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Discover the castles near Peschiera del Garda: 6 perfect family day trips

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Staying at Del Garda Village & Camping in Peschiera del Garda puts you in a wonderfully strategic location to explore some of the area’s most fascinating historic destinations. Within a short drive you’ll find medieval castles, charming villages and beautiful Lake Garda viewpoints—ideal for easy day trips with the whole family.
This article is designed especially for families with children holidaying on Lake Garda, looking for experiences that are simple, engaging and suitable for little ones, too.Here are 6 castles near Peschiera del Garda that combine history, fun and nature.

1) Scaliger Castle, Sirmione

Sirmione Castle

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 20 minutes by car

Scaliger Castle in Sirmione is one of Lake Garda’s most iconic landmarks. It stands at the entrance to the historic centre and is surrounded by water, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that children instantly love.  

Why it’s perfect for families

  • Easy to reach on foot from the car parks
  • Towers and walls that spark children’s imagination
  • Panoramic lake views from the top
After your visit, it’s worth strolling through Sirmione’s old streets or stopping for an ice cream along the lakeside. Tip: go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times.  

2) Desenzano del Garda Castle 

Desenzano Castle

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 25 minutes by car

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, Desenzano Castle offers wonderful views over the lake and plenty of open space inside the walls—ideal for a relaxed visit with children.  

Why families enjoy it

  • Open areas where children can move around freely
  • Scenic viewpoints perfect for photos
  • Usually less crowded than other castles
You can easily combine the visit with a walk in Desenzano’s historic centre or along the lakeside promenade.  

3) Padenghe sul Garda Castle

Padenghe sul Garda Castle

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 30 minutes by car

Padenghe Castle is one of the best-preserved fortifications on the southern side of Lake Garda. Set in an elevated position, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views.

Ideal for a relaxed day out

  • Simple paths suitable for children
  • A large inner courtyard
  • One of the best viewpoints over Lake Garda
A great choice if you want somewhere less touristy but still truly memorable.  

4) Valeggio sul Mincio & Borghetto – Scaliger Castle

Valeggio sul Mincio & Borghetto

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 20 minutes by car

Valeggio sul Mincio and the hamlet of Borghetto are among the most loved and romantic places near Lake Garda. The Scaliger Castle dominates the landscape from above, while Borghetto enchants visitors with its watermills and bridges over the river.

Why it’s great for children

  • A storybook setting with mills, water and little bridges
  • Easy transfers and flat walking routes
  • Plenty of spots to stop, explore slowly and take a break
An ideal trip to mix culture with time outdoors.  

5) Villafranca di Verona – Scaliger Castle

Villafranca di Verona

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 30 minutes by car

Less well known than other castles, Villafranca’s Scaliger Castle is an interesting, quiet destination—perfect for a short, stress-free visit.

Why choose it

  • Compact size and easy to visit
  • Suitable for children
  • Easy to pair with a walk in town or nearby parks
A good alternative if you’re after a calm day out away from the biggest tourist crowds.

6) Verona – Castelvecchio

Verona Castelvecchio

Distance from Peschiera del Garda: around 30 minutes by car or by train

Castelvecchio is Verona’s most important medieval fortress and today it houses a museum. Even for families who aren’t big museum fans, the visit feels exciting thanks to the walkways, towers and the famous fortified bridge.

Why it’s ideal for children

  • You can walk across the Castelvecchio Bridge
  • Large, atmospheric spaces
  • Easy to combine with a day in Verona’s historic centre
Verona is also easy to reach by train from Peschiera del Garda—perfect for a car-free day trip. And if you’d like to discover 12 hidden gems in the city, take a look at this blog article: Verona segreta: 12 tesori nascosti.

Family-friendly castles near Peschiera del Garda

All these castles are: Whether your children dream of knights and princesses, or you simply want to explore the area, these are some of the best castles within easy reach of Peschiera del Garda. And there’s even more to discover nearby—such as the castles of Torri del Benaco, Malcesine or Avio—ideal for finding new corners of Lake Garda and its surroundings.