WHAT TO DO ON LAKE GARDA WHEN IT RAINS

WHAT TO DO ON LAKE GARDA WHEN IT RAINS

Lake Garda often treats you to warm, sunny days, but the weather can always throw in a surprise. Don't worry though: a sudden storm or a rainy day is never a problem, because the surrounding area offers so many alternatives that bad weather simply becomes a chance to discover the lake from a different angle. Here's a list of ideas to stop a sudden downpour from spoiling your day.

Villages and museums to visit when it rains

If you wake up to light rain, Salò can be the perfect destination. Thanks to its arcades, you only need a sheltered stroll through the shops and cafés of the town centre, or a stop at the MuSa municipal museum, to spend a few pleasant hours without getting wet.
In Gardone Riviera, you'll find the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former home of Gabriele D'Annunzio. Much of the visit takes place indoors, among historic rooms and exhibition spaces, making it perfect for a rainy day.
For something a little different, try the Museo della Carta in Toscolano Maderno, where you'll discover just how much work goes into what looks like an ordinary sheet of paper. If you prefer food and wine, Bardolino and Cisano are home to the Olive Oil Museum and the Wine Museum, both easy to visit while staying dry.

Brescia and Verona: art cities near Lake Garda

Armed with an umbrella, or a rain poncho if you prefer, you're ready to visit cities like Brescia or Verona. Brescia offers major museums such as the Museo di Santa Giulia, the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo and the Castello, plus churches and arcaded lanes to shelter under. Verona too, with its monuments and churches, remains a classic choice for spending a whole day sheltered from the weather. And if you're not sure where to start, we've written a guide dedicated to Verona.

Indoor shopping on Lake Garda

Bad weather calls for shopping, especially on holiday. It's the perfect chance to pick up souvenirs for yourself or gifts for those waiting for you back home. Desenzano del Garda, with the Le Vele shopping centre, and Lonato del Garda, with Il Leone Shopping Center, are both easy to reach and offer shops and dining entirely under cover. For more ideas on where to shop around the lake, check our dedicated article.

Amusement parks to visit even when it rains

A day at an amusement park isn't ideal in the rain, but it's worth knowing that some stay open even in bad weather. Sea Life Aquarium, with its fully indoor route, and Movieland Park, with its cinema themed attractions, are still enjoyable even with a few drops of rain. Check out our guide to Lake Garda's amusement parks if you want to plan a fun day out beyond the campsite.

Thermal spas near Lake Garda for a relaxing day

If all you want is to slow down for a day, the area offers two great options. The closest is QC Termegarda, in Calvagese della Riviera, about 25 minutes by car from the campsite. Entry is by booking only, so check availability before you set off. If you have more time, Aquardens, between Verona and the Valpolicella, is Italy's largest thermal park, with pools, caves and waterfalls spread across more than 100,000 square metres. Here, entry is free.

What to do at the campsite when it rains

And if you'd rather stay comfortable at the campsite, here are a few simple ideas to pass the time:

• Board games and cards;
• A good book;
• Creative activities like colouring books and small craft projects;
• Origami and paper crafts;
• Films, podcasts and audiobooks;
• A travel journal, to write down what you've seen and eaten during your holiday.

Mixing games, reading and creativity helps especially the little ones avoid boredom, turning a rainy day into a different but still enjoyable part of the holiday.

Conclusion

Lake Garda is worth experiencing all year round, even when the weather doesn't cooperate. Between villages, museums, shopping, amusement parks and ideas to enjoy right at your pitch, there's never a shortage of ways to make the most of the day. That's the beauty of our area: there's always something new to discover, rain or shine.

See you soon on Lake Garda! From your #campingwithlove