Are you planning a sailing trip in Garda? We help with itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! Lake Garda is located in a breathtaking natural environment. The steep hills and mountains and the diverse landscape all make it one of the most popular destinations amongst water enthusiasts. Sailing in Garda? We are going to give you some advice on when it’s worth visiting Lake Garda, and also provide you with a plan for a one-week-long sailing trip.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Climate: Favourable conditions
- Ports in Lake Garda
- Sail in Lake Garda! Lake Garda sailing holidays
- One-week Lake Garda sailing itinerary
- Sailing in Garda: Plans for a one-week long sailing tour
- Marine gas at Lake Garda
Climate: Favourable conditions
The area around Lake Garda is characterised by a mixture of Mediterranean and hillside climate. Summers are hot and sunny, but we should expect frequent showers. The storms are sometimes really heavy and are accompanied by strong winds and hails. In Salo, for instance, there is a great amount of precipitation. Winter is fairly dry compared to the other seasons. The temperature at Lake Garda from June to August is around 20°C. It might be a bit chilly for a swim, but it really depends on the region. The temperature and the water is more pleasant in the southern part than in the northern one.
Great wind conditions
The frequent winds provide perfect conditions for us to sail on Lake Garda any time. The Ora blows from the south to the north, from late morning to late afternoon. The Pelèr, on the other hand, blows from the north to the south, from early morning to noon. Its local and transverse wind is the Ponal, which comes from the direction of the Ledro Valley, and blows along the river that has the same name.
The best period to visit Lake Garda is during spring and at the beginning of summer, especially from mid-April to mid-June. If you prefer visiting in autumn, September is also a great choice. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Lake Garda.
Ports in Lake Garda
Moniga del Garda
Moniga is one of the most modern and best-equipped ports at Lake Garda. It’s famous for its high level of service. It was built-in 2005, according to the highest architectural standards. It has 280 moorings for boats, the size of which may even reach 18 metres. The depth of water at the pier is 3.20 metres. They provide fresh water, electricity, Wi-Fi and TV.
Navene di Malcesine
You can find Marina Navene on the northern side of the lake. It provides more than 200 moorings, for instance, for power boats. The running water and the electricity are free to access at every port. The clubhouse has showers. Marina Navene also provides two cranes for dispatching and transporting the boats. You can find a restaurant and a bar in the area. There is also a small gym and a private beach nearby.
The port of Lazise
Lazise is on the southeastern side of Lake Garda. Its historic centre has a beautiful port where you can spot both old fishing boats and modern yachts. You can rent a boat or choose the ferry to get to other cities. There is a long and shallow basin here. The place used to be the naval harbour of the Venetians. You can find great restaurants in the area.
Yacht charter around Lake Garda
Sail in Lake Garda! Lake Garda sailing holidays
One-week Lake Garda di Malcesine sailing itinerary
Our trip starts in Riva de Garda, and this is where we will return.
Day 1. Riva del Garda – Torbole
3, 29 km (2, 05 nm)
It is only 4 kilometres from Riva del Garda. If you love water, you are in the best possible place. Torbole is known as a surfing paradise worldwide. The heavy winds of the area provide perfect conditions for sailing. Those who love extreme sports can participate in a canyon tour.
Day 2. Torbole – Limone sul Garda
9, 02 km (5, 61 nm)
It’s only 11 kilometres from Riva del Garda. It is located in the northwestern part of the lake and is a town with a beautiful landscape. If you arrive on a boat, you can immediately admire the old lemon plantations and steep rocks. There is a wide range of restaurants and cafés on the long boardwalk.
Day 3. Limone sul Garda – Malcesine
5, 24 km (3, 26 nm)
Our next stop is Malcesine, which is located on the northeastern part of Lake Garda. It’s only 18 kilometres from Riva del Garda. A famous architectural piece is the Palazzo dei Capitani, built-in the 13-14th century. You can see palm trees inside. Info about what to do in Navene di Malcesine, Navene di Malcesine sailing, or boat rental in Navene di Malcesine .
