Lake Garda Holidays 2026 / 2027

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 – making September and October the best overall value window for Lake Garda.

 

UK Departure Airports

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.

Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick and Bristol all offer direct flights to Verona and Bergamo, giving you a choice of arrival airports for Lake Garda.

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, giving you one place to contact if you need help before or during your trip. Flights are available from regional airports across the UK, and you can see the full cost before you book.

 

Explore Italy | More Travel Guides

Want to explore more of Italy? Don't miss these travel guides from our destination experts: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Tuscany | Venetian Riviera | Venice