Free walking tours in Peschiera del Garda and what to see

Must-sees

Peschiera del Garda is on the southern shore of Lake Garda, where the river Mincio begins. Its historic centre occupies an island surrounded by the waters of the lake and the river, protected by a fortress that is part of the Venetian defence works on UNESCO's World Heritage list. You enter through monumental gates such as the 16th-century Porta Brescia, and inside you find squares, shops and terraces by the canals.

The 19th-century Palazzina Storica opens for temporary exhibitions and has a viewpoint. Outside the walls, the Renaissance sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino holds works by the painter Paolo Farinati. The lakeside promenade is lovely at sunset, and a few kilometres away are Sirmione, with its castle on the water, and Lazise, another walled town on the Veronese shore. In neighbouring Castelnuovo del Garda is the Gardaland theme park.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Peschiera. What Civitatis offers from here are mainly day trips to Verona, Venice and the Dolomites, as well as opera tickets for the Arena di Verona festival, a very popular plan in summer. The station, on the Milan to Venice line, makes it easy to get around on your own, and lake boats take you to other villages on the shore.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the fortress, the walls and the lakeside walk. If you want to spend the day, add a swim or a boat trip to Sirmione or Lazise. As a base for exploring southern Garda and Verona, a short train ride away, allow three or four days.

Where to stay

Staying inside the walls puts the town within walking distance and the restaurants on your doorstep. Along the shore towards San Benedetto di Lugana there are hotels with lake views and campsites. If you travel with children and plan to visit Gardaland, the area towards Castelnuovo del Garda is practical. The station is close to the centre, an advantage if you don't have a car.