Step outside Hotel Caesius: a scenic walk through Bardolino and beyond

Ready to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Lake Garda?

Start with something simple yet unforgettable – a peaceful lakeside walk that leads you north from Hotel Caesius in Cisano to the charming villages of Bardolino and Garda along the lakeside promenade.

It’s a journey filled with beauty, tranquility, and a touch of discovery – and we’ll even share a little secret for a gentle surprise on the way back!
 

Step one: from Hotel Caesius to the scenic lakeside promenade

Step outside Hotel Caesius, and your lakeside adventure unfolds from the very first breath of fresh air. Just a few steps from your room, you’ll find yourself on a gentle, scenic promenade surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping views of Lake Garda. Facing the water, Cisano lies to your left with its charming harbour; to your right, the path curves gracefully toward Bardolino, quietly inviting you to follow. Not a bad way to start, right?
This first stretch is just a taste – a soothing prelude that awakens the senses as the path gradually opens up to the unmistakable silhouette of Bardolino on the horizon.
 

Step two: from Bardolino to the heart of Garda

Leaving behind the vibrant promenade in Cisano, the walk continues along one of the most scenic stretches of the entire route: the lakeside boardwalk in Bardolino, gently winding between crystal-clear waters and the soft rustle of graceful trees. Once here, you'll soon reach the vibrant heart of this charming borgo, where lakeside life unfolds in all its colour and character.
Here, the landscape opens wide – a living painting of light, colour, and the quiet grace of swans upon the water. The Ferris wheel stands out in the distance, its bright silhouette brushing the sky and adding a playful touch to the horizon. For a romantic stop, don’t miss the Bardolino wooden barrel, a charming local symbol of wine and love, perfect for a photo to remember the moment.
The walk remains delightfully easy, allowing you to focus on the views ahead until, in the distance, the outline of Garda appears – crowned by its striking promontory, La Rocca.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants with tables right on the water – perfect for a leisurely espresso or a refreshing drink while soaking in the view.
And if luck is on your side, you might spot the majestic San Nicolò sailing boat gliding across the lake, a graceful sight that adds a touch of timeless charm to the scene.
 

Heading back through Bardolino’s hidden park path

After exploring the centre of Garda and pausing at the harbour to admire the view of Punta San Vigilio, it’s time to make your way back toward Bardolino and Cisano. While you could simply retrace your steps along the lakeside, we suggest a small detour, one that offers a touch of tranquillity and a new perspective.

As you leave Garda, take the path that winds through Carrara Bottagisio Park in Bardolino. It’s a short but wonderfully immersive stretch, where the sounds of the lively lakefront fade and you find yourself surrounded by a quiet grove of trees. The path soon reconnects with the main promenade, leading you gently back toward the heart of Bardolino.
 

Extra: Bardolino’s little secrets

If you decide to explore the centre of Bardolino, make sure to wander down Via Garibaldi and don’t forget to look down! Yes, you read that right: look carefully, and you'll spot a little surprise under your feet – graceful, hand-painted ceramic tiles, each one a tiny work of art that many visitors walk past without ever noticing. Adding charm and character to the street, they tell stories of moments both grand and local, from Italy’s triumph in the 2006 World Cup to scenes of village life, tradition, and pop culture.
 
 

The perfect ending: an aperitif at “home”

By the time you reach the centre of Bardolino, you’ll know that your reward lies just a short stroll away. Follow the familiar path back to Hotel Caesius, where comfort – and perhaps a little indulgence – awaits. Order a spritz or a glass of local wine, and toast to the golden light of sunset all around you. There’s no better way to end your walk than with this moment of quiet – the simple pleasure of slowing down, right at home.

 

Good to know before you set off

•    Distance and duration: The full route covers around 11 km (about 5.5 km each way). Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to complete it, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the view.
•    Clothing: Comfortable shoes are a must. The path is mostly paved or asphalt, making it an easy and pleasant walk..
•    When to go: At dawn, for peaceful silence and gentle morning light – the perfect start before indulging in the rich and colourful breakfast buffet at Hotel Caesius – or in the late afternoon, after relaxing at the Thermae & Spa, to enjoy the golden hues reflecting in the lake’s waters.
•    Accessibility: The route is level and suitable for everyone – couples, families with pushchairs, and furry friends alike.


Ready, set, go!
Take this gentle walk – a simple yet unforgettable journey that carries the serenity of Hotel Caesius along the lake and back again.