2025 Malcesine Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Malcesine is a town on the north-east shore of Lake Garda, so in the Veneto region of Italy. One of the prettiest and most popular towns on the lake, Malcesine is visited for the town and lakeside activities, the castle and also for the easy access to the mountain behind the town which can be reached via a cable-car. The main centre of Malcesine is on the shores of the lake and easy to explore. The tourist office is at 6 Via Capitanato near the harbour and is a good place to start your visit - to get here follow Corso Garibaldi west from the roundabout on the main road that passes next to the town and tha main car park, then turn left when you get almost to the lake. Also on Via Capitanato you can see one of the most important buildings in Malcesine, the Palazzo dei Capitani, built by the Scaliger family in the 13th century and beautifully restored in the 15th century. You can enter the palace and see the small garden on the edge of the lake behind the building. From here it is a short walk to the harbour, a very charming small port surrounded by colourful buildings and with a few small boats (large boats are not allowed to enter). This is one of the most picturesque ports on Lake Garda, as well as being the embarcation point for boats across the lake. Most of the old town of Malcesine is to the north of here, so stroll black along Via Capitano and across into the alley that leads to Porto Vecchio. This small port is no longer active with boats but is another very lovely small square with views across the lake. From here you can continue into the cobbled streets of the old town to explore the oldest part of Malcesine. There are two squares - the Piazza Turazza and the Piazza Cavour - and lots of small streets and alleys in this part of the village. #mynovgetaway #thanksgiving #mynovgetaway#thanksgiving

If you want to gain fabulous Mountain View’s and feel the alpine air but don’t have to time or the expertise to climb almost 2000m above sea level? The town of Malcesine on the shore of Lake Garda may have the answer, from here you can reach spectacular heights by using the huge, rotating gondola which gives you a ride beyond the clouds to join hikers and paraglides at the top of the magnificent Monte Baldo #getgoing2025 #mountains #clouds

#europetrip 1. Ride the Rotating Cable Car Start your Monte Baldo adventure with a ride on the Malcesine Cable Car, an attraction in itself. This glass-walled gondola doesn’t just take you up the mountain—it rotates as it ascends, offering 360-degree views of Lake Garda, the charming town of Malcesine, and the surrounding peaks. It’s like a preview of the magic that awaits at the top. The transition from lake-level warmth to crisp mountain air makes the journey feel almost otherworldly. 2. Hike Through the “Garden of Europe” Monte Baldo is known as the “Garden of Europe” for its incredible biodiversity, and hiking here feels like walking through nature’s finest gallery. Trails cater to all levels, from easy ridgeline strolls to demanding climbs for seasoned hikers. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildflowers, alpine meadows, and Mediterranean flora, all set against the backdrop of Lake Garda on one side and the Dolomites on the other. The views are so stunning you’ll need to remind yourself to keep walking! Don’t forget to snap a picture at one of the panoramic viewpoints—they’re postcard-perfect. 3. Soar Over Lake Garda with Paragliding For thrill-seekers, nothing beats paragliding from Monte Baldo. Launch yourself off the mountain and glide over Lake Garda, taking in unparalleled aerial views of the shimmering water and rugged cliffs. It’s an adrenaline rush and a meditation session rolled into one. If you’re nervous, tandem flights with experienced pilots ensure you can enjoy the ride without the pressure of steering. Whether you’re soaking in the scenery, hiking the trails, or flying through the sky, Monte Baldo is an unforgettable adventure packed into one majestic mountain.

