Gardaland is one of the most well-known and visited amusement parks in Italy. It’s set in Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona, just some steps from the lake of the same name. This magical place has become a must-see destination for themed park lovers. It was created by the visionary entrepreneur Livio Furini, who, after visiting Disneyland in Orlando, was inspired to recreate a similar amusement park in Italy. It opened in 1975.
Today, 50 years after its opening, Gardaland is Italy’s second most-visited tourist attraction after the Colosseum in Rome. Forbes even ranked it fifth among the world’s top ten amusement parks by revenue and seventh in Europe by visitor numbers. A record-breaking park you absolutely have to visit—just grab one of the available tickets for fast-track entry!
Opening Hours
Gardaland is open from April to November, with different hours depending on the season:
April to June: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
July to August: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
September to November: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exceptions may apply, so it’s always best to check the official website.
Gardaland Ticket Prices
Single day park admission starts from €39
Combo park + aquarium admission starts from €44
Two days at the park + one day at the aquarium starts from €54
To reach Gardaland, head to Castelnuovo del Garda (VR), which is easily accessible by car, train, or coach from Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino-Alto Adige by car, train or bus. From there, you can take bus number 164 or drive and use the free parking service. There’s also a cycling path for a scenic 10 km bike ride.
Gardaland is also very close to Peschiera del Garda (VR), just 2 km away. From there, a free shuttle service is available to and from the park.
all entrance tickets for the most popular Italian attractions
Discover the most beautiful beaches on Lake Garda, a corner of paradise with rocky coves and wide stretches of sand.
How many attractions are there?
Gardaland offers fun for all ages and interests! There are currently 38 attractions into three categories: Adrenaline, Adventure, and Fantasy.
When does Gardaland open?
Gardaland opens in mid-April and closes in November after Halloween, tanking advantage of warmer or milder temperatures. In winter, it opens on weekends and during the Christmas Holidays, until January 6th.
What are the special openings?
Special openings are during Halloween and Christmas.
For Halloween, there are themed horror walkthroughs: Wreckage - The Horror Experience for adults, and The Haunted Forest for kids. Both offer spine-tingling fun for the spookiest night of the year.
For Christmas, the Santa Claus Village is set up, for visitors of all ages to experience the magic of the season.
What is Animal Treasure Island?
Animal Treasure Island is Gardaland’s brand-new main attraction for its 50th anniversary, replacing the pirate-themed one Corsari. It’s an interactive and immersive Water Dark Ride (an attraction that takes place in a dark room with projections and special effects) that tells the story of a sea voyage aboard a ship, following a treasure map with a crew of anthropomorphic pirates.
What are the other new features?
Gardaland's 50th anniversary comes with even more exciting additions:
What is the best time to visit Gardaland?
Spring and autumn are ideal times—compared to summer, the park is less crowded (shorter lines!) and the weather is more pleasant. However, Gardaland is great to visit any time of year—fun is always guaranteed!
Is it possible to stay at the resort of Gardaland?
Of course! There are several accommodations inside the park for those who wish to get into the Gardaland experience all day (and night) long. The resort is 4-star and most of the rooms are themed. There are bars and restaurants and a swimming pool, and there is an entertainment service, for a relaxing and fun stay.
Travel around the world and into different fantasy realms, experience thrilling adventures, rides and attractions—Gardaland has something for everyone. Italy’s first amusement park is perfect for the whole family: for little ones wanting to test their bravery, and for adults who want to feel like kids again for a day. All this is accompanied by music, shows, performances, and, of course, the presence of Prezzemolo, Gardaland’s beloved dragon mascot.
The park covers over 400,000 square meters—plenty of space to enjoy all kinds of adventures: brave the unsettling waters of Jungle Rapids, plunge down the twin towers of Space Vertigo, get swept away on roller coasters like Blue Tornado, Oblivion, and Raptor, or explore fantastic worlds across time and space like Escape from Atlantis, Jumanji - The Adventure, and Animal Treasure Island. There's also plenty for children, with kid-sized areas and fun experiences alongside Prezzemolo Land and the Gnome Forest.
But Gardaland holds further magical worlds inside: Peppa Pig Land, a dedicated area for the smallest visitors; LEGOLAND Water Park, a LEGO-themed water park for families; Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium, an interactive aquarium where you can encounter thousands of marine creatures from around the globe.
Let’s not forget the Gardaland Resort, with luxury themed hotels for guests who want to fully enjoy park experience.
Denise Penna
Want to experience a very special day? Take your fast-track entry Gardaland tickets, the first Italian amusement park