lake garda holidays in july

One of the hottest months, July is fantastic for a warm summer holiday on Lake Garda. Lake life is a big thing here and there are a variety of ways to enjoy and celebrate it. July is great for lake bathing, particularly towards the south where the water is really sun-warmed, while it’s more suited to water sports up in Torbole and Riva. Most beaches are pebbled but Sirmione, Lazise and Maderno have sandy areas and you can hire pedalos, canoes and motorboats at many beaches or, if you prefer to stay out of the water, you’ll find lovely lakeside promenades, harbours and gelaterias (the famous Italian ice cream parlours).

It can get quite hot here around midday and seeking shade is the ideal excuse to visit the cool interiors of historical and religious buildings (Salo’s and Malcesine’s are great), enjoy some retail therapy (best for shopping are Desenzano and Riva) and sample the charming gelaterias and cafe’s found in literally every Lake Garda resort.

If you enjoy live music, July is a fantastic time to be on and around Lake Garda. Riva and Torbole host the Garda Jazz Festival, there’s more jazz in Gardone and Salò has various concerts. Also in July is Riva’s MusicaRivaFestival and Gardone Rivera’s Vittoriale Theatre festival. Sports events include Torri’s Moira Bergamini bike race and regattas like the Optimist world championship in Riva.

Lake Garda oozes history and culture and in July you can experience age-old lake customs; the Sardellata al Pal del Vò is a moonlight celebration of ancient fishing tradition and the annual Bisse (traditional boat) Races between the towns can be enjoyed throughout the summer.

If where you choose to stay is weather dependant, the towns towards the south (Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera) are real suntraps and ideal for sun-worshipers, while the northern towns (Riva, Torbole, Limone) welcome a refreshing breeze in the hot summer months and are terrific if you plan to be very active, or just prefer a more moderately warm summer holiday.