Lake Garda in April – Everything You Need to Know
Lake Garda attracts thousands of visitors from Italy and beyond each year. It’s a great destination for tourists seeking relaxation, tranquillity, culture, and a whole lot of fun. The Mediterranean climate of Lake Garda makes it a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. But if you visit Lake Garda in April, you […]
Lake Garda attracts thousands of visitors from Italy and beyond each year. It's a great destination for tourists seeking relaxation, tranquillity, culture, and a whole lot of fun.
The Mediterranean climate of Lake Garda makes it a wonderful place to visit any time of the year. But if you visit Lake Garda in April, you can enjoy excellent weather that is not too cool and not yet too hot as well.
The landscape in Lake Garda is very diverse, with green hills and beaches in the south and mountains in the northern part. There are countless historical sites, from beautiful fortresses to ancient ruins and castles. And in April, Lake Garda shines even more beautifully.
Lake Garda also offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities to satisfy all kinds of travellers. Couples can go on a romantic stroll by the lake, while sports lovers can go biking, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and more. If you want to visit Lake Garda in April, then here's everything you need to know.
Weather
Located in the northern part of Italy near the city of Verona, Lake Garda enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winter weather. The weather in Lake Garda in April is still quite cool compared to the peak of summer, but the area enjoys pleasantly warm conditions, which are ideal for sightseeing and taking up outdoor adventures.
In April, Lake Garda experiences an average daytime temperature of 14ºC, making this month pleasant but slightly mild. During the hottest parts of the afternoon, temperatures can go to around 18ºC only, so you can still go around in comfort and not have to deal with any sweltering heat. At night, the temperature in Lake Garda in April can drop to 9ºC, so you may need to bring some layers to keep you warm when going out and about in the evening.
On average, Lake Garda experiences around ten days of rain in April. If you’re wondering what to wear in Lake Garda in April, pack some lighter layers and a warm jumper. That way, you will feel comfortable whatever the weather is.
Remember, the weather in Lake Garda in April can get unpredictable, not to mention the occasional rain showers. It’s also a good idea to pack a raincoat so you can still explore the outdoors during the rainy days.
How to Get There
Thanks to its central location and good connections, you can easily reach Lake Garda from almost anywhere in Italy by plane, train, or car. Once you get there, the best way to get around is on a boat.
The nearest airport in Lake Garda is the Valerio Catullo in Villafranca di Verona. It is small but very well organized and is around 20 km from the lake's southern shore. From here, you can then take local transport to get you to the other locations and the place you are staying within Lake Garda.
The Orio al Serio in Bergamo is another airport close to Lake Garda, around 90 km away. Both airports are well connected to some of Italy's main airports and other major airports in Europe.
It's also possible to travel by train when you go to Lake Garda in April. The nearest railway stations are Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda in the south, while Rovereto in the north. Its central station of Verona Porta Nuova is also a good starting point. From here, you can take a train going to Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano.
Numerous bus routes will also take you to the main towns of Lake Garda.
For those who prefer to drive to Lake Garda, you can reach it from the north via the A22 Brennero – Modena motorway. Meanwhile, those from east or west should take the A4 Milan – Venice motorway and exit through Peschiera del Garda.
Things to See and Do
Lake Garda offers a variety of activities for all kinds of travellers. The lake's crystal-clear waters surrounded by the craggy mountain peaks are ideal for swimming. There are also opportunities for water sports activities, walking, or cycling. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Lake Garda in April.
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Take Boat Trips Across the Lake
Regardless of the time of your visit, one of the best things to do in Lake Garda is to go boating across the lake. Hop on one of the many boats that offer tours all over the lake, many of which will take you to some of the beautiful towns beside the lake, allowing you to experience the local life.
One of the most beautiful towns you could visit on your boating trip is Riva Del Garda. It's a pretty little town surrounded by stunning mountains at the lake's northern shore that you can visit as a day trip coming from the larger cities of Malcesine or Limone.
These boat trips are best enjoyed in April when you'll be surrounded by the dramatic views of a mountainous landscape that isn't yet too busy with other tourists. Take time to explore Riva's old centre, home to great restaurants and shops. Check out some local attractions as well, such as the old Venetian Clock tower that rises above the old town.
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Enjoy the Spring Flowers
In Lake Garda, summer days usually start from May onwards, which means spring is from March to April. When you visit Lake Garda in April, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning spring flowers of the area in full bloom. The region's mild climate allows numerous flower species typical to the Mediterranean to thrive.
Visit the gorgeous Heller Gardens, set along the hills behind Gardone Riviera, where you will find a variety of beautiful flowers. The landscaped garden is also home to stunning waterfalls, streams, and ponds with carps. Explore the picturesque garden and discover its beautiful flora collected worldwide, which bursts with beautiful colours in spring.