Day 4. Malcesine – Salo
28, 57 km (17, 75 nm)
Salo is located further to the south from Gardona Riviera. Its speciality lies in it hills and mountains in the background. If you dock here, you can explore the longest, 3-kilometre-long boardwalk, making the place very famous. You can find great cafés and restaurants in the area.
Day 5. Salo – Moniga del Garda
14, 12 km (8, 77 nm)
Thanks to its idyllic environment, the city belongs to the most favoured destinations. Choose the pebbly beaches to relax after the tiresome weekdays. If you have more time, the mountainous area here is ideal for cycling. As it’s the main production centre of the Chiaretto Rosé wine, you must taste it if you are in a restaurant. It is a light, cherry-coloured wine which is always an ideal choice with a nice dish. Info about what to do in Moniga del Garda, Moniga del Garda sailing, or boat rental in Moniga
Day 6. Moniga del Garda – Sirmione
6, 36 km (3, 95 nm)
If you sail on Lake Garda, don’t miss the Sirmione, which is one of the most beautiful and most popular places. Would you like to go to the beach? Choose the Giamaica beach with its pebbly-rocky sand. The beach can be found under the revealed remains of an old Roman town, Grotte di Catullo. It has slowly-deepening waters. There are great restaurants, ice cream parlours and gift shops on the narrow streets of Simione. We can spend the night in the local marina.
Day 7. Bardolino – Riva del Garda
54, 06 km (33, 59 nm)
Bardolino is famous for the fact that they produce some of the best wines in Northern Italy. There are great vineyards on the southern and southwestern hills. If you dock here, you should definitely taste the wine in a restaurant or during a nice wine tasting. After Bardolino, we return to our first stop, Riva del Garda.
Riva del Garda can be found in the northern part of Lake Garda; it’s the second-largest place at the lake. It is located at the foot of the mountains, in a beautiful natural environment. If you are a water enthusiast, you can try scuba diving and canoeing as well. The Mediterranean oasis, surrounded by palm trees, also has beautiful beaches, cosy restaurants, and elegant shops.
Sailing in Garda: Plan for a one-week-long sailing tour
Day 1. Moniga del Garda – Maderno 14.48 km (9.00 nm), Day 2. Maderno – Limone Sul Garda 25.85 km (16.06 nm), Day 3. Limone Sul Garda – Riva del Garda 9.32 km (5.79 nm), Day 4. Riva del Garda – Val di Sogno 17.68 km (10.98 nm), Day 5. Val di Sogno – Torri del Benaco 18.67 km (11.60 nm), Day 6. Torri del Benaco – Sirmione 14.07 km (8.75 nm), Day 7. Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda – Moniga del Garda 13.17 km (8.18 nm)
Marine gas at Lake Garda
- MONIGA DEL GARDA: Depth: 3.2m, Working time: 8-18, GPS Coordinates45.524295806884766, 10.538492202758789
- LIDO DI LONATO: Depth: 2, 8m, Working time:8-18, GPS Coordinates: 45.4890022277832, 10.518878936767578
- SIRMIONE: Depth: 3m, Working time: 9-19:00, GPS Coordinates: 45.4725221, 10.6048554
- NAVENE DI MALCESINE Depth: 3 m, Working time:9-18:30, GPS Coordinates: 45.7716064453125, 10.812671661376953
- GARDA: Depth: 3, 2m, Working time: 8-18:00, GPS Coordinates: 45.5757654, 10.7065182
- LEPANTO: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 8-12:00, 14:00-18:30, GPS Coordinates: 45.46547317504883, 10.550867080688477
For those who love sailing, the area of Lake Garda is one of the best possible destinations, both because of the ideal wind conditions and the beautiful landscape. More Lake Garda sailing routes, or boat hire in Lake Garda. HELP ME TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOAT
We send a newsletter only 1-2 times a month