8 Things to Do in Peschiera del Garda (2025 Update)
Peschiera del Garda may just be the most impressive town on Lake Garda — and that’s saying something, since there’s no shortage of contenders for beautiful towns in this particular part of Italy.
The town of Peschiera del Garda was developed on a set of small islands, located at mouth of the River Mincio beginning to siphon off from the lake. But even more beautiful are the town’s features: namely, its incredibly well-preserved (and colorful!) Venetian fortifications spread across these islets.
I visited Peschiera del Garda during one of my trips to Milan while living in Italy, since it’s an ideal day trip.
🇮🇹 Planning your trip at the last minute? Here are my quick picks! 🏨 Best Peschiera Hotels 1. Ziba Hotel & Spa (best hotel-spa combo on mid-range budget) 2. Le Ali Del Frassino (top-tier luxury hotel with elite spa amenities) 3. SEI Garda Apartments (self-catering apartments, good for families) 🚣♀️ Best Peschiera Tours & Activities 1. Half-Day Lake Garda Cruise (with lunch included) 2. Gardaland Entry Tickets (#1 amusement park in Italy) 3. E-Scooter Tour of Lake Garda (explore the area at your own pace!) |

The train station just outside the old town makes it easy to reach from several nearby cities, including Milan, Verona, and Venice — making it an excellent choice if you’re relying on public transit while traveling Italy, which can be a great choice as car rental, highway tolls, and parking fees can get quite expensive.
On the other hand, if you have chosen to rent a car, it’s also easy enough to briefly explore Peschiera del Garda in just a few hours if it’s just one part of a larger road trip around Lake Garda.
That said, while you can see the highlights of the town in a half-day, I’d still argue that there are plenty of things to do in Peschiera del Garda if you want to spend a couple of days there — it’s more than worth it, and in this quick guide, I’ll share all the things I think you can’t miss if you have one or two days in Peschiera!
Insider Tips for Visiting Peschiera del Garda

Peschiera del Garda is a popular destination both for Italians and foreigners, especially in the summertime. People who live in the surrounding Northern Italian cities often head to Peschiera and other towns on Lake Garda to spend a weekend away from the city hustle-and-bustle, so you can expect to find it busy almost any time of the year.
While summer is the best season for swimming in the lake, taking boat cruises, and escaping the heat of the large cities without lake access… it is also when Peschiera is at its most crowded and its most expensive!
Depending on when you are planning to visit Italy, I’d say that winter in Peschiera del Garda can still be enjoyable despite the cold, and you’ll certainly find fewer people around. If you want to enjoy nice weather while avoiding the big crowds and saving on accommodation and activities, visit Peschiera in the spring or fall. Just be aware that weekends tend to draw locals taking a quick weekend trip.

Peschiera del Garda is an excellent choice for a day trip to Lake Garda. For one, it is one of the two towns served by a train station (the other being Desenzano del Garda — but I think Peschiera is a much more charming town, in my opinion).
It’s also very accessible by train to all the other Northern Italian cities. For example, it takes less than an hour to get there from Milan, under two hours from Venice, and fastest of all, it’s only 15 minutes from Verona!
Regardless of how you visit, here is a list of things to do in Peschiera del Garda to help you plan your stay!
Things to Do in Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda is small small… as in, it takes roughly 10 minutes to walk from one gate to the other (which essentially outline the town’s parameters), so don’t expect countless landmarks and attractions!
Nevertheless, the town’s location makes it a perfect base for many activities, from swimming in the lake to visiting one of Italy’s main amusement parks (great if you’re traveling with kids). Here is how to spend a day (or more) in Peschiera del Garda!
Explore the fortified city.

The fortified city of Peschiera del Garda is basically one big open-air museum that is super cool to visit! The massive complex is actually part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site, one that includes several Venetian defense structures in the Garda region. But I think this is the highlight!
The top thing to do in Peschiera del Garda is to walk around and admire the impressive defense system that surrounds the small island that Peschiera’s town center is built on.
These impressive fortifications date back to the Roman period in origin; however, they were modified during the 15th century, when the Republic of Venice controlled the town. It was during this time that the two main city gates, Porta Verona and Porta Brescia, were created — two must-sees while exploring this town!

The best spots to check out the city walls are the bridges that connect the islands: Ponte di Porta Brescia and the iconic Ponte dei Voltoni. Both are gorgeous and definitely worthy of taking a walk along.
Given the size of the town, you can walk around in roughly half an hour, but you could definitely spend more time if you wanted. Here is where a guide would be helpful, to show you things you would have missed on your own.
To learn more while you explore Peschiera, book a tour with an expert guide who can share cool facts about the town’s history.
Stroll along the lake (or cruise on it!)

Peschiera is small (especially the walled-in portion), and as a result, it can get very crowded in summer.If you want a break from the crowds, you can leave the fortified town and enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore for a breath of fresh air (literally!) along the Lungolago Mazzini.
This peaceful promenade starts from Piazza Maestro Luigi Battistoni and continues for roughly three kilometers along the lake. Along the way, you’ll pass several beaches, restaurants, and cafés — all perfect spots to stop for a break and enjoy the view.
Even better, take a lake cruise from Peschiera on Lake Garda. These tours last 4 hours and include lunch, making it it a great way to spend half a day.
Check out the Madonna del Frassino Sanctuary.

