Share
Autumn at Lake Garda shows its best side: trees reflect the vibrant colors of fall foliage in the cold waters, the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air in the small towns, and the wineries warm the soul with tastings of local wines. Whether you want to spend a day outdoors with your family or enjoy a romantic weekend as a couple, the shores of the lake become the ideal place to savor this season's warm tones, appreciate nature's beauty, and enjoy local products at the many food and wine events.
Let's discover all the activities you can do in autumn at Lake Garda.
The surroundings of Lake Garda offer numerous walking and hiking trails, perfect for admiring the autumn foliage. One of the best places for a walk is the area of Peschiera del Garda, where you can stroll along the lake and enjoy splendid views. If you’re looking for a more immersive nature experience, Parco Sigurtà is an excellent choice for a peaceful walk among water features and tree-lined avenues that fade from ochre to deep red.
Looking for something more challenging? The many trails winding through the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, like Monte Baldo or the Parco della Rocca di Manerba, offer a variety of paths, even for experienced hikers. Many of these trails provide spectacular views from above over the lake and pass through forests where you can admire autumn colors in all their splendor.
Don't forget to bring your camera; autumn is one of the most picturesque seasons for exploring these areas on foot.
Autumn is the perfect season to discover the flavors of Lake Garda’s territory, thanks to the numerous food and wine tours available in the area. In and around Peschiera, there are many wineries that organize tastings of local wines, such as the famous Lugana or Bardolino, accompanied by typical dishes from the Veneto and Lombardy regions.
Don't miss the chance to join a winery tour along the Custoza Wine Route, an itinerary that will allow you to get to know the best producers in the area and discover the secrets of this floral-scented white wine. Additionally, many agritourisms offer autumn dinners featuring local products like pumpkin, mushrooms, and game. A gastronomic journey that will stimulate all your senses and make you fall in love with autumn at Lake Garda.
A fantastic way to explore Lake Garda is undoubtedly a boat trip. During autumn, the temperatures are still pleasant, and the summer crowds are gone. You can choose to join organized excursions or rent a boat for a more intimate adventure. Sailing, you’ll have the chance to admire the beautiful villages overlooking the lake, like Sirmione, Desenzano, and Limone sul Garda.
Again, don't forget to bring your camera: the view before you will be a true feast for the eyes. The lake's calm waters reflect the autumn colors, creating enchanting landscapes, and the absence of tourists will add an unknown tranquility to the high season.
Autumn also brings rainy days. Fortunately, the southern shores of Lake Garda offer plenty of indoor activities that make even the grayest days unforgettable.
For example, what could be better than indulging in some relaxation at a spa when it's raining outside? Lake Garda has several thermal facilities offering wellness treatments and spa journeys. The thermal waters, rich in minerals, are perfect for rejuvenating body and mind, and autumn is the perfect season for self-care.
Places like Aquardens offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas immersed in nature. You can spend hours pampering yourself, perhaps sipping a good local wine.
Autumn at Lake Garda is also the perfect time to explore the historic towns of the area. Places like Peschiera, Sirmione, and Riva del Garda offer a mix of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Walking through the streets of these villages, you can visit ancient fortresses, castles, and churches while enjoying a panoramic view of the lake.
Don't forget to stop at a local café to taste a typical dessert, such as sbrisolona or apple cake, while enjoying the autumn atmosphere.
Autumn is also the time for festivals. During this season, many Lake Garda towns host celebrations dedicated to local products, like the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival and the Month of Taste in Alto Garda. These events are an excellent opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of the area, savoring typical dishes and local wines.
Check the event calendar to avoid missing the festivals that might coincide with your stay. It will be a fun and tasty way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
As mentioned, autumn is an exceptional time for photography lovers. Lake Garda's landscapes transform into a palette of colors and lights, allowing you to capture unforgettable images. You can walk along the lake’s shores or in the surrounding woods to immortalize the beauty of the autumn scenery.
Moreover, Garda is the ideal place for birdwatching, thanks to the natural areas around the lake that offer a perfect habitat for various species of migratory birds. With binoculars in hand and some patience, you might be lucky enough to spot grey herons, cormorants, and other species. Don't forget to bring a guide to recognize them!
If you love outdoor sports, autumn at Lake Garda is the ideal time for activities like cycling, kayaking, and climbing. The bike trails around the lake are numerous and suitable for all skill levels. From your bike, you can explore the beautiful lake views, tackle the rugged trails of the Baldo range, or take a gentler ride through the hills near Peschiera.
For water lovers, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the lake's bays and inlets, enjoying the autumn tranquility without the summer bustle. The famous rock walls of Arco are also quieter in autumn, offering a peace that is hard to find in other seasons.
