Among the villages to visit on Lake Garda is Malcesine, a splendid medieval village perched which, precisely because of its position, offers a breathtaking panoramic view. To find out what to see in Malcesine and its surroundings, read my travel guide.

What to see in Malcesine: the Scaligero Castle

There are glimpses that can make our day unique and, from the Scaligero Castle, you can admire an enchanting panorama. Just climb up its tower and the effort will be repaid immediately. A fortress of medieval origins that dominates the territory and is the symbol of the town.

Inside the fort there is a museum that exhibits the drawings of the poet Goethe. So much in love with Malcesine, he told about its beauty in “Viaggio in Italia”. In the Scaligero Castle there are testimonies of the past including weapons and furniture dating back to the Renaissance period.

Just like any self-respecting village, the best way to visit it is by getting lost in its alleys. Give yourself the time to observe the simplicity and beauty of the houses and the nature that, at times, almost seems to wrap Malcesine in an endless embrace.

I suggest you stop in the port area just before sunset and at Palazzo dei Capitani, a Gothic and Venetian style building where the library and the Town Hall are located.

Malcesine is also known for its wine and oil production, many oil mills where you can book tasting experiences. If you want to know the product of excellence of the territory, visit the official website where it is possible to book a visit with oil tasting.

Skiing on Monte Baldo: an activity not to be missed

Near Malcesine there is the cableway that will take you to Monte Baldo. There are many winter activities to be carried out including, of course, skiing but also snowshoeing organized by the various refuges in the area. Not only what to see in the historic center of Malcesine but also activities in the midst of nature for an unforgettable stay.

The Chalet Novezza for example, in addition to a very good cuisine whose egg pasta is the product of excellence, offers night snowshoeing with the involvement of specialized guides and the opportunity to visit the Astronomical Observatory. Also on Monte Baldo there is the Novezzina refuge which bases its cuisine on sustainability and respect for the seasonality of the ingredients that are at the base.

What to see in Malcesine and recommended activities

If the historic center of Malcesine will take you back in time, remaining on the subject of unforgettable views and views, you could take the Via Panoramica. A road that starts from the center of Malcesine up to Passo Campiano for a total of ten kilometers round trip.

Close to the finish line, take a break at the Madonna dell’Accoglienza for a souvenir photo overlooking the lake. Let’s now move on to the activities for a sports holiday.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy windsurfing and sailing, the first Italian windsurfing school was inaugurated in Malcesine in 1976. The surroundings of Malcesine are also ideal for a day on a mountain bike, an idea could be the Calchere Ring. Do not miss some of the most popular scenic trails in the area.

You have certainly already heard of the Busatte-Tempesta path whose peculiarity is the presence of iron stairways. A route not suitable for everyone but one of the most beautiful in the Garda area.

In summer, the ideal is to spend a few relaxing hours on one of the many beaches in the town. Near the Scaligero Castle, the best known is the beach of Posterna.

A noteworthy free beach located south of Malcesine is Baia Val di Sogno. In some days the water withdraws and makes it possible to cross it on foot to the Island of Dreams.

The surroundings of Malcesine

The places near Malcesine are equally fascinating, such as the beautiful Riva del Garda for example or the Vittoriale degli Italiani. One reason to visit Riva is the presence of the modern panoramic lift which, from Via Monte Oro, will take you to the bastion.

Once you arrive, in addition to the panorama that awaits you, you can decide to stop at the restaurant bar. To learn about the activities not to be missed in Riva, read my article and get inspiration for your next weekend.

The Vittoriale degli Italiani is located in Gardone Riviera and was commissioned by the poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, commissioned to the architect Giancarlo Maroni. Born to pay homage to the exploits of Italian troops in the First World War and burial place of the soldier poet d’Annunzio, it consists of gardens, buildings, waterways and even an open-air theater.

There are many initiatives and events organized at the Vittoriale, on the site you will find the updated list.

A few kilometers from Malcesine stands the village of Cassone, famous for being crossed by the shortest river in the world. The Aril River in fact boasts a length of only 175 meters. During the Christmas holidays, a splendid floating nativity scene is set up on the river.

The most picturesque area is certainly that of the port, it is probably the small colored boats that make it so suggestive.

If you want to get to know Cassone, a visit to the Lake and Fishing Museum is a must. In addition to traditional fishing tools, photographs of boats and fish tanks are preserved which testify to its initial role as a place used for fish farming.