Malcesine

Travel Guide

Malcesine
Malcesine
Malcesine
Malcesine
Photo by Tysonator  W

Wander amid the cobbled lanes and historic buildings of this pretty town. Climb up to the castle, dine in fine restaurants and relax on the shores of Lake Garda. 

Malcesine occupies one of Lake Garda’s most picturesque spots, with Monte Baldo looming behind and the lake stretching out in front. The popular vacation resort attracts those looking to relax during slow-paced sunny days. Sip coffee, enjoy rich gelato and bask in the sun along the lakeshore. Reserve some time to visit the impressive and unmistakable Scaliger Castle overlooking the town.

Located on the eastern side of Lake Garda, Malcesine is surrounded by pretty villages, towns and beaches. It has long attracted writers and artists who draw inspiration from the stunning vistas and fascinating history of the town. Amble through the medieval cobbled lanes and notice the historic architecture. Discover small stores selling leather handbags and shoes, locally made limoncello and artisan souvenirs. Dine in one of the many restaurants. For dessert, have the town’s famous gelato (ice cream).

Walk to the main harbor, where little boats bob on the waves and plenty of open-air cafés welcome visitors. Not far away is the old harbor Port Vecchio with even more places to eat. The 15th-century Palazzo dei Capitani is located here. It was once the headquarters of the region’s Venetian rulers.

The most important building in town is the Scaliger Castle. Make sure you see this grand fortification, as well as the Museo Castello Scaligero, a very thorough museum housed within. Its existence is testament to the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

Take the cable car up Monte Baldo for some of the best views of Lake Garda. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor pursuits, participate in cycling, walking or paragliding.

The airports of Verona, Brescia and Bergamo are all within a short transfer from Malcesine. Take the train to Peschiera and then a bus to the town or rent a car and have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Hotel Majestic Palace
Hotel Majestic Palace
4 out of 5
Via Navene Vecchia 96, Malcesine, VR
The price is ¥27,087 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥27,087
¥30,477 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (83 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay! Lots of activities to do with beautiful views. The customer service was fantastic and very accommodating. The shuttle service down into the village centre was excellent to have as well. Highly recommend staying here!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Hotel Majestic Palace
Club Hotel Olivi
Club Hotel Olivi
3 out of 5
160 Via Gardesana, Malcesine, VR
The price is ¥20,843 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
¥20,843
¥23,437 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
Great place, lot of room, sweet pool, lake beach
"Fantastic location, great property - size and features. Great pool, poolside bar ... friendly staff ... simply awesome."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Club Hotel Olivi
Hotel Dolomiti
Hotel Dolomiti
3.5 out of 5
Via Gardesana Centro 135, Malcesine, VR
The price is ¥25,525 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥25,525
¥28,587 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (219 reviews)
"A small but great hotel with exceptional staff. Thanks to Rita who’s manner and professionalism really shines to make this hotel so well rated."

Reviewed on May 23, 2025

Hotel Dolomiti
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lakeside apartment located in historic center with wonderful views
Lakeside apartment located in historic center with wonderful views
Malcesine
Book a stay at this ski apartment in Malcesine. Enjoy ski-in/ski-out access, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo ...
Gorgeous lakefront getaway.
"A beautiful apartment in a charming town, right on the water, with spectacular views of Lake Garda. The property was spotless and Stefania could not have been more accommodating. A wonderful escape for a few days."

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2023

Lakeside apartment located in historic center with wonderful views
New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake
New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake
Malcesine
Stay at this apartment in Malcesine. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
Lake Garda Stay
"The view from our apartment was breathtakingly beautiful! The apartment was well equipped with everything we needed. The only drawbacks were the pool was very cold and they were many steps to get up to the apartment. Luckily the property manger and his son helped with our luggage. It quite a drive ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2021

New apartment with superb view of the Garda Lake
June Stay Lake Garda
June Stay Lake Garda
Via Gardesana, 56, Brenzone sul Garda, VR
Stay at this aparthotel in Brenzone sul Garda. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Malcesine-Monte Baldo Cableway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"The reception was so kind, we loved the lake terrace view and the pool. They no longer charge for pool chairs, as I had read previously in reviews - thankfully!! I was surprised to find that I would have to pay extra to have clean towels or service. I opted not to."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

June Stay Lake Garda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Malcesine

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 11%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful town, lots of dining and shopping, fun place to stroll around. Lake level.

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