Travelling solo to Lake Garda? Excellent choice. Whether you’re escaping for some well-earned me time or embracing the freedom of doing exactly what you want, when you want – Lake Garda is the perfect solo travel playground. With charming lakeside towns, sun-soaked beaches, mountain trails, and more gelato flavours than you can shake a spoon at, Italy’s largest lake offers the ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and people-watching with a spritz in hand. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to see, do, eat, and experience – no travel buddy required (except maybe a good book and your camera roll).

For more inspiration for your trip, check out our guide to the best towns to visit on Lake Garda.

1. Take a Ferry and Town-Hop Around the Lake

Lake Garda is surrounded by charming towns, each with its own personality—romantic Sirmione, colourful Limone, laid-back Lazise, and historic Malcesine, to name just a few. The ferry system makes it super easy (and scenic) to explore town by town without needing a car. With a solo travel mindset, you can hop on and off wherever your curiosity takes you—no debates about where to go next!

2. Wander the Old Town of Sirmione

Sirmione feels like a storybook town with its cobbled streets, gelato shops, and the majestic Scaliger Castle rising at the water’s edge. Meander through the old town at your own pace, stop for an espresso, and don’t miss the ancient Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo. Travelling solo means you can get wonderfully lost in the narrow streets without worrying who’s keeping up.

3. Ride the Cable Car up Monte Baldo

From the lakeside town of Malcesine, you can catch a rotating cable car up to the top of Monte Baldo for jaw-dropping panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, choose a gentle walk or a more challenging hike—either way, the peace and solitude of the mountains are incredibly rewarding for solo travellers looking to reconnect with nature.

4. Join a Wine or Olive Oil Tasting Tour

The region around Lake Garda is known for its vineyards and olive groves, especially near Bardolino and Lugana. Many local farms and estates offer tasting sessions and tours where you can sample regional wines or extra virgin olive oil. These small-group experiences are perfect for solo travellers—they’re sociable, low-pressure, and delicious.

5. Rent a Bike & Cycle the Lakeside Trails

Cycling is a fun and freeing way to see more of the lake, especially in the flatter northern areas around Riva del Garda and Torbole. There are well-maintained bike paths that hug the lakeside, offering breathtaking views and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a cappuccino. Don’t worry about keeping up with anyone—this ride is all about your pace.

6. Relax at a Thermal Spa

Treat yourself to a bit of indulgence with a visit to one of Lake Garda’s thermal spas. Aquaria Thermal Spa in Sirmione is a popular choice, with outdoor pools overlooking the lake and a dreamy setting that’s ideal for some solo R&R. The Garda Thermal Park in Colà is another serene spot, surrounded by nature and perfect for a day of soaking, snoozing, and switching off.

7. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking

For a more active adventure, try paddleboarding or kayaking on the lake. Rental stations are easy to find in towns like Riva del Garda, Desenzano, and Malcesine. It’s a great way to explore the shoreline at your own pace, get a bit of a workout in, and enjoy the lake from a new (and quiet) perspective.

8. Visit Gardone Riviera’s Heller Garden

This artistic botanical garden is one of Lake Garda’s hidden gems. Created by artist André Heller, the garden is a whimsical blend of exotic plants and modern sculptures set in a peaceful hillside setting. Solo visitors will love wandering the winding paths and soaking up the magical, slightly surreal atmosphere.

9. Catch a Sunset with Gelato in Hand

One of the simple pleasures of solo travel is slowing down—and there’s no better way to do that than with a lakeside bench, a gelato in hand, and a view of the sun sinking behind the mountains. Many towns along the lake’s western edge offer front-row sunset seats. Pick your flavour (or three) and soak it all in.

10. Join a Group Boat Tour

If you’re in the mood for some light socialising, hop on a group boat tour. From scenic sightseeing cruises to sunset aperitivo sails, there are plenty of options that welcome solo travellers. It’s a fun way to enjoy the water, learn a bit about the area, and maybe even strike up a chat with fellow wanderers.