Lake Garda (also called Lake Benaco), is the biggest of the Prealpine lakes and the largest in the whole of Italy, with a surface area of 370 sq.km and a perimeter of 162 km. It is glacial in origin and lies in a wide valley between Lombardy, the Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige in the provinces of Brescia, Verona and Trento. Its main tributary is the River Sarca at Torbole and its outlet is the River Mincio, south of Pescheria. The northern part of the lake is long and narrow and is bordered on the west by high, steep banks and on the east by the ridge of Monte Baldo. The southern part is wide with low banks and is divided by the narrow Sirmione peninsula.

The beauty of the countryside, the Mediterranean vegetation (vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards), and its mild climate make Garda one of the most thriving health and tourist centres. The most famous part is the so-called Brescia Riviera, between Salò and Gargnano. This is an area of parks, gardens, large country houses, trees and well known health resorts, including Salò, Gardone Riviera, Fasano and Maderno. The most important town in the south is Desenzano, and the Sirmione peninsula, which has a hydro and is an internationally famous holiday resort, is particularly charming (see thermal establishments table). On the Verona side, there are many well equipped campsites and places such as Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Punto San Vigilio, Torri del Benaco and Malcesine. Riva and Torbole on the north are interesting health resorts.

All the lakeside centres are linked by regular ferry services and numerous roads. Trains come to Lake Garda from the surrounding areas and two excellent roads run along the east and the west sides of the lake.