This medieval town on Lake Garda has a 13th-century castle perched on a rock. Its narrow cobblestone streets lead to a small harbor with views of Monte Baldo mountain.
Malcesine rises along Lake Garda's eastern shore, where Monte Baldo's peaks meet the water. You can climb the 13th-century Scaliger Castle's white stone tower for lake views, take a rotating cable car to Monte Baldo's 1,750-meter summit, or swim at Baia di Val di Sogno beach. The town's narrow cobblestone streets lead to cafes where you'll find fresh perch with polenta and locally pressed olive oil.
Getting to Malcesine
You can reach Malcesine by taking the A22 highway to Rovereto Sud exit or the A4 Milan-Venice highway to Peschiera exit. The town sits 120 kilometers northwest of Venice and 40 kilometers from Verona. Public buses connect Malcesine to Verona, while ferries and hydrofoils run regular services to other Lake Garda towns throughout the day.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit between May and September when temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). July and August bring more visitors and higher accommodation costs. During spring (mid-April to mid-June) and fall (September to early October), you'll find warm weather, fewer visitors, and lower hotel rates.
Scaliger Castle
The 13th-century castle sits on the only hill directly on Lake Garda's shore. Walk through the Natural History Museum to learn about Lake Garda's ecosystem and Monte Baldo's flora. From the white stone tower, you can see the entire lake and surrounding mountains. The castle's medieval courtyards host wedding ceremonies throughout summer.
Monte Baldo Cable Car
The cable car journey starts in town and rises in two stages to 1,750 meters above sea level. During the second stage, rotating cabins give you uninterrupted views of the lake and mountains. At the summit, you can follow hiking trails through Alpine meadows or take mountain bike routes ranging from beginner paths to advanced tracks. In winter, skiers use these same slopes.
Water Activities and Beaches
Morning winds create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Head to Baia di Val di Sogno beach south of town for swimming in the lake. You can cycle safely along Via Gardesana's protected bike path or rent kayaks and paddleboards from the waterfront shops.
Local Food and Markets
The Saturday farmers' market runs until 1:00 PM, selling regional produce and Bardolino wines. Try lake fish like perch and whitefish (lavaret) served with polenta carbonera in local restaurants. Visit the area's olive mills and shops to taste PDO-certified olive oil made from local olives.
