Cold Easter Monday at Lake Garda sees limited tourists amid unpredictable weather

The sun broke through the clouds only at midday to warm what until then had been the cold Easter Monday for many tourists from Garda, who arrived at the lake in search of the first warm sun and had to fend off the biting cold with all means available.

The crazy weather (with more cold and storms in the afternoon) kept occasional tourists away—those who usually flock to the lake resorts and inland towns for a day. In truth, the meadows and hills around Lonato and San Martino della Battaglia saw many fires light up during the Easter night, which groups of young campers kept fueling to stay warm against the cold.

Activities and Service Situation

Yesterday at lunchtime, typical barbecues of meat, the inevitable eggs, salad, and despite everything, a lot of cheerfulness. The pizzerias, bars, and ice cream parlors, which filled gradually throughout the day but without long queues for lunch, closed with a “normal” tally, as if it were any ordinary Sunday.

Due to the uncertain weather, there was no congestion on the roads on the lower lake until the afternoon, when the arrival of sunshine and holiday habitués (mainly cars with license plates from Mantova, Bergamo, Parma, and Milan) caused the usual queues entering and exiting Desenzano and Sirmione, extending to the highway.

Places of Interest and Tourism

Popular locations such as the Castello and the Grotte di Catullo were crowded. Hoteliers were satisfied with bookings confirmed by loyal German visitors and many Italians, especially from central and southern Italy.

In the afternoon, the sun shone for a few hours before the storm, helping increase the number of last-minute latecomers—those who decided to visit the lake only after confirming the absence, at least temporarily, of rain.

Conclusions

An Easter Monday decidedly quieter than in recent years regarding casual visitors, but overall, tourism operators can draw a positive picture.