Just outside Peschiera, you can visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino, a 16th-century religious site that has been said to be the location of an apparition of the Virgin Mary.
According to the legend, the farmer was about to be bitten by a snake when he saw the Virgin near an ash tree (frassino in Italian, hence the sanctuary’s name).
Whether the story is true or not, what’s not up for debate is how lovely the setting is. A lovely cypress-lined street leads to the peaceful location of the sanctuary (which is also a great photography spot!)
Since the sanctuary is located little bit outside of the main town, the best way to get there is by car or taxi. On foot, it takes roughly half an hour from the center of Peschiera –and Italy gets hot in the summer.
The sanctuary features a convent, a series of chapels with decorated altars, and beautiful cloisters. Best of all, admission is free (and there’s also ample free parking), making it a great addition to your Garda itinerary.
Visit the fishing museum.

The lovely Museo della Pesca e delle Tradizioni Lacustri is actually the only museum in the small town of Peschiera… but it’s still absolutely worth a visit! This small but interesting museum dedicated to the fishing tradition on Lake Garda, still ongoing despite the lake’s massive heel-turn towards tourism.
This museum is quite small, so it only takes around half an hour to visit… but it’s perfect if you’re tending towards museum fatigue (rather easy to do in an art mecca like Italy), as you can quickly learn the most important parts of the region’s history and then continue exploring it at your leisure right after.
The exhibit includes photographs and fishing artifacts that have historically been used in the Garda area, including fishing gear and traditional boats used in regattas. The museum has free access, though there is a fee for audioguides (and donations are always welcome!)
Relax at the beach.

If you visit Peschiera in summer, you definitely want to set aside a few hours for relaxing on a beach and enjoying the view of the beautiful lake! Some of the most popular beaches are Braccobaldo Beach and Lido Cappuccini on the southern lakeshore. There’s also Spiaggia Lido ai Pioppi on the eastern one.
You can rent a sunbed to spend a few hours relaxing, swim in the lake, or maybe even rent a paddle boat and go for a ride. If you do want to just relax, you’ll definitely want a sunbed, as the beach isn’t exactly soft and sandy here.
You’ll find boat rental services in several spots along the lakeshore, another great way to enjoy the summer lake scene. Whether you want a sunbed or a boat rental, consider booking ahead if you are traveling in the peak summer months, especially for weekend travels.
Have lunch at a traditional restaurant.

A trip to Peschiera del Garda wouldn’t be complete without savoring some delicious Italian food… particularly its seafood, if you eat it! Peschiera may be small, but it has several great restaurants packed into its tight quarters.
You’re spoiled for choices here: I suggest that you head to Raffilù for delicious fish dishes, or try Osteria Rivelin for tasty pasta and meat dishes.
If you’re looking for a quick bite in a laid-back spot, grab a quick plate of pasta or some cold cuts at Pasta Salame — it’s a great choice for an easy meal.
Spend a fun day at Gardaland.

Many people choose Peschiera del Garda as their base for visiting Gardaland, one of Italy’s largest and most popular amusement parks.
Personally, I’m not an amusement park person so I’ve never been, but if you are a fan you can’t miss it, as this amusement park consistently ranks among the best in all of Europe. There are dozens of rides, including several roller coasters, plus water slides and other water features perfect for a hot summer day.
The prices aren’t bad either, starting at just €25 for a day pass — a true bargain compared to other major amusement parks.
Join a self-guided scooter tour.

Another unique and fun way to explore Peschiera and Lake Garda is on a Self-Guided Scooter Tour! This activity can be booked online before you go, and it includes the scooter rental and a digital guide.
This e-guide will allow you to discover some of the most scenic spots around the lake at your own pace (great if you don’t like to follow the rushed itinerary of typical day trips).
On this scooter tour, you can make the choice to stop by several important spots along the lake, like Torri del Benaco, Pieve di Tremosine, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine, among others.
The activity also includes a ferry trip, and the digital guide will also help you narrow down the best places to eat and buy local goods while you’re visiting the towns in the area.
Where to Stay in Peschiera del Garda

Best Budget Option: SEI Garda Apartments
SEI Garda Apartments offer self-catering apartments with modern contemporary design. The apartments are compact but have all that you need, including a kitchenette and seating/eating areas.
This is not your typical hotel, but rather a modern and stylish apartment complex you can stay at: somewhere between an Airbnb and a hotel. The apartments are great for families, with bunk beds for the kids — and it’s also close to Gardaland!
Best Mid-Range Option: Ziba Hotel & Spa
For a spa hotel in Peschiera that won’t drain your entire budget, consider the Ziba Hotel & Spa. Located in a 19th-century building just outside the town center, it still has its original details but its rooms have been updated with all the modern comforts you’d expect.
With an outdoor pool and spa that includes a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and a hot tub, this hotel is the perfect spot for relaxing in Peschiera without breaking the bank.
Best Luxury Option: Le Ali de Frassino
Le Ali Del Frassino is an incredible luxury hotel: think multiple outdoor pools, including a larger family pool and a peaceful infinity pool overlooking the water. The sizeable rooms are minimalist and rustic, with exposed beams adding a touch of farm-style charm.
The hotel also has a top-notch spa: it even has its own indoor heated plunge pool and sauna, plus a fantastic fitness center.

Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.