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A private island, a villa straight out of a fairy tale and gardens descending in terraces to the water: Isola del Garda is one of the most unusual days out you can have on Lake Garda — yet many families don't even realise it can be visited. It can, but only in one way: on a guided tour that arrives by boat from a handful of ports around the lake, from late March to October. Here is everything a family actually needs to plan the trip from Peschiera del Garda: the handiest departure ports, the prices, how long it takes and a few tips for enjoying it with children in tow.
Isola del Garda is the largest island on the lake, sitting just off San Felice del Benaco on the Brescia shore. It belongs to the Borghese Cavazza family, who live there all year round — which is why there are no public moorings and no independent visits, only guided tours organised by the family themselves.
At the heart of the island stands an early-twentieth-century villa in Venetian neo-Gothic style, designed by the architect Luigi Rovelli and surrounded by Italian and English gardens that step down in terraces towards the water. All around lies a centuries-old park of rare plants and species gathered from every corner of the world. The history adds to the charm: over the centuries the island has been a pirates' hideout and a hermitage for monks, and tradition has it that both St Francis of Assisi and Dante Alighieri passed through.
For children, the fun starts before you even land: you arrive by boat, dock in a tiny private harbour and find yourself somewhere you “normally aren't allowed in”. A promising start to a morning of exploring.
Departures leave from various ports around the lake, which change depending on the day of the week. There are no regular departures from Peschiera itself: the nearest ports for anyone staying here are Sirmione, Lazise and Desenzano del Garda, all around 15-25 minutes away by car, plus Bardolino and Garda a little further north.
There is one important difference worth knowing about: the crossing time. From Sirmione the boat takes around 25-30 minutes each way, while from Lazise and Desenzano the journey lasts 50-60 minutes in each direction. With children who love being on the water, the long crossing becomes almost a mini cruise and is part of the fun; with very young children, or anyone who tires easily, departing from Sirmione is the more balanced choice.
As a rough guide to the 2026 calendar: boats leave Sirmione on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the late morning, Desenzano on Wednesday early afternoon and Sunday morning, and Lazise on Sunday morning. Days and times can change during the season, so the reference point is always the up-to-date calendar on the official website when you book.
The tour wasn't designed with children in mind, but it is absolutely within their reach — and knowing what to expect helps you organise it well. The guided part lasts just over an hour: a manageable stretch for most children, especially as it takes place almost entirely outdoors, among terraces, lake views and corners of parkland that feel like an enchanted wood.
A few practical pointers. Along the route there are three flights of around 25 steps each and some narrow paths: you can bring a pushchair, but make it a light folding one, and it stays outside while you visit the rooms of the villa. With the littlest ones, a baby carrier is often the most comfortable option. In summer, don't forget sun hats and water, although the gardens offer plenty of shady spots. There are toilets on the island. In light rain the tour goes ahead as normal with an umbrella or raincoat; only in severe weather is it cancelled and refunded.
For the 2026 season the island is hosting “Alice sull'isola delle Meraviglie” (Alice on the Island of Wonders). A contemporary art trail inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, with works by nine artists dotted between the park and the villa. It can be seen as part of the normal guided tour until 11 October 2026, and for children it adds a game within the game: spotting the artworks hidden among the trees and terraces. For special dates and details, check the island's official channels.
A private island you can visit (but only like this)
Isola del Garda is the largest island on the lake, sitting just off San Felice del Benaco on the Brescia shore. It belongs to the Borghese Cavazza family, who live there all year round — which is why there are no public moorings and no independent visits, only guided tours organised by the family themselves.
At the heart of the island stands an early-twentieth-century villa in Venetian neo-Gothic style, designed by the architect Luigi Rovelli and surrounded by Italian and English gardens that step down in terraces towards the water. All around lies a centuries-old park of rare plants and species gathered from every corner of the world. The history adds to the charm: over the centuries the island has been a pirates' hideout and a hermitage for monks, and tradition has it that both St Francis of Assisi and Dante Alighieri passed through.
For children, the fun starts before you even land: you arrive by boat, dock in a tiny private harbour and find yourself somewhere you “normally aren't allowed in”. A promising start to a morning of exploring.
