This medieval lakeside town on Lake Garda has a 14th-century castle, thermal springs, and a car-free historic center with well-preserved Venetian customs houses.
Lazise, a medieval town on Lake Garda's eastern shore, welcomes visitors with its 14th-century Scaliger Castle, 1.5km of stone walls, and clean swimming beaches. You can walk through the car-free historic center, relax in the 37°C thermal pools at Villa dei Cedri, or visit Gardaland theme park, just 3km away. The Wednesday morning market brings local wine makers, cheese producers, and olive oil vendors to the town streets, while the former customs house hosts regular art exhibitions and weekly classical concerts during summer months.
Exploring the Medieval Center
Three gates - San Zeno, Lion, and Cansignorio - lead through Lazise's medieval walls into the historic center. Inside, narrow cobblestone streets connect small squares where cafes set up outdoor tables. The streets lead to a waterfront promenade where local fishermen dock their boats in the old port. The 14th-century customs house, with its five stone arches facing the harbor, now serves as a venue for art exhibitions and concerts from June to September.
Beaches and Lake Activities
You can swim at several beaches along Lake Garda's shore. Spiaggia delle Rose and Spiaggia La Bosca have sun loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms, while La Marra and Cavazzocca beaches remain undeveloped. From the port, take ferry boats to other lake towns or rent a motorboat (from €80 per hour) for private tours. Scuba divers can explore a submerged Roman village and several shipwrecks at depths between 15-40 meters.
Local Markets and Food
The Wednesday market runs from 8 AM until noon throughout the town center. Vendors set up stalls selling wines from Bardolino vineyards, extra virgin olive oil from local mills, and mountain cheeses from nearby farms. The market extends through Via Roma, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and along the harbor, creating a route where you can taste and buy regional products.
Thermal Parks and Entertainment
At Villa dei Cedri thermal park in Colà , you can swim in mineral pools heated to 37°C. The park has three outdoor pools, two indoor pools, and medical treatment facilities. A 10-minute drive brings you to Gardaland and Caneva Aquapark, making Lazise convenient for families wanting to combine lake activities with theme park visits.
Getting Around
You'll find four main parking lots outside the town walls (€2 per hour). Public buses run every hour to Verona (20 km away) and other Lake Garda towns. The ferry service connects to Sirmione (45-minute trip), Bardolino (15 minutes), and other lakeside towns, with more frequent departures during summer months.
