Costermano sul Garda is the quintessential rural village of the hilly hinterland of Lake Garda: 254 metres above sea level, Bardolino DOC vineyards and Garda DOP olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see, with the lake opening below like a painting between the moraine hills. Although it has no direct waterfront, its panoramic terraces offer one of the widest views over the east shore, from Bardolino all the way to Monte Baldo.

Experiences on Lake Garda

It lies about 32 km from Verona (40 minutes by car, Affi exit on the A22 Brenner motorway) and includes the hamlets of Albare, Castion Veronese, Gazzoli and Marciaga. It's a favourite destination for those seeking an authentic Garda, away from the busy crowds of the coast, among family-run wineries, panoramic farm stays and places of remembrance. Costermano is in fact home to the WW2 German Military Cemetery, one of the most important German memorial sites in Italy.

Top 5 things to do in Costermano sul Garda

  • German Military Cemetery (Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof) — WW2 memorial site holding 21,880 fallen soldiers, inaugurated in 1967 and today a place of pilgrimage for German families, school groups and commemorative tours.
  • Church of San Sigismondo (Marciaga hamlet) — frescoed gem from the 15th century, with a late Gothic fresco cycle considered among the finest in the Veronese countryside.
  • Castelnuovo Castle Ruins — ancient medieval fortification set among olive trees, with a panoramic trail and views over the lake and Monte Baldo.
  • Bardolino DOC and Chiaretto Wineries — guided tastings through the moraine hills with glasses of young red and very pale rosé, the local emblems.
  • Garda DOP Olive Mills — visits to family-run mills with guided tastings of "Garda Orientale" extra virgin olive oil, fragrant and light, plus accompanying products (olive pâté, spreads).

Where to stay in Costermano sul Garda

The accommodation offer in Costermano is built around panoramic farm stays, boutique B&Bs set in 19th-century farmhouses and a few residences with pool tucked into the vineyards. Prices are on average lower than on the coast: farm stays from €70 to €130 per night in high season, B&Bs €60–110. Many hotels offer a free shuttle to the beaches of Garda and Bardolino.

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Where to eat in Costermano sul Garda

The trattorias of Costermano serve genuinely Garda and Veronese inland cuisine: bigoli with sardella, pike in salsa with yellow polenta, Bardolino risotto, pumpkin tortelli and the typical moraine cured meats. Farm stays offer grilled meats, Monte Veronese DOP cheeses and desserts such as sbrisolona cake with chestnut honey.

Every dish is paired with Bardolino DOC or Chiaretto DOC and with Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil, all produced at zero kilometres. Several wine bars and "bottega del vino" shops offer tastings with cold-cut and cheese boards.

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What the area offers

Costermano is a municipality without direct access to the lake, and precisely for this reason it preserves a rural, farming soul that many other coastal centres have lost. The land is a mosaic of Bardolino DOC vineyards, ancient Garda DOP olive groves and small mixed woodlands, crossed by scenic roads winding between dry-stone walls and Romanesque parish churches.

It's perfect for slow travel: walking and cycling routes between the hamlets, farm stays serving local cuisine, B&Bs in restored farmhouses. The proximity to the beaches of Garda and Bardolino (10 minutes by car) allows guests to alternate beach days with food and wine experiences in the hills.

Typical events

In September the Sagra delle Patate (Potato Festival) takes place in Marciaga, one of the most cherished village festivals in the area, with food stalls dedicated to potatoes prepared in every possible way and live music in the small squares. Also in September, the Festa della Pera Misso celebrates an ancient local variety of pear. In spring, the Festa di San Sigismondo in Marciaga opens the church of the same name with guided tours of the frescoes. In May, Cantine Aperte brings together the wineries of the area for free tastings and guided visits.

How to get here from Verona

By car: 32 km, around 40 minutes. From Verona Sud take the A22 Brenner motorway and exit at Affi, then SP31 towards Costermano. Free car parks in the village centre and in the hamlets.

By bus: ATV line 164 Verona Porta Nuova–Garda, stop at Affi, then local shuttle or a 10-minute taxi to Costermano (every 30–60 min).

By train + bus: Verona Porta Nuova FS station, then ATV bus via Affi. Peschiera del Garda station is an alternative for those arriving on the Milan–Venice line.

For the German Military Cemetery: the site is well signposted from main roads; large free parking in front of the entrance, open daily with extended hours in summer.

Frequently asked questions

How can the German Military Cemetery be visited? The cemetery (Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Costermano) is open every day from 8:00 until sunset, free entry. For group or commemorative visits booking is recommended through the Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge. Information panels are available in Italian, German and English.

Does Costermano have lake beaches? No, the municipality lies on the hills and does not face the water directly. The closest beaches are in Garda and Bardolino, a 10-minute drive away.

Can wineries be visited without booking? Smaller wineries appreciate at least a phone call to organise the guided tour. Some larger estates have fixed opening hours for their wine shop and tasting room.

Is Costermano suitable for those looking for a quiet Garda? Absolutely. It's one of the best choices for visitors who want to avoid the coastal crowds and immerse themselves in an authentic rural landscape, with the lake just a short drive away for beach days.