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Explore Hiking Trails
Given its stunning natural landscape, Lake Garda is the perfect place to go on a hike. In fact, the region has plenty of fantastic hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels.
For those who prefer an easy hike, check out the picturesque little village of Malcesine, which lies between the lake and the beautiful Monte Baldo Mountain. The short hike is truly worthwhile, even during bad weather. It takes almost an hour, and you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking panoramic views of Malcesine and the Scaliger castle. During sunset, the village turns magical, with the sea of lights beautifully reflecting at Lake Garda.
When you visit Lake Garda in April, another popular hiking route to consider is the Sentiero del Ventrar. Featuring barren rocks and stunning gorges, not to mention the beautiful views of Lake Garda, this route has everything an avid hiker would ever wish. The path will take you along narrow trails and some difficult paths lined with wire ropes. Therefore, this is ideal for adventurous and well-experienced hikers.
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Take a Day Trip to Verona
Consider going on a day trip to nearby Verona during your visit to Lake Garda in April. Travelling to Verona from Lake Garda is very convenient even if you don’t have a car, as great train services are connecting to the two locations. The most convenient way to go on a day trip to Verona from Lake Garda is to book an organised tour. It's also possible to travel by car or public transport, either a train or bus.
The city is pretty compact, allowing you to explore it with ease. It's large enough to have plenty of interesting things to explore, yet, it's not as overwhelming as the other major cities in Italy.
Since Verona is a pedestrian-friendly city, it's easy to get around on foot. You can explore many attractions in a day, although it's recommended that first-time visitors join a walking tour to make the most of their visit and learn many interesting things about the city.
Steeped in culture and history, Verona has numerous historical sites dating back to several centuries. It boasts Roman ruins, stunning gardens, Renaissance art and architecture, and bustling markets.
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Picnic by the Lakeside
Given the mild sunny days in Lake Garda in spring, going on a picnic is a popular activity to do when you visit in April. There are several fantastic picnic spots in the region, where you can enjoy picturesque views as you tuck into delicious local specialities.
Hike along a trail heading to Monte Brione, set between Riva del Garda and Torbole. Make a stop by the forts from the First World War to set up your picnic basket. From here, you can admire the stunning views of the lake.
There's another beautiful picnic spot in Lake Garda, located close to the ruins of château Penede. To get here, start higher from the town of Nato and climb up to the ruins of Penede castle. It's an easy walk leading to a wide-open meadow, perfect for a picnic from where you can enjoy the lake's stunning view.
Another excellent place for a picnic in Lake Garda is the Tenno area, just above the lake, which looks even more beautiful during spring. The view consists of ancient castles and picturesque villages, with the emerald waters of Lake Tenno in the background.
Before you sit down for a picnic, check out the medieval hamlet of Canale di Tenno. From here, you can take a short walk to the shores of the lake and indulge in a fun day out in the sun.
Other Tips
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Visit Lake Garda in a Car
Having a car at your disposal when visiting Lake Garda in April allows you to conveniently go around and explore everything that the area has to offer. You’ll be able to quickly zip and down the roads and have the freedom to visit a myriad of medieval villages, picturesque towns, and so many other beautiful places by the lake. So, if you can drive to Lake Garda either in your own car or hire a car for the duration of your stay, then you should definitely go for it.
Since April is outside the tourist peak season, you should not have difficulty looking for parking spots. Traffic is also light, so you should be able to go around easily.
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Consider Hiring a Motorboat
Hiring a motorboat to explore Lake Garda is one of the coolest things to do when you visit in April. There are various companies around the lake that charter boats to visitors, so you can hire a boat at your disposal for a few hours, for the entire day, or even a whole week.
If you don’t have any experience with motorboats, hire a skipper to take you to the many beautiful places around the lake. After all, arriving in a beautiful lakeside town on a boat is the ultimate Italian experience.
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Explore off-the-beaten-track
Lake Garda is one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, so you’ll see plenty of places recommended over and over again for their outstanding features and attractions. But consider exploring outside the tourist trail and discover its hidden gems.
Visit Gargnano, a small community noted for its curved shoreline that looks especially great against the stunning mountains in the distance. Discover the backstreets of Salo, a picturesque small town that used to be the former capital of the Republic of Salo. It's known for its charming palazzos and a cathedral dating back to the 15th century.
To discover more about Lake Garda and the rest of your Italian holiday, check out the rest of our Italian Breaks website for when to go, where to stay and what to do. If you’re looking to book a holiday to Lake Garda, get in touch to find out more about the accommodation we offer.