Salò holidays

Popular holidays

From lakeside strolling and café hopping, to camera clicking your way around piazzas and palazzos, there’s heaps to do on holidays to Salò.

Piazzas and palazzos

Set between forested mountains and the lake, this is a lakeside spot that has been around since Roman times. Step out to follow winding alleys lined with brightly painted houses, dotted with piazzas and palazzos. And as you go, don’t miss stopping off at some of the cafés and gelaterias for some ice-cream or a proper Italian coffee.

Step out for a stroll

Salò’s promenade hugs the shoreline for 3km, from one end of the wide bay to the other, and is just the spot for a leisurely walk. Waterside restaurants pepper the promenade from one end to the other, so there’s no shortage of scenic lunch stops. And if you pack a towel, you can cool off with a paddle at the pebble beach at its southern end.

History galore

You can glimpse a slice of history around every corner in Salò. At its centre is the 15th-century Santa Maria Cathedral which, thanks to its marble columns and frescoed dome, is one of the most impressive on the lake. The Palazzo del Podesta has pride of place on the waterfront – your picture-perfect Baroque palace, it’s well worth a visit to see the ornate ceiling in the main hall. And you can pop into the museum to discover the story of Salò, from Roman times to its stint as Mussolini’s capital during WW2.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Salò:

• Lakeside promenade
• Lakeside path
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Local ferries
• Rowing boats
• Bike hire
• Lakeside cycle paths
• Sailing
• Wine Tasting
• Local museum
• Art gallery

Popular hotels in Salò

Top things to see and do in Salò

Beaches

Mokai Beach

This is one of Salo's trendiest lakeside spots. Kick back on a lounger and sip on sangria while the house DJ provides a chilled out soundtrack. There's live music most evenings too.

Rive Beach

This spot is quieter than some of Salo's other beaches. Bring a picnic and sit by the water's edge to soak up views of Monte Baldo on the opposite shore.

Mulino di Salo

Close to the town centre, this beach is a favourite for sightseers as it has sweeping views of Lake Garda.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The weekly market takes place in Piazza dei Martiri della Liberta. There are lots of stalls to browse selling everything from crafts and clothing to fresh local produce. Here in August or September? You might be lucky enough to spot truffles for sale.

Mid-range buys

Via San Carlo is the main shopping street, lined with clothes shops and little boutiques.

Food & drink

Famous for food

Salo is known for its restaurants, with pizzerias, gelaterias and family-run trattorias around every corner. Fresh Mediterranean flavours are on the menu, as well as Italian classics like risotto.

Antipasti with every aperitif

Stop for an aperitif or a coffee at a local bar and you may well be offered a selection of antipasti to nibble on the house.

Getting about

Buses

The main bus station is on Largo Dante Alighieri street, and there are also bus stops near Piazza Vittorio and Piazza San Bernardino. Catch a ride on line 27 to travel along the whole western shore of the lake, from Desenzano in the north to Riva in the south.

Passenger ferries

Taking to the water on a ferry is the perfect way to explore Lake Garda and enjoy the scenery at the same time. Take the ferry from the promenade to visit towns like Limone and Sirmione in around an hour.

On foot

The promenade here is the longest on Lake Garda. It's a great spot for a stroll, especially in the early evening, when the restaurants start to really come alive and buskers take up position. Within the town itself, it's fun to explore the winding alleyways on foot too.

Walking

Walk the promenade

One of the highlights is the lakeside promenade, which hugs the wide bay for 3km and takes around an hour to walk from one end to the other. Take a stroll in the morning and you can watch the sunrise above Monte Baldo on the opposite shore.

Renzano to San Michelle and Santurio del Rio

This circular walk starts in the hamlet of Renzano on the outskirts of town. The route passes through olive groves, pine forests and up onto the slopes of San Bartolomeo. San Michelle village makes for a handy lunch stop, and as you go, look out for the pretty Church of Santuario del Rio and the nearby waterfall.