Malcesine: A Pretty Lakeside Town That’s Quintessentially Italian
Malcesine, Italy is a scenic little medieval town nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, the largest lake in the country. With cobbled alleys, a castle, and the charming bustle of local activity, it looks straight out of the movies and remain the perfect snapshot of idyllic lakeside living in Italy. The mountain ridge of Monte Baldo frames the picturesque town from behind. Like most places near Lake Garda, this resort town attracts a lot of tourists in the summer.
Best Time to Visit
Find perfect summer weather in Malcesine, Italy in the months of July and August, when there’s ample sunshine and the water temperature of the lake is refreshing. However, tourists flock to Lake Garda during these months, leading to a spike in hotel rates and crowded attractions. If you’d rather skip the peak tourist season, visit Malcesine in May, June, and September to still catch pleasant weather without much of the crowds.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Explore the medieval castle Castello Scaligero, from the ancient ramparts to the museums inside to the tower that boasts spectacular views of the town. There are other historical buildings in Malcesine, but the most impressive is Palazzo dei Capitani, which used to be the seat of the area’s Venetian rulers. If you enjoy more active pursuits, go up to Mount Baldo via cable car and spend a day hiking, cycling, paragliding, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Hotels are plentiful in Malcesine, but some of the best ones are the Hotel Sailing Center, the 5-star Hotel Val Di Sogno, and the AmbientHotel PrimaLuna.