Lake Garda Holidays 2026 / 2027

Sun setting over Lake Garda, capturing the beauty of holidays in Lake Garda.

Best hotels in Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake, in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy. It has everything from quiet wine villages and historic spa towns to livelier lakeside resorts, so there's a base to suit how you want to spend your week. Its shores draw a loyal following, with over 1,000 Thomas Cook holidaymakers visiting the lake over the past year, and August the most popular month to travel.

Thomas Cook offers ATOL-protected Lake Garda holidays 2026 and 2027, with flights and hotels in one booking from UK airports – including Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Bristol and Edinburgh. Book holidays to Lake Garda around school terms, bank holidays or flexible travel dates.

Lake Garda resorts

Sirmione – Sirmione is a peninsular resort on Lake Garda's south shore, known for its Roman ruins, thermal spa and medieval castle. A popular choice for couples and cultural breaks. Guests regularly return to Hotel Riel, one of our most popular Sirmione stays.

Limone sul Garda – Limone sul Garda sits beneath steep cliffs on Lake Garda's west shore, where lemon groves, watersports and lakeside paths attract active couples and families. La Limonaia Hotel & Residence is a real favourite – one of our most-booked stays on Lake Garda.

Malcesine – Malcesine is an east-shore resort known for its Monte Baldo cable car, walking routes and windsurfing. One for walkers, cyclists and anyone who likes to stay active on holiday.

Desenzano del Garda – Desenzano del Garda is Lake Garda's largest town, with busy piazzas, good restaurants and direct rail links to Milan and Venice. A natural choice if you prefer a city-break feel.

Garda Town – Garda Town sits on Lake Garda's central east shore, where family-friendly beaches and a relaxed atmosphere make it a popular base for exploring the lake.

Bardolino – Bardolino is a quieter wine town known for its vineyards and olive oil production. Popular with couples looking for low-key evenings and a more laid-back side of Lake Garda.

Riva del Garda – Riva del Garda sits at the northern tip of the lake, where alpine scenery, watersports and cycling routes make active holidays the main draw. Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort is one of the most popular hotels with our guests here.

Peschiera del Garda – Peschiera del Garda combines a UNESCO-listed Venetian fortress with a south shore location close to Gardaland. It’s a hit with families with younger children.

Holiday Types

All Inclusive

All Inclusive Lake Garda holidays typically include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and selected drinks at your hotel, so most of your holiday costs are covered before you travel.

Package holidays

Lake Garda package holidays include flights, hotel and ATOL protection in one booking, taking care of the main parts of your holiday before you travel. 7 nights is the sweet spot for most holidaymakers, though shorter 4 and 5-night getaways are booked up fast too.

Couples

Sirmione, Limone sul Garda and Bardolino are among Lake Garda's most popular resorts for couples, with lakeside restaurants, waterfront hotels and quieter surroundings.

Family

Peschiera del Garda and Garda Town work particularly well for family holidays, combining easy access to Gardaland with beaches that are well-suited to younger children.

Walking/active

Malcesine and Riva del Garda are good bases for walking and active holidays, with Monte Baldo's trails, cycling routes and watersports all within easy reach.

City break/cultural

Cultural holidays on Lake Garda combine Roman ruins in Sirmione, the wine region around Bardolino and lakeside towns like Desenzano del Garda.

Cheap

Cheap Lake Garda holidays are often about timing, with May, June, September and October regularly offering better value than the busiest summer weeks. Check our cheap Lake Garda holidays for the latest deals.

Last-minute

Last-minute Lake Garda holidays can be a good option throughout the year, with flights and hotels available across different seasons and travel dates. Explore our last-minute Lake Garda holidays for the latest deals.

When to Go

May–June

Lake Garda weather in May and June is mild, with temperatures around 22–26°C, fewer crowds and lower prices than the peak summer months. The lake is usually warm enough for swimming from late May, making this a great time for walking, cycling and lakeside stays before the main summer rush. June is a firm favourite, perfect if you like your holidays a little cooler and quieter.

July–August

July and August are Lake Garda's warmest and busiest months, with temperatures often reaching 28–32°C. This is the main summer season and a popular time for family holidays during the school break, so it's worth booking early.

September–October

September and October are often the cheapest months to visit Lake Garda, with warm weather, quieter lakeside towns and lower prices than peak summer. The lake usually stays warm enough for swimming into September, while Gardaland stays open throughout the month. September is our second most popular month to travel, as it’s slightly cooler and calmer than the summer peak.

UK Departure Airports

With direct flights departing from airports around the UK, and a choice of two arrival airports for Lake Garda, you’ve got plenty of options to book a trip that totally suits your plans.

Lake Garda holidays are available from Belfast, with direct flights to both Verona (Villafranca) and Bergamo (Orio al Serio).

Edinburgh departures offer direct flights to Verona and Bergamo, while Glasgow departures are also available with direct flights to Verona.

Newcastle offers direct flights to both Verona and Bergamo for Lake Garda holidays.

London Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham are the most popular airports for Lake Garda holidays from the UK. Along with London Gatwick and Bristol, they all offer direct flights to Verona and Bergamo.

Find cheap flights to Lake Garda from an airport near you.

Why Book with Thomas Cook

All Thomas Cook Lake Garda holidays are ATOL-protected and ABTA-backed. Flights and hotels are included in one booking, so you’ll have one place to contact if you need help before or during your trip – and see the full cost before you book. Holidays are priced from around £838pp, dropping to roughly £567pp over winter, or from about £879pp during peak summer. Plus, you can secure your holiday with a low deposit.

