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!