If you are staying in Verona, odds are you’ll be visiting Lake Garda. Whilst some people may travel by car, the overwhelmingly popular choice is the excellent train network. The first stop from Verona to the lake is the charming, yet often overlooked, town of Peschiera del Garda. I think that it is well worth a visit and this blog post is your quick guide. I hope that it helps you make the most of you day trip to Peschiera del Garda. Enjoy.
Day Trip to Peschiera del Garda | Your Quick Guide
Getting There
As previously mentioned, any day trip to Lake Garda starts in Peschiera del Garda when travelling by train. I think that this is the best option and tickets to the town by itself are just £3.50, and the journey will take just under 15 minutes. Trains run frequently from Porta Nuova station and you do not need to book in advance. You can alternatively take a regional bus, but this takes longer than a train and costs the same.
If you have rented a car, the journey from Verona is short and sweet. Take the A4 motorway and the drive takes around 30 minutes. Parking can be a bit of a pain during peak times, but most of it is found in the town centre.
What to Do in Peschiera del Garda
Whilst there are plenty of options for you during your time in Peschiera del Garda, I have narrowed down the best options. I’ve broken it down by time of the day too.
Morning: Explore the Historic Town Center
- The Fortress and Canals: Perhaps the most iconic thing about Peschiera del Garda is the unique fortified town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is surrounded by canals and large, historic walls and bastions. These are all that remains of the town’s Venetian past and are well worth exploring. You can even walk along the walls to get some incredible views of the town and lake.
- Ponte dei Voltoni: This is the most iconic bridge in the town. It spans the width of the canal and dates back to the 16th century. I also think that this charming brick bridge is a perfect photo opportunity for any traveller.
- San Martino Church: You’ll find this church in the town centre. It is small, delicate but very beautiful and is well-worth seeing.
Midday: Relax and Dine by the Lake
- Lakeside Lunch: Without a doubt, the best place to have lunch is by the lakeside. I would thoroughly recommend tucking into some freshly caught fish or regional risotto variants. Two of my recommendations are Al Canal and Ristorante Il Grillo which always deliver outstanding meals. Tip: During the peak times, these places will fill up quickly – make sure that you book ahead.
- Gelato Stop: No Italian lunch would be complete without authentic, local gelato. We enjoyed Gelateria Bella Vista. The ice cream was incredibly fresh and tasty, and you could get tonnes of flavours.
Afternoon: Lakeside Leisure or Adventure
- Lido Cappuccini: Arguably the best beach in the town, Lido Cappuccini is ideal for relaxing. You can swim in the crystal-clear water of the lake, or relax in the sun on the shore. If you fancy being slightly more adventurous, you can even rend a paddleboat to explore the lake.
- Boat Tour: One of the best things we did on our day trip to Peschiera del Garda was to take a boat tour. We got to experience Lake Garda from the water and we learnt about various parts of the lake. You could also take a short ferry to small towns like Sirmione, Lazise or Bardolino if you fancied seeing more lakeside towns.
- Cycling Along the Mincio River: If you enjoy cycling, then renting a bike and cycling along the Mincio River path is a good option. This trail boasts some beautiful views and, if you start early, connects to the city of Mantua.
- Visiting Borghetto: Nearby is the small, idyllic town of Borghetto and you can reach this by car/ taxi (17 minutes) or bus (30 minutes). It offers some of the best scenery for miles around and is Italy’s answer to the Cotswolds. Check out my post about a day trip to Borghetto for more information.
Evening: Wrap Up with a Sunset Stroll
- Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia: Once you return from the beach or your adventure, head to the main square of the town. I would end your day with a glass of local wine or an aperitivo at a nearby cafe.
- Sunset Walk: Alternatively, take a walk along the promenade and enjoy sunset views over the lake.
Tips for a Perfect Day Trip
- Plan Ahead: If you’re visiting during summer, make sure that you book train tickets and restaurant reservations in advance.
- Bring Comfortable Shoes: The town has cobblestone shoes and you might want to walk the historic walls. I would recommend comfortable shoes so that you are not limited.
- Timing: Trains leave early each morning from Verona. I would suggest leaving as early as you can so that you avoid the rush in Peschiera del Garda.
Final Thoughts | Day Trip to Perschiera del Garda
A day trip to Peschiera del Garda is perfect as part of 24 hours in Verona. Whilst this small town is frequently overlooked when compared to other sites on the lake, don’t underestimate it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with gorgeous views, tasty food and lots of history. I hope that you found this post useful and, if you have any questions, please let me know.
