Lake Garda holidays in June

June is one of the best months to visit Lake Garda, before the summer crowds and more intense sunshine and stronger mid-day heat of July and August. The weather is lovely and warm and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it, whether you’re relaxing in the sunshine, exploring the sights or getting active around the lake and mountains.

To feel the best of the June sunshine, stay in one of the southern towns of Peschiera, Sirmione and Desenzano or, if you prefer a cooler environment, the towns towards the north of Riva, Torbole and Limone receive a refreshing breeze from the mountains. This windy nature makes the northern towns great for water-sports and perfect if you’re looking for an active holiday on the water while, for hiking, walking and cycling, the Parco Alto Garda offers varied terrain on the west behind Salo, Maderno and Limone.

June holidays are brilliant if you want to enjoy day trips beyond the lake before everything gets busier. Peschiera and Desenzano are ideal for this as they both have their own train stations with access to Milan, Venice and Verona (the Arena di Verona Operafestival makes this a great time to visit) but day trips are available from pretty much all of the lake towns, so ask about those that interest you when booking your holiday. Lake Garda’s local attractions also tend to be less busy, for those wanting to visit the historical, religious and natural attractions around the lake. Evenings here are lovely and warm, perfect for al fresco dining and moonlit lakeside walks, when you’ll see some amazing sunsets over the lake from Malcesine, Garda and Torri del Benaco.

There’s a great festival in Lake Garda’s wine capital, Bardolino, celebrating the town’s Chiaretto rosé wine in June. Sporting events include the International triathlon in Bardolino and Torbole’s annual wind surfing festival while, for music, Riva and Torbole host a festival with concerts and street artists and Garda Jazz festival. Towns on the lake compete for the flag of the lake or “Bandiera del Lago” in bisse (Venetian-style boat) races throughout the summer.