Sirmione, occupying a narrow peninsula jutting into the southern end of Lake Garda, is probably the most popular of the lakeside towns, and it was certainly packed last week.
Sirmione
Mind you, this is the height of the summer holidays for most countries in mainland Europe, while most English and Welsh schoolchildren have yet to start their summer breaks.
View of the peninsula looking towards the mainland.
From the castle we had good views of the town.
Castle, Sirmione Looking towards the mountains on the other side of the lake.Inside the castle were two pirogues. They are medieval boats, excavated in oak logs, which were found in a nearby river in the 1990’s. They were used to carry people and goods along the river. Apparently rivers regained importance here after the roads that the Romans had built went to ruin. It wasn’t just in Britain that happened then!
From the castle a fifteen-minute walk takes you to the tip of the peninsula and the ruins of a Roman villa. We failed to get there, but may visit another time.
Further along the lake is the town of Lazise (both Sirmione and Lazise can be reached by ferry from Desenzano). Visiting at the weekend, we expected to find the town busy, but I would describe it as bustling, rather than heaving.
Quiet street, Lazise Fishing boats in the very attractive harbour
We didn’t do much else other than stroll the pretty streets and walk along the promenade. We’ve learned that from here one can walk all the way to Garda in two hours, all along the side of the lake.
My husband, Mark, and I have just sold our house and are taking a year out to have an adventure before we settle down to retirement. We decided on a journey through Italy as it has the perfect combination of good weather, interesting history, great wine and wonderful ice-cream! As we will be starting our journey in January, we are beginning in the very south of the country.
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Tortoise Travel 