Malcesine - The Best Lake Garda Town?

The setting of Malcesine too is one of the loveliest of any Garda town located as it is at the foot of Monte Baldo with the Castle looming over the lake and town.


Photo taken from the Val di Sogno Hotel

The town is a mecca for sailors and windsurfers but offers something for every taste. Good restaurants abound, the town is full of great shops and if you visit in the summer the Teatro Lacao, a natural arena situated at the foot of the castle, plays host to numerous concerts.

Malcesine is a lively, vibrant place full of color and laughter during most months of the year and summers are superb here – it may be full of people but that is somehow part of the attraction. The bars, restaurants and piazzas are buzzing and filled with the sound of laughter, the whispers of young lovers and the shouts of noisy kids – I love it!

Where to Stay in Malcesine

For an upmarket hotel in a splendid location you can’t go wrong with the Val di Sogno. The location can only be described as idyllic and the view has to be seen to be believed.

A cheaper alternative is the Hotel Benacus which is a small family run hotel. The hotel is run superbly by the De Massari family and everyone is really most helpful and friendly. Free parking, a swimming pool and a decent restaurant are other good points.

What to see

The castle is the main attraction. The bulk of the castle was developed during the Scaligeri rein in the 14th century. Another claim to fame is that Goethe was arrested in the 18th century as a spy for drawing pictures of the castle. The drawings are now housed in the museum which is mostly dedicated to Lake Garda’s natural history –flora & fauna in the main. Entrance is 5 Euros for adults.

The town has a couple of 18th century churches though none of them are anything special – just my opinion. The captains house that dates back to the Scaliger era is the other main tourist attraction.

On the edge of town Mount Baldo is a huge draw and a trip in the cable car is really a must do – read more under our Mount Baldo Guide.

The Vecchia Malcesine in Via Pisort is excellent – ideal for the special occasion. The restaurant is fairly expensive so it is not really the sort of place to make your regular haunt.

Not convinced that this is the Best Lake Garda Town? Why not try our Lake Garda and Veneto Search Engine to find something better.