Things to Do in Lake Garda

Italy's seismic landscape has led to many natural thermal spas around the country, including the Garda Thermal Park, set near the northern retreat of Lake Garda on the estate of an 18th-century villa, Villa dei Cedri. Also known as Parco Termale del Garda in Italian, the park features two lakes and several bathing pools, all of which are kept warm thanks to the underground thermal spring that feeds them. Travelers will find fountains, waterfalls and even water massage jets in both the lakes and the bathing pools at the park. The lakes and pools are lit after dark, making for especially relaxing spa treatments, while the beautiful lawns are ideal for lounging before and after bathing. Overlooking the thermal park, every hotel room at Villa dei Cedri features warm water from the nearby thermal spring. But you don’t have to stay at the property to visit the Garda Thermal Park and utilize its soothing springs.

The town of Desenzano del Garda is a popular tourist destination on the southern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Along with many other towns in the area, this spot was a beloved resort for ancient Roman nobles from nearby Verona. One of the main attractions is the ruin of a Roman villa and its associated museum. There is also an archaeological museum in the town, with exhibits showcasing even older artifacts than the Roman ones.

Visiting lakeside towns in Italy can be difficult if you don't have a car, but Desenzano del Garda has a train station. It's less resort-like than some other Lake Garda towns, and has good transport connections, including ferries to reach other parts of the lake.