Markets
Visiting the weekly markets of Lake Garda means immersing oneself in the authenticity of the area, amidst bright colours, heady scents and the unique atmosphere of the squares that come alive every morning. Every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, a different town opens its stalls laden with typical products, food and wine specialities, clothing, local handicrafts, and much more.
Below are the market days in the neighbouring countries:
Monday - Peschiera del Garda, Torri del Benaco, Calmasino
Tuesday - Castelletto di Brenzone, Cavaion Veronese, Desenzano
Wednesday - Lazise
Thursday - Bardolino
Friday - Garda, Lugana di Sirmione
Saturday - Caprino Veronese, Malcesine, Pacengo
Products
The markets of Lake Garda offer an incredible variety of products:
Local food and wine: artisan cheeses, traditional Veronese and Brescian cured meats, Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil, fine wines such as Bardolino, Lugana and Chiaretto di Bardolino, local honey, home-made preserves, olives and products in oil.
Fresh fruit and vegetablesseasonal products directly from local producers, often zero kilometre, with the guarantee of freshness and quality. In the summer months you will find peaches, apricots, figs and grapes growing on the surrounding hillsides.
Clothing and accessoriesfashion garments, quality leather goods, bags, shoes, sunglasses and jewellery at affordable prices.
Local handicraftsolive wood objects, hand-painted ceramics, traditional textiles and Garda handicrafts.
A market for every day
The Monday opens with the large market in Peschiera del Garda, one of the busiest in the area, perfect for those who have just arrived and want to immediately get into the Garda atmosphere. Also not to be missed are the markets of Torri del Benaco and Moniga del Garda, picturesque places where tradition meets the quality of local products.
The Tuesday is dominated by the market in Desenzano del Garda, one of the largest and most varied in the area, where you will find everything from gastronomic specialities to clothing, from leather accessories to handicrafts. Also on Tuesdays, Cisano di Bardolino offers a more intimate market but full of genuine products, while Limone sul Garda enchants with its market among the citrus groves.
The Wednesday is the day of the famous Lazise market, one of the largest and most scenic in the Garda area. The stalls extend along the harbour and in the medieval town centre, creating a magical atmosphere where shopping becomes an unforgettable experience. In the Garda Trentino region, Riva del Garda hosts its market on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, while Arco has its market on the first and third Wednesday.
The Thursday is Bardolino's day, with its market renowned above all for its dairy specialities and local cured meats, but also for its wide selection of clothing and accessories. The lakefront is filled with colours and scents, making a stroll among the stalls a moment of pure pleasure.
The Friday the Garda market awaits you, directly on the lake shore, where in addition to fresh foodstuffs you will find clothing, leather goods, jewellery, and household goods. Lugana di Sirmione and Manerba del Garda also offer interesting markets on this day.
The Saturday is perfect for visiting Malcesine, with its characteristic market under the Via Gardesana, or Salò, where the elegance of the town is reflected in the range of products on offer. Pacengo di Lazise and Caprino Veronese also enliven Saturday with their typical markets.
Practical information
Opening hours: Markets are generally held from 8am to 1pm, although some may start as early as 7am. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to find the freshest produce and most authentic atmosphere.
Best period: All markets are active throughout the year, but the period from April to October is the most crowded and varied. Some markets in the more touristy locations have a seasonal calendar (May-December).
TipsTake a canvas bag with you for sustainable shopping, arm yourself with patience if you visit markets in high season (July-August) as they can be very crowded, and don't be afraid to ask producers for tastings: tasting is part of the experience!
Attention: In the event of bad weather or extraordinary events, markets may be subject to change. It is always good to check locally or at the tourist offices.
A unique experience
Visiting the markets of Lake Garda means slowing down the pace, savouring local life, chatting with the traders who know every secret of their products, and taking home not just purchases but authentic memories. It is the best way to really get to know a place and its people, to discover flavours you won't find elsewhere, and to experience Garda as a true protagonist, not just as a passing tourist.
From Castello San Antonio, many of these markets are easily accessible: Lazise is only 1700 metres away, Bardolino and Peschiera are just a few kilometres away. Our staff will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information and advise you on the market best suited to your needs.
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