Endless beaches, sheer cliffs and mountains, steady winds ideal for water sports, picturesque towns, wonderful scenery, and the perfect Mediterranean weather – just a few of the things Lake Garda is best known for. If you are ready to pack your bags right now, you’re not alone. You won’t regret making Lake Garda your next holiday destination!
If you are seeking tranquility, culture, history, culinary delights, and a lot of fun, it is the perfect spot. Contrary to popular belief, a vacation there doesn’t cost much. Lake Garda enjoys being close to Venice without the expensive price tag.
Even if you don’t have a large budget, there is still a way to keep your expenses in check, one of which is to choose cheaper lodgings, such as hostels. Hostels are economical and yet they still let you enjoy a few amenities.
Keep reading to check out our favorite hostels in Lake Garda!
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What to Expect from Hostels in Lake Garda
Most hostels in Lake Garda are family-friendly and quiet. People go there to relax, enjoy the beach, participate in activities, and be at one with nature. If you’re looking to have a night out there are several bars and clubs in the area to party the nights away.
The Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect place for travellers and is one of the many reasons why it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Try and visit during the offseason to avoid crowded beaches and busy hotels – unless you like that! Don’t just come for a day trip from Milan, instead stay a while and fully embrace all Lake Garda has to offer, including budget accommodation.
HostelWorld is the best place to look for accommodations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Hostels offer private rooms, as well as dorm rooms if you really want to pinch the pennies. The prices of each type of hostel room vary from spot to spot, but in general, are –
- Private rooms – $70 to $100
- Dorm rooms – $30 to $60
Best Hostels in Lake Garda
There are a few hostels to choose from in Lake Garda. Let’s take a look!
Lake Garda Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Lake Garda
- $
- Free breakfast
- Snack bar
- Rooftop terrace
Lake Garda Hostel is the best-known hostel in the area. Just a few minutes from the beach, you can get up in the morning, have your fill of coffee at the free buffet-style breakfast, and head down to the beach for some sun and a morning splash.
The property is only a few steps away from the centre of Salò where you will find the Museo di Salò and Santa Maria Annunziata. You can take pictures on the longest lakeside promenade on Lake Garda. Located between the cities of Verona and Brescia, the hostel is only 200 meters away from the centre of town where you can sample the best Italian dishes, have fun in local bars, and enjoy sightseeing.
If you want to stay in Verona, I’ve got the hostel for you!
Guests who want to relax can head to the rooftop terrace which boasts stunning lake views, as well as incredible mountain vistas. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink or have a chat with other travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Near the beach
- Free Wi-Fi
- Security lockers
- A few steps from the center of Salò
A safety deposit box and security lockers are on the premises for your valuables when you’re out and about exploring the local area. You can relish your time in Lake Garda with complete peace of mind.
Free parking is offered for those who are driving, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hostel, perfect for getting in touch with friends and families and uploading those enviable pictures on Instagram.
Board games and a pool table are available in the common areas for fun times with fellow guests.
Meet Gardalake Hostel – Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Lake Garda
There are so many good things to say about Meet Gardalake Hostel. Its location is one of its best features! Only 15 minutes by train to Verona, you can see Castle Vecchio, the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Giardino Giusti, Torre dei Lamberti, Verona Cathedral, and Piazza Bra – it’s the perfect day trip from the hostel.
The property is just two hours from Milan, and about an hour and 30 minutes from Venice. It’s the ideal base to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful places and take in the wonderful culture and history of the area.
However, before you head out the door and do a bit of exploration, you should take advantage of the free flow breakfast that includes bread, fruit jams, cereals, biscuits, and of course, coffee. Just thinking about the breakfast spread is making our mouths water – it will definitely fill your stomach.
There are a number of common spaces where you can mingle with other guests and have a good time. The lounge has a TV, board games, billiard, and ping pong. Musical instruments such as guitar, ukulele, and piano are up for grabs for anyone who wants to flex their musical talents. Things only get better from here..
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
- Musical instruments
- Free lockers with locks
Free W-Fi is available throughout the hostel, whether you need to catch up on work or want to chat with friends and loved ones. Printing services only cost €0.10 per page, ideal for those last-minute boarding passes.
