Affi is the gateway town in the Veronese hinterland of Lake Garda: a small hilltop village at 191 m of altitude, it owes its international fame to the Grand Outlet Affi and to the dedicated exit on the A22 Brenner motorway, which make it the main logistic hub for travellers reaching the East shore of the lake from Germany and Northern Europe. Just 10 minutes from Bardolino and Garda, it's a strategic base for stays combining shopping, food, wine and beach time.
Experiences on Lake Garda
Affi lies 25 km from Verona (28 minutes by car, Affi exit on the A22 Brenner motorway), nestled among the moraine hills planted with vineyards and olive groves of the Bardolino DOC area. Beyond shopping, Affi has a small historic centre, the Romanesque Church of San Pietro, panoramic farm stays and the Madonna della Croce picnic area, from which on clear days you can see Monte Baldo and the whole Lake Garda basin.
Top 5 things to do in Affi
- Grand Outlet Affi — outlet shopping centre with about 140 brands of fashion, sport and accessories at discounted prices all year round. Open 7 days a week, free parking, shuttle buses from Garda hotels.
- Church of San Pietro — medieval Romanesque gem in the heart of the old town, simple in its lines, with a stone bell tower and devotional frescoes.
- Madonna della Croce — small panoramic sanctuary with a picnic area set among olive trees, one of the finest views over the southern Lake Garda and Monte Baldo.
- Bardolino DOC Wineries — tours and tastings at the historic estates scattered between Affi, Cavaion and Costermano (Bardolino red, Chiaretto rosé, Garda DOP olive oil).
- Garda tour from Affi — 10 minutes by car to Bardolino or Garda: an ideal base to explore the East shore avoiding the coastal traffic in high season.
Where to stay in Affi
Affi has one of the highest concentrations of accommodation on the East Garda shore, precisely because of its strategic position: 4-star business and family hotels adjacent to the outlet and motorway exit (€90–180 per night in high season), residences and apart-hotels for weekly stays, and many farm stays and charming B&Bs on the surrounding hills, immersed in vineyards and olive groves (€70–140).
Many German and Austrian travellers choose Affi as their base for the whole Garda stay: the A22 exit is 2 minutes away, the lakeside towns 10 minutes, and prices are on average 20–30% lower than in Bardolino or Garda. See all accommodation in Verona and around.
Where to eat in Affi
The gastronomy of Affi is the Veronese land cuisine enriched with the flavours of the nearby lake: bigoli al torchio (thick pasta), Bardolino risotto, pastissada de caval (horse meat stew), polenta with venison from Monte Baldo pastures, moraine cured meats and cheeses. Several panoramic restaurants on the hills offer local cuisine with lake views, while near the outlet you'll find casual restaurants and chain venues for quick meals.
The reference wines are Bardolino DOC and Bardolino Chiaretto DOC, produced by Affi wineries and neighbouring villages. Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil and Veronese cured meats complete the food offer. See all restaurants.
What the area offers
Affi belongs to the hilly hinterland of Lake Garda and has no direct access to the water: its identity is that of an agricultural village with a strong wine vocation, completely transformed in the last twenty years by the development of the commercial hub and tourist services. The surrounding countryside is a mosaic of vineyards, olive groves, farm stays and country mansions, perfect for walking, e-bike rides and tastings.
For swimming, the nearest beaches are at Bardolino and Garda, reachable in 10–15 minutes by car or ATV bus. For the mountains, continue towards Caprino Veronese and Spiazzi to reach in 25 minutes the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona and the trailheads of Monte Baldo.
Typical events
The events calendar in Affi follows the rhythm of the agricultural seasons. The main event is the Patronal Feast of San Pietro, in late June: three days of food stalls, live music and the patron saint's procession in the historic centre. In September, the Sagra Settembrina celebrates the harvest with traditional dinners, tastings of new Bardolino wine, agricultural product exhibitions and folk tournaments. Around Christmas, the outlet runs evening openings, themed entertainment and Christmas markets that attract visitors from all over Northern Italy and Tyrol.
How to get here from Verona
By car: 25 km, around 28 minutes. From Verona take the A22 Brenner motorway heading north and exit at Affi — a dedicated exit leading directly to the outlet area and the village. Free parking at the outlet and in surrounding areas.
By bus: ATV line 164 Verona Porta Nuova–Garda, stop at Affi (every 30–60 minutes, around 50 min ride). Affi is also a bus hub for the entire East shore of Lake Garda with connections to Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco and Malcesine.
By train + bus: the nearest railway station is Peschiera del Garda, then ATV bus 483 (35–40 min) or change at Bardolino.
From Catullo airport: 25 minutes by car via A22, or aerobus to Verona FS + Garda line.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Grand Outlet Affi? About 140 shops in a single area, with brands of fashion, sport, lingerie, home and accessories. Open every day with continuous hours. Free covered and outdoor parking, restaurants, kids area and services.
Is Affi a good base to visit Lake Garda? Yes, it's one of the best for travellers by car: dedicated A22 exit, 10 minutes from Bardolino and Garda, prices more affordable than on the coast, wide choice of hotels and farm stays. Very popular with German and Austrian travellers.
Can you visit Affi without a car? Yes, but with some limits: ATV bus line 164 links Verona to Affi and the lake, but to move between outlet, old town and coastal villages a car is more convenient. In high season many hotels offer free shuttles to the outlet and to the beaches.
Does the outlet offer VAT refund for non-EU tourists? Yes, most shops are part of the Tax Free Shopping circuit with VAT refund at the border for purchases above the minimum threshold.