Hostels in Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the biggest freshwater lake in Italy and is an area within the autonomous province of Trentino-South Tyrol, but it also borders with the Lombardy and Veneto regions.

The lake is an incredibly popular tourist attraction, in fact, it is amongst the most popular ones all over Italy, with almost 8% of tourists within the country choosing it as their holiday destination. This is not surprising when one takes into consideration the amount of activities that the region has to offer, but it is harder to find a hostel here than you might expect.

Many visitors arrive in the area for a relaxing holiday near the water. With pleasant and family friendly beaches all around its shores, Lake Garda is an ideal place to swim, sunbathe, and relax between May and September. Although the water is accessible for swimming almost all around the lake, the best beaches are located in Desenzano, Punta San Vigilio, and Spiaggia Baia del Vento. While there aren't many hostels, here you have all the facilities necessary to make your stay enjoyable, with restaurants, changing cabins, and water equipment rentals right on the beach.

Another reason to visit the lake is to enjoy the wonderful healing water of one of the thermal bathes on the southern side. A place for recreation and cure, the Parco Termale del Garda in Lazise and the Terme in Sirmione are both ideal destinations for those who enjoy a bit more upper scale bathing facilities.

There is plenty to do here for those longing for a more active holiday as well. With the mountains nearby and the lake at an arm's length, one can think of any sport from hang-gliding to canoeing and they will find it here. The most popular options are still cycling around the lake or going hiking for some amazing panoramas.

Moreover, the area boasts with an incredibly rich cultural heritage. All along the shore of the lake, one finds tiny medieval villages with cute little castles, as well as impressive palaces from all eras in history. If you are here for sightseeing, definitely put Scaliger Castle in Sirmione and the village of Arco on your list and you won't be disappointed!

Last, but not least, Gardaland, Italy's oldest and most important amusement park is located right on the shores of the lake, in Castelnuovo del Garda. With adventure rides, ferris wheels, and a sea life aquarium, the place is guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.

Even though the region of Lake Garda is known as an upper class holiday area, if one plans well, it is possible to make use of some of the hostels' budget offers around the area. Castelletto di Brenzone and Peschiera del Garda are two places that are definitely worth checking out if you are planning to stay in the area and are looking for affordable accommodation.

Handwritten by local expert for Lake Garda hostels JudyM