Weekend in Malcesine

Flat, paved walkway stretching about 2 km along the shoreline south of the castle. Benches, oleander bushes, and clear views of the lake and mountains.

Tip: Walk south past the public lido for about 15 minutes—there's a small free pebble beach (Spiaggia di Campagnola) where locals swim.

A 17th-century mansion that used to house Venetian governors. The ground-floor courtyard and lakeside loggia are free to enter, with exhibitions and historical panels.

Tip: Pop in on a rainy day—the loggia stays dry and the café in the corner does decent espresso for a euro.

Public park at the base of Monte Baldo with olive groves, a small stream and picnic tables. Start of the free hiking trail up to the Baldo ridge if you skip the cable car.

Tip: Stop at the water fountain near the trailhead—it's cool spring water and much better than bottled stuff. The hike up is steep but rewards with lake views in about 45 minutes.

Tangle of narrow cobbled lanes with medieval stone houses, tiny piazzas and arched passages cascading down the hillside from the castle to the lake.

Tip: Follow Via Capitello up past the main drag; it's quieter, has a few old frescoes on house walls, and ends at a belvedere with a bench no one knows about.

13th-century fortress with massive battlements and harbour views. The interior museum costs around 7 euros, but wandering the exterior walls and lakeside pathway is completely free.

Tip: Arrive just before sunset to watch the light change over Lake Garda from the benches by the harbour entrance.