Things to do around Maderno

Maderno is a calm base on the western shore: beaches, boats, golf, hikes, wine stops and places to eat well — plus day trips to Gargnano, Torri, Limone and Riva.

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About 10 minutes on foot from the hotel

Beaches & lakeside walk

Toscolano Maderno has several public beaches along the shore, easy swimming spots without travelling far. There is also Bau Beach for dogs (toward Rivagranda / the paper mill: about 15–20 minutes on foot from the hotel, or a short drive with parking nearby), and a local equestrian centre (campo ippico) for those who want to ride. The loveliest everyday outing is the lakeside promenade: it starts in Maderno and follows the water all the way through town toward Toscolano, a beautiful walk that links the whole village along the lake.

  • Several public beaches within walking distance
  • Bau Beach · 15–20 min walk or by car

Maderno harbour · a short walk from the hotel

Boat rental Ora Boats

Want the lake from the water? Ora Boats in Toscolano Maderno rents motorboats and sailboats, including options without a licence, so you can cruise the western shore, stop for a swim or reach nearby villages by boat. Ideal for a half-day with friends or family when the weather is calm.

  • Local rental on the Maderno lungolago (Ora Boats)
  • Boats with or without licence, and skipper options

About 10-15 minutes by car · Toscolano Maderno

Golf Bogliaco

Golf Bogliaco is one of Italy’s oldest courses (founded 1912): an 18-hole par-70 layout set in a green basin above the western shore, with wide views over Lake Garda. Mild climate means you can play much of the year. A strong outing for guests who want sport and scenery without leaving the Maderno area.

  • 18 holes, par 70 · third-oldest course in Italy
  • Driving range, clubhouse and restaurant on site

Hikes from the Maderno hills · summit 1,581 m

Monte Pizzocolo

Monte Pizzocolo is the sharp peak that rises behind Toscolano Maderno. Unmistakable from the lake. Trails climb through woods and ridges to a wide balcony over almost the whole of Lake Garda. It is a proper hike (plan several hours and good shoes), rewarding on clear days with views toward Monte Baldo and the Brescian Prealps.

  • Marked CAI trails from Sanico / Ortello and from the Colomber / Pirello side
  • Suitable for trained walkers; check weather and daylight

On the Pizzocolo routes · about 1,165 m

Rifugio Pirlo allo Spino

Rifugio Pirlo allo Spino is the classic mountain hut stop on the way toward Passo Spino and Monte Pizzocolo. Many guests hike up for lunch or a rest with a view, then continue to the summit or return the same way. It turns a long walk into a day with a clear goal, and a place to refill energy.

  • Popular pause on the Colomber / San Michele / Pirello approach
  • Ideal for a mountain lunch before or after the summit push

From Maderno harbour · crossing the lake

Ferry to Torri del Benaco

From Maderno you can take the Navigazione Lago di Garda ferry across to Torri del Benaco on the eastern shore. The crossing itself is part of the outing: water, breeze and a different view of the mountains. Torri invites a slow walk through the historic centre, the castle area and the lakefront, then the boat back to Maderno.

  • Direct lake link between Maderno and Torri del Benaco
  • Great half-day without driving the Gardesana

About 8 km

Salò

Salò is the elegant neighbour to the south: a long lakeside promenade, restaurants, shopping and a lively evening atmosphere. Ideal for dinner out or a half-day when you want town life without going far from Maderno.

  • Promenade and harbour views
  • Restaurants, gelaterie and shops

About 10-15 minutes by car · north of Maderno

Gargnano

Gargnano is one of the loveliest villages on the western shore: a small harbour, elegant villas, olive hills and a quieter rhythm than the bigger lake towns. Perfect for a slow stroll, a lakeside coffee or a scenic half-day between Maderno and the road toward Limone.

  • Charming harbour and historic centre
  • Villas, olive groves and calm lakefront walks

Puegnago del Garda · about 20-25 minutes by car

Conti Thun

Not a classic “cellar tour” winery stop: it is a beautiful place in the Valtènesi hills to buy wine and sit down for a drink. Perfect for an aperitivo or a slow pause with views among vineyards and olive trees.

