Verona Arena
Verona, Italy
Gardaland theme park near Verona
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Photo: Emanuela Meme Giudic…, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Paid, cheaper online
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From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Spring to autumn, plus holiday seasons
- Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 7 h
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Season
- Spring to autumn, Halloween and Christmas
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Highlights
- Coasters, water rides, kids' zones, shows
- From Verona
- Train to Peschiera plus a free shuttle
- Time needed
- A full day
- Location
- Castelnuovo del Garda, ≈ 30 km from Verona
Key facts
1975the park opened
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English WikipediaLargesttheme park in Italy
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English WikipediaPrezzemolothe green dragon mascot
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English WikipediaSEA LIFEan aquarium next to the park
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English WikipediaLake Gardathe park sits by the south shore
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English WikipediaAbout Gardaland
Gardaland opened in 1975 and has grown into Italy's largest theme park. It stands by the south shore of Lake Garda, between Verona and Peschiera, and welcomes millions of visitors a year, from toddlers to coaster fans.
The park is divided into themed lands: an oriental fantasy with Egyptian temples, a pirate cove, fantasy worlds and children's villages. The mascot, the green dragon Prezzemolo, pops up everywhere for photos. Alongside the rides, shows, parades and performances run through the day.
The rides
For thrill-seekers there are several big roller coasters, with vertical drops, upside-down flight and loops. Their queues are the longest by midday, so ride the most popular ones first thing after opening.
For the whole family there are water rides in boats and logs that can leave you soaked, dark rides through fantasy worlds, carousels and a Ferris wheel. Toddlers have their own areas of mini-coasters, little trains and play zones with hardly any height limits.
What's at Gardaland
- Roller coasters — for teenagers and adults.
- Water rides — boats and splashdowns.
- Dark rides — journeys through fantasy worlds.
- Toddler zones — carousels and mini-coasters.
- Shows and parades — several times a day.
- SEA LIFE aquarium — next door, separate or combo ticket.
Seasons and holidays
The main season runs from spring to early November. In summer the park stays open longer, sometimes into the late evening with special shows and lights. In October Gardaland turns into a Halloween festival of pumpkins and themed shows, and in December it opens for a Christmas season of trees and decorations.
Dates and hours change every year, so check the official website before you go. Themed hotels next to the park suit those staying for several days.
The aquarium and hotels by the park
Next to the main entrance is the SEA LIFE aquarium, indoors, so it's handy in the heat or rain. It holds creatures of seas and lakes, from rays, sharks and jellyfish to seahorses, and a glass tunnel lets fish swim right over your head. Tickets are sold separately or with the park; the combo is usually better value.
For longer stays, themed hotels in a fairy-tale and adventure style stand next to the park, so you can walk in at opening and skip the trip back to Verona at night. Many families pair two days at Gardaland with time on the beaches of Lake Garda, just a few minutes away.
How to get to Gardaland from Verona
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- Train from Verona Porta Nuova to Peschiera del Garda, about 15 minutes.
- From Peschiera station, a free shuttle to the park, about 5 minutes.
- By car, about 30 minutes on the A4 motorway, with a large paid car park.
- From Milan or Venice, the train to Peschiera, then the shuttle.
Tips for the day
Wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and bring a change of clothes for the water rides. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants inside, at theme-park prices; refill water bottles at the drinking fountains.
Gardaland pairs well with time on Lake Garda: the park in the morning, a stroll along the Peschiera or Lazise waterfront in the evening. Half a day is plenty with small children, though teenagers rarely want to leave before closing.
Before you go
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You are ready for the visit
A lake day with kids
Gardaland in the morning and afternoon, the Lake Garda waterfront in the evening.
- Gardalandyou are here7 h · Paid
- 345 min walk from the previous stopLake Garda8 h · Free; castle and ferries paid
2 places · about 20 h 45 min with walks · 345 min on foot in total
How to do it right
- Cheaper online.
- Coasters first thing.
- Spare clothes for water rides.
- Shuttle from Peschiera station.
Questions
How do I get to Gardaland from Verona?
Take the train to Peschiera del Garda in 15 minutes, then the free shuttle to the park.
How much are Gardaland tickets?
Entry is paid and usually cheaper online; prices depend on the date.
When is Gardaland open?
From spring to early November, plus Halloween and the Christmas season; exact dates are on the park website.
Is Gardaland good for toddlers?
Yes, there are separate toddler areas with carousels and mini-coasters.
How long do you need at Gardaland?
A full day; half a day with small children.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Gardaland
- Official park site, gardaland.it
