Malcesine

Travel Guide
Malcesine
Wander amid the cobbled lanes and historic buildings of this pretty town. Climb up to the castle, dine in fine restaurants and relax on the shores of Lake Garda.

Malcesine occupies one of Lake Garda’s most picturesque spots, with Monte Baldo looming behind and the lake stretching out in front. The popular vacation resort attracts those looking to relax during slow-paced sunny days. Sip coffee, enjoy rich gelato and bask in the sun along the lakeshore. Reserve some time to visit the impressive and unmistakable Scaliger Castle overlooking the town.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Garda, Malcesine is surrounded by pretty villages, towns and beaches. It has long attracted writers and artists who draw inspiration from the stunning vistas and fascinating history of the town. Amble through the medieval cobbled lanes and notice the historic architecture. Discover small stores selling leather handbags and shoes, locally made limoncello and artisan souvenirs. Dine in one of the many restaurants. For dessert, have the town’s famous gelato (ice cream).

Walk to the main harbor, where little boats bob on the waves and plenty of open-air cafés welcome visitors. Not far away is the old harbor Port Vecchio with even more places to eat. The 15th-century Palazzo dei Capitani is located here. It was once the headquarters of the region’s Venetian rulers.

The most important building in town is the Scaliger Castle. Make sure you see this grand fortification, as well as the Museo Castello Scaligero, a very thorough museum housed within. Its existence is testament to the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

Take the cable car up Monte Baldo for some of the best views of Lake Garda. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor pursuits, participate in cycling, walking or paragliding.

The airports of Verona, Brescia and Bergamo are all within a short transfer from Malcesine. Take the train to Peschiera and then a bus to the town or rent a car and have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
3 out of 5
via Paina, 6, Malcesine, VR
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Limone Sul Garda Harbour and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"Great location and a very friendly and accommodating host. It has a private underground parking, which is very tight."

Reviewed on 16 Sep,2024

Ambienthotel Luna Rossa Adults Only
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
4 out of 5
Viale Rovereto 44, Riva del Garda, TN
The price is S$190 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
S$190
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Riva del Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (645 reviews)
"The hotel was lovely and had it's very own garden that leads to a beach. The pool and other facilities were great, the staff were very welcoming. The breakfast was brilliant and had gluten free & dairy free options. The rooms were very clean. The pool was amazing and quite warm. Breakfast was lovely ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov,2024

Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
4 out of 5
Via IV Novembre, 3, Limone sul Garda, BS
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Limone sul Garda. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a marina. Popular attractions Limone Sul Garda Harbour and Lake ...
8/10 Very Good! (292 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay all around, food was good the little shuttle bus was very convenient, the only small issue was the WiFi. We wished the inside pool would have been a little warmer.. this hotel provides a great value for the cost."

Reviewed on 19 Oct,2024

Hotel Leonardo da Vinci
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
June Stay Lake Garda
June Stay Lake Garda
Via Gardesana, 56, Brenzone sul Garda
Stay at this aparthotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Limone Sul Garda Harbour and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Lovely apartment in a really beautiful setting. I wish I were staying more than one night! It’s definitely worth getting a balcony overlooking the lake."

Reviewed on 2 Nov,2024

June Stay Lake Garda
Residence Ca' del Lago
Residence Ca' del Lago
Via Gabriele D'Annunzio 193, Torri del Benaco, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Torri del Benaco. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Museo del Castello Scaligero and Est Garda ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (408 reviews)
"This property is awesome. The views are different from each unit, but the one we had was beautiful. The unit was roomy, comfortable. The employees at the office are very pleasant and helpful. The parking spots are tiny, and we had hard time parking our large SUV, but other than that this place is ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct,2024

Residence Ca' del Lago
Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
4 out of 5
Via Panoramica 8, Gardone Riviera, Provincia di Brescia
Stay at this 4-star residence in Gardone Riviera. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Museo Il Divino Infante and Vittoriale ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
"Beautiful location with amazing views of the lake. Worth the drive."

Reviewed on 6 Jun,2024

Domina Borgo degli Ulivi - Lake Garda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Malcesine

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
" "5 - Excellent 71.7948717948718%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 28.205128205128204%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We travelled from one end of the lake to the other end from Riva Del Garda down to most of the towns and villages to the bottom of the lake at Sirmione stopping at Garda, Bardolino, Torri del benaco, Malcesine, Torbole to name just a few. Enjoyed it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cable car and views from the top are breath taking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We visited Malcesine for a friends wedding. The whole area was beautiful, the nicest place I’ve ever visited. We will be going back. I’d highly recommend a trip there.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sensible footwear as cobbles and hills

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful views of lake and castle from our room balcony (room 30)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Does get busy when boat tours arrive. Lovely cobbled narrow streets, plenty of food options, expensive, poor parking, night street entertainment can spoil the ambience. Overall very good base to stay.