Lake Caldonazzo is one of those places where the holiday begins the very moment you arrive. The water is warm, the shores are green, and all around lies a valley, the Valsugana, made for slowing down. In this guide we tell you what to do at the lake and what to see nearby, based only on places we know and that are truly worth visiting. We at Italy Holiday have been welcoming guests to this area for a long time, and this is the itinerary we would recommend to a friend.

Lake Caldonazzo, the heart of your holiday

Lake Caldonazzo is a large stretch of water set in the green of the Valsugana. Its most loved feature is the temperature: it is one of the warmest lakes in Southern Europe, with waters that in summer reach close to 24 degrees. This makes it perfect for relaxing swims and for whole days spent on the beach with the whole family.

The shores are lined with Blue Flag beaches, and the water is not just for swimming. Here you can try sailing, SUP (stand up paddle), canoeing and even water skiing. It is a lively lake, where those looking for relaxation and those looking for action both find their own space.

The best time to enjoy it runs from late spring to early autumn, with the swimming season stretching from May to the end of September. Getting there is simple: about twenty minutes by car from Trento along the SS47 state road toward Levico, or by train on the Trento-Bassano line, which stops just steps from the shores.

What to see around the lake

One of the best things about Lake Caldonazzo is that it sits at the center of an area full of places to discover. In a few minutes by car you can go from the beach to a historic park, to another lake, to art and to the mountains. Here are the places we recommend.

1. Lake Levico, a fjord in the heart of the Valsugana

Just a few minutes away, near Levico Terme, Lake Levico awaits you. It has a long, distinctive shape that recalls a fjord, and it is surrounded by wooded hills. It is one of the Trentino lakes awarded the Blue Flag: its waters are among the mildest in the area and the banks are gentle, perfect for swimming, walking and cycling as a family.

Here you will find tree-shaded free beaches, swimming areas and a loop trail that runs along the shores. As with Caldonazzo, the ideal season runs from late spring to early autumn, with swimming roughly from May to September. You can reach it on foot from the center of Levico Terme, by car on the SS47 of the Valsugana, or by train.

2. Habsburg Centennial Park, a walk through time

Also in Levico Terme you will find the Parco secolare degli Asburgo, a Habsburg-era thermal garden from 1905. Covering 13 hectares, it is the most important historic park in Trentino. Strolling along its avenues you come across centuries-old beech trees, sequoias, magnolias and cedars, among hundreds of trees and dozens of different species, alongside the elegant Villa Paradiso.

It is a peaceful and romantic place, beautiful in every season: bulbs in spring, cool shade in summer, golden foliage in autumn and a Christmas market in winter. You can reach it on foot in a few minutes from the station and the center of Levico Terme.

3. Lake Lavarone, clear water among mountain woods

If you want to change perspective and head up to higher ground, Lake Lavarone is a perfect destination. It is a small mountain lake with clear waters, of karstic origin, on the Lavarone Plateau at around 1,080 meters of altitude. It is surrounded by woods and has two equipped beaches and an easy trail along the shores.

Here too the waters carry the Blue Flag and are swimmable in summer. Between easy walks, pedal boats and an art trail through the woods, it is an ideal destination for families. The best time runs from June to early September, when the lido services are open, with mild days throughout the warm season. You can reach it in a few minutes by car from the village of Lavarone.

4. Arte Sella, where nature becomes art

For those who love art and out-of-the-ordinary places, Arte Sella is an experience not to be missed. It is an open-air contemporary art park, in the Val di Sella, where artists create sculptures using wood, rock and branches. Among the most famous works is the Cattedrale Vegetale by Giuliano Mauri.

It is a magical fusion of art and mountain nature, which changes with the seasons, for a serene walk among living works. It is open all year round, but it is even more beautiful from late spring to autumn, when the trails and gardens are at their best. You can reach it from Borgo Valsugana by going up the SP40 provincial road toward Malga Costa, by car or by train to Borgo Valsugana Centrale.

5. Alpe Cimbra, the plateau for every season

If you want to dedicate a day to the mountains, Alpe Cimbra awaits you. It is a wide green plateau in south-eastern Trentino, between Folgaria, Lavarone, Luserna and Vigolana, made of alpine meadows, woods, lakes and First World War forts.

In summer it offers family-friendly hikes and over 100 kilometers of cycling paths, while in winter you can ski. It is a place that preserves the rare Cimbrian language and where you can taste the tasty Vezzena cheese. It is a year-round destination, most beautiful from June to September for walking and from December to March for the snow. You can reach it by car in about an hour from Trento or Rovereto, with seasonal buses connecting the stations to the plateau villages.

6. Trento Christmas Markets, the magic of winter

If your holiday falls in the cold months, it is worth heading down to Trento for its Christmas Markets. It is an Advent market that fills Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra with around 90 wooden chalets, full of crafts, gifts and local products, beside the ancient city walls.

It is among the most loved markets in Italy: mulled wine, alpine sweets, festive lights, the tree in Piazza Duomo and an ice rink for the whole family. It is open from late November to early January, with December as the most magical month. It takes place in the historic center, just steps from the train station.

A practical tip before you set off

Many of these places change their hours and services depending on the season, and some require a reservation. Before planning your day, check the updated hours on the official websites, so you avoid surprises and always arrive at the right moment.

Where to stay near Lake Caldonazzo

The best way to experience Lake Caldonazzo is to have a home of your own just steps from the water, where you can return in the evening after a day on the beach or in the mountains. With Italy Holiday you will find carefully chosen stays in the lake and Valsugana area, designed for families and travelers looking for comfort and calm.

Discover where to stay near Lake Caldonazzo and book your stay with Italy Holiday: your ideal base for exploring the lake and everything around it.

Digital partner for holiday home owners since 2022.