The 16 best outdoor activities to do in Lake Garda

Want to discover the best outdoor activities to do at Lake Garda? It falls to peak, here are the best, carefully selected by our team.

Located in the most beautiful region of one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Italy Between the Alps and the sublime plain of the Po, Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake and its shores touch three regions: Lombardy, Trentin-Haut-Adige and Veneto. North of Italy, between Venice and Milan , near Verona , we come to admire the sumptuous landscapes and picturesque villages, beaches, small charming ports. The lake and its hinterland offer countless opportunities for athletes in love with preserved natural spaces.

If you have decided to go to the region and want to discover it thoroughly, we have thought of everything. Here are the best outdoor activities to do at Lake Garda alone, with family, couple or friends!

1. Sailing

A cruise on Lake Garda is an excellent way to explore it and admire its splendid shores. Embark on the Sirmione peninsula, for example! This narrow strip of land sinks four kilometers into the southern part of the lake. There are sights of tourist sites like the old villa of Maria Callas, the Catulle Caves (Grotte di Catullo in original version) and the source of sulphur pouring into Sirmione.

Scaliger Castle is also part of musts to discover from the blue water of the lake. The sailboat is one of the best outdoor activities to be done at Lake Garda.

2. Windsurfing

Enjoy the landscape of Lake Garda in windsurfing and contemplate the succession of charming villages that climb its shores. Sirmione, Torbole, Desenzano, Peschiera del Garda... What better than a windsurf to quickly discover the beauty of this region? This outdoor activity to be done at Lake Garda is accessible so that we can handle the gear.

Do not be afraid, courses can be taken!

3. Canyoning

The canyoning spots are, due to the topographical characteristics of the area, very numerous. This outdoor activity to be done at Lake Garda can therefore be carried out safely in Toscolano, San Michele, Sandolino, Ponale or the sublime Tignalga Canyon. Easy and refreshing, we recommend you try it in the summer!

4. Ascensional parachute

Ascensional parachute is a fantastic outdoor activity to be done at Lake Garda that requires only very little effort. Unlike the paragliding, you don’t have to run here: the speed of the boat that tracts your parachute is responsible for making it rise in the air. Upstairs, what a view! You see the foothills of the Alps, the vastness of the Po plain and the depth of the lake’s colours.

The little plus? You can share this experience with the person of your choice: the parachute is biplace!

5. Rafting

Near Lake Garda, the Adige River, the second largest river in Italy, is nestled between Mount Baldo and the Lessini Mountains. The rafting consists of descending it for five hours aboard a pneumatic canoe for ten people. You will have to run with paddles, under the expert supervision of a monitor.

Long of twenty kilometers, the route passes through enchanting landscapes. Make this outdoor activity during the summer season to burst!

6. Kayak

Kayaking is an outdoor activity to be done at Lake Garda quite accessible. The level required? Non-existent, novices are welcome! Ideal during a sunny summer afternoon, kayaking can be practiced alone or several and always safe. Whether you choose the lake or adjacent rivers, a max of fun is guaranteed. Rires, splashes and tanning: So it connects you?

7. Underwater diving

The scuba diving is one of the most emblematic outdoor activities to be done at the guard lake. Porto San Nicolò, located right in front of the marina of the same name in Riva del Garda, is certainly the most famous spot. The diving site is in harmony with buoys, offering protection against the many boats.

The main attraction of the diving site is a statue of Christ immersed at 15 meters deep. Sensations guaranteed!

8. Equestrian tour

Are you looking for outdoor activities to do at Lake Garda that will appeal to young and old boys and girls? Opt for the horse! A large number of equestrian centres border the shores of Lake Garda. Hiking time or day can be organized: here is an original way to discover the sumptuous beauty of the place.

Then if it can save its strength for the next activity, it’s always good to take, huh...

9. Escalade

Yes, because it takes energy to climb the limestone paths of the town of Arco, 100 km from the Dolomites . Whether you’re a fan of the valley for many years or a complete beginner, you can enjoy the cliffs more or less complicated to climb.

Do not fear, on both sides, the climbing clubs provide material, practical advice and, if necessary, lessons to learn how to challenge the void safely. Particularly practiced in the summer, we recommend you initiate this sport in late spring or early autumn. Come on, magnesia and it's gone!

10. Karting

Italy? The country of motor sport par excellence. Manufacturers Ferrari, Lamborghini, or drivers Fangio or Trulli have made the boot a mythical destination for lovers of swivelling and speeding on track.

Why not put you in the skin of F1 drivers on the South Garda Karting circuit, one of the most beautiful in the country? Built in 1988, 1,200 metres long, it is one of Europe’s largest kart trails. The circuit was recently renovated so that this outdoor activity to be done at Lake Garda is only fun and sensations.

Put your helmet on and defy your loved ones to any cradle!

11. Jet ski

In the southern part of the lake (Basso Lago), you will have the opportunity to discover the lake...From the lake! In addition to sensations, the wonder will be on an appointment when you approach the farmland and see the most splendid villages around, such as Sirmione or Punta San Vigilio. Ideal during the summer period, jet skiing is therefore part of the outdoor activities not to be missed in Lake Garda.

Plan between 30€ and 75€ to offer you a nautical ride.

12. Golf

Golf, a bourgeois sport reserved for ultra-rich? But no, it’s democratized. Both and so well that Lake Garda offers three greens among the most beautiful in Europe. Bogliaco, Paradiso del Garda and Ca ‘Degli Ulivi welcome many visitors wishing to perfect their swing on perfectly maintained green lawns.

Spoiler: 99% of them own neither yacht nor castles...

13. Hiking

Lake Garda is a natural mosaic of sumptuous landscapes. The southern coast is becoming increasingly steep as we approach the north of the lake, near the Alps. A true inland sea lined with picturesque villages, at the crossroads of three distinct regions, Lake Garda is walking through various hiking routes.

Our advice? Starting from Sirmione, take the 75-kilometre route to Riva del Garda on several days to the north. A marvel!

14. ATV

An outdoor activity to be done at the Sports and Fun Lake? Opt for the ATV, especially in the steep area of the north of the lake. Nestled under the mountains of the province of Trentin, it promises unique views of the Dolomites. 44 mountain bike trails for a total of 1,730 kilometers: you will certainly not do everything, but it is worth adventure!

15. Paragliding

Paragliding is not just one of the outdoor activities to be done at Lake Garda: no, it is an institution. Especially above Malcesine, on the spot of Laveno Mombello, where you will enjoy an incredible view during a two-seater flight. Baptism, if this is the first time you take your flight, will be extraordinary thanks to the winds very often favorable around the corner.

You don't have vertigo, at least?

16. Gardaland

Gardaland is an Italian theme park located in Castelnuovo del Garda in Veneto. It will be an opportunity to enjoy the sun with a family and enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities to be done at Lake Garda. In addition to interactive scenery, a theatre, a 4-D cinema and a dozen Russian mountains await families and groups of friends.

The Flying Island observation tower offers an incredible panorama of the surrounding area, while a rink, a dolphinarium, a fall tower and a top spin and river buoys complete the offer. When do you book?