SIRMIONE
a pearl on the lake of Garda
Arriving in Sirmione by water is a magical experience: the old castle, the olive trees that seem to emerge from the lake, the picturesque small harbor with the weaving flags are made even more poetic by the big, calm and elegant Monte Baldo and the mountain that seems to fill completely the background. If you decide to arrive by car my advice is to find a cheap parking slot in Colombare, a town very close to the city, and then take a 1 euro shuttle bus to get to Sirmione’s only mainland entrance. Parking gets very expensive the closer you get to the castle and can get up to almost 10 euros per hour.
the castle in Sirmione
fortifications to protect the harbor in Sirmione
The bus will leave you in front of the beautiful castle, where you can sense the strength of a fortification made to control all the lower part of the lake. The town itself it’s a beautiful example of the architecture of the region, and in part also of the Italian middle age. Get lost in the small streets and enjoy the long walks on the lake banks!
If you have time you could consider going to the spa, a renowned structure that is frequented a lot also by many locals that look for a day of refined rest. Buy yourself a huge gelato in one of the many shops in the center and maybe have a drink watching the lake at sunset.
If you feel more inclined to cultural activities, you can visit the castle and the beautiful churches dating back to the XIII century. Catullo, one of the most famous and romantic poets of ancient Roman literature, was born in Sirmione: do not miss the chance to visit the park dedicated to him and the ruins of a Roman villa in the “Grotte di Catullo” museum.
