Il Leone di Lonato Shopping Centre: Shopping and Entertainment at Lake Garda

Located in the heart of Valtenesi, a few kilometres from the shores of Lake Garda, the Il Leone Shopping Centre in Lonato del Garda represents one of the most modern and comprehensive shopping destinations in the Garda area. With over 130 shops, restaurants, cinemas and services spread over three levels, this shopping centre offers a unique shopping experience combining the best international brands with Italian hospitality and quality.

History and Characteristics of the Centre

Inaugurated in 2009, The Il Leone shopping centre has been designed according to the most modern criteria of environmental sustainability and visitor comfort. The structure, which extends over more than 65,000 square metres commercial area, represents one of the most significant investments in the Lower Garda area, contributing to the economic and tourist development of the area.
The name “The Lion” recalls the Lion of St. Mark, symbol of the Venetian Republic that dominated these territories for centuries, leaving indelible traces in the local culture and architecture. The architecture of the centre combines modern elements with references to local tradition, creating a welcoming and functional environment.

Shopping and Branding

Fashion and Clothing

The Lion Shopping Centre houses some of the most prestigious brands of Italian and international fashion:

Zara, H&M, Bershkafor trendy and accessible fashion
Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Tezenisfor underwear and beachwear
Foot Locker, JD Sports: for sports and streetwear shoes
Pandora, Swarovskifor jewellery and luxury accessories
Douglas, Lemonsfor cosmetics and perfumery

Technology and Electronics

For technology lovers, the centre offers:

MediaWorldthe benchmark for electronics and technology
Wind Three, TIM, Vodafonefor telephone services
GameStop: for video games and gaming accessories

Home and Lifestyle

Kasanova: household items and gift ideas
Thun: objects and furnishing accessories
Flying TigerNordic design and creative objects

Catering and Food Court

Restaurants and Cafés

The Il Leone shopping centre offers a wide gastronomic choice for all tastes:

McDonald's: international fast food with local menus
Roadhouse RestaurantAmerican cuisine with grill specialities
Pizzeria Spontini: the famous Milanese pizza al taglio
Patisserie Bar: for Italian breakfasts and coffee breaks
Gelateria: homemade ice creams with seasonal flavours

Food Court Area

The wide food court on the second floor offers various culinary options in a modern and comfortable environment, perfect for families and groups with different tastes. The area has spacious communal areas with views of the car park and surrounding hills.

Entertainment and Services

Cinema Multiplex

The multiplex cinema Centro Il Leone offers the latest film releases in modern theatres equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. With programming ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to art-house cinema, it is a point of reference for cinema enthusiasts throughout the Garda area.

8 cinemas with digital technology
Daily programming with performances from 14:00 to 23:00
Special prices for families and students
Previews and special events throughout the year

Additional Services

Pharmacyopen during all centre hours
Banking ServicesATMs and counselling
Hairdressing and beauty salon
Customer service multilingual for tourists
Free WiFi throughout the centre

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday-Sunday: 9:00-21:00
Public holidays: special hours (check on site)
Cinema: until 24:00 (last screening)

During sales periods and Christmas holidays, the centre may extend its opening hours.

How to Reach the Centre

Address: Via Michelangelo, 3 - 25017 Lonato del Garda (BS)
By Car:

A4 motorway: exit Desenzano del Garda, follow signs for Lonato
Strada Statale Gardesana: well signposted from all directions
Free parking with 2,500 covered and uncovered parking spaces

Public transport:

Urban buses from Desenzano and Brescia
Shuttle service during summer weekends
Links to the main railway stations in the area

Special Events and Promotions

Sales and Seasonal Promotions

The Il Leone Shopping Centre organises numerous promotional events:

Summer and winter sales: with discounts up to 70%
Black Friday: weekend dedicated to exceptional discounts
White Nights of Shopping: extended openings with animation
Fashion Week: presentations of new collections
Children's eventsanimation and creative workshops

Loyalty programmes

La Leone Card allows you to accumulate points with each purchase and get:

Exclusive discounts in participating shops
Previews on sales and promotions
Extended free parking
Invitations to special events and openings

Shopping for Tourists

Tax Free and Services for Foreigners

The Lion Centre is particularly well equipped to accommodate international tourists:

Tax Free Shopping for non-EU citizens
Personal shopper by reservation
Multilingual information (English, German, French)
Currency exchange and international banking services

Souvenirs and Local Products

Some shops offer typical products from the Garda area:

Local wines from Lugana and Bardolino
Garda PDO extra virgin olive oil
Gastronomic products of Valtenesi
Local handicrafts and ceramics

Sustainability and the Environment

The Lion Shopping Centre is involved in numerous sustainable initiatives:

Solar panels for clean energy production
Separate collection system advanced
LED lighting to reduce consumption
Charging stations for electric cars
Green areas and roof gardens to improve air quality

Families and Children

Family-Friendly Services

The centre is particularly attentive to the needs of families:

Covered play area for children
Changing tables in all main bathrooms
Reserved parking spaces for families with young children
Prams for hire free
Children's menu in all restaurants

Animation for Children

During weekends and school holidays:

Creative workshops and educational
Animation shows with mascot
Face painting and interactive games
Mini disco for children

Where to Stay for Shopping

A Casa di Sabina is the ideal base for those who wish to combine shopping and relaxation during their holiday on Lake Garda. Located only 8 km from Il Leone Shopping Centre, It offers the convenience of easy access to the shopping centre while avoiding the traffic of the more touristy areas.
After a day of shopping among the shops in the centre, the return to the modern and peaceful environments of the holiday home allows for complete relaxation. La swimming pool it becomes the perfect place to stretch your legs and feet after hours of walking through the aisles of the shopping centre.
The strategic location allows alternating shopping days to cultural and nature tours of the Garda area, creating a complete and varied holiday.

Combinations of Visits

The Lion Shopping Centre is a perfect match for:

Castle of Lonatocultural visit 5 minutes away
Outlets in the area: to complete shopping
Lugana wineries: tasting of local wines
Sirmione Spa: relaxation after shopping
Lake Garda: walks and aperitifs overlooking the lake

Shopping Tips

Planning the Visit

Weekdaysless crowded, more relaxing experience
Early morningLess crowded shops, better service
Sales periods: better offers but more crowding
Centre app: to check promotions and events

Budget and Savings

Registering for the newsletter to receive exclusive coupons
Follow the social media centre for last-minute promotions
Use the Leone Card to accumulate points
Taking advantage of happy hour in restaurants

Accessibility and Comfort

The Lion Shopping Centre is completely accessible to visitors with disabilities:

Lifts and ramps in all areas
Reserved parking spaces near the entrances
Fully equipped bathrooms on all levels
Assistance staff on request

Conclusion

The Il Leone shopping centre in Lonato is much more than just a shopping destination: it is a social aggregation centre which combines commerce, catering and entertainment in a modern and welcoming environment. Its strategic location in the heart of the Garda area makes it easily accessible for both residents and tourists.
Whether for a day of shopping, an evening at the cinema or a lunch break between cultural visits to the lake, Il Leone always offers the right experience. The variety of shops, services and activities make it an ideal stop for those who wish to combine the pleasure of shopping with discovering the beauty of Lake Garda.