Lake Garda: Sunsets, Gelato, and Lakeside Adventures
Lake Garda quickly became one of our favourite family holiday destinations—an irresistible mix of natural beauty, charming towns, and activities for all ages. Whether we were hopping between colourful villages by ferry, cooling off at the waterpark, or indulging in scoop after scoop of Italy’s incredible gelato, every day offered something new to enjoy.
We stayed at Poiano Resort in Garda, a property set slightly back from the main lakeside strip. This turned out to be a huge advantage. With its spacious grounds and peaceful surroundings, it felt much more relaxed than the hotels right by the water—and offered far better value for money. For families, it was ideal. The children had plenty of room to play, and getting into town was easy. We often walked the scenic hour-long route into Garda, but the resort also provided a handy free shuttle bus for quicker trips. Despite being a four-star hotel, the service and facilities far exceeded our expectations. It’s a place we’d happily return to—and one that worked brilliantly as a base for exploring the rest of Lake Garda.
Exploring the Lake - Lake Garda’s network of ferries makes it wonderfully simple to explore its many pretty towns. Each has its own character, from charming promenades to lively squares and boutique-filled side streets. The lake itself offers endless fun, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply sitting at the water’s edge taking in the view.
A Sunset Walk to Remember - we saved one of our most memorable moments for the final night. From Garda, where we were staying, we walked along the lakeside path to neighbouring Bardolino. The sunsets there aren’t as obstructed by the surrounding landscape as they can be in Garda—and we were rewarded with an absolutely stunning view. Watching the sky melt into shades of orange and pink over the still lake, while we enjoyed our last gelato, was the perfect way to end our trip.