What to do in Desenzano del Garda (even when it rains)
Planning a holiday in Desenzano del Garda? Whether you prefer water activities or exploring the local area, this charming town on the Brescia side of Lake Garda offers unique experiences for an unforgettable vacation.
Desenzano del Garda, with a history dating back to the Bronze Age (1800 BC), is nestled in a picturesque bay with views of Monte Corno to the west and Sirmione to the east. It’s an ideal destination for those who love tranquillity, enjoy long walks in the historic centre, and relish spending time outdoors.
Here, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore and activities to enjoy, even on rainy days. Let’s take a look at some of the best options!
Top 5 outdoor activities in Desenzano del Garda
Whether you're spending a day, a weekend, or an entire holiday in Desenzano del Garda, here are some must-visit spots:
- Lighthouse (in the harbour): a symbol of the town, the lighthouse has been fully restored and can be reached by strolling among the colourful boats moored in the dock. Stop at one of the local cafés that surround the area for a relaxing break.
- Desenzano Castle (via Castello 63): overlooking the town, this castle has been revised and expanded over the years. Its origins likely date back to Roman times.
- Roman Villa (via Crocefisso 22): an ancient 1st-century BC building located in the heart of the town, where you can admire magnificent mosaic floors.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena (via Roma 5): a Baroque-era church housing significant artistic works.
- Beaches: Desenzanino, Rivoltella, and Spiaggia D’Oro are beautiful spots to relax and enjoy your holiday.
In addition to historical sites, Desenzano del Garda offers fun and engaging outdoor activities. Here are five original ideas:
1. Outdoor yoga
Holidays are the perfect time to recharge. To reconnect with yourself and start anew with fresh energy, consider joining one or more outdoor yoga sessions, either individually or as part of a group. This activity is ideal for relaxing both body and mind, overcoming anxiety and tension, and learning proper breathing and meditation techniques. All of this takes place in the heart of nature, with the stunning backdrop of Lake Garda. Travelling with your family? You can also arrange a session just for children.
2. Sunset sailing experience
For those craving freedom and a fresh perspective of Desenzano, why not rent a sailboat for a fantastic sunset tour across the lake? It’s the perfect opportunity to take a refreshing swim during one of the most beautiful times of the day, followed by a toast on board with an aperitif featuring local wines and delicacies.
3. Sunset SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding)
Have you ever tried SUP? Stand Up Paddleboarding is a light, slow-paced water activity that allows you to paddle along the southern coast of Lake Garda while standing on a board. It’s the perfect way to admire the beauty of Desenzano del Garda and its surroundings from a unique vantage point.
4. Private photoshoot in the city
Want to bring home stunning memories of your holiday? A private photoshoot in iconic locations around Desenzano, guided by a professional photographer, is the ideal way to learn how to relax in front of the camera and create professional images to share with family, friends, and on social media.
5. Boat trip to islands and other spectacular spots
With the guidance of an experienced skipper, you can set sail from Desenzano del Garda and explore the surrounding area. Embark on a tour to Sirmione, admiring its Grotte and Castle from the boat, or head towards Manerba and the Island of Rabbits, or even towards Isola del Garda, where you can marvel at its magnificent villa and garden from afar.
What to do in Desenzano del Garda when it rains? 5 unique ideas
Looking for unique activities to do in Desenzano del Garda when it rains? Here are five tips for spending unforgettable moments in this magical destination.
1. Yoga and Pilates in the studio
When it’s raining outside, take some time to care for yourself. How? By joining a private session of postural yoga to learn techniques for developing tone and improving physical stability, or a pilates class to enhance body control. Want to involve friends or family in this activity? In Rivoltella, just a few kilometres from Desenzano, you’ll find group sessions in the studio.
2. Cooking class (even for families)
Love Italian cuisine? A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to join a family cooking class with a local chef. It’s the ideal way to discover the secrets of traditional and local cuisine, as you challenge yourself to create a three-course meal to enjoy at the end of the lesson. This experience is highly recommended for the whole family, including those travelling with young children.
3. DOC wine tasting in a winery
Not sure what to do when it rains in Desenzano del Garda? An interesting idea is to book a DOC wine tasting in a local winery to sample Lugana wines produced in the Brescia area. This engaging activity allows you to discover fascinating insights into these wines and how they are made, all in the unique setting of a family-run winery.
5. Discover the history of Desenzano
In Desenzano del Garda, museums provide an excellent refuge when it rains, allowing you to soak up the local culture and history. Make sure to visit the Civic and Archaeological Museum (Via Anelli 42), which houses many archaeological artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages, with a special focus on the prehistoric pile dwellings of the lower Garda area.
What to do around Desenzano del Garda?
From Desenzano del Garda, you can easily reach other nearby destinations by train or car. Lake Garda is a beloved destination offering a wide range of fun, engaging, exciting, and unique activities, both indoor and outdoor. Discover all the experiences available on Lake Garda with NowMyPlace!
