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Lake Garda holiday with wheelchair - help!

12 replies

mrsfeatherbottom · 14/02/2025 09:57

We are planning a 'proper' family holiday this summer and it's my first time booking a proper holiday as we've always stayed with friends etc before. The teenagers have specifically asked for a holiday where they can relax (apparently in the past we have organised too many things!) and have their hearts set on Lake Garda. It would be for the end of June when they finish exams for either 10 days or 2 weeks. Flights from either Belfast or Dublin.

But ... it's not straightforward. DD15 has ASD and wouldn't cope with eating every meal out and needs her own space to decompress so it would have to be an apartment, not a hotel. I am disabled and use either a walking stick (but only very short distances) or wheelchair so it needs to be accessible. We were leaning towards hiring a car and getting a villa with a private pool but I looked on Airbnb and some of the villas were £5-6K for 2 weeks - is that normal? Seems like a lot. Also, it would mean driving every time we wanted to eat out and finding parking etc which could be a hassle.

The other alternative would be to stay in a complex in one of the towns (research tells me to avoid Limone and Malcesine as they are cobbly and steep but that Garda itself would be quite wheelchair friendly) so we can walk/wheel to restaurants/shops and have access to a shared pool. But, a private pool would be preferable for both DD and I (I would like the option of swimming myself but would need a pool with steps, not a ladder and even then, would be very self conscious about getting in and out in front of other people).

Third option is a campsite which the girls are less enthusiastic about but may be persuaded.

Has anyone done a holiday in Lake Garda with a wheelchair and could help? I'm finding all the options etc a bit overwhelming but very aware that it's getting closer so I need to get my arse in gear and get something booked!! TIA

OP posts:
LIZS · 14/02/2025 12:26

Have a look at resorts to west of Sirmione - Desenzano, Gardone - which have level waterfronts, Riva too although cobbled centre but longish flat walk along lake to Torbole.

mrsfeatherbottom · 15/02/2025 10:12

Thanks so much! Will look at those

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 15/02/2025 10:23

Can the kids say why they are keen on Lake Garda?

Because if what they really want to do is chill and relax, there are loads of wheelchair friendly All Inclusives that would be much easier for your family.

mrsfeatherbottom · 15/02/2025 10:32

AnnaMagnani · 15/02/2025 10:23

Can the kids say why they are keen on Lake Garda?

Because if what they really want to do is chill and relax, there are loads of wheelchair friendly All Inclusives that would be much easier for your family.

Good question! I think they know lots of people who have been and loved it. They also like the idea of Italy because of the food! They both started learning Italian on Duolingo as soon as the idea was first discussed. The youngest especially, because of her autism, once she gets an idea in her head, finds it hard to change her mind.

I don't love super hot weather so the fact that by the lake would be cooler than some areas also appeals.

Upon further discussion last night, I think we're going to have to lean towards the villa and private pool option as DD thinks she'll find a resort with a shared pool stressful.

OP posts:
LIZS · 15/02/2025 10:43

There are watersports centres towards the northern end, if that might interest them. One near the Hotel du lac et du parc near Riva with a beach area you can watch from.

mrsfeatherbottom · 30/07/2025 17:34

Thought I’d update this thread in case anyone finds it in a search in the future. We ended up getting an apartment in Bardolino through VRBO. It had two bedrooms and living space inside and out and a shared pool that was only shared amongst 12 apartments so a lot of the time we were the only ones using it. It was less than 10 minutes walk/wheel to the lakeside and all the restaurants. Very wheelchair friendly indeed. Fabulous little town, very clean and lovely shops and eating out was very affordable. We got takeaway a few nights when DD, who is autistic, wasn’t up to eating out. All in all a massive success.

OP posts:
Vitrolinsanity · 30/07/2025 18:02

Hi OP. I’m off to Bardolino next Wednesday. First time in Italy. Really looking forward to it, and loved your post.

mrsfeatherbottom · 30/07/2025 18:27

Vitrolinsanity · 30/07/2025 18:02

Hi OP. I’m off to Bardolino next Wednesday. First time in Italy. Really looking forward to it, and loved your post.

You’ll love it. Such a lovely place.

OP posts:
Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow · 30/07/2025 18:36

We went to Bardolino last year. Go! It's stunning and full of broad flat paved boulevards. Sirmione is gorgeous but narrow and crowded. Limone is far too steep, yes. I think Bardolino would suit you perfectly. Jealous! 😭

Tomrrowandtomorrowandtommorrow · 30/07/2025 18:36

Vitrolinsanity · 30/07/2025 18:02

Hi OP. I’m off to Bardolino next Wednesday. First time in Italy. Really looking forward to it, and loved your post.

You jammy dodger!

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 01/08/2025 19:39

Glad you enjoyed your holiday OP. Yes Bardolino is lovely and has a long flat walkway along the lake. @Vitrolinsanitymake sure you pack plenty of mosquito repellent for when you are down by the lake in the evening.

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