Visit Lazise
medieval village on Lake Garda
Lazise rises on the eastern shore of Lake Garda with the prestige of being one of the oldest villages in Italy: as early as 983, a diploma from Emperor Otto II recognized the community’s right to be an autonomous municipality, effectively making it the first free Commune in Europe. This Veronese town preserves its medieval charm intact with its Scaliger Castle, crenellated walls, and the three gateway doors that enclose an entirely pedestrianized historic center.
By motorhome, Lazise represents an ideal base for exploring the Venetian shore of Garda: the hamlets of Pacengo and Colà host farm-campsites (agricampeggi) nestled in vineyards and olive groves, just minutes from the lake and the main amusement parks. The village offers an authentic atmosphere that more touristy locations lack, with its old port framed by the Dogana Veneta and the Romanesque Church of San Nicolò.
You will find a relaxing lakeside promenade, weekly markets full of local products, and a gastronomic tradition that celebrates lake fish, particularly the famous “sardela,” the star of Garda-style bigoli pasta. A perfect balance of history, nature, and convenience for those traveling by motorhome.
Stopovers and overnight stayso
In Lazise, it is not advisable to enter the historic center with a motorhome: the streets are narrow, the village is entirely surrounded by medieval walls with limited access, and traffic becomes heavy, especially on weekends and during the summer season.
For those seeking absolute convenience, the Municipal Campsite (Campeggio Comunale) is located right in the heart of Lazise, just a few steps from the lakeside promenade and the historic center. Those who prefer a more complete and well-equipped facility can opt for Camping La Quercia, a historic 4-star campsite with direct access to the largest private sandy beach on Lake Garda.
Both solutions allow you to leave your motorhome safely and enjoy the medieval village, the beaches, and the beauty of Lake Garda without any worries.
Recommended areas
Municipal Campsite “Camping Lazise”Via Roma, 1 / Lungolago Cavazzocca Mazzanti – 37017 Lazise (VR)
The first campsite established on Lake Garda, located in the heart of Lazise’s historic center. A simple and functional facility covering an area of 15,000 sqm, with 113 pitches of approximately 75 sqm each and 13 brick bungalows. Strategic location: 10 steps and you are in the center, 5 and you are by the lake. Ideal for those seeking an authentic, no-frills camping experience with immediate access to all the village’s attractions. The facility is directly lakefront with a beach on Lungolago Cavazzocca Mazzanti.
Important note: Reservations are not possible; pitches are assigned upon arrival based on availability
Services: Electrical hookups, clean and well-maintained restrooms, hot/cold water, disabled access, camper service
2025 Opening: March 22nd – November 7th
GPS: 45.508056, 10.731667 Camping La Quercia Località Bottona – 37017 Lazise (VR)
Services: Water park with Olympic-size pools, slides, and hydromassage beds; “Al Teatro” gourmet restaurant and restaurant-pizzeria; ice cream parlor; beach bar; supermarket with fresh products and gastronomic boutique; wellness center; medical service; entertainment for all ages (Leo Club 4-9 years, Junior Club 10-16 years); sports (tennis, football, beach volleyball, basketball, bowls, table tennis); 12-hole minigolf; windsurfing and canoeing; WiFi; farm with local products
2026 Opening: March 26th – October 18th Contacts: Tel. +39 045 6470577 – www.laquercia.it
Distance from Lazise center: ~1 km (reachable on foot, by bike, or via shuttle services)
“Lazise, Italy’s 1st Commune”
“From here you enter inside the Walls”
Getting Around
Il centro storico di Lazise è interamente pedonale e si gira comodamente a piedi in meno di un’ora. Dal vostro agricampeggio potete raggiungere Lazise in bicicletta: la zona è servita da piste ciclabili che collegano le frazioni al lungolago e proseguono verso Bardolino e Garda. Molte strutture offrono il noleggio bici gratuito o a pagamento.
Durante la stagione estiva sono attivi servizi di bus locali che collegano Pacengo e Colà con il centro di Lazise e le principali località del Garda. Per gli spostamenti tra le varie cittadine della sponda orientale, il servizio di navigazione con battelli turistici è un’ottima alternativa panoramica: l’imbarcadero si trova proprio sul lungolago di Lazise.
