Desenzano is located on the South Western shore of the famous Italian lake, Lake Garda. It is extremely popular with visitors from Verona and Milan, and easily accessible by both rail and car from both. During the Summer months it is crawling with visitors, many of whom visit the lake with little idea of what to actually do when they arrive. Hence the reason for this list of my favorite things to do in Desenzano del Garda.
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This little town is actually quite incredible. I fell in love with it the very first time that I walked its streets, and explored its Piazza’s, shorelines and amazing views. Even though it was a cold winter’s day, it still didn’t put me off, as the magic of Desenzano del Garda is there no matter what the season. Even so, I made an immediate plan to return when it was warmer, just so that I could experience even more of this wonderful place.
Desenzano del Garda is not a large place. In reality, it is a lakeside town that just happens to be the “capital” of Lake Garda. It’s not as large as other Italian Lake towns such as Como or Lecco, but that doesn’t mean its not worth visiting. With just shy of 30,000 residents, you don’t really expect too much. Even so, there is still a surprising amount of things to do in Desenzano del Gardo and the surrounding areas. So sit back, have a cup of coffee, and let me show you around!
Table of Contents
- Visit Castello di Desenzano del Garda
- Meet up in Piazza Malvezzi
- Stroll around Porto Vecchio
- Take a walk to the Lighthouse
- Observe the past at the Roman Villa
- Take in the views around the lake
- Visit Desenzano Cathedral
- Catch some sun at the beach
- Take a cruise around Lake Garda
- Ride a pushbike to Sirmione
- Take a daytrip by train
- Boutique and market shopping
- Summary
Visit Castello di Desenzano del Garda
This imposing stone Castle was built during the Dark Ages as a defense from Barbarian Invasions. Inside, it houses and protects 120 dwellings, as well as a church dedicated to Saint Ambrose.
Castello di Desenzano sits on the hill above the Old Town, and visiting it is one of the most popular things to do in Desenzano del Garda. Especially so for first time visitors. The entry fee is only 8 Euro, or if you just want to climb the tower for the incredible views, you only have to pay 3 Euro.
If you are only interested in climbing to the Castle to take a closer look and see the views, then you can do it for free by not even entering. At the actual entrance, keep heading to the left up the road a few meters and the views will open right over the town and lake. Of course, they are better in the tower, but this spot is free!
Meet up in Piazza Malvezzi
As with any good Italian town, there is a central Piazza. In the case of Desenzano del Garda, it is Piazza Melvezzi. It is located just behind the Old Port of the town, Porto Vecchio.
Piazza Melvezzi is not very large, but has plenty to look at. During the busy months there will be markets and pop up stalls. There is a statue of Santa Angela Merici, the town’s patron saint, and plenty of restaurants and night clubs that liven up later in the evening. You will also find that, like most Piazza’s, Piazza Melvezzi is a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.
Stroll around Porto Vecchio
Porto Vecchio is one of the oldest “structures” in the town. It is right in the heart of the town itself, and so central that it actually sits right next to Piazza Melvezzi.
Visiting Porto Vecchio is one of the popular things to do in Desenzano del Garda, as it is brimming with history. Dating back to medieval times, it features a beautiful Venetian Bridge on one side, and is surrounded by buildings built in the same Venetian style.
Porto Vecchio can be mistaken as a small lake or pond, and indeed, I myself made that mistake when I first laid eyes on it. It is connected to the more modern port though, with the passage under the bridge. It was once used as a trading port, but these days is home to many small boats that don’t seem to move very far!
Take a walk to the Lighthouse
The lighthouse of Desenzano is located out on the harbor wall, almost directly in front of Porto Vecchio. It looks impressive, as just from a single glance you can tell that it is old. In fact, it was constructed in the late 1800’s, and the impressive stonework of its construction is testimony to that period.
The lighthouse no longer serves a purpose as an actual lighthouse, however it still stands in place as an important part of the history of Lake Garda. You can take a stroll out to the lighthouse along the harbor wall, if you want to get a closer look.
If you do, you won’t be alone. In fact, one of the favorite things to do in Desenzano del Garda amongst the young locals is to stroll PAST the lighthouse. Here, they can snatch a few minutes alone out on the harbor wall, where the views make for quite a romantic setting.
Observe the past at the Roman Villa
The Roman Villa of Desenzano del Garda is one of the more historic things to do in the city. It is located only a few minutes walk from Piazza Melvezzi, making it really easy to find.
This Villa dates back to the 1st Century BC. It was found accidentally in the year 1921, when construction began on a new house. They uncovered some very, very old mosaic tiles, and as they say, the rest is history.
This is not unlike other places in Europe, especially somewhere like Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where they are still uncovering ancient Roman Ruins nearly every day. Right in the middle of the city!
The Roman Villa of Desenzano del Garda can be visited for only a few Euro entrance fee. If you are interested in history, then also think about stopping by at the Archeological Museum, located not far away on the lake front at THIS location.