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2-20 ℃

Year-round weather for outdoor activities, from summer sunbathing to winter skiing.

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2 hours 30 minutes

Fly to Verona Villafranca Airport/Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) or Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY).

Map of Lake Garda

Lake Garda holidays are best for...

Walkers: Enjoy beautiful coastal walks and hillside climbs for views of the rich blue sea, north or south of the region.

History buffs: Explore the Bronze Age relics, 15th-century frescos and Renaissance villas that dominate the Old Town centre.

Adventurers: Part of Garda’s charm is its accessibility. Hop on a bus, boat, hydrofoil or catamaran to start your adventure!

Getting around Lake Garda

👣 By foot: Garda Town is full of narrow streets, allowing you to explore all its hidden treasures on foot. The main part of the town is pedestrianised, making it even easier to access.

🚲 By bike: Lake Garda offers so many breathtaking cycling routes. The Ciclopista del Garda in particular, has been defined as the most beautiful cycle path in Europe. The trail is built into the side of the mountain range, overhanging the lake.

🛥️ By boat: When you want to hop from town to town, you’ll find many boat tours that will take you to the major locations. From Maderno to Torri del Benaco, Limone to Malcesine and Desenzano to Riva.

Fast facts for Lake Garda Holidays

Language: The language spoken in Lake Garda is Italian, but you’ll find that most of the staff in hotels, shops and restaurants have a good command of English.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Euros before flying off on your holidays here.

Local time: Lake Garda is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Verona Villafranca Airport.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Lake Garda is 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at the Visit Garda website.

Events in Lake Garda

Arena di Verona: If you’re into music, then you’ll love being just 20 miles from Verona, where you’ll find the world-famous Arena di Verona. An enormous Roman amphitheatre hosting everything from traditional Italian opera to contemporary rock: Pink Floyd and One Direction have both performed here!

Food festivals: There are food festivals throughout the year, showcasing the best in Italian food. However, the one that most people seem to get excited about is the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival, in late September (we wonder why!). In addition to some outstanding wines, there’s also a superb selection of local dishes to sample.

Lake Garda safety and security

Passport / Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas, passports and health for your holiday to Lake Garda. It’s always a good idea to stay up to date with any rules changes before your departure.

Lake Garda weather

Temperature: Mid 20s (°C) in summer and low to high teens in winter.

Best time to visit: Great all year round, Garda is still sunny without being too hot. The temperatures in the winter are still warmer than in the UK, and you can avoid strong winds on the south side of the lake, which is more sheltered.

More hotels in Lake Garda

Places similar to Lake Garda to visit

AmalfiAmalfi Coast holidays invite you to experience one of Italy’s most glamourous coastlines. From its scooped-out valleys to its soaring cliffs overlooking pretty bays and pastel coloured buildings, it’s hardly surprising why it's been the setting for films and paintings.

Lake ComoHolidays to Lake Como promise total tranquillity, breathtaking landscapes and dramatic views. Set against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains, this part of Northern Italy is one of the country’s finest holiday spots. Located 85km north of Milan, Lake Como boasts magnificent scenery – from idyllic gardens to fascinating historic sites – that makes exploring a real treat.

Ischia PortoIschia Porto is the biggest of Ischia’s six towns, situated on the north coast. With its high-end shops and the horseshoe-shaped harbour bobbing with flash-looking yachts, Ischia Porto has more than a whiff of Capri about it! However, there’s much more to Ischia Porto holidays than just some high-end retail therapy, and you’ll find everything from golden beaches and bustling bars to the natural springs in the town’s thermal parks and gardens.

LimoneYou find Limone on the north-west side of the spectacular Lake Garda. A quaint and peaceful town, it sits at the base of towering cliffs, which keep it sheltered from the winds. With secluded beaches and pretty harbours, holidays in Limone are perfect for families and couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality downtime together.

FAQs

What’s the best resort in Lake Garda for couples?

Sirmione and Limone sul Garda are two of Lake Garda's best resorts for couples. Sirmione is known for its Roman ruins, thermal spa and castle, while Limone sul Garda combines lakeside restaurants, mountain scenery and a quieter atmosphere.

What’s the best resort in Lake Garda for families?

Peschiera del Garda and Garda Town are among Lake Garda's most popular family resorts. Peschiera offers easy access to Gardaland, while Garda Town combines family-friendly beaches with a relaxed lakeside setting.

When’s the best time to visit Lake Garda?

May, June, September and October are often the best times to visit Lake Garda. May and June bring temperatures of around 22–26°C and fewer crowds, while September and October offer warm weather and lower prices. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with temperatures often reaching 28–32°C.

Are Lake Garda holidays ATOL protected?

Yes, all Thomas Cook Lake Garda package holidays are ATOL protected to safeguard your money – giving you extra peace of mind. Thomas Cook is also an ABTA member.

What's included in an All Inclusive Lake Garda holiday?

All Inclusive Lake Garda holidays typically include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and selected drinks at your hotel. What's included varies between hotels, so it's always worth checking the details before you book.

Which UK airports fly to Lake Garda?

You can fly to Lake Garda from Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick and Bristol. Flights arrive into Verona (Villafranca) or Bergamo (Orio al Serio), the two main airports serving Lake Garda.

How long is the flight to Lake Garda?

Flights to Lake Garda usually take around 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes from the UK. Flight times vary slightly depending on your departure and arrival airports.

Is Lake Garda in Italy?

Yes – Lake Garda is in northern Italy, between Milan and Venice. It's Italy's largest lake and one of the country's most popular holiday hotspots.