A short break in Italy last week with friends entailed a lot of eating, sun-soaking and exploring. We'd seen pictures and heard recommendations of Sirmione before we left so it was firmly on our to-do list once we'd got our bearings. Think narrow streets, colourful buildings, mountain views and castle ruins (not to mention gelato shops at every corner), this historical town ticks all the boxes and is an idyllic way to spend a day in Italy. Easily accessible from all parts of the lake, Sirmione should be top of your to-visit list when in Lake Garda.
We took a boat from Peschiera del Garda (boat is the easiest way to access the town as it is situated at the tip of a long peninsula so a taxi would be priceeeey) and reached the town at mid-day. As it is one of the most beautiful places to visit around Garda, obviously tourists flock in their masses during the peak seasons and the town itself is centered around this. However, as soon as you approach the shores of Sirmione, you are struck by the beautiful views of the castle and surrounding Roman ruins and it all becomes worth it. Sirimone's main focal point and something you have to do when in visiting is to go to Castello Scaligero (it is very hard to miss). After quite a strenuous trek up a lot of flights of stairs (not ideal if you aren't good with heights), the view from the top offers breathtaking views of the comune, castle ruins and forest expanse in the distance.. the perfect spot for an instagram-worthy photo. Entrance to the castle is €5 or €2.50 for 18-25's so the perfect activity if you are travelling on a budget.
After working up an appetite, we ate in Scaligeri (a bit of a tourist trap restaurant but gorgeous blue plates, good pizza and even better ice-cream), and once full continued to wander round, inevitably getting lost in the maze of streets. As Sirmione is so small, it is difficult to find anywhere that isn't aimed at tourists in the centre so it may be worth venturing a little further out. I would also say it is probably better to visit not during the peak of summer if you can as the narrow streets and tourist combination isn't exactly comfortable.
After working up an appetite, we ate in Scaligeri (a bit of a tourist trap restaurant but gorgeous blue plates, good pizza and even better ice-cream), and once full continued to wander round, inevitably getting lost in the maze of streets. As Sirmione is so small, it is difficult to find anywhere that isn't aimed at tourists in the centre so it may be worth venturing a little further out. I would also say it is probably better to visit not during the peak of summer if you can as the narrow streets and tourist combination isn't exactly comfortable.
Hours spent people-watching in cafe's drinking Aperol meant the day disappeared very quickly and we didn't have time to visit the Giamaica beach, Sirmione's seaside offering. Clear waters and mountain views on cloudless days promise holiday-goers a relaxing spot to take in the scenery and an ideal location for sun-downers (the beach bar is meant to be the best in town). We heard it's quite a trek but worth the journey on a hot day. All the more reason to go back..
All ph. taken by myself on iPhone 6s.
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