Bardolino Holidays 2024/2025
With a picturesque old town and a bustling promenade lined with cafés and bars, it’s easy to understand why Bardolino is one of the most popular resorts for holidays to Lake Garda. Holidays here invite you to soak up the lakefront atmosphere, experience the town’s famous wine-making industry and explore medieval architecture.
Bardolino Holiday Deals
A vibrant town steeped in history
Known for its thriving atmosphere, Italian holidays to Bardolino conjure up images of relaxing days wandering between streetside cafés, browsing boutique shops and sipping cool beverages on sunny piazzas. The waterfront is a hub of activity, with the comings and goings of ferries transporting passengers across the water and a charming promenade which extends for 3km to Garda.
Brimming with history, Bardolino is home to an array of medieval architecture, including frescoed churches, old city walls and ruins from a 14th century castle. It’s also well known for its wine making industry, which dates back to the Roman era.
Lake beaches
For a chilled out day by Lake Garda, head to one of the many beaches dotted around the shores. Bardolino has a few pebble and grass beaches within easy walking distance, including Lido Mirabello, which is just a two minute stroll from the town. The beach has a number of sunloungers and a sunbathing jetty where you can top up your tan, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants serving refreshments.
For one of the best sandy shores on Lake Garda, rent a bike or take a taxi to Lazise. Just outside the town centre is a man-made beach where you can recline on the soft sand or rent a sunlounger for added comfort and enjoy the stunning views.
Getting about
One of the best ways to explore Bardolino and the surrounding area during your holiday to Italy is on foot. To start off, take a gentle stroll through the winding alleys and along the promenade. From there, follow the paths along the water’s edge towards Garda or in the opposite direction towards Lazise. There are plenty of chances to stop and take pictures of the unspoilt lake views, with numerous waterfront cafés with outdoor terraces where you can treat yourself to a mid-walk pick-me-up.
Another way to appreciate the lake’s scenery is by ferry. Known for its excellent transport, Bardolino has ferries and hydrofoils that regularly depart from the harbour and stop at a variety of waterfront resorts, including Riva and Garda.
Inland, there’s picturesque olive groves, vineyards and rolling hills waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, walk to Garda and climb the La Rocca hill for fantastic panoramic views across the town and lake.
Local attractions
For those who want to get out and about during their Italian Lake holiday, there are plenty of attractions and sightseeing opportunities in the area. Highlights include the Zeni Winery, Wine Museum and the philharmonic choir that performs on the steps of the San Nicolo Church every week. The medieval Church of San Zeno and Church of San Severo are also well worth a visit to marvel at the frescoes which date back as far as the 9th century.
Once a week, the waterfront transforms into a bustling market where you can pick up unique gifts and souvenirs, including local wines and leather goods. There’s also a couple of annual wine festivals held in the town, including the Palio del Chiaretto in June and the Festa dell’Uva e del Vino in September. At these events, visitors have the chance to taste some of the region’s finest wines and enjoy unique entertainment and firework displays.
A lively night scene
When the sun goes down the town comes alive with locals and tourists wandering the streets, soaking up the buzzing atmosphere. Many of the shops and cafés stay open until late, including the famous Gelateria Castillos which is renowned for its inventive ice cream creations.
For pre-dinner drinks and spectacular views, head to the promenade and enjoy a glass of Bardolino wine in one of the cafe’s outdoor terraces. Street performances and music concerts take place most evenings, so there’s always something going on.
When it comes to eating out, there are a variety of places to choose from. From stylish lakefront eateries to cosy restaurants tucked away down side streets, you shouldn’t struggle to find something to suit your taste.