  • Wine bar / shop set among the vines
  • Ideal for a glass and a relaxed moment
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Muscoline · Località Moniga del Bosco · about 25-30 minutes

Cascina Belmonte

A real winery with a strong local reputation. We have not visited the cellar yet, but their wines tasted at Tre Oche in Gargnano are excellent — worth booking a tasting if you care about local bottles.

  • Winery in Muscoline, hills behind the lake
  • Wines also loved by restaurants in the area
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Franciacorta · about 40-50 minutes by car

Bersi Serlini Franciacorta

We have been: the wines are good, and the cellar and vineyard are especially beautiful. They also run tasting tours — a strong half-day if you want bubbles, architecture and Franciacorta landscape.

  • Striking cellar and vineyard to visit
  • Tasting tours (book ahead)
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A few minutes away

Shops & everyday needs

Bars, restaurants and supermarkets sit close to the hotel, so breakfast extras, picnic supplies or a simple dinner out are easy. Many guests appreciate being able to stay local on quieter days between longer trips.

  • Supermarkets and bakeries nearby
  • Cafés and restaurants in Maderno

About 45 minutes by car

Desenzano & the south

Desenzano is a practical gateway at the southern tip of the lake. Trains, a larger harbour and a base for exploring Sirmione or continuing toward Verona and beyond. Useful if you combine Lake Garda with a wider Italy trip.

  • Train connections for longer journeys
  • Day trips toward Sirmione and the southern shore

About 30-40 minutes by car · also by boat

Limone sul Garda

Limone is one of the classic northern-shore villages: a narrow lakeside strip, lemon terraces in the hills and a lively harbour promenade. Ideal for a scenic half-day. By car along the Gardesana or, in season, by boat from other lake towns.

  • Harbour and lungolago with mountain backdrop
  • Lemon-grove heritage and hillside views

About 45-55 minutes by car · north tip of the lake

Riva del Garda

Riva sits at the northern tip of Lake Garda, with a wide harbour, the Rocca and a town centre that feels alpine as much as lakeside. A strong full-day destination for walking, wind sports views and dinner by the water before returning to Maderno.

  • Harbour square and lakeside walks
  • Gateway to Monte Brione and the Ponale path

At the hotel

Quiet base, busy lake

After the ferry, a hike or an evening in Salò, come back to the olive garden and the pools. That mix, explore by day, rest among the olives, is why many guests choose Maderno and Hotel Vittoria.

  • Two pools and garden tables on site
  • Shade and quiet after busy lake days

Maderno, Cecina, the valley and Gargnano

Where to eat (our tips)

Places we often recommend: from a historic local restaurant to a quick beach lunch, up to a more refined dinner in Gargnano. Hours change with the season — ask us at reception if unsure.

  • Il Boccone di Vino

    a short walk from the hotel: fish and land dishes, friendly spot in the village centre

  • La Tana

    historic restaurant in Toscolano Maderno: local dishes and a true den-like atmosphere

  • Osteria Gatto d’Oro

    a distinctive, one-of-a-kind atmosphere with revisited local cooking

  • Sant’Ercolano

    classic pizzeria/restaurant: thin yeast-free pizza, inexpensive and quick

  • Il Folle Bar

    a one-of-a-kind bar with character, great snacks and drinks

  • Ciringuito

    beach bar: quick lunches, salads, sandwiches and cocktails

  • Trattoria La Sosta (Cecina)

    trattoria for grills and local plates

  • Bar della Cartiera

    sandwiches and salads in Valle delle Cartiere, by the river

  • Tre Oche (Gargnano)

    warmer service, more refined cooking and a stronger wine list

Beach photo: Visit Lago di Garda Golf photo: Golf Bogliaco Rifugio photo: Rifugio Pirlo allo Spino Town photo: Giornale di Brescia

Other area photos: Wikimedia Commons (Gargnano, Pizzocolo, Torri, Salò, Limone, Riva, Desenzano, Franciacorta) and Unsplash (vineyards / wine).

Same family · Same village

Also Borgo Antico Apartments

Prefer a private flat with kitchen and more independence? Our sister residence Borgo Antico is a short walk away in Toscolano Maderno. Same welcome, self-catering apartments instead of hotel rooms.

Visit Borgo Antico Apartments