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Lazise
Guide to Italy's First Free City: discover what to see between the Dogana Veneta and the Scaligero Castle, where to park, the best experiences and accommodation on the Venetian shore of Lake Garda
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What to see in Lazise: an itinerary between the Dogana Veneta and the Scaligero walls
Walking through Lazise means stepping through history. Access is granted through the imposing medieval gates (Porta San Zeno and Porta Lion), which lead into a completely pedestrianized historic center. The beating heart is the Porto Vecchio (Old Port), where the majestic Dogana Veneta bears witness to the past splendor of the Serenissima. Don’t miss the small Church of San Nicolò, a Romanesque gem just steps from the water, and the majestic Scaligero Castle, which defines the city skyline with its six towers. If you are looking for relaxation, the Marconi promenade will lead you toward the famous beaches of Lazise, unique for their sandy shores which are ideal for families.
Plan your holiday in Lazise
Lazise is a village to be experienced at a slow pace, where every alley and square tells centuries of Venetian and Scaliger history. To make the most of your stay, the secret is to travel smartly: the historic center is a large pedestrian zone that invites you to forget the car and discover the beauty of the walls on foot.
Sleeping in Lazise: the enchantment of the village or the relaxation of the thermal parks?
Staying in Lazise offers two distinct souls. Within the walls, you will find refined boutique hotels and historic apartments, perfect for those who want to enjoy an aperitif at the port and dinners with a lake view. If you are looking for a more natural setting, the hamlets of Colà and Pacengo host the best Bed & Breakfasts and the famous Villa dei Cedri Thermal Park, a temple of natural well-being.
Lazise’s location is also the most convenient for those wishing to visit Gardaland or Movieland.
From the enchantment of a sunset boat tour among the medieval walls of Lazise, to exclusive Valpolicella tastings at our winery in the village or private transfers to the main airports. Tell us your wish: we will design a completely personalized experience just for you.
Practical information and tips for your visit to Lazise
Optimize your visit to Lazise with our strategic tips based on firsthand experience in the village. In this section, you will find everything you need for a stress-free stay: from managing the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and parking (for cars and tourist buses) near the walls, to the ferry schedules at the Porto Vecchio. Discover how to experience the Wednesday market, visit the Scaligero Castle, and reach the best sandy beaches in the area, ensuring smooth mobility in the heart of the Venetian shore.
Where is the best place to park to visit the center of Lazise?
The closest car parks to the historic center are the Marra Parking (adjacent to the Scaligero Castle) and the Casara Parking (Via San Martino). During the Wednesday market, to avoid traffic, we recommend the Via Prà del Principe Parking. For tourist buses and groups, the dedicated parking area is located in Via Parco del Garda, strategically positioned for reaching the walls on foot.
How does the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) access in Lazise work?
The historic center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) active 24 hours a day, monitored by electronic gates with cameras. Only residents and tourists heading to hotels located within the walls (after providing their license plate number to the property) are permitted access. For all other visitors, parking is mandatory in the lots outside the city walls.
Where do the ferries depart from and what are the main destinations?
The Navigazione Laghi pier is located in the heart of the Porto Vecchio, right in front of the Dogana Veneta. From here, the quickest destinations to reach by water are Peschiera, Bardolino, and Garda (approximately 20 minutes). There are also connections to Sirmione and other locations, though these are typically less frequent.
Taking the boat is the most strategic way to avoid the traffic on the Gardesana road during the summer or on public holidays.
[Click here for full and updated ferry schedules on Lake Garda]
Where can tourist buses park and where are the loading/unloading points located?
The passenger loading and unloading point is on via Gardesana, right in front of Porto San Zeno, the main entrance to the town center.
Note: There are no long-stay parking areas for tourist buses in Lazise. The nearest parking facilities are located in Peschiera del Garda (at the Lungomincio Bonomi parking lot) and in Bardolino (at the Via Gardesana dell'Acqua parking lot).
When is the weekly market held?
Is it possible to visit the interior of the Scaligero Castle?The Lazise market, one of the most historic on Lake Garda, is held every Wednesday morning (from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM). The stalls wind through Lungomare Marconi, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and the streets of the historic center.
Note: Due to very high visitor numbers, we strongly recommend arriving by 9:00 AM to ensure easier access and parking.
[Click here for the complete list of weekly markets on Lake Garda]
Can you visit Lazise castle?
The Scaligero Castle of Lazise is a private residence; therefore, the interior and the keep are not open to the public, except during rare special openings. However, you can perfectly admire its external architecture and the six towers by following the walkway that runs alongside the villa's park and the city walls.
Where are the sandy beaches in Lazise?
Lazise is renowned for its rare sandy lakebeds. The widest beaches are located south of the village, in the Pacengo area and at La Quercia beach. This area is the most suitable for families with children, thanks to the gently sloping seabed and its proximity to the main camping villages on the Venetian shore.
How to get around with public transport in Lazise?
Lazise is served by ATV (Azienda Trasporti Verona) bus lines, specifically lines 163, 164, and the summer line 483, which connect the village to Verona, Peschiera del Garda, and Malcesine.
The main bus stop is located at via Gardesana Orientale 43, just a few steps from the eastern entrance of the city walls.
[Click here for information on scheduled buses and PDF timetables]
