Lake Garda and Lake Iseo combine a mild year-round climate, dramatic mountain backdrops, historic villages, and well-waymarked trails that reward walkers with scenery far removed from the busy lakefronts. From easy lakeside strolls and historic military forts to panoramic peaks above Malcesine, these two lakes offer varied walking for all abilities.

Covering both lakes in a single compact volume, this guidebook by Gillian Price describes 20 graded day walks ranging from 5 to 13km (3 to 8 miles) and taking 2 to 5 hours. It pairs clear route descriptions with detailed information on accommodation and public transport to help you explore with confidence.

• The 20 walks are split between Lago di Garda and Lago d'Iseo, graded 1 to 3, covering everything from the Valle delle Cartiere and Strada del Ponale to five routes on Monte Baldo and the island of Monteisola
• Highlights include the cable car to Monte Baldo, Campione and its canyons, the Tremosine ancient stone stairway, Monte Brione's historic military forts, and Lovere on Lago d'Iseo
• Sketch maps are included for every walk alongside detailed information on accommodation and public transport, with bases in Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Limone, Gargnano, Iseo, and Lovere
• Background sections cover plants, flowers, wildlife, and food and drink, giving rich context for the lakeside villages, lemon orchards, and mountain landscapes on the trail
• Spring to autumn is best for most routes, with midsummer ideal for the Monte Baldo altitude walks and lower lakeside paths accessible in winter

From the canyons of Campione and the peaks of Monte Baldo to the island of Monteisola on Lago d'Iseo, this guidebook opens up the best walking on two of Italy's most beautiful lakes. Gillian Price's expert local knowledge makes it the ideal companion for every route.

Walking Lake Garda and Iseo – Quick Facts

Area covered: Lago di Garda and Lago d'Iseo, northern Italy 
Walk format: 20 graded day walks 
Walk distances: 5 to 13km (3 to 8 miles) per walk 
Walk duration: 2 to 5 hours per walk 
Difficulty grades: 1 to 3, from easy lakeside strolls to panoramic mountain peaks 
Lago di Garda centres: Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Limone, Gargnano 
Lago d'Iseo centres: Iseo, Lovere 
Lago di Garda highlights: Monte Baldo (5 dedicated routes), Strada del Ponale, Valle delle Cartiere, Monte Brione, Monte Telegrafo, Campione and its canyons, Tremosine ancient stone stairway, Limone lemon orchards, Venetian Bastione, historic military forts 
Lago d'Iseo highlights: Monteisola, Santuario della Ceriola, Corna Trentapassi, Punta Alta, Santuario di San Giovanni, Lovere 
Terrain: Lakeside paths, mountain routes, canyon walks, island circuits, historic military paths 
Best season: Spring to autumn for most routes; midsummer is best for Monte Baldo altitude walks; lower lakeside walks are accessible in winter 
Practical information: Accommodation, public transport, food and drink, and wildlife covered throughout 
Maps: Sketch maps included for every walk 
Glossary: Italian to English glossary included

Author Highlight

“At the foot of the Alps in north Italy, the magnificent expanse of Lago di Garda is an irresistible magnet for sport and nature lovers, along with its attractive western neighbour, lesser known Lago d’Iseo. Only steps beyond the beautiful lakefronts and its promenades is a wonderful world of footpaths traversing woods and rugged mountain valleys, often making use of a network of age-old paved mule tracks linking remote hamlets.”

- Gillian Price, author of Walking Lake Garda and Iseo

Map key

Overview pap

Introduction

Plants and flowers

Wildlife

Getting there

Local transport

Information

When to go

Accommodation

Food and drink

What to take

Maps

Dos and don’ts

Emergencies

Using this guide

Lago di Garda

Walk 1 Valle delle Cartiere

Walk 2 Eremo di San Valentino

Walk 3 Campione to Pregasio Loop

Walk 4 Campione to Pieve Loop

Walk 5 Limone sul Garda and the Valle del Singol

Walk 6 Monte Nodice and Pregasina

Walk 7 Strada del Ponale to Pregasina

Walk 8 The Venetian Bastione

Walk 9 Monte Brione

Walk 10 Torbole to Tempesta

Walk 11 Monte Baldo: Ventrar to San Michele

Walk 12 Monte Baldo: Cima delle Pozzette

Walk 13 Monte Baldo: Eremo SS Benigno e Caro

Walk 14 Monte Baldo: Rifugio Telegrafo Circuit

Walk 15 Monte Baldo: Costabella to Prada Alta

Walk 16 Torri del Benaco and Graffiti

Lago d’Iseo

Walk 17 Punta Alta

Walk 18 Santuario di San Giovanni

Walk 19 Corna Trentapassi

Walk 20 Monteisola and the Santuario della Ceriola

Appendix A Route summary table

Appendix B Glossary of Italian–English terms

Seasons

spring through to autumn are best, although the lakes' mild climate makes them suitable for year-round walking. In midsummer head for the mountain altitude routes while in winter, when snow may cover the high peaks, stick to the lower walks

Centres

Malcesine, Riva del Garda, Limone, Gargnano on Lago di Garda. Iseo and Lovere on Lago d'Iseo

Difficulty

walks range from easy lakeside strolls to rambles across mountainsides and exciting paths to superbly panoramic peaks. Graded 1 to 3, catering for everyone

Must See

Malcesine and the cable-car to Monte Baldo for breathtaking views and wildflowers. Monte Telegrafo. Campione and the canyons. Limone and lakefront lemon orchards. Spectacular Strada del Ponale from Riva di Garda. Monte Brione and historic military forts. Tremosine ancient stone stairway. Lago d'Iseo's Monteisola and Lovere

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