Holiday in Bardolino on Lake Garda
Bardolino, a picturesque town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, attracts numerous visitors each year with its blend of Italian charm, stunning landscapes, and excellent wine. But what makes Bardolino so unique? Here, you’ll find everything you need to know for your next vacation.
Between lake and hills
Where is Bardolino located?
Bardolino is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in the Italian region of Veneto. Its proximity to Verona (about 30 km away) makes it a popular destination for day trips.
What makes Bardolino so special?
In addition to its charming old town with quaint streets, Bardolino is particularly famous for its red wine. The combination of vineyards, the sparkling Lake Garda, and a wide range of recreational activities delights travellers of all ages.
Top activities and attractions
Historical highlights and culture
- Piazza Matteotti: The heart of Bardolino’s old town centers around Piazza Matteotti, which is more of a lively promenade than a square. It is perfect for shopping and leads to the lakeside promenade, where a historic tower – remnant of an old fortification – marks the start of a scenic walk to Garda or Cisano.
- San Severo Church: This Romanesque church is home to impressive frescoes.
- San Zeno Church: A small Carolingian-era church about 1,200 years old, located on the street of the same name.
- Zeni Wine Museum: Learn about the history of winemaking in this fascinating museum.
Beaches and water sports
The beaches of Punta Cornicello and Lido Mirabello are ideal for sunbathers. For active vacationers, options like windsurfing and kayaking are readily available.
Hiking and cycling around Bardolino
Explore the Bardolino Trail (Percorso del Vino) for stunning views of the lake and surrounding vineyards.
Bardolino wine & culinary delights
The wines of the region
Bardolino is world-famous for its wine, which not only bears the town's name but also shapes the region's landscape and culture. The classic Bardolino wine is crafted from a harmonious blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes. These varieties give the wine its light, fruity character with notes of cherries, red berries, and a subtle spiciness.
Restaurants and local specialties
Typical dishes include:
- Risotto with Amarone: A creamy risotto prepared with the region’s intense red wine.
- Bigoli al Torchio: Hand-rolled pasta traditionally served with anchovies or game ragout.
Local restaurants in Bardolino pride themselves on offering these specialities in authentic settings.
Festa dell’Uva e del Vino & other events
The annual Wine and Grape Festival, held every autumn, is one of the most famous wine festivals on Lake Garda. For several days, the town celebrates its wine tradition with tastings of the renowned Bardolino wine and the refreshing Chiaretto rosé.
Stalls featuring local delicacies, live music, and crafts line the lakeside promenade. Highlights include a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Garda and a festive parade through the town. The wine festival is the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s culture, the hospitality of the locals, and, of course, the exceptional wine.
From spring to autumn, Bardolino also hosts numerous markets and concerts.
Practical tips for your vacation
Best time to visit
The months from May to September offer warm weather and a variety of events.
Getting there & getting around
Bardolino is easily accessible via well-connected roads by car. Locally, a bicycle is highly recommended for exploring the area.
Insider tips for Bardolino
- Discover a hidden beach: Visit the small, peaceful beach at Punta San Vigilio for relaxation and tranquillity.
- Wine tasting at family-owned vineyards: Visit the hillside wineries around Bardolino for intimate wine-tasting experiences. For example, the Azienda Agricola Conti Guerrieri-Rizzardi offers tours of its gardens and historic cellar, followed by tastings in its wine museum (by appointment).
-
Traditional festival in Bardolino in autumn
-
The Via Pieve is a typical romantic alleyway in the city centre of Bardolino.
-
Directy at the lakeside, there is the town hall with rests of ancient urban fortifications.
-
The Piazza San Nicolò and the San Severo church are also worth a visit in Bardolino.
-
The anchored boats in the harbour are among the most loved photo subjects at Lake Garda.
-
Bardolino
-
Holiday in Bardolino
-
Bardolino by night
-
Bardolino
-
Bardolino
-
Bardolino
-
Port
