Our summer vacation of 2025 had been circled in red on the calendar for months: one week at Lake Garda with our kids, ages 10 and 12. Since we only had eight days, we went for speed and convenience—flying from Amsterdam to Verona (just under a two-hour flight) and arranging a rental car in advance. From Verona Airport, it’s less than half an hour to Peschiera del Garda, where we stayed. Perfect with kids who don’t want to spend endless hours in the car. Staying longer than a week? Then driving your own car is of course a great option too; you have more space for luggage and the freedom to stop wherever you like along the way.
We booked an apartment close to the promenade in Peschiera del Garda. Morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the lake, an evening stroll into town for pizza or gelato—instant vacation mode.
Charming towns around the lake
Lake Garda feels like one big open-air museum filled with picture-perfect villages. We visited Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, and Sirmione—each one a gem. Narrow streets, colorful houses, waterfront cafés, and that unmistakable Italian laid-back vibe everywhere. In Lazise we walked along the medieval city walls and had the best lemon granita ever. Bardolino is a wine lover’s paradise; we bought a bottle of Bardolino Chiaretto to take home, while the kids enjoyed an alcohol-free grape soda they absolutely loved. Garda itself is small but incredibly cozy, with a long square lined with restaurants. And Sirmione… well, that peninsula with its castle, thermal baths, and gently lapping water feels almost fairy-tale-like.
Tip: take the ferry! Boats depart from almost every town, and kids love cruising across the water. You see the lake from a whole new perspective and arrive relaxed in the next village.
Beaches, water fun, and don’t forget water shoes!
A quick reality check: don’t expect sandy beaches like at the seaside. These are pebble beaches. Seriously—bring water shoes, or your feet will hurt after five minutes. But once you’re in the water, it’s wonderful. The lake is crystal clear and slopes very gently—perfect for kids. We rented a pedal boat with a slide a few times (guaranteed success) and spent one morning canoeing. Paddling between sailboats with the mountains in the background—those are moments you never forget.
And yes, gelato every single day. That’s not optional, that’s mandatory. The kids even held a full-on “best ice cream on the lake” competition. Winner: a tiny place in Garda with pistachio gelato that was out of this world.
Bad weather day? Off to Verona!
Lake Garda is known for its Mediterranean climate, but the weather can turn suddenly. Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain—it happens. We had one gray day and immediately decided to drive to Verona (25 minutes from Peschiera). What a great choice! The city is beautiful, compact, and very kid-friendly. Of course, we visited Casa di Giulietta with that famous balcony. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. But hey—you’re there anyway. The kids especially enjoyed writing their names on the wall (with crayons, since permanent markers are no longer allowed) and dropping a love letter into the mailbox. We wandered around Piazza delle Erbe, ate pasta on a terrace, and climbed the Torre dei Lamberti for an amazing view. By the end of the day, the sun was shining again and we happily drove back.
The icing on the cake: Monte Baldo
On our second-to-last day, we wanted to do something special. We drove north along the lakeshore toward Malcesine—just that drive alone is breathtaking, with all the hairpin turns, tunnels, and views over the water. In Malcesine we bought tickets for the cable car up Monte Baldo (Funivia Malcesine–Monte Baldo). The cabin rotates 360 degrees during the ride, so you watch the lake shrink beneath you. At the top, at 5,774 feet (1,760 meters), we instantly got that “real Alpine feeling.” Green meadows, fresh air, cowbells in the distance. We took a relaxed walk across the mountain pastures, had coffee with warm apple strudel (yes, it feels a bit Austrian up there) in a mountain hut, and spent hours gazing at Lake Garda shimmering like a blue mirror below us. The kids chased butterflies and declared it “the best, best, best day ever.”
What do you bring home?
Besides a suitcase full of dirty laundry and a phone packed with photos—mostly unforgettable memories. Lake Garda is the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, nature, and fun for families. It’s not overly luxurious or trendy, but it is real Italy: great food, friendly people, stunning places, and plenty to do without your kids ever getting bored.
Would I book it again? In a heartbeat. And who knows—maybe next year we’ll stay a little longer… and perhaps drive, just so we can add an extra gelato stop along the way.
Want to experience the magical atmosphere of Lake Garda yourself?
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