Whether you choose to bike, kayak, or climb, always remember to respect the environment and safety rules.
Walks and hiking in autumn
The surroundings of Lake Garda offer numerous walking and hiking trails, perfect for admiring the autumn foliage. One of the best places for a walk is the area of Peschiera del Garda, where you can stroll along the lake and enjoy splendid views. If you’re looking for a more immersive nature experience, Parco Sigurtà is an excellent choice for a peaceful walk among water features and tree-lined avenues that fade from ochre to deep red.
Looking for something more challenging? The many trails winding through the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, like Monte Baldo or the Parco della Rocca di Manerba, offer a variety of paths, even for experienced hikers. Many of these trails provide spectacular views from above over the lake and pass through forests where you can admire autumn colors in all their splendor.
Don't forget to bring your camera; autumn is one of the most picturesque seasons for exploring these areas on foot.
Food and wine tours
Autumn is the perfect season to discover the flavors of Lake Garda’s territory, thanks to the numerous food and wine tours available in the area. In and around Peschiera, there are many wineries that organize tastings of local wines, such as the famous Lugana or Bardolino, accompanied by typical dishes from the Veneto and Lombardy regions.
Don't miss the chance to join a winery tour along the Custoza Wine Route, an itinerary that will allow you to get to know the best producers in the area and discover the secrets of this floral-scented white wine. Additionally, many agritourisms offer autumn dinners featuring local products like pumpkin, mushrooms, and game. A gastronomic journey that will stimulate all your senses and make you fall in love with autumn at Lake Garda.
Boat trips
A fantastic way to explore Lake Garda is undoubtedly a boat trip. During autumn, the temperatures are still pleasant, and the summer crowds are gone. You can choose to join organized excursions or rent a boat for a more intimate adventure. Sailing, you’ll have the chance to admire the beautiful villages overlooking the lake, like Sirmione, Desenzano, and Limone sul Garda.
Again, don't forget to bring your camera: the view before you will be a true feast for the eyes. The lake's calm waters reflect the autumn colors, creating enchanting landscapes, and the absence of tourists will add an unknown tranquility to the high season.
Relaxing at the Spa
Autumn also brings rainy days. Fortunately, the southern shores of Lake Garda offer plenty of indoor activities that make even the grayest days unforgettable.
For example, what could be better than indulging in some relaxation at a spa when it's raining outside? Lake Garda has several thermal facilities offering wellness treatments and spa journeys. The thermal waters, rich in minerals, are perfect for rejuvenating body and mind, and autumn is the perfect season for self-care.
Places like Aquardens offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas immersed in nature. You can spend hours pampering yourself, perhaps sipping a good local wine.
Exploring historic towns
Autumn at Lake Garda is also the perfect time to explore the historic towns of the area. Places like Peschiera, Sirmione, and Riva del Garda offer a mix of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Walking through the streets of these villages, you can visit ancient fortresses, castles, and churches while enjoying a panoramic view of the lake.
Don't forget to stop at a local café to taste a typical dessert, such as sbrisolona or apple cake, while enjoying the autumn atmosphere.
Events and festivals in autumn at Lake Garda
Autumn is also the time for festivals. During this season, many Lake Garda towns host celebrations dedicated to local products, like the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival and the Month of Taste in Alto Garda. These events are an excellent opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of the area, savoring typical dishes and local wines.
Check the event calendar to avoid missing the festivals that might coincide with your stay. It will be a fun and tasty way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Photography and birdwatching
As mentioned, autumn is an exceptional time for photography lovers. Lake Garda's landscapes transform into a palette of colors and lights, allowing you to capture unforgettable images. You can walk along the lake’s shores or in the surrounding woods to immortalize the beauty of the autumn scenery.
Moreover, Garda is the ideal place for birdwatching, thanks to the natural areas around the lake that offer a perfect habitat for various species of migratory birds. With binoculars in hand and some patience, you might be lucky enough to spot grey herons, cormorants, and other species. Don't forget to bring a guide to recognize them!
Outdoor sports
If you love outdoor sports, autumn at Lake Garda is the ideal time for activities like cycling, kayaking, and climbing. The bike trails around the lake are numerous and suitable for all skill levels. From your bike, you can explore the beautiful lake views, tackle the rugged trails of the Baldo range, or take a gentler ride through the hills near Peschiera.
For water lovers, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the lake's bays and inlets, enjoying the autumn tranquility without the summer bustle. The famous rock walls of Arco are also quieter in autumn, offering a peace that is hard to find in other seasons.
Whether you choose to bike, kayak, or climb, always remember to respect the environment and safety rules.