Se volete visitare i parchi divertimento della zona (Gardaland, Movieland, Caneva Aquapark), questi sono raggiungibili in pochi minuti d’auto dagli agricampeggi di Pacengo, oppure a piedi o con navette nei periodi di alta stagione.
Points of Interest (PoI)
Seasonal Events
Weekly Market
When: Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Old Port (Porto Vecchio) and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
What: Clothing, footwear, ceramics, typical Lake Garda products, local craftsmanship. One of the most popular and diverse markets on the Veronese shore.
Christmas Markets
When: November-January
Where: Historic center and lakeside promenade
What: The historic center and Marconi lakeside promenade host over 100 exhibitors with handcrafted products, Christmas gastronomy, and decorations. Side events include: an ice skating rink at Parco Prà del Principe, an artistic nativity scene in the Church of San Nicolò, the Babbo Lake Run (charity run on December 14th), a low-noise fireworks display on December 26th, and the "Cuccagna della Befana" on January 6th. In the hamlets of Pacengo and Colà, complementary events such as "Natale da Favola" (Fairytale Christmas) take place with entertainment and shows.
Creative Markets
When: Spring-Summer
Where: Lakeside promenade
What: During the spring and summer months, craft markets are held on the lakeside promenade featuring creatives, makers, art, and design, generally from 9:00 AM until sunset.
Typical Dishes and Local Products
Bigoli with sardines (Bigoli con le sarde) is the signature dish of the Garda tradition, once prepared mainly for Christmas Eve or Good Friday. Bigoli are rustic, thick spaghetti made from soft wheat flour and pressed through a bronze die (torchio), featuring a rough surface perfect for holding the sauce. The star of the dish is the Garda “sardela,” a small fish traditionally preserved in salt.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 400 g bigoli pasta
- 300 g lake sardines (fresh, salted, or in oil)
- 3-4 ripe cherry tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove
- White onion (1 small, optional)
- Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- White wine (optional, 2 tablespoons)
Method:
- Preparing the sardines: If using salted sardines, soak them in water for a few hours, changing the water several times, or submerge them in milk for 30 minutes. If fresh, clean them by removing the head, bones, and fins to obtain fillets. Chop them into small pieces.
- The sauté: Pour plenty of extra virgin olive oil into a large pan. If using onion, finely chop it and let it soften over medium heat (it should not brown). Add the finely minced garlic.
- Cooking the sardines: Add the chopped sardines to the pan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently. It is important that the sardines do not fry but slowly “melt” into a creamy consistency. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes. If necessary, deglaze with a bit of white wine or add 2-3 tablespoons of pasta cooking water to combine.
- Flavoring: When the sardines have reduced into a sauce (about 5-8 minutes), turn off the heat. Add the chopped parsley, salt (be careful: the sardines are already savory), and pepper.
- Cooking the pasta: Cook the bigoli in plenty of salted water (adjust salt based on the type of sardines used). Drain them al dente, reserving a ladle of cooking water.
- Final toss: Add the bigoli to the pan with the sardine sauce, turn the heat back on, and toss for 1-2 minutes, adding a little cooking water if necessary to make the sauce creamy.
Serving: Plate the bigoli, decorating with a fresh cherry tomato and parsley. Traditionally, you can add a tablespoon of toasted breadcrumbs. Serve accompanied by a well-chilled glass of Lugana DOC wine.
Note: The Garda “sardela” is actually the shad (Alosa agone), a freshwater fish typical of pre-alpine lakes. If you cannot find lake sardines, you can substitute them with salted anchovies, though the authentic Garda flavor will be slightly different.
Useful Tips
For a short daytime stop, we found this free parking lot right next to the Carabinieri station 😉 45.503354, 10.740298
Lazise will welcome you with the slow rhythm of a village that has managed to preserve its authenticity without sacrificing services for those traveling by motorhome. From the Scaliger walls to the intense flavor of bigoli with sardines, every corner tells a story of the lake, trade, and traditions spanning centuries.
Have a great trip, and may the Scaliger Castle welcome you.
January 9, 2026
