Article: Autumn on Lake Garda: what to pack for Malcesine in October
Autumn on Lake Garda: what to pack for Malcesine in October
October is one of the most beautiful times to visit Malcesine. The summer crowds have gone, the light over Lake Garda turns golden, and the old town feels like a village again. But the lake has its own climate: mild, sunny afternoons, then cool evenings as soon as the sun drops behind Monte Baldo. Here is how we dress for it, and what we suggest packing if you are coming to the lake this autumn.
Layers, not a heavy coat
Daytime temperatures in October often sit between 15 and 20°C, while evenings on the lakefront can feel ten degrees colder, especially when the wind picks up. The answer is layering. A light cotton or viscose top, a knit on top, and a jacket you can carry over your arm will get you from a morning walk to dinner without a change of clothes.
One good knit does most of the work
If you pack one piece with care, make it a pullover or cardigan with a real share of wool, cashmere, mohair or alpaca. Natural fibres keep you warm in the evening breeze without overheating in the afternoon sun. A long belted cardigan works almost like a coat and looks right both on the ferry and at the table. You can see what we have this season in our Wool & Cashmere collection, where every piece contains at least 25% noble fibres and the exact composition is on each product page.
Comfortable trousers for cobbled streets
The old town of Malcesine is all steps and cobblestones, from the harbour up to the Scaliger Castle. Wide-leg or relaxed trousers in cotton or a warm blend are easier than tight jeans and look smarter than leggings. Pair them with flat boots or trainers: heels and cobbles are not friends.
A jacket for the cable car
If you take the cable car up Monte Baldo, remember that the top station is at almost 1,800 metres. Even on a sunny day it can be close to freezing up there. A padded or wool-blend jacket that folds into a bag is worth the space. Our jackets and coats are chosen with exactly this kind of day in mind.
Colours that work on the lake
Autumn on Garda is olive green, rust, cream and deep blue. Earthy tones like camel, chocolate, burgundy and moss are easy to combine and photograph beautifully against the stone and the water. Keep one brighter accent, a scarf or a knit, for the grey days.
Forgot something? Come and see us
Until the end of October the boutique is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, Sundays included: you will find us in Vicolo Parrocchia 2, in the old town of Malcesine, a short walk from the harbour. We are happy to help you find the right layer, and we speak Italian, English and German. From November to the end of March the boutique is closed for the winter, but our knitwear and the rest of the collection are online all year, with delivery across Europe. More on our opening hours page.
See you on the lake.
Michele and Anna, ANIMI
