📷 Photo by Patrick Pahlke on UnsplashLake Garda loop
Around Italy’s largest lake: the Gardesana tunnels, lemon houses at Limone, Monte Baldo and the castle at Sirmione.
- Distance
- 127 km (79 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 45 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 10, 2026
At a glance: 3-day round trip of about 127 km (79 mi) with 7 stops, starting and ending in Riva del Garda. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Riva del Garda
Route description
From Riva del Garda, at the northern tip of the lake, the SS45bis Gardesana Occidentale runs south along the western shore through a series of tunnels cut into the cliffs. Limone sul Garda has old lemon houses, stone terraces once roofed for growing citrus.
Further south, the lake widens and the road reaches Salò, with a long lakeside promenade. From there, continue to the southern shore and Sirmione, a castle town on a narrow peninsula with Roman villa ruins at the tip and thermal baths; the old town is closed to traffic, so park outside.
The return runs north along the eastern shore through Bardolino and Garda to Malcesine, a village with a Scaliger castle. From here, the Monte Baldo cable car, with rotating cabins, climbs from the lakeshore to a ridge with the whole of Lake Garda below.
The loop ends back in Riva del Garda. The Gardesana tunnels are narrow, so drive them slowly in a large motorhome, and expect heavy traffic and long queues at the cable car in July and August; go early in the day.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Riva del Garda
Italy - 211 km
Limone sul Garda
Italy - 339 km
Salò
Italy - 417 km
Sirmione
HistorySirmione, ItalyA castle town on a narrow peninsula in Lake Garda, with Roman villa ruins at the tip and thermal baths.
- 542 km
Malcesine
Italy - 60 km
Monte Baldo cable car
ViewsMalcesine, ItalyRotating cabins climb from the lakeshore to a ridge with the whole of Lake Garda below.
- 717 km
Riva del Garda
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Riva del Garda → Salò · 50 km · 0 h 41 minOn the way: Limone sul Garda.Overnight nearby, for example: Weekend (2 km); Europa Silvella (4 km).
- Day 2: Salò → Sirmione · 17 km · 0 h 14 minOvernight nearby, for example: Garda Agri Camper (4 km); Camper Park Sirmione (5 km).
- Day 3: Sirmione → Riva del Garda · 59 km · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Malcesine, Monte Baldo cable car.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Bavaria (1 km); Camping Al Lago (1 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Lake Garda loop?
3-day round trip of about 127 km (79 mi) with 7 stops, starting and ending in Riva del Garda. About 1 h 45 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lake Garda loop?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lake Garda loop start and end?
It is a round trip that starts and ends in Riva del Garda.
Which countries does Lake Garda loop pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Lake Garda loop?
OpenStreetMap lists 204 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Bavaria, Camping Al Lago and Area Sosta Camper Brione.
When is the best time for Lake Garda loop?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
