What to do in Garda (even when it rains): 10 original ideas
If you're on holiday at Lake Garda and wondering how to make the most of your time, this guide offers useful tips on what to do in Garda, even on rainy days.
This charming village is the one that gave the lake its name. Located on the Veneto shore, Garda is famous for its fortress and the legend of Adelaide, Queen of Burgundy. In 947 AD, she was imprisoned here after refusing a marriage proposal from Berengar, the Duke of Ivrea. Adelaide escaped by digging tunnels and with the help of local fishermen, eventually marrying Otto I. Her story is celebrated in Garda with numerous tributes, from sweets to the promenade named after her.
Beyond the fortress, this town offers other fascinating sites to explore, such as:
- Parco degli Albertini (via S. Carlo 16), a 19th-century park within a villa, open to visitors from Easter to September;
- Palazzo Fregoso (corso Vittorio Emanuele 37), a 16th-century palace commissioned by Cesare Fregoso, a Genoese exile and protector of the writer Matteo Maria Bandello;
- Palazzo Carlotti (via Rudini Carlotti 5), featuring a striking portico in white stone, often used for exhibitions;
- Palazzo dei Capitani (piazza Catullo 14), a Gothic-Venetian palace symbolising Garda’s ties with the Republic of Venice;
- the harbour and lakeside promenade, perfect for walks northward to Punta San Vigilio or southward to enjoy beautiful beaches and parks.
These are must-see locations during your stay in this magical town, whether you're on a family holiday, celebrating a graduation, or enjoying a stag or hen party. But what activities can truly make your holiday unique? Here are 10 experiences to try, rain or shine.
What to do in Garda: 5 outdoor activities
Garda is a picturesque gem of Lake Garda—welcoming, tranquil, and utterly charming. On sunny days, take long walks and enjoy unique activities like these. Here are five ideas to inspire you.
1. Speedboat tour
Travelling by motorboat to discover the area is a beautiful experience. In Garda you can try it thanks to a private tour with driver from Garda to Punta San Vigilio and the Sirmione peninsula, with stops and dips in strategic areas (including the famous Jamaica beach). Alternatively, if you prefer a refined atmosphere of elegance and luxury, you may prefer to hire a Riva motorboat with driver aboard a boat that symbolises a wonderful era: the Dolce Vita. Riva motorboats are an Italian excellence, also used by famous film characters (such as 007).
2. Walk to Punta San Vigilio
Discover Garda on foot with a leisurely lakeside walk heading north to Punta San Vigilio, following a scenic path past beaches. For a more adventurous trek, hike up to the Rocca di Garda and the sanctuary. Starting from the entrance to Garda, you can reach the fortress and continue to the hermitage of San Giorgio, run by the Camaldolese monks.
3. Sunrise yoga with a lake view
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Lake Garda—a stunning sight—and pair it with a group yoga session at dawn. Held outdoors on a beautiful lakeside terrace, this activity is led by two professionals trained in the Jyotim method, closely related to Hatha yoga. It’s a relaxing way to start your day in harmony.
4. Vespa scooter tour
Love vintage two-wheelers? Then a Vespa scooter tour around Lake Garda is a must! Rent a scooter and set off from Bardolino, not far from Garda, for a magical 120-kilometre route showcasing the lake's stunning landscapes. The journey takes you through picturesque towns and scenic viewpoints on both sides of the lake, with plenty of stops for delicious local food. Perfect for friends, families, and couples.
5. Exclusive photoshoot
Want a unique memento of your Lake Garda holiday? Head to nearby Lazise for a private photoshoot with a professional photographer. Pose naturally for stunning photos—perfect for sharing with friends, family, or on social media. This activity is open to solo travellers, couples, families, and large groups, with 40 beautifully crafted shots included.
5 activities to do in Garda when it rains
If you're wondering what to do when it rains in Garda, here are five suggestions to spend your days in an original way, whether with family, as a couple, or with friends.
1. Thermal baths and relaxation
When it rains in Garda, you can unwind at a wellness centre like Gardacqua, surrounded by greenery. With heated indoor pools and a spa, it’s the perfect spot to spend an entire day focused on well-being. If the rain lasts for several days, you can explore other wellness centres and thermal baths around Lake Garda, choosing the best option to suit everyone’s needs, from adults to children.
2. Cooking to learn the secrets of Italian recipes
On a rainy day, you can organise a pleasant activity to enjoy alone, in a group, or with family. A cooking class at a historic estate in the hills near Bardolino, not far from Garda, is an excellent opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Italian dishes. At the end of the class, you’ll get to savour all the dishes you’ve prepared, paired with carefully selected local wines.
3. Local wine tasting
If it rains in Garda, you can quickly reach Bardolino and take part in a sensory tasting of wines from Lake Garda and Valpolicella. This activity is perfect for wine enthusiasts and anyone curious to learn more about local productions. The experience includes tasting three different labels paired with selected regional specialities to enhance the flavours.
4. Indoor yoga, individual or group sessions
What to do in Garda when it rains? Consider attending an individual or group yoga session in Lazise, not far from Garda, to restore harmony and physical and mental well-being. Guided by two professional instructors, you’ll practise various poses to improve breathing control and achieve greater mindfulness.
5. A day of shopping, restaurants, and cafés
If it rains in Garda, you can dedicate the day to total relaxation, spending time shopping in the historic centre’s boutiques. Between purchases, take breaks in the town’s cafés and patisseries, perhaps enjoying a board game or a good book. Don’t forget to stop by Garda’s taverns and restaurants to sample unique local dishes.
What to do around Garda?
From Garda, it’s easy to reach other destinations by train, car, or public transport. Lake Garda is a beloved destination offering plenty of fun, engaging, exciting, and unique activities, both indoors and outdoors. Discover all the experiences available at Lake Garda with NowMyPlace!
