Weekend in Lake Garda: Malcesine

Weekend in Lake Garda: Malcesine

J Lee
(1-2 Days) Malcesine, a charming town located on the shores of Italy's Lake Garda, is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich history. The town's location at the foot of Mount Baldo offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether it's exploring the historic center, indulging in delicious cuisine, taking a cable car ride up the mountains, or simply relaxing by the lake, Malcesine offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and tranquility.
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How to get there:

Malcesine is best reached by bus as the town is best explored on foot. If staying around Lake Garda, there is a ferry stop for the town; however, it is not the most direct route.

Bus: ATV 483/484

Line 483 goes from San Benedetto di Lugana up along the eastern coast of Lake Garda until Malcesine.

Line 484 goes from Garda, through Malcesine, up to Riva del Garda

Malcesine Autostazione A
@jylee
The central bus stop of Malcesine - a 5-minute walk from the Monte Baldo cableway. Station A or B is dependent on whether you are travelling North or South.
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Ferry

Malcesine Centro
@jylee
On Google, it says it is permanently closed, but tickets are still on sale on the official website. Travel by ferry will be significantly longer than other methods.
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*Note: make sure to check if your bus or train tickets need to be validated before boarding

Things to do:

Both of the items listed below can have a cost (unless you hike up Monte Baldo), but Malcesine is just as well toured by getting lost without reason.

Monte Baldo

When I went, it was a foggy wonderland until we broke above the clouds, but on a clear day you should be able to see breathtaking views of Lake Garda. I still recommend making the trek if cloudy, it was gorgeous nonetheless. Highly recommend.

Monte Baldo
@jylee
If you are a beginner hiker, take the cable car to the summit as there are trails to walk while taking in breathtaking views of surrounding mountains and Lake Garda the entire time. If you are made to move, you can hike up from Malcesine (or San Michele) to Mount Baldo and still have more trails to explore. Check out the "Trekking & Nordic Walking" page in the link to find out more detail about the trails.
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Tandem Paragliding Lake Garda
@jylee
What better way to see the beauty of Lake Garda than from the skies
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*Note: Remember to respect the land - take home your trash, leave the trail as is, and go prepared.

The Scaliger Castle of Malcesine

I am a much bigger hiker than a history buff, but the castle is an iconic part of the skyline and it is worth learning the history of places you visit too.

Castle of Malcesine
@jylee
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Things to eat (& drink):

Osteria Santo Cielo
@jylee
We arrived in Malcesine quite late and it was like a ghost-town save for this osteria that was open for the perfect glass after a chaotic day of travel. The interior captures the historic nature of the town with an arched stone sitting area, while the exterior seating is in a small piazza.
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L'Artigiano dei Sapori - GELATO & COFFEE by Giordano Lombardi
@jylee
It's gelato, need I say more.
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Where to stay:

When I visited, we booked an Airbnb (the one listed below); however, I understand the reputation of Airbnb's have taken a hit due to host complaints and ridiculous cleaning fees. (The host of the unit below was great, no complaints).

Alternate housing can include:

La Madrugada
@jylee
If driving, they have free parking on premises.
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Hotel Alpino
@jylee
Dog-friendly, has a car park, and can organize an airport shuttle from Verona Villafranca airport (paid).
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J Lee
I like nature and I like food.
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