VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
Lake Garda by campervan: the classic long weekend from Venice
Three days around Lake Garda by campervan from Venice or Milan: Sirmione, the Gardesana road, where to sleep, which shore to pick and a weekend budget.
It's northern Italy's short escape par excellence: Lake Garda is 1.5 hours from Venice or Milan, and three days are enough to loop it — 160 km of shoreline and two radically different moods.
Day 1: the soft, lively southern shore
Sirmione first, a fortified peninsula in turquoise water: motorhome parking at the entrance (the centre is pedestrian), the Grotte di Catullo and thermal baths. Then Peschiera and Lazise, walled towns at the water's edge. The southern shore holds most of the lake's campsites — one of the highest densities in Europe, from €25 to €60 a night by standard and season. Booking is essential on weekends from May to September.
Day 2: the western Gardesana
The lake's most spectacular road: clinging to the cliff between Salò and Riva, it threads narrow tunnels cut into the rock — perfectly drivable in a campervan, trickier beyond 2.2 m of width; A-class motorhomes should take the eastern shore. Stops at Limone, the lemon-grove village, then Riva del Garda, beneath walls where the lake turns alpine fjord.
Day 3: the eastern shore and Malcesine
Malcesine and its castle, the rotating cable car up Monte Baldo (1,760 m, total lake view), then an easy run down through Torri del Benaco and Bardolino, glass of chiaretto in hand. Back in Venice by late afternoon.
The weekend in numbers
- Campervan for 3 days: €240–420 by season and model (€80–140/day).
- 350 km including the return: €60 of fuel, €15–20 of tolls.
- Two campsite nights: €50–120.
That's roughly €400–600 for two, all-in. Vans go fast in spring in northern Italian cities: compare Yescapa, Goboony, Roadsurfer and Indie Campers early on Van-Comparator, and reread our departure checklist for a quick Friday-evening handover. With a fourth day in hand, add Verona, 30 minutes from the eastern shore — its motorhome stopover is within walking distance of the arena.