Take in the views around the lake
One thing that I love about Desenzano del Garda, and actually this entire section of the lake, is the wonderful walkway and cycleway along the lake’s edge. It is wide, well maintained and an absolute pleasure to walk along. At any time of the day you will find many locals walking dogs, jogging, cycling, or just out to enjoy the view.
As a visitor to the town, take the time to go for a walk. Head down in the direction of Sirmione, where you can enjoy the views of that area, and on a clear day right to the northern end of the lake. The mountains falling dramatically into the lake are unmissable, and best seen from the lake’s edge, as well as the Castle high above.
One thing to note is that you cannot swim at most of the beautiful spots you will find along the edge of the lake. Signs will warn you that the reason is because it is not patrolled. This doesn’t not stop the ducks and gorgeous white swans that make the lake’s edge their home. You will see them on any given day, so take your camera with you!
Visit Desenzano Cathedral
Desenzano Cathedral is located right in the center of town, and is one of the dominant sights if you are looking down from the Castle above. It is also located right alongside Piazza Melvezzi, making it easy for locals and visitors to find.
The Cathedral is consecrated to the Saint Maria Maddalena, which is why it is also widely known as the Cathedral of Saint Maria Maddalena. It was constructed between the years of 1586 and 1611, designed by the famous architect from nearby Brescia, Giulio Todeschini. Inside, you will find an incredible painting of “The Last Supper” by the Venetian artist Giovanbattista Tiepolo.
The Cathedral is almost the centerpiece of the town. Even more so than the Castle itself. Do yourself a favor and make certain to drop in and check it out when you are nearby.
Catch some sun at the beach
Believe it or not, there is actually a beach area in Desenzano del Garda. This is one of the favorite things to do in Desenzano del Garda for locals, and plenty of tourists in the high season.
This is not your typical beach though. Certainly not if you are from my part of the world. You will not find sand, but will find a beach made up entirely of white and grey pebbles. This loans the beach its own identity, in my opinion, and it fits beautifully into the classic Italian vibe of the town itself.
The beach area itself is not very large, but you will find that it is totally free. It costs to park, per hour, and there are areas set aside with umbrellas that you will have to pay for as well. Also along the beach head is a restaurant, toilets, and even a place to rent row boats if you want to take to the lake.
Take a cruise around Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest of the Northern Italian lakes, and features some amazing scenery. In particular, the northern end of the lake has jaw dropping mountains that literally just fall into the lake. With so much to see, what better way to view it than by water, on a fantastic guided cruise on the lake itself.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Desenzano del Garda, especially in the Summer months. Choose from a short 1 hour cruise to Sirmione and back, or a range of cruises right up to a full day cruise around the lake.
Check out a good company and the packages they offer at THIS link.
Ride a pushbike to Sirmione
Sirmione is one of the most famous places on Lake Garda, and can be seen on nearly every pamphlet, poster or website about the Lake. It is located on its very own peninsular, jutting out into the lake, so thin that you almost wonder how it hasn’t just snapped off and drifted away.
The dominant sight of Sirmione is the famous castle that one must pass through to access the Old Town itself. As far back as the 5th Century, this was a Roman fortified strongpoint that held the role of defending the southern part of Lake Garda. These days, the castle is a popular place to visit, as are the hot springs within the Old Town.
Visiting Sirmione is one of the favorite things to do in Desenzano del Garda. It is a good walk along the waterfront to reach it, or a nice distance if you want to hire a pushbike and ride. On a spring or summers day, it can be the perfect day out, and guaranteed to be one of the most impressive places you will ever visit.
Take a daytrip by train
One of the things that makes Desenzano del Garda popular with those from Verona and Milan, is that it is right on the train line. There is actually a stop right in town!
This not only makes it easy to get to, but if you are holidaying in the town, why not utilize it to take a daytrip in the other direction?
Spend a day shopping in Milan, visiting Verona, or even walking around the canals of Venice. It isn’t really that far, in fact, Verona is less than 20 minutes away!
Boutique and market shopping
In the Old Town of Desenzano del Garda, you will find many wonderful boutique stores. If you love shopping, you certainly will not be bored, with many shops lining the small streets of gaily painted buildings in all directions. The town is not big, but I found myself lost in it a few times, and every time I managed to find a new store that I somehow had not seen before!
If market shopping is what you are interested in, then make certain to be in Desenzano del Garda on a Tuesday. Lake Garda has markets all around the lake, with towns taking it in turn to run markets on any given day. On Tuesday, it is Desenzano del Garda’s turn, with market stalls springing up right along the promenade!
Summary
There are plenty of things to do in Desenzano del Garda. If you move further afield, there is even more. For mine, I love just wandering the streets and taking in the incredibly gorgeous multi colored houses and buildings. There are some villas that are incredible around the town, and the only way to find them is to explore.
Get along to Desenzano del Garda on your next Italian vacation. It is well worth seeing, and a great base to discover incredible Lake Garda at the same time.
Interested in Desenzano Del Garda? Then check out my Complete Guide with all the information you will need to make your visit a memorable one.
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