Best for: Car free, Lakes, Scenery, Walking, Culture, Active
Transfer time: Verona 1hour 45 minutes
Malcesine is Lake Garda’s most popular resort, situated in the middle of the eastern shore at the foot of Monte Baldo, the highest mountain around Lake Garda. Malcesine is a busy little town with lots of character and plenty to explore. The sloping and stepped little cobbled streets lead you up to the 13th Century Scaliger Castle, a popular location for weddings, and they lead you down again to the lovely lakeside promenade offerings you shopping, cultural sights and culinary delights along the way. The relaxing traffic-free town centre is a wonderful place to enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere.
Starting as a quiet fishing village, Malcesine has grown into an active and beautiful resort surrounded by olive groves and flourishing pine forests. The medieval castle is worth a visit and the tower is another place to get good views of the town and lake and maybe spot a wedding being held at the there. The castle also hosts regular music concerts. One of the highlights of Malcesine is the regular Saturday market. Behind Malcesine there is a cable car which takes around 20 min to get you to the top of Monte Baldo, at 1760m, with its breathtaking views.
At the top of Monte Baldo, there are a plethora of walks in the great nature park full of alpine and tropical plants. From the top of the cable car you also have access to an abundance of mountain biking terrain, including two descents back to Malcesine, one easy route 6hours long, and the other more bracing direct route. Malcesine is one of the best places on the lake for riding. For more leisurely bathing and water sports go along the promenade leading south past the shingle beaches to lovely Val di Sogno.
In the evening join the locals and enjoy the favourite aperitivo Aperol Spritz in Piazza Vittorio Emmanuelle or down on the lakeside. Remember to try the ice cream from the gelateria on Corso Garibaldi, whose flavours can include the more adventurous Gorgonzola!
Excellent ferry services with Limone and Riva and all resorts down to Desenzano.
City Excursions
Verona
Venice
Florence
Milan
Other excursions
Verona Opera
Lake Garda tour
The Dolomites
Wine Tour
Bolzano and Renon
Mantova and Parc Sigurta
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