![The quaint old harbour of Malcesine lined on two sides with colourful buildings. In the port, there are several small boats and one larger rigged sailboat.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Malcesine-harbour-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
A visit to Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy
History and culture along the colourful streets
![The view of the town of Malcesine from Lake Garda. Taken on the ferry as we approached the town.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Malcesine-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
In the morning, we were chatting to the owner of our hotel over breakfast, and we explained what we were up to for the day, and I said we were heading to Malcesine. This is where I had a quick lesson in pronunciation, as Malcesine for those of us who are none Italian speakers, we would perhaps say it as you see it, oh no.
It is pronounced ‘Malchesinay’, well I won’t make that mistake again.
Quick Links
![A view of Lake Garda, the mountains on one side, taken whilst crossing on a ferry towards Malcesine.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Wonderful-view-down-Lake-Garda-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![The southern end of the town from the jetty where the ferry docked.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Arriving-in-Malcesine-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
You can catch a ferry to Malcesine, from the various towns around Lake Garda, however, if you are staying in Limone, I would just pick a boat that runs direct. The return trip is €9 per person and takes around ½ hour (they run every hour), whereas it may take longer on a ferry depending on its route.
As mentioned, Malcesine is in the mountainous northern end of Lake Garda, and the backdrop is incredible. Even more so when you cruise across by boat. Slightly further north is Riva del Garda on the northern tip of the lake.
A helpful guide
If you're hooked like us and want to tour around the beautiful Italian Lakes in northern Italy, then take a look at this DK Eyewitness book.
This Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide is invaluable, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
Go and discover
![A view from a piazza to the 4four storey, brightly coloured, historic, townhouses that are a feature of the town.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Heading-into-Malcesine-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![A display outside a shop selling lemon ornaments.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lemony-feel-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![The quaint old harbour of Malcesine lined on two sides with colourful buildings. In the port, there are several small boats and one larger rigged sailboat.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Malcesine-harbour-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
Amongst the lanes
![Palazzo dei Capitani from its gardens. A classic 3 storey palace in a grand design.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Palazzo-dei-Capitani-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![A narrow lane is heading away from the lakeside uphill. At the base of the hill is a waiter trying to drum up trade for his restaurant.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Waiting-for-custom-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![A cobbled lane with colorful homes and shops lining the path.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Colourful-homes-along-the-lanes-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
Touring around the lake
Off to the castle
![Looking up at Castello Scaligero from a lane below.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Castello-Scaligero-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
The 13th century Castello Scaliger, is undoubtedly Malcesine’s most striking landmark.
The castle was once owned by the Scala family, hence the name, it really is quite eye-catching.
The beautiful castle is perched on the water’s edge, and you get an amazing view of it if you arrive by boat.
![A view of Castello Scaligero taken from the lake as we approach on the ferry.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Castle-from-the-lake-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
Take a peek
Quieter moments
![A look through a darkened archway to a man resting on a bench.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Have-a-well-earned-break-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
Have a well-earned break
![A cobbled lane lined on each side with ochre-coloured buildings.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Quiet-lanes-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![A pathway leading down the hill, through an arch, to the lakeside.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Leading-down-to-the-lake-side-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
![A tree against the backdrop of a building, leaning over at an angle, in the gardens of Palazzo dei Capitani.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/In-the-garden-of-Palazzo-dei-Capitani-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
So close to Venice & Verona
Mountainous north
![A view acroos the lake from the Castello Scaligero.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/View-from-Castello-Scaligero-to-the-western-side-of-Lake-Garda-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
When in Italy
![Janis holding a tub of fresh ice cream.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/An-Ice-cream-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy-R2.jpg)
An Ice cream - hurry up!
Why not?
Start creating your own Italian lake adventure and discover the historic town of Malcesine for yourself. You can fly into Venice or Verona. Search for your flights in one easy place with ebookers.com. Over 400 airlines are scanned for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Discover more of Italy on your own road trip like us, if your unable to bring your own car or are flying into this lovely country give Rental Cars a go. They search multiple well-known car hire brands for the best deals.
Or alternatively, jump on Le Shuttle and tour south under your own steam.
Would you like a little more?
We have created a little YouTube video of Malcesine - why not check it out?
Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
Where we stayed
We based ourselves in Limone-Sul-Garda for 3 nights while we toured Lake Garda and stayed at Casa Albergo Sorriso the location is wonderful. We chose a room with a lake view, and it was stunning.
The hotel has free parking just outside, it is only around a five-minute stroll down into the heart of the old town, although, a few minutes longer back up.
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Inspired to visit Malcesine?
![A view of Castello Scaligero taken from the lake as we approach on the ferry.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Castle-from-the-lake-A-visit-to-Malcesine-Lake-Garda-Italy.jpg)
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