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HomeRoad TripsEuropeSouth EuropeItalyGarda Lake Loop
Garda Lago Di Lake - Free photo on Pixabay

Garda Lake Loop

Riva Del Garda - Gargnano - Sirmione - Garda - Malcesine

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Urban life Urban life
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Garda Lake Loop ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km155 h/stage0.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Garda Lake Loop in Italy?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 132EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 253EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 343EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 209EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 378EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 540EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 341EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 571EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 787EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 244EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 694EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Garda Lake Loop Itinerary

Garda Lake Loop is a stunning 155 km road trip that starts and ends in Riva Del Garda, Italy. The journey takes you through Gargnano, Garda and Malcesine, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The best time to drive this route is during the summer months, when you can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful landscapes. The roads are generally in good condition, although there are some curvy and narrow roads along the route. Despite this, the journey can be managed with ease by every driver. The experience of this road trip is one of a kind and it is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Although it is possible to complete the trip in two days, it is highly recommended to take your time and enjoy all that Garda Lake has to offer. Keep in mind that this road trip can be quite pricey, so make sure to plan your budget accordingly.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 155 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Riva Del Garda

Distance 155 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 40.3 kWh Airports VRN , BGY
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Riva del Garda is a beautiful town located on the northern shore of the stunning Lake Garda in Italy. Perfectly situated for a road trip, Riva del Garda is the starting point of the famous Garda Lake Loop. The town is a great spot for visitors to explore the lake and appreciate its natural beauty. With plenty of outdoor activities available, visitors can enjoy sailing, windsurfing and cycling around the lake or take a leisurely stroll through the old town and admire the historic churches and monuments. Riva del Garda also offers a wealth of cultural attractions. The town is home to many art galleries and museums, as well as a theatre which hosts regular events. For those looking to sample local cuisine, Riva del Garda has a variety of restaurants and bars to explore. The closest international airport to Riva del Garda is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), located just over an hour away by car. Car rental is available at this airport, making it easy to get to Riva del Garda and begin the Garda Lake Loop road trip. Riva del Garda is a great place to start an unforgettable road trip around Lake Garda. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture and easy access to the rest of the lake, Riva del Garda is the perfect starting point for exploring this beautiful region.

1 Riva Del Garda - Gargnano

Distance 30 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 7.8 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Begin your journey in Riva del Garda, a charming town situated on the northern tip of Italy’s Lake Garda. From there, take a scenic drive along the lake, passing through Limone sul Garda. This picturesque village is known for its lemon groves and stunning views of the lake. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets or enjoy a leisurely boat ride. After a 30km drive, you will arrive in Gargnano, a stunning medieval village. Explore the town’s narrow streets and admire its historical sites, like the Church of Santa Maria della Neve. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the lake and be sure to look out for winding roads and narrow sections. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so be sure to check the itinerary for attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

2 Gargnano - Sirmione

Distance 46 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: slow 10.5 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site camper parking available
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Gargnano to Sirmione, a journey of only 46 km that will take you less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Gargnano, a picturesque village on the western shore of Lake Garda, and admire its beautiful houses and the majestic mountains that surround it. Then, move on to Salo, a small and charming town located in a breathtaking landscape. Here, you can visit the Salo Cathedral, a beautiful building with a rich history. Finally, your journey ends in Sirmione, a stunning city built on a peninsula. Here, you can explore the ruins of a Roman villa, the Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. On your way, drive carefully and enjoy the winding roads, narrow passages and stunning views of Lake Garda. Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route.

3 Sirmione - Garda

Distance 35 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: modest 9.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options camper parking available junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape
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Are you ready for a memorable road trip? Let's start in Sirmione, a charming town located on the southern tip of Lake Garda. From here, you will be driving along the lake for about 35 km until you reach Peschiera del Garda. The journey will take you less than an hour and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive in Peschiera del Garda, you can explore its historical sites, including the Venetian walls and the castle. You can also take a stroll along the lakefront promenade and admire the picturesque landscape. Continue your road trip until you reach Garda, where you can visit the Palazzo dei Capitani. Here, you can admire the stunning architecture and take in the breathtaking views of the lake. As you drive along this route, be sure to take in the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You will also come across some charming villages along the way, so be sure to explore them. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip and enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda!

4 Garda - Malcesine

Distance 28 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 7.2 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options camper parking available
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Welcome to the Garda to Malcesine road trip! This 28 km stretch of scenic road will take you less than an hour to complete, and the breathtaking views of Lake Garda will make the journey even more enjoyable. The first stop on your journey should be Garda, a charming town on the lake's shore. Here you can take a stroll along the promenade, visit the historic center, or relax in one of the many parks. Next, you'll travel to Malcesine, a picturesque village perched atop a rocky hill. Here you can explore the narrow cobblestone streets, visit the castle, and take a cable car ride up to the Monte Baldo summit. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views of Lake Garda along the way. As you drive, you'll have the chance to spot some of the area's most iconic landmarks, including the Scaligero Castle, the San Michele Tower, and the ruins of the Castello di Avio. At the end of this stage, you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Malcesine - Riva Del Garda

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 4.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on a road trip from Malcesine to Riva Del Garda and discover the beauty of the Italian Alps. This 17 km journey takes less than an hour and is one of the most scenic routes in the region. Start your journey in Malcesine and explore its old town, with its cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and beautiful churches. Next, take a boat ride to the Scaliger Castle, which is located on a small island on the lake. Then, drive along the lake and admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you make your way to Riva Del Garda, make sure to take a few stops to admire the small villages and the breathtaking views of the lake. Finally, arrive in Riva Del Garda and explore its picturesque old town. Take a stroll along the lake and visit the old churches and the castle. Don't forget to take a boat ride to the nearby Monte Baldo mountain to admire the stunning views of the lake. To get the most out of your road trip, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

  Riva Del Garda

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Riva del Garda is the perfect destination to end an exciting road trip around the picturesque Garda Lake. Located on the northernmost tip of the lake, this lovely town is nestled between the Dolomites and the Alps, making it a stunningly scenic spot. Riva del Garda is home to many attractions, including historical sites, beaches, and even a fortress. Visiting the old town is a must for anyone wishing to experience the charm of Riva del Garda. Here one can find cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a variety of shops. The nearby Castello Rocca is a great place to explore the town’s history, while the picturesque lakeshore promenade is the ideal spot to soak up the sun and take in the views. Beachgoers will love the many beaches in Riva del Garda. From the rocky coves of Porto San Nicolo to the sandy beaches of Lido di Arco, there is something for everyone. For a more active holiday, Riva del Garda has plenty of outdoor activities to offer. From paddleboarding and kayaking to hiking and mountain biking, there are plenty of ways to explore the area. For those arriving by air, the nearest international airport is Verona Airport (VRN), which is about an hour away from Riva del Garda. No matter how you choose to get here, Riva del Garda is the ideal place to end the Garda Lake Loop and enjoy the beauty of this stunning region.

Garda Lake Loop at a glance

Facts for safer driving in Italy

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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