Toscolano Maderno holidays, Italy

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda on either side of the Toscolano River, the two Brescian towns of Toscolano and Maderno were united in 1928 and are now thought of as a single resort. Dramatic Monte Pizzocolo overlooks the valley and some lovely scenic villages including Gaino and Sanica can be found in the surroundings.

The north end of the resort, Toscolano is the more industrial of the two, known for its paper mills while more southerly Maderno is prettier and more tourist-focussed with a lovely bay, and a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Visit our Restaurants and Bars page for places to eat and drink nearby.

When it comes to getting around, Toscolano Maderno serves as an important port for the Lake Garda car ferry which provides transport to the eastern shore and a regular bus service provides access to towns like Gargnano, Riva and Brescia.

A variety of events take place here throughout the year, including the annual Festival del Garda, traditional Bisse races on the lake and a weekly market. To find out more about what’s on, visit our Events page.

Toscolano Maderno caters for all kinds of holidays, whether you prefer to get the adrenaline pumping or relax and rejuvenate. With walking and cycling terrain of varying difficulty and a ferry service to Torri - from which you can climb legendary Monte Baldo - this is a brilliant base for active holidays. Combine a walk or bike ride with some historic sightseeing in the famous Paper Mill Valley or opt for horse-back as a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery. In hot weather, make sure you spend time on Maderno’s beach, which is one of the nicest on Lake Garda.

Visit our Activities page for more things to see and do in the area.

Toscolano dates back to Etruscan settlement and under the name Benacum, is said to have been the largest town on Lake Garda during the Roman era. The well preserved remains of a Roman Villa can be found here, nearby the paper mill valley which is home to various ruined buildings from the town’s industrial paper making past. Visit the Paper Mill Museum to learn all about the town’s industrial heritage.

Other important buildings include the Romanesque Church of Sant'Andrea and the Baroque church of St Pietro e Paolo, where you can see some paintings by famous artist Andrea Celesti.

To experience some local culture, make sure you visit the weekly market. The colourful lakeside markets are a big tradition around Lake Garda and are brilliant if you want to sample a bit of lake life.

Visit our Toscolano Maderno History page to find out more about the past of the area.