Our trip to Lake Garda was a memorable adventure for our two families, with four adults and three kids. Each family had its own van, and we decided to travel without making any reservations beforehand. We had a spontaneous approach, wanting to see the places first before committing to stay. The trip took place in July, and we had a week to enjoy the beauty of Lake Garda.

We began our journey from the Czech Republic, entering Lake Garda from the north. Our plan was to explore and stay mainly on the east side of the lake. Using a camping app, we searched for campgrounds, but we were selective. We passed on several options because they either lacked a pool, had poor access to the lake, or were too crowded.

A fairytale town with cobbled streets, a stunning medieval castle (Castello Scaligero), and killer views of both the lake and the mountains. We spent the afternoon exploring the town and the castle, indulging in gelato, and soaking in the views. If you have time in Malcesine, you can take a ferry to Limone or hop on the cable car up to Monte Baldo. The views from the top give an entirely different perspective of Lake Garda.

Parking was a bit of a challenge in Malcesine, so we decided to park just before entering the town and took our electric scooters with us.

Nestled on the lake’s eastern shore, Garda charmed us with its vibrant promenade, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Since it was a 10-minute stroll from our camp, we often came here for dinners and late afternoon strolls.

Bardolino captivated us with its rustic charm, warm hospitality, and laid-back atmosphere. Picture olive groves, vibrant flowers, and a lakefront promenade lined with inviting cafes and gelaterias offering tempting treats. Compared to Garda, Bardolino seemed bigger, with a wider promenade that added to its allure.

our camp

La Rocca Camping Village 

La Rocca Camp wasn’t just conveniently located right by the lake; it was also super nice! With playgrounds, a large pool, a kids’ indoor area, a restaurant, and daily programs for kids, it had everything we needed for a fantastic stay.

Next, we ventured all the way south to San Francesco Camping Village. This move allowed us to explore Sirmione and treat the kids to Gardaland and Legoland adventures. Plus, we seized the opportunity for a day trip to Venice and Verona, adding a dose of culture and history to our already fantastic Lake Garda getaway.

sirmione

Sirmione certainly stole our hearts as one of the prettiest towns on our Lake Garda journey. Its medieval charm, picturesque streets, and stunning lakeside setting made it feel like stepping into a postcard. From the majestic Scaliger Castle to the ancient ruins overlooking the shimmering waters, every corner was a delight to explore.  Sirmione truly stood out as a highlight, making our trip unforgettable.

Gardaland & legoland

It just so happened that Jayden was turning two during our trip, and we decided to celebrate his birthday at Gardaland and Legoland. Now, tickets to Gardaland are 44 euros per adult, and kids under 90 cm get in for free. However, in my opinion, there weren’t enough attractions for kids under 90 cm. The Peppa Pig area, for instance, was in the scorching sun, making it less enjoyable.

We then decided to switch to Legoland and paid the difference to enter. The ticket to Legoland is 54 euros (depending on the day you go), but what they don’t tell you is that kids under 90 cm can’t go on the slides alone, and tandem rides are prohibited. This was a bit disappointing.

Despite these hiccups, we still had a lot of fun and made the best out of it. However, I would advise waiting until your kid is at least three years old to get the most out of these parks.

our second camp

San Francesco Camping Village

San Francesco Camping Village was also lovely and conveniently close to Sirmione, with plenty of activities for kids. The only issue we had was having to wear a swimming cap to the pool. They sell them right by the pool, or you can bring your own. We had a good laugh seeing each other in the caps, but it did kind of spoil the pool experience a bit. Other than that, it was a fantastic place to stay with lots of fun for the whole family.

map

Here’s a map of Lago di Garda. We traveled the entire east side, splitting our time between two campsites that we liked and can recommend. Both camps are huge, so there’s always a chance of finding last-minute accommodation, but it’s wiser to book ahead.

Our first camp, La Rocca Camping Village, is conveniently located between Garda and Bardolino. It provided a perfect base to explore both towns and offered great amenities like playgrounds, a large pool, a kids’ indoor area, a restaurant, and daily programs for kids.

Our second camp, San Francesco Camping Village, was ideally situated near Sirmione, giving us easy access to explore the town and visit nearby attractions like Gardaland and Legoland. We even managed to take day trips to Venice and Verona from there.

All the towns we visited were lovely, and the kids had a blast, too. Lake Garda’s east side truly offered a mix of beautiful scenery, charming towns, and family-friendly activities.

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