Meals can be prepared in the common kitchen if you’re looking to save some money. The hostel boasts a rooftop terrace with solarium, as well as a garden with BBQ. Bookworms will be delighted that there are two libraries and a book exchange.
Laundry facilities, bicycle hire, and airports transfers can be provided so don’t be afraid to ask the staff!
Lake Garda Beach Hostel – Hostel with a Pool/Jacuzzi in Lake Garda
Located on the shores of Lake Garda, from Lake Garda Beach Hostel you will find yourself on a private beach in just a few minutes. Lounging on the sunbeds, as well as sunning and tanning is easy and pleasant.
An excellent location is just one of the things this hostel can boast about. Padenghe Sul Garda is just five minutes away. Make sure you visit some of the most famous attractions such as Azienda Agricola Pratello, Castello di Padenghe, and Chiesa di S. Emiliano.
The resort town of Desenzano del Garda is a few minutes away, too, and it has plenty to offer to travellers when it comes to history and art. You’ll have a good time with the wine tasting tours, walking and biking excursions, and a variety of cultural tours. Be sure to check out the tours and travel desk who can point you in the right direction.
Before you head out to take in the sights and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the area, be sure to get your fill of the free breakfast. You’ll need it, especially if you intend to do a lot during the day!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Luggage storage
- Tours/Travel desk
You can choose from private or shared rooms. They are all modern, and dorms have lockers where you can store your valuables for peace of mind while out and about. Connect to the free Wi-Fi, whether in common areas or rooms.
A restaurant is right beside the hostel and has a great selection of food at affordable prices. Those who’d like to cycle their way to nearby areas can also inquire about the bicycle hire.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Other Budget Accommodations
Aside from Lake Gard hostels, there are other types of lodgings in the area, such as Airbnb properties and hotels. They may not exactly be dorms, but they cost approximately the same and have extra amenities thrown in too.
Small Studio with Shared Beach Access – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers
This small studio is ideal for solo travellers. It’s spacious enough for one with everything you need to feel at home.
Located just a few minutes from the beach, you can spend your days lounging on the sand. The kitchen is small but well equipped with basic appliances for simple meals.
No need to worry though, there are restaurants nearby where you can grab your share of the most delicious dishes. After all, you’re in Italy, it’s only right that you get your fill of food prepared lovingly by locals.
Private Room Close to Lake Garda – Great Airbnb for Couples
This private room is aptly called Four Roots because of its earthly tones and decorations. The shared property is within a few minutes walk of Lake Garda, close to everything. There is a multitude of fun activities nearby to make your stay unforgettable.
Guests who like the outdoors can try climbing La Rocca di Garda. We’ve heard it has some of the most spectacular sunset views. Try cycling through Cisano, Bardolino, Lazise, and the many areas with vineyards, and of course, wake up early to witness the sunrise over Lake Garda. It’s a picture-perfect moment!
A free vegetarian breakfast is served daily and raved about it! The kitchen is available to use if you would like to prepare your own meals. However, only vegetarian meals are permitted.
What to Pack for your Lake Garda Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Lake Garda Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Lake Garda cost?
Hostels in Lake Garda are cheaper compared to other major Italian towns such as Venice. Private rooms range from $70 to $100, while dorm beds range from $30 to $60.
What are the best hostels in Lake Garda for couples?
The most relaxing place to stay in Lake Garda is Meet Gardalake Hostel. They have rooftop terrace with solarium(seasonal) and just 2 mins walk to the lake. If you’re looking for a perfect setup for a romantic night, then this is it!
What is the best hostel in Lake Garda near the airport?
The nearest airport to Lake Garda is Verona Airport, and the nearest hostel is Meet Gardalake Hostel. It is about an hour away from the airport by bus.
Travel Safety Tips for Lake Garda
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
Lake views with adventurous pursuits, long sandy beaches with lakeside cafés and promenades, as well as marinas that look like they belong on a postcard. What more can you ask for?
These are just some of the best affordable accommodations in the area. If you are still at a loss as to which hostel to choose, you should go with Lake Garda Hostel! Not only do they offer free breakfast, but it is near the beach and attractions.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Italy covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Italy if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Lake Garda before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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