Montichiari is considered to be the gateway to Lake Garda. It’s not on the water, it’s 12kms away, set across six hills, the highest offering views of the lake in one direction and of the Apennines in the other. Gateway towns tend to offer a good range of accommodation, and Montichiari is no exception. The best places to stay in Montichiari come in a range of shapes and sizes, from traditional hotels, through converted villas and farmhouses, to B&Bs and pensiones. One of our favourites is a converted palazzo in the centre of town close to all the historic sights.

The town's castle is small but magnificent, and its abbey is one of the best preserved Romanesque Abbeys in Northern Italy, with elegant architectural features and impressive artworks. Montichiari is a great option for historians and art lovers who want to see Lake Garda, but would prefer to avoid the crowds as much as possible. It's also a good base for families too, for similar reasons, plus the town’s friendly atmosphere.

As well as being just 12kms from Lake Garda, Montichiari is also just 20kms from Brescia, 45kms from Verona, and 100kms from Milan. So it’s a great destination for visiting the lake and beyond, if you find accommodation you really like. But as with all the towns around Lake Garda, the best places to stay in Montichiari are busy during the peak summer months, so get organised and book well ahead!

The Best Places to Stay in Montichiari

For Couples

• The Palazzo Novello is a fairytale palazzo, complete with murals and frescoes, beautifully tiled floors, pillars, grand entertaining rooms and an imposing central stone staircase. Within are 18 rooms and suites, with pale-coloured decor and romantic details. Expect high ceilings, four-poster beds, and huge bathrooms. This is a warm and magical place to stay.

For Great Value

• The Villa San Pietro is a spacious, three room B&B right in the heart of medieval Montichiari. Each of the rooms is individually decorated with antiques and cosy features, and guests can expect beautiful tiles, bright colours and the odd ceiling mural. Plus ensuites and tea and coffee making facilities. Expect a warm, Italian welcome, with an impressive breakfast and lots of activities on offer, from ping pong to cooking classes. A proper home from home.

Prefer a Self-catering Apartment or villa?

• Sometimes a villa or apartment is the best option if you're travelling in a larger group, so if you decide that you'd prefer a self catering option, check out our online booking partner, booking.com for some inspiration.

Travel Information

• Montichiari has its own airport, Brescia-Montichiari, however traveling via Milan’s Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo Airports might be more convenient, depending on where you’re travelling from. The journey to Montichiari is about an hour and a half in the car, or just under three hours on the train and bus. Verona-Villafranca is under an hour away by road too.
• The Lake Garda region is great for a road trip! We recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Montichiari, and all of Lake Garda, is very popular in the summer, so you’d be advised to book your hotel/s and restaurants early. It is charming well into autumn and winter too, and spring is also very beautiful. May and June are a good compromise if you’re still hoping for warmth and sunshine, with temperatures reaching about 25°C, and September is similar, but with a different set of plants flowering. Christmas and Easter are always special too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Lake Garda
• Or you might consider including other local towns in your search; the Sirmione peninsula is very nearby, and Salò is just to the north, on the shoreline.
• You could also consider refining your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, be it the best hotels with a view on Lake Garda, the best family hotels on Lake Garda or the best hotels on Lake Garda for foodies
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.