Italian lakes for active teen

[ilparadodosdoltos]

Hi. I’m looking for an Easter holiday doing something active in beautiful surroundings (I love Costa Rica but don’t want long haul right now) so was wondering about the Italian lakes? Sporty and try-anything-type of 13yo son - does anyone have any favourite places to go to? Lake Garda?

Yes definitely Lake Garda. There’s a waterpark at Gardaland, at least a couple of high ropes courses, miles of cycle tracks (including a nice flat one which links Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino and Garda) and several windsurfing schools. We also enjoyed the ‘hanging cycle path’ at Limone and a kayak tour (although it’s possible to hire kayaks without a tour). We stayed a campsite which had swimming pools, bike hire and tennis court.

It won’t necessarily be warm or dry at Easter. Check when the sailing schools and ferries open for the season. The northern end is better for water-sports as the wind is stronger there. Riva/Torbole has good facilities and the Hotel Au Lac et du Parc is where the main sailing school is based. You can also easily access Monte Baldo at Malcesine with mountain based activities.

Oh that all sounds ideal. Thanks so much!

Thank you. Warm isn’t too much of a problem for us but useful to be aware. Thanks for these tips.

Easter falls relatively early in 2026 and as @LIZS points out, Lake Garda won't be particularly warm and much of the summer tourist infrastructure won't yet have opened.

If you want "active" and "scenery" why not consider going skiing in Austria, France or Italy? The days will usually be long and sunny - warm enough to sit on the terrace of a mountain restaurant in the afternoon with a glass of wine - and you won't find anything that is much more active (or knackering) than the first week on skis.

Thank you. We’re actually already going skiing to Austria in December! Which I don’t really like but do it for the family. This is supposed to be in lieu of a summer holiday that I might enjoy! Did make me laugh though! 😂