How the guided tour works
Tours run from late March to October. In the 2026 calendar there are no tours on Saturdays or Mondays, so plan your outing for the other days of the week. Booking is essential and is made directly by visitors, buying tickets online on the island's official website no later than the day before. Our advice is not to leave it late: in high season places sell out quickly, so book at least four days ahead — or better still, book from home as soon as your holiday dates are set, so you can choose the port and day that suit you best. On arrival, visitors are divided into language groups: tours run in Italian, English and German, so you can follow every word. The stay on the island lasts 2 to 2.5 hours in total, but the guided part proper — the gardens and a few rooms of the villa — takes around an hour to an hour and a quarter. The rest of the time passes at a gentler pace, between the park and the welcome drink included in the ticket: a glass of local wine for the adults, fruit juice for the children and a taste of DOP Garda Bresciano olive oil for everyone.Where to depart from: the handiest ports from Peschiera del Garda
Departures leave from various ports around the lake, which change depending on the day of the week. There are no regular departures from Peschiera itself: the nearest ports for anyone staying here are Sirmione, Lazise and Desenzano del Garda, all around 15-25 minutes away by car, plus Bardolino and Garda a little further north.
There is one important difference worth knowing about: the crossing time. From Sirmione the boat takes around 25-30 minutes each way, while from Lazise and Desenzano the journey lasts 50-60 minutes in each direction. With children who love being on the water, the long crossing becomes almost a mini cruise and is part of the fun; with very young children, or anyone who tires easily, departing from Sirmione is the more balanced choice.
As a rough guide to the 2026 calendar: boats leave Sirmione on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the late morning, Desenzano on Wednesday early afternoon and Sunday morning, and Lazise on Sunday morning. Days and times can change during the season, so the reference point is always the up-to-date calendar on the official website when you book.
How much the visit to Isola del Garda costs
The price depends on the departure port and always includes the return boat transfer, the guided tour and the welcome drink. For the 2026 season, departing from Sirmione, Bardolino or Garda, tickets cost €46 for adults, €42 for teenagers aged 13-18 and over-65s, and €30 for children aged 5-12. From Desenzano and Lazise the fares are a few euros higher (€49, €45 and €33). Children up to 4 travel and visit for free. Fares may be updated from season to season: before booking, always check the current prices on the official Isola del Garda website.Visiting the island with children: what to really expect
The tour wasn't designed with children in mind, but it is absolutely within their reach — and knowing what to expect helps you organise it well. The guided part lasts just over an hour: a manageable stretch for most children, especially as it takes place almost entirely outdoors, among terraces, lake views and corners of parkland that feel like an enchanted wood.
A few practical pointers. Along the route there are three flights of around 25 steps each and some narrow paths: you can bring a pushchair, but make it a light folding one, and it stays outside while you visit the rooms of the villa. With the littlest ones, a baby carrier is often the most comfortable option. In summer, don't forget sun hats and water, although the gardens offer plenty of shady spots. There are toilets on the island. In light rain the tour goes ahead as normal with an umbrella or raincoat; only in severe weather is it cancelled and refunded.
What's the best age to go?
Up to age 4 entry is free: with a baby carrier the visit is easily managed, though this is the age range that needs the most flexibility. The golden age is 5 to 12, when the island becomes a territory to explore, complete with tales of pirates, monks and secret gardens. Older kids appreciate the villa, the views and — not least — the spectacular photos to take home.In 2026 there's one more reason to go: the Alice exhibition
For the 2026 season the island is hosting “Alice sull'isola delle Meraviglie” (Alice on the Island of Wonders). A contemporary art trail inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, with works by nine artists dotted between the park and the villa. It can be seen as part of the normal guided tour until 11 October 2026, and for children it adds a game within the game: spotting the artworks hidden among the trees and terraces. For special dates and details, check the island's official channels.
An idea for planning the day
The formula that works best with children is pairing the island with a destination on dry land. Departing from Sirmione on a Tuesday or Thursday, you can arrive without rushing, take the late-morning tour and still have the afternoon for a gelato and a wander between the Scaliger Castle and the old town. If you choose the Sunday departure from Lazise, the afternoon is free for the village and its lakefront. Either way, you'll be back at the village in time for a dip in the pool before dinner.At a glance: before you book
- 2026 season: late March to October; no tours on Saturdays or Mondays
- Booking: essential, online, by the day before (at least 4 days ahead in high season)
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours on the island, plus the crossing (25-30 minutes to an hour each way, depending on the port)
- Tour languages: Italian, English, German
- 2026 prices: from €46 for adults and €30 for children aged 5-12 departing from Sirmione; under-4s free
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, sun hat and water in summer, a lightweight pushchair or baby carrier for little ones
