Lake Garda - Malcesine

A charming town with narrow cobbled streets clustered around the almost complete 13th-century Castle Scaligero, which perches on a sheer rock face overlooking the lake. At the heart of the resort is a busy little harbour where cafes and restaurants line the water's edge. The rest of the lakefront is filled with villas and hotels for along the edge of the lake. The main road runs above the town and only limited traffic is allowed into certain streets, which get very crowded with sightseers during peak season.

Appeal – mid to upmarket destination for couples, families and groups. For sporty types there are a good range of activities on offer. Note the steep terrain may make it unsuitable for visitors with certain mobility difficulties.

Where to stop – a wide selection of hotels are on offer, mostly in the 2 or 3 star bracket with a number of 4-star. Hotels and villas are situated just off the main road above the town or along the waterfront.

The surroundings - small pebbled beaches outside the town in both directions, Bay of Val di Sogno is one of the most pleasant options in the vicinity and offers a good view of the castle.

Shopping - a selection of clothes boutiques and souvenir shops throughout the town with a weekly Saturday market.

What to do – the 13th-century castle; Lake Garda Museum; cable car up Monte Baldo, known as the "botanical garden of Italy"; variety of sports including sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, tennis, mini-golf, paragliding, mountain walks and bike rides; boat trips; limited winter skiing on Monte Baldo.

And at night – a good choice of bars and restaurants, a disco some with some hotels offer evening entertainment.

To eat - Trattoria and pavement cafes surround the harbour with pizzerias and restaurants tucked away in the backstreets, many hotels also have good restaurants. Start with fried mountain cheese, to follow try the local dishes of duck with celery, chicken and asparagus topped with asiago cheese or rabbit ‘al Bardolino, finish with Ubriaco al Torcolato, a cheesecake made with a cheese called Ubriaco al Torcolato, literally translated, "Torcolato Drunken cheese"!. With the local Prosecco or Bardolino to accompany your meal you’ll experience fine dining at its greatest!

Out and about - nearby lakeside resorts such as Bardolino, Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione make great excursions. If you fancy going further a field a full day to Verona or a lake tour by coach and boat makes for a good day out. For breathtaking views the Dolomites are within reach or for the more adventurous the Gardaland theme park or one of the many water parks are available. If you don’t mind an early start Milan and Venice are within your reach.