Around three million people visit Gardaland close to Verona in Italy every year, which is twice as many as Thorpe Park. The theme park has Lego and Jumanji themed zones
An Italian theme park little-known among many Brits is widely considered one of the best in Europe.
For those living in Italy, Gardaland has the same name recognition as Legoland and Thorpe Park have for those in the UK. Yet the theme park and its towering rollercoasters are often overlooked by international audiences, despite its relatively small queues, thrilling rides and excellent location.
If you’re in the north east of Italy then it is well worth stopping by Gardaland, which sits on the banks of Lake Garda, not far from fair Gerona to the east. Great spires of metallic coasters rise up against the brilliant blue of the Italian sky on a site that stretches out across 64 acres.
In terms of visitor numbers, Gardaland is a big hit. Around three million people visit it every year, which is twice as many as Thorpe Park. The queues at the bustling park rarely get too long however. Another big draw is that it has lots of themed rides which will be recognised by young and old, whether Italian or from overseas – therefore it’s no surprise that it’s ranked one of Europe’s top 10 theme parks on Tripadvisor.
Two years ago the world’s very first Jumanji-themed attraction opened its doors to the public at Gardaland. The €20million (approximately £16million) Jumanji: The Adventure allows families to sit in six-people vehicles as they journey into the depths of the jungle to return a sacred gemstone to a legendary temple. There’s plenty of danger along the way, from a hungry hippopotamus to a terrifying Stone Giant.
The attraction uses Augmented Reality to bring the story to life, right from the moment you enter the ride. For example, guests walk into a room of mirrors and see their reflection – only for it to transform into an avatar, in a nod to a scene in the recent Jumanji film starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan.
Back in 2018 Gardaland’s Peppa Pig Land opened next to the park’s popular Fantasy Kingdom, as well as other top attractions including Prezzemolo Land and Kung Fu Panda Academy. Young cartoon pig fans can rise high above the park in special Peppa hot air balloons or bob around in plastic boats.
If you fancy making your visit a multi-day one, then Gardaland Magic hotel is as good as any place to stay. It looks like something directly out of a storybook with its castle stylings, wizard-inspired offerings and themed rooms from enchanted forests to ice castles. The detail inside the hotel is impressive and includes everything from a large beanstalk to scrolls with magic symbols, as well as hundreds of flying books, over 30 shields, 60 swords, 30 wizard hats and 40 gigantic trees.
A big draw for small colourful brick fans is that Gardaland is home to Legoland Water Park, although you’ll have to buy a special combo ticket to get into that area or upgrade your main park entrance. Attractions include the Lego River Adventure which lets riders construct their own ride from bricks before floating beside their pals. Beach Party and Duplo splash make the most of the Italian weather by giving different age groups colourful tools to get one another soaking.
Entry to the park cost £33.50 online for a single day, or £40 for two days. The price on the door is a little higher. The theme park’s website has an extensive rundown of how best to get there on different modes of transport.
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