Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda stretches between the mountains of Trentino to the north and the plains of Lombardy and Veneto to the south. Its shores alternate between olive groves, lemon trees and small harbours such as Sirmione, Limone and Malcesine. Outside summer the lake water is cool, and a heated pool extends the season. Here are the places we've checked. I've selected 15 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Madrigale Panoramic Lifestyle & Soulful Hotel (4.5/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
15 places shown
The pool. Two heated outdoor pools with lake views and sunbathing terraces.
One guest talks of excellent pools with plenty of sun loungers, without mentioning the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pools are outdoors: ask how late in the year they're heated if you're travelling early or late in the season.
The pool. Heated outdoor pools in the grounds and an indoor pool.
Several travellers mention the heated outdoor pools and a very attractive indoor pool.
Guide's tip. Get the outdoor pools' opening period confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool separated by a glass wall, plus an indoor jacuzzi. Expedia presents the pools as heated.
The hot tub. Indoor jacuzzi in the spa.
The Oyster guide describes the half-indoor, half-outdoor pool divided by a glass screen. Expedia's review summary mentions much-loved heated pools, without giving a temperature.
Guide's tip. Swimming through from the inside lets you stay warm even when the air is cool: handy early in the season.
The pool. Heated indoor pool listed among the facilities.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The listing is brief: ask the hotel about the indoor pool's hours and size.
The pool. Three saltwater pools: an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake (seasonal) and an indoor pool under a glass roof.
Expedia guests love the infinity pool above the lake. The Oyster guide notes that sun loungers get snapped up quickly. Nobody mentions the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Out of season the outdoor pool closes: rely on the indoor pool. The hotel closes in January.
The pool. Two indoor pools, one with a lake view, and an outdoor infinity pool open in season.
Guests find the infinity pool breathtaking; none mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A hotel designed for adults: check the children's policy before booking as a family.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool in the grounds, on the lakeshore; indoor pool in the wellness area inspired by Roman baths.
A blogger hosted by the hotel in September describes the heated outdoor pool and the spa with its indoor pool, without giving a temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pool closes out of season: in winter, rely on the indoor pool.
The pool. Heated indoor pool at the spa, outdoor pool and a 'zen' pool.
The Kayak review summary highlights the pool (9.5/10 in the category scores), without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the outdoor pool is heated outside summer.
The pool. Four indoor and four outdoor pools (at least one seasonal) and a thermal bath. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which outdoor pools are open during your stay.
The pool. Two outdoor pools: a panoramic rooftop pool, heated during the winter months, and one in the garden. An indoor pool is also listed among the facilities.
Two guests mention the heated rooftop pool, which they found superb. The listing contradicts itself about which pool is heated, but the rooftop one is the one reviews mention.
Guide's tip. For warm water, go for the rooftop pool – at its most beautiful at sunset.
The pool. Indoor pool open year-round; seasonal outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pool only opens in season: out of season, only the indoor pool is available.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor pools advertised as heated and open year-round, including an infinity pool with a view.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Adults-only hotel: ideal for a quiet stay, not for families.
The pool. Heated indoor pool and heated outdoor pool (seasonal according to Kayak).
The Kayak review summary praises a relaxing pool area; the pool scores 8.5/10. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the outdoor pool's opening period confirmed.
The pool. Outdoor thermal-water pool on the lakeshore; hot springs open 9:00 to 20:00.
The hot tub. Hot tub.
Travellers describe a warm outdoor thermal pool at just the right temperature. The pool scores 9/10 in Kayak reviews.
Guide's tip. Sirmione's thermal water is naturally warm: a good choice for outdoor swimming in the shoulder seasons.
The pool. Heated rooftop pool with panoramic views of the lake and a bar alongside.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The tour operator warns that the pools may close in low season depending on the weather: get the opening confirmed.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Madrigale Panoramic Lifestyle & Soulful Hotel (Hotel), with 4.5/5 (432 reviews · easyJet holidays). Next come Lido Palace (9.8/10) and Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda (9.8/10).
Yes at Hotel Ocelle Thermae & Spa – Adults Only: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Palace Hotel Desenzano, heating is seasonal (heated in winter). Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, EALA My Lakeside Dream and Hotel du Lac – Relax Attitude Hotel have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected on Lake Garda gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: Lido Palace and Grand Hotel Terme Sirmione also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Leonardo da Vinci (Limone) | Indoor and outdoor pools, advertised as heated. | 3,9/5 | Rating below 8/10 (Tripadvisor, 1,053 reviews) |
Sources: lastminute.com.