#onthemove Rising above the sparkling waters of Lake Garda, Monte Baldo is a hiker’s dream, a photographer’s paradise, and a nature lover’s playground. Stretching across northern Italy’s Trentino and Veneto regions, this mountain offers jaw-dropping views, diverse ecosystems, and adventures that make you forget your everyday worries. Getting to Monte Baldo is part of the thrill. The Malcesine Cable Car whisks you from the charming lakeside town of Malcesine to the summit in minutes. The ride alone is worth the trip, as the glass-walled gondola rotates, giving you panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding peaks. At the top, you’re greeted with crisp mountain air and a landscape that feels straight out of a postcard. Hiking is the star attraction here. Trails range from gentle strolls along ridgelines to more challenging routes for seasoned adventurers. Along the way, you’ll encounter fields of wildflowers in spring, grazing cows in summer, and golden hues in fall. The views? Endless. On one side, the shimmering expanse of Lake Garda; on the other, the dramatic Dolomites. Monte Baldo is also known as the “Garden of Europe” for its incredible biodiversity. Thanks to its unique location, the mountain is home to a mix of alpine and Mediterranean plant life. Keen eyes might even spot rare orchids along the trails. For adrenaline junkies, Monte Baldo offers paragliding. Soar like a bird over the lake and take in views that will leave you breathless (if the jump didn’t already). End your visit with a hearty Italian meal at a mountain rifugio. Picture this: fresh pasta, local wine, and views that make you linger just a little longer. Monte Baldo isn’t just a mountain—it’s a magical blend of nature, adventure, and tranquility that keeps visitors coming back for more.

#italytrip Spending three days at Lake Garda in Italy was an absolute dream! 🏞️ This stunning lake, surrounded by picturesque towns, lush mountains, and olive groves, is perfect for anyone looking to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Italy. On my first day, I explored Sirmione, a charming town located on a narrow peninsula that stretches out into the lake. The Scaliger Castle, with its impressive moat, is a must-visit. Entry was about €6, and the views from the top were breathtaking! 🏰 Afterward, I took a dip in the thermal waters at Aquaria Thermal Spa, which was the perfect way to unwind. Day two was all about adventure! I took a ferry to Malcesine and went up Monte Baldo on the cable car (around €22 round trip). The ride offered panoramic views of the lake and the Alps that were simply unforgettable. 🌄 At the top, I did some light hiking and even paragliding for the first time – what a thrill! Later, I strolled through Malcesine’s medieval streets, enjoying gelato and shopping for souvenirs. 🍦 On my last day, I visited Riva del Garda, on the northern tip of the lake. The atmosphere here was more laid-back. I rented a bike and rode along the scenic trails by the water, then relaxed with a delicious seafood lunch at a lakeside restaurant. The combination of crystal-clear water, historic towns, and outdoor activities makes Lake Garda the perfect getaway! 🌅 #trip #LakeGarda #ItalyAdventure #Sirmione #MonteBaldo #LakesideLiving

Malcesine is a small town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda in northern Italy. It’s a picturesque tourist resort with cobbled lanes and a castle, crammed between the blue lake waters and the massive mountain ridge behind, Monte Baldo. In the summer months Malcesine is a hive of innocent hedonism, packed with pottering holidaymakers gorging on ice cream and sunseekers draped along the lake shore.

These past two years, the fairy-tale worlds in Europe have become increasingly scarce, huh. At the beginning of September, during my travels in Italy, I discovered a small town📍Malcesine, which still retains some of that feeling. Malcesine is located on the northeastern side of Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda. ❤Walking on the cobblestone streets of Malcesine is a pleasure in itself, as if you are in a fairy-tale world. 📝The history of this small town dates back to the Middle Ages, with the castle built by the powerful Scaligeri family of Verona, its tall towers standing on the rocks, overlooking the entire town. From the top of the castle tower, overlooking the town and the lake, time seems to stop. The old houses, narrow alleys, corner squares, orange rooftops, and the castle all exude a medieval atmosphere. If you travel to Italy, this small town is worth visiting; it is 60 kilometers from Verona and 200 kilometers from Venice.

Malcesine, Italy, provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic lakeside lunch. Imagine sitting at this charming eatery, with a delicious pizza before you, and the serene lake stretching out in front. The combination of culinary delight and natural beauty creates a memorable dining experience. Who wouldn't want to savor such a moment? If you could choose someone to share this delicious meal and stunning view with, who would it be? Tag them and make plans to indulge in pizza and lakeside serenity together. 🍕🏞️