the town takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering you your first glimpse of the stunning Lake Garda landscape.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport:

• Take the ATVO or ACTV bus to Venice Mestre railway station. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
• At Venice Mestre, catch a train to Verona Porta Nuova railway station. The train journey from Venice to Verona takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• From Verona Porta Nuova railway station, you can board a train to Peschiera del Garda. The train ride from Verona to Peschiera is relatively short, with a duration of about 15-20 minutes.

From Treviso Airport:

• Take a shuttle bus to Treviso railway station. The shuttle ride usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
• At Treviso railway station, board a train to Verona Porta Nuova railway station, similar to the route from Venice.
• From Verona Porta Nuova railway station, continue your journey to Peschiera del Garda by train.

Getting around Peschiera

Once you arrive in Peschiera del Garda, getting around is convenient. The town is easily navigable by foot, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas or take a leisurely ride along the shores of Lake Garda, consider renting a bicycle.

Near Garda