Lake Garda is undoubtedly the family holiday centre of the Italian Lakes. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is situated in Northern Italy – about halfway between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan on the edge of the Dolomites. The lake has numerous islands, including Isola del Garda where St Francis of Assisi founded a monastery in 1220.
Doted around the shores of the lake are various towns, including the ancient fortified town of Sirmione where you’ll find the picturesque Scaliger Castle dating from the 13th century. The climate is warm and mild, and you’ll find no end of activities to keep the whole family happy.
Riva del Garda is a lovely town to visit with the family. Set in a small valley surrounded by mountains it has a wonderful beach with safe swimming. Just above the town are the beautiful Arco Castle and the gorgeous Varone Falls. Wherever you visit on Lake Garda though, you’ll find beautiful swimming spots and you can try your hand at snorkelling, windsurfing or paddle boating.
With the mountains as a backdrop there are plenty of opportunities for trips on cable cars. The most exciting is the Monte Baldo cable car, where the rotating panoramic pods ascend the mountain from Malcesine. Or try the Alpyland Coaster, where you can bobsleigh down Monte Mottarone!
Lake Garda is also home to Italy’s number one theme park, Gardaland. There are an impressive array of thrilling rides and on summer evenings there are laser shows and fireworks. It’s also home to the Sea Life Aquarium. Just down the road is Caneva Aquapark, with a variety of rides, water slides, a white sand beach and an adventure island.
Whilst you’re visiting Lake Garda be sure to try out the local gelato – Italian ice cream that every child is guaranteed to love!
Fly to Verona (the nearest airport to Lake Garda) with a variety of airlines, including EasyJet, Monarch, Lufthansa and Air France.
Family friendly campsites
Moniga del Garda, Piantelle
Camping Piantelle is situated on the south shores of Lake Garda and is just a short walk from the picturesque lakeside town of Moniga del Garda. The site has direct access to a beach and jetty where the crystal waters are ideal for swimming and canoeing. There's a lovely swimming pool, a separate children's pool and play areas and a games room to keep everyone happy. In the evening why not enjoy a meal at the on site restaurant, serving a wide range of traditional Italian meals.
Castelnuovo del Garda, Belvedere Village
Belvedere Village offers stunning views over the southern part of Lake Garda and is set in lovely gardens, complete with palm trees. There are three lagoon-style swimming pools, water slides, children's pool and an aqua gym in the pool complex, or you could try your hand at table tennis or volleyball. The site is just 3 miles from the lively resort of Peschiera del Garda with plenty of shops and restaurants, or eat at the on site restaurant or pizzeria.
Desenzano-del-Garda, San Francesco (Desenzano Brescia)
Camping San Francesco is set on the southern banks of beautiful Lake Garda, with direct access to a lovely lakeside beach. The superb pool complex has two lagoon-style pools and a separate pool for children as well as a poolside bar for a cooling drink. There are plenty of sporting activities available, such as tennis, basketball and football, as well as water sports on the lake.
San Felice del Benaco, Europa Silvella
Situated in the Gulf of Manerba, Camping Europa Silvella is a relaxing campsite on the banks of Lake Garda. Kids will love the pool complex with swimming pool and separate paddling pool, plus there's a jacuzzi for adults to relax in. Enjoy a great meal in the on site restaurant with its stunning views over the lake, or take a boat ride to explore more of the surrounding area.
Peschiera del Garda, Campeggio del Garda
Sitting on the banks of Lake Garda is Campeggio del Garda campsite. The site has direct access to a lakeside beach where you can try your hand at water sports or simply relax and enjoy the views. The site has excellent facilities with two swimming pools with water slides, a gym and a children's club. In the evening enjoy a meal at the restaurant or catch one of the shows put on by the entertainment team.
Peschiera del Garda, Butterfly
Camping Butterfly is a lovely site, located just a short walk from a great lakeside beach and the lively resort of Peschiera del Garda. The site has a large swimming pool and a separate children's pool, while little ones will enjoy the small playground. During high season there's a children's club with activities through the day and live music and shows at night. Why not take one of the lake steamers from Peschiera del Garda to explore the area even more?
Cisano di Bardolino, Cisano San Vito
Camping Cisano San Vito is a relaxed campsite with direct access to a lakeside beach on the shores of Lake Garda. The site includes a lovely pool complex with two swimming pools and water slides as well as a separate children's pool. You can try out a range of water sports at the lake, such as canoeing, waterskiing and windsurfing. or relax with a meal at the on site restaurant.
Peschiera del Garda, Bella Italia
Camping Bella Italia is located on the banks of the beautiful Lake Garda, with direct access to a long, shingle lakeside beach. Here, you can take to the water on pedaloes, canoes or even windsurfs or simply enjoy some food at the lakeside restaurant (one of three restaurants on site). The site also has its own lagoon-style pool and water slides as well as lots of other facilities such as archery, a tennis court, playground, trampoline and games room.
Valeggio sul Mincio, Altomincio Family Park
Located just 4 miles south of beautiful Lake Garda, Altomincio Family Park campsite is a car-free haven designed with children in mind. The centrepiece of the site is the fantastic pool complex with three swimming pools and three large water slides, surrounded by a sun terrace and poolside children's bar. During high season the site runs an excellent family entertainment programme which includes sports tournaments, aqua fun, children's discos, live music and excursions.
San Felice del Benaco, Eden (San Felice Del Benaco)
Camping Eden campsite is set on a series of terraces on the western banks of Lake Garda, with wonderful views over the lake. The site has direct access to a lakeside beach and jetty where you can swim in the clear waters or try your hand at windsurfing or canoeing. There are two pools on site, each with a water slide to keep big and little kids happy. The large terrace of the bar and restaurant offers a great view over the lake and is a perfect spot to enjoy some Italian pizza or gelato.
