🇮🇹 New Year in Northern Italy: Lake Garda & the Charm of Verona

🇮🇹 New Year in Northern Italy: Lake Garda & the Charm of Verona

There’s something truly magical about starting a new year in the Italian lakes. With snow-dusted mountains, crystal-clear waters, and colourful lakeside towns strung together like pearls, Lake Garda is the perfect setting for a scenic winter escape. Add in a stop in romantic Verona, and you’ve got the perfect mix of nature, history, and Italian charm.

🚗 Exploring the Western Shore: A Scenic Road Trip

We began our journey along the western edge of Lake Garda, with a relaxed drive through some of the region’s most charming resort towns. Even in winter, each place had its own unique character and quiet beauty.
• Salò – Elegant and laid-back, Salò is known for its palm-lined promenade and stylish piazza, perfect for people-watching with a cappuccino in hand.
• Maderno & Gardone Riviera – A peaceful stretch of lakeside dotted with villas and gardens. Gardone is home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a must-visit for history lovers.
• Limone sul Garda – Set against dramatic cliffs, Limone is one of the most scenic towns on the lake. Its lemon groves, pastel facades and mountain views make it a true hidden gem, even in the cooler months.

From here, we headed inland to Lake Ledro and Lake Idro, two smaller lakes with crystal-clear waters and a quiet, alpine feel. Perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful slice of northern Italy.

🌄 Northern Shore & Malcesine Magic

The next day, we explored the northern tip of Lake Garda, starting at the vibrant town of Riva del Garda. Surrounded by rugged peaks, Riva has a unique alpine-meets-Mediterranean vibe, with a bustling old town and plenty of lakeside cafés.

From there, we made our way down the eastern shore to Malcesine, easily one of the prettiest towns on the lake. Its medieval castle, narrow cobbled streets, and colourful harbour make it feel like something out of a fairytale. If you’re visiting in summer, the Monte Baldo cable car is a must for panoramic mountain views, but even in winter, the charm here is undeniable.

🏡 Staying in Desenzano del Garda – A Great Base to Explore

We based ourselves in Desenzano del Garda, located at the southern tip of the lake, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. It’s one of the lake’s larger towns, with plenty of restaurants, shops, a train station, and a ferry port, making it incredibly easy to explore the region.

From Desenzano, you can hop on ferries to visit nearby towns like Sirmione, Bardolino, or even take day trips by train to Verona, Milan, or Venice. It has a real local feel, not overly touristy and you get the best of both worlds: lakeside charm with city-style convenience.

💙 Sirmione – A Personal Favourite

No visit to Lake Garda is complete without exploring Sirmione and personally, I absolutely love it. This postcard-perfect town is perched on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the lake. It’s famous for its Scaliger Castle, ancient Roman ruins, natural thermal springs, and beautiful lake views at every turn.

Wandering through Sirmione’s cobbled streets, popping into gelaterias, and walking along the lakeside promenade is an experience in itself. It’s romantic, relaxing, and just oozes charm.

💫 Finishing in Verona – Romance & Renaissance Beauty

We rounded off our trip with a day in Verona, one of Italy’s most beautiful small cities. With its Roman arena, Juliet’s balcony, and vibrant piazzas, it’s a place that feels timeless and alive all at once.

Even in winter, Verona is full of life, lit up with fairy lights and festive markets if you’re visiting around the holidays. It’s the perfect spot to end your trip on a high note.

🗺️ Final Thoughts

This New Year escape was the perfect reminder of how much northern Italy has to offer, even in winter. From dramatic lakeside drives and hidden towns to bustling markets and thermal pools, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Garda, I’d highly recommend:
• Staying in Desenzano for flexibility and easy transport
• Making time for Sirmione, especially for a relaxing afternoon
• Including Malcesine and Riva for unbeatable views
• And if time allows, adding a city break in Verona is the cherry on top

Whether you’re planning a summer lake adventure or a cosy winter road trip, I’d love to help you build the perfect northern Italy itinerary.