Choose from 3 Fun Things to Do in Lake Garda
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Garda Thermal Park (Parco Termale del Garda)
Italy often shakes, rattles, and rolls with seismic activity from volcanoes and earthquakes. This geothermal energy has formed countless hot springs, many used as natural thermal spas since ancient Roman times. One of the most famous is the Garda Thermal Park (Parco Termale del Garda), part of the 18th-century Villa dei Cedri estate near Lake Garda.
The Basics
The Garda Thermal Park includes two thermal lakes with several swimming pools fed by underground hot springs that maintain a soothingly warm water temperature, as well as fountains, waterfalls, and massage jets to loosen aching muscles. The main lake is the warmer of the two, but both thermal water lakes are lit after dark, making for an especially relaxing soak by night. The surrounding 13 acres (5.3 hectares) of grounds and the winter garden glass pavilion are furnished with sun beds, ideal for lounging before and after bathing.
The aristocratic Villa dei Cedri overlooking the park is now a hotel, but you don't need to be a guest to use the thermal pools inside the estate's unique natural spa: you can purchase a full- or half-day entry ticket that includes use of all the park's lakes and pools. For an extra fee you can book massages and other spa treatments, and use the Turkish bath (steam bath), sauna, mineral water hot tub, and fitness room, in the indoor wellness center.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your own swimsuit and towel. Bathrobes and slippers are available for purchase. A bathing cap is not required.
- The winter garden has changing rooms, storage lockers, and restrooms, all of which are included with thermal park entry.
- There is a self-service restaurant in the winter garden pavilion and a full-service restaurant in the estate's Villa Moscardo.
- Children are welcome at the thermal baths; those under roughly 4 feet (120 cm) tall enter free of charge.
- There are a number of services for those with limited mobility, including electric cart service to cross the park and ramps and lifts to enter and exit the water.
How to Get There
The Garda Thermal Park is located on Piazza di Sopra in the Veneto town of Colàdi Lazise, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Lake Garda and 15 miles (25 kilometers) from Verona. The easiest way to reach the thermal park is by car; there is parking on the grounds.
When to Get There
The park is open daily year-round, but is most crowded during the summer months, when the best time to visit is on a weekday. The park stays open until 1am on Saturday night, which is a fun option for a nighttime soak.
Gardaland
If you are traveling with kids, consider combining a visit to the thermal park with a stop at the nearby Gardaland amusement park, about 10 minutes away by car.
Address: Piazza di Sopra 4, Colàdi Lazise, Veneto 37010, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Scaliger Castle
With its drawbridge entrance over a medieval moat, the 13th-century Scaliger Castle, set on the southern shore of Lake Garda, looks like something out of a fairytale. Climb the ramparts and main tower for sweeping views, and visit the collection of artifacts at the nearby Roman Grottoes of Catullus.
The Basics
The Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero or Rocca Scaligera) guards the entrance to the medieval town of Sirmione, which is set on the tiny Sirmione peninsula that juts out into Lake Garda and has been a popular resort town since the first century BC, thanks to its natural hot springs. Today, the Scaliger Castle is one of the most popular sights on Lake Garda; it’s a highlight of day trips from Milan or Florence, which often include stops at the Church of San Pietro in Mavino and the Grottoes of Catullus Roman ruins. A particularly picturesque way to see the castle is by boat on a Lake Garda mini-cruise or sunset cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The castle is wheelchair accessible. There are 150 steps to the top of the main tower, so this attraction is only recommended for those in good shape.
- With its fairytale-like turrets and towers, the castle can be fun kids.
- Views over the lake from the castle are spectacular, so be sure to bring your camera.
- The historic center (centro storico) of Sirmione is pedestrian only and requires a bit of walking. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are all recommended.
How to Get There
Sirmione is located in the province of Brescia, about halfway between Milan and Venice. The train stops in the lakeside town of Desenzano del Garda; from there, take a local bus that stops on Piazza Castello, right near the castle. The easiest way to visit, however, is by joining a tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Northern Italy's lakes, including Garda, Como, and Maggiore, are particularly crowded in summer, so the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild but sights like the Scaliger Castle are less crowded.
The History of Scaliger Castle
Verona's powerful Scaliger (also known as Della Scala) dynasty had the fortress built to protect the town from attack, and its crenelated towers and fortified walls dominate the sheltered harbor once used by the Scaliger fleets. The castle changed hands over the centuries, but was still used as a garrison until the 19th century; it lost its strategic importance only after the unification of Italy.
Address: Piazza Castello, 1, Sirmione, Lombardy 25019, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 58
Gardaland Park
If you are touring Italy with kids who have had their fill of majestic churches and Roman ruins, a day at Gardaland may be in order. This landmark amusement park sits on the eastern flanks of Lake Garda and is the country’s most popular family-oriented resort, with more than 30 rides, musical performances and light shows, and an aquarium.
The Basics
Offering everything from dizzying drops on Space Vertigo to the very gentlest of carousels for toddlers, Gardaland theme park will keep the whole family happily entertained all day. Between the Jungle Rapids water ride, the San Andreas 4-D adventure, the spectacular musical and light shows in the Gardaland Theatre, and the thrilling roller coasters—the most popular are the Black Hole, Italy’s first “dive” roller coaster, and the Blue Tornado, a hair-flipping inverted coaster—there’s something here for children of all ages.
Gardaland is hugely popular in Italy and very crowded from mid-June to mid-September, when schools are closed for the summer. Booking skip-the-line entry tickets is a good idea any time of year, but imperative during the summer months to avoid long waits at the ticket office.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A monorail scoots around the perimeter of the park to take footsore kids (and parents) to their next adventure.
- The range of eating opportunities inside the park, from fast-food stands to themed restaurants, serves families well.
- Gardaland offers a number of dedicated services for wheelchair users and visitors with other special needs.
- The resort includes two Gardaland hotels with themed rooms, kid-friendly activities, and the Blue Lagoon pool.
How to Get There
Gardaland is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, on the eastern flank of Lake Garda in northeast Italy. To reach Gardaland from Milan or Verona, take the train to Peschiera del Garda; there is a free shuttle bus from the station to Gardaland Park. If driving, take the A4 motorway to the Peschiera del Garda exit.
When to Get There
Gardaland Park is open from April through October, and is most crowded from June through August. From mid-June to mid-September, the park closes at 11pm, giving you even more time to enjoy the rides. There are also select December dates when certain areas of the park reopen for winter festivities.
Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium
Combine a ticket to Gardaland with entry to Sea Life Aquarium, where you’ll see sharks, manta rays, and turtles; observe shark-feeding sessions; and discover the underwater mysteries of Lake Garda.
Address: Via Derna, 4, Castelnuovo del Garda, Verona 37014, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 24