Sipping la Dolce Vita: the spritz secrets of Lazise, Italy
Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by spritzience
The stunning town of Lazise on Lake Garda, Italy brings lakeside views paired with delicious Italian cuisine, sparkling spritz cocktails, and chic italian souvenir boutiques. These spots make the perfect side trip from the historic canals of Venice or the stylish streets of Milan.
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Ferrying around Lake Garda
Want to enjoy a breeze while you’re catching some rays? Jump aboard the top deck of the local ferry to visit other Lake Garda towns for a slice of their unique charm, and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming lake views. You can buy a point to point ticket or if you start the day early consider buying an all-day ticket for a portion of the lake so you can hop on and off the ferries to see a couple of towns.
Make sure to read the schedule carefully for the last ferry back to Bardolino as some ferries run only on certain days of the week, and it can be an expensive taxi ride back if you miss the last ferry. As the ferry schedule changes seasonally you’ll want to double check that the dates align to your visit. Generally there is no need to pre-buy tickets online, you can walk up to the ticket booth located on the lungolago by the ferry stop, a few minutes before you want to depart and buy your ticket. For more details on ferry schedules click here, www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-garda/ .
Aperitivo and spritz cocktail spots
As the golden hour approaches in Lazise, take part in the ritual of the “passeggiata” an Italian stroll around the town in the early evening. After your walk, stop off at one of the best lakeside cafés for an aperitivo. Chicly dressed, you’re people-watching and soaking in the Italian aura, cocktail menu in hand.
What better way to embrace la dolce vita than with a classic Italian spritz? Kids are laughing in the plazas, friends are catching up, and couples are sharing sweet moments over their drinks. Every sip weaves you deeper into the fabric of the present, letting you lose yourself in the enchanting allure of Lake Garda.
When it’s aperitivo time around Lake Garda, typically between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, Lazise has a couple of sweet spots that have my heart.
Visiting Lazise, Lake Garda
One evening, why not take the ferry to the neighboring town of Lazise for dinner? When you arrive on the lungolago, you can’t help noticing the restaurant at Hotel Classique. It’s a unique 19th century villa with an indoor-outdoor dining room on the 2nd floor. The fish dishes and pasta do not disappoint, nor will the breathtaking views of the lake.
After dinner, as the ferry is no longer running, stroll home Lasize to Bardolino on the lake path. It takes about an hour, is well lit, and has a couple spots to stop off at for a final coffee or a night cap.
Other Great Lake Garda Towns to Visit on the Ferry
Head to Desenzano Italy, where cobblestone promenades meet turquoise lakeside serenity, Roman mosaics whisper secrets of the past, and your evening ends with a spritz by the shimmering waterfront. If you’ve only got one day in this little gem on Lake Garda, don’t worry—you’re in for a magical blend of history, beauty, and bellinis.
If you’re looking to make a dramatic entrance to the Italian Lakes, then look no further than Sirmione Lake Garda. What better way to arrive at a palm tree filled island than walking across a drawbridge that belongs to a medieval castle? Once you’ve crossed, you can spend time relaxing at thermal baths. Or explore ancient Roman ruins and enjoy a meal at a restaurant that almost feels like it’s floating over the water.
Cozy hotels with great pools
After a day full of exploration and good food, you’ll want a cozy spot to curl up. While in Lazise, the Hotel Classique, offers charming rooms and a hidden pool, providing a secluded oasis for guests in the center of town. Its discreet charm makes it an ideal spot to sleep off an evening spent enjoying spritzes by the lake.
Add a trip to Lazise from Venice or Milan by train
To add a few days in Lazise onto a visit to Milan or Venice, taking the high speed train is the best choice. Especially for those keen on reducing their carbon footprint while indulging in the pleasures of a spritz en route. From Milan, the journey begins at the bustling Milan Centrale station. Where you’ll want to board a Frecciarossa train, Italy’s premier high-speed train, it travels at speeds up to 300k/h or 186mph.
This swift service will whisk you away to Lake Garda in just about 50 minutes. It offers stops at either “Desenzano Del Garda-Sirmione” or “Peschiera Del Garda,” with Peschiera Del Garda as the slightly closer option. Upon arrival, a 30-minute bus or taxi ride will deliver you to the heart of Lazise. If Venice is your starting point, the romantic “Venezia S. Lucia” station serves as your gateway to Lake Garda. Embarking on the Frecciarossa from here, you’re looking at a 1.5-hour journey to the lake’s welcoming shores. Plus a bus or taxi ride, after which the promise of a spritz by the lake awaits.
Dolce Vita Tip: I highly recommend booking 1st class train tickets on the Frecciarossa trains. The upcharge is fairly small, and what you receive in return is worth it. The 1st class cars have bigger seats that usually can be reclined (3 seats across instead of 4 in 2nd class). Plus, there is more space for luggage as there are fewer passengers in 1st class. This helps as it can sometimes be challenging finding spots for large suitcases. The other benefit of 1st class is that on Frecciarossa trains, they bring you a coffee,a small soft drink, or prosecco. And snacks to enjoy, included in the price of your ticket.
Resources
Hotels
- Classique Boutique Hotel, Via Albarello 29, Lazise 37017, www.classiqueboutiquehotel.it
Restaurants
- Classique Ristorante, Via Albarello 29, Lazise 37017, +39 045 758 0270
Transit
1. Lake Garda Ferry http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-garda/
2. TrenItalia: www.trenitalia.com
