Salò

Travel Guide

Salò
Photo by TP Traveller
Photo by Emily
Photo "Salò" by Josef Grunig (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Salò" by Txllxt TxllxT (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Walk the long promenade of this charming lakeside town and discover grand architecture, cobbled streets and far-reaching views of Lake Garda.

Salò is said to have the longest promenade in Italy. This wonderful stilted promenade is lined with colorful historic buildings, stores, cafés and restaurants. Wander the streets of the pretty town and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and the classic elegance of Lake Garda.

Nestled in a natural inlet at the southern end of the Gardone Riviera on the western side of Lake Garda, Salò is intensely pretty. Monte San Bartolomeo rises behind the jumble of buildings, while the calm waters of the lake stretch out in front. Start exploring at the Piazza della Vittoria, one of the central squares, fringed by cafés.

From the piazza, the historic medieval town rises in the background, based around the grand Salò Cathedral. The late-Gothic 15th-century cathedral is a must-visit on a trip to the town. Venture inside to find the cathedral’s real treasures. Appreciate the vast dome, frescoes by Palma il Giovane and the Madonna with St. Bonaventure and San Sebastian by Girolamo Romanino.

Salò has a long history, dating back to Roman times. In the 1940s, it was the capital of the Fascist Government of the Italian Social Republic. It is also believed that Gasparo da Salò, the inventor of the violin, was born here. The medieval period is represented throughout the town’s architecture. See a splendid example at the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria, which dates to the 16th century and contains an interesting museum dedicated to local history.

Wander around the pretty little marina with small wooden boats neatly lined up. Spend some time perusing the shops. Stores selling designer clothes and shoes line the main shopping street, which runs parallel to the promenade and finishes at the Torre dell’Orologio, the ancient city gate. Pick up a one-of-a-kind design to take home.

Buses and private shuttles operate from nearby Verona airport to Salò, making the town easily accessible. Rent a car to see more of the surrounding region or hop on one of the many ferries to explore the lake.

Bellerive Lifestyle Hotel
Bellerive Lifestyle Hotel
5 out of 5
Via Pietro da Salò 11, Salò, BS
The price is S$604 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$604
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Salò. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Spiaggia delle Rive and Museo di Salò are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"The Bellerive was so beautiful, in the most perfect location, right on the lake situated in the lovely town of Salò. The staff were very accommodating, the bed and bathroom felt luxurious. We would definitely stay there again!"

Reviewed on 4 Jun, 2025

Bellerive Lifestyle Hotel
A-ROSA Gardasee
A-ROSA Gardasee
5 out of 5
Via del Panorama 47, Salò, BS
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Salò. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mokai Beach and Spiaggia delle Rive are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

A-ROSA Gardasee
Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection
Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection
3 out of 5
Via Dante Alighieri 27, Castelletto di Brenzone, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
The price is S$159 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$159
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (291 reviews)
"Older hotel needs some renovations but it was nice and clean. Location was very nice Some of the staff was not friendly and should not be in a customer service position."

Reviewed on 15 Jun, 2025

Hotel Caribe - Garda Lake Collection
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.
Sweet Dream Loft-100 mt From Lake
Sweet Dream Loft-100 mt From Lake
Salò
Stay at this apartment in Salò. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Museo di Salò and Spiaggia delle Rive are ...
Sweet Dream Loft-100 mt From Lake
June Stay Lake Garda
June Stay Lake Garda
Via Gardesana, 56, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"The reception was so kind, we loved the lake terrace view and the pool. They no longer charge for pool chairs, as I had read previously in reviews - thankfully!! I was surprised to find that I would have to pay extra to have clean towels or service. I opted not to."

Reviewed on 2 Jun, 2025

June Stay Lake Garda
Residenza Miralago
Residenza Miralago
2 out of 5
Tommaso dal Molin, 27, Desenzano del Garda, BS
Book a stay at this beach residence in Desenzano del Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Scaliger Castle and Port ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (50 reviews)
"Apartment was generally acceptable but noise from other apartments was an issue."

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

Residenza Miralago
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Salò

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely location

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Salo is a beautiful historic small town. It is my favourite town on lake Garda.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely little town but struggled to get a nice evening meal. Breakfast and lunch is easy but the evening fare is low quality for maximum price

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A wonderful town set on Lake Garda.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really close to the ferry services for other parts of the lake.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

This property isn’t actually in salo it’s in the town Barbarano. Not much within the town and Salo was around 40 minutes walk, so not ideal and the bus transport was unreliable.