Locanda San Vigilio

Top choice in Lake Garda


Not the sort of place you want to rock up to with a backpack and no reservation, this enchanting 16th-century locanda (inn) feels just like a luxurious English manor house. Worthy of Napoleon, Churchill and Prince Charles (yep, they've all stayed here), the elegant dark wood, stone floors and plush furnishings ensure an old-world-meets-new-luxury feel.

Hogging its own lakeside niche on Punta San Viglio, it's all housed in the Villa Guarienti, designed by star Venetian architect Sammicheli, and set within a formal Renaissance garden.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Garda attractions

1. Punta San Vigilio

0.07 MILES

The leafy headland of Punta San Vigilio curls out into the lake 3km north of Garda. An avenue of cypress trees leads from the car park towards a gorgeous…

2. Parco Baia delle Sirene

0.13 MILES

The privately owned Parco Baia delle Sirene rents sun loungers beneath the trees on Punta San Vigilio's beach. Entry is free at sunset.

3. Market

1.67 MILES

It's worth timing a visit to Garda to coincide with its exuberant Friday market, one of the biggest on the lake's eastern bank. Look out for Lake Garda…

4. Castello Scaligero

2.5 MILES

This atmospheric museum packs a wealth of history into the rough stone walls of a 14th-century castle. The fortification was built in 1338 as part of the…

5. Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo

2.69 MILES

Looking out across Lake Garda, this large church is worth a look for its exquisitely painted ceilings, altars by Tomezzoli and Benedetti and an angel…

6. Pieve di San Zeno

3.1 MILES

There's old and there's...old. Hemmed in by houses and guarded by an agreeably shabby courtyard north of the main road, this tiny church, dating from the…

7. Museo del Vino

3.85 MILES

Just off the main lake road and walkable from town, the Museo del Vino is set within the Zeni Winery, and rarely has a museum smelt this good. Rich scents…

8. Isola del Garda

4.36 MILES

It's not often you get to explore such a stunning private island, villa and grounds. Anchored just off Salò, this speck of land is crowned with impressive…