Lake Garda - Sirmione and Peschiera

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Sirmione & Peschiera

The idyllic Sirmione is one of the most beautiful spots on the lake. Sirmione has a picturesque, winding old town with many beautiful boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a pier. Enjoy the idyllic landscape, which already inspired the Romans and used the healing powers of the warm thermal springs here. The beautiful colors of the lake, the picturesque village and a visit to the Scaliger Castle, the Catullus Grottoes and the wellness thermal baths right on the lake are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone.

Sirmione is a tourist attraction and thermal resort with modern thermal centers, and juts out far into the lake on a narrow promontory. The light and colors of Sirmione have always been famous, because the peninsula is surrounded by a wide terrace of waves reaching up to a hundred meters into the lake. These smooth rocks are now often half a meter below the water surface. The contrast with the deep blue water enchants the visitor with a variety of colors and the beauty of the south is shared here with every visitor.

Peschiera del Garda is a bustling town on the Mincio River, the only outlet of Lake Garda, with an old town entirely surrounded by canals within a mighty fortress. The harbor area with a view over the Mincio River is worth seeing. Peschiera offers good shopping opportunities.

1. Sights

Sirmione: In the center of the village there is also the Scaliger castle (13th century), an example of medieval fortress architecture, with drawbridges towards the land and a small inland port with an exit to the lake. Walls with battlements and angular towers surround the two courtyards, which are connected by a drawbridge. The ascent to the mighty 30 m high tower Mastio is worthwhile, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the peninsula, the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Next to the castle of Sirmione, a narrow street between old houses leads up to the parish church of S. Maria Maggiore. The 14th century church overlooks the lake and has a beautiful facade, portico and inside all sorts of things worth seeing.

At the northernmost point of Sirmione is a hill that breaks off into the lake with steep rock walls and bears the remains of the largest and most beautiful Roman country house in northern Italy, the Catullus Caves, with a small museum. From here you can enjoy an impressive panorama surrounded by olive groves.

Peschiera: The town attracts many tourists every year thanks to the beauty of the lake and the surroundings with some of the most famous amusement parks in Italy such as Gardaland. Don't miss the beautiful historic center of the city. It is best to walk through the town on foot. In the streets within the city walls you will find countless shops and restaurants as well as beautiful historical buildings, squares, churches and impressive military structures. The Fortress of Peschiera del Garda or Rocca is a small architectural gem surrounded by an imposing 16th-century pentagonal wall with beautiful ramparts and imposing access doors. Also impressive are the footbridge that crosses the outer canal of the fortress and the Porta Brescia, the western entrance to the old fortress.

2. Thermal springs & Aquaria thermal park

Thermal baths: Aquaria, terme di Sirmione.- Beautiful spa, with thermal pools, outdoor and indoor, whirlpools, bubble beds, relaxation tubs with lake view

Link: https://www .termedisirmione.com

Sirmione enjoys a sulphur-chlorine and saline warm water source (69 degrees C).Because of its healing powers, it is used for baths, mud baths and other therapies.The thermal baths, the Aquaria - Terme di Sirmione, are located in the center of Sirmione, a few steps north.Here you will find the ideal place for wellness, fitness, beauty and health, with thermal pools, outdoor and indoor, whirlpools, bubbling beds, relaxation tubs with lake view. Beautiful, public bathing spots on the limestone slabs surrounding the island's tip.

Link: https://www.termedisirmione.com

3. Bathing & Sports

Sirmione - Two beautiful bathing beaches: Lido Punta Ground Lido delle Bionde (child-friendly)

Link: https://www.spiaggiagaleazzisirmione.com

Galeazzi lido in Sirmione. Information also in English. Link: https://www.lidodellebionde.it

Lido delle Bionde, on the Sirmione peninsula. Information also in English. Golf club at Sirmione: Chervò Golf San Vigilio, Località San Vigilio, Pozzolengo (BS) Telephone +39 030 918 01

Link: https://www.chervogolfsanvigilio.it

Lido ai Pioppi- This beach is north of Peschiera, towards Lazise. There is an area used as a free beach and other areas where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. The beach consists not only of sand, but there is also a part with pebbles and another with grass areas. This is where the wonderful cycle and pedestrian paths that lead to the towns of Lazise, Bardolino and Garda begin.

Peschiera: Walking along a beautiful footpath towards Sirmione, you can reach the Capuccini beach in a few minutes from Peschiera. It is a free pebbly beach but with some grassy areas that are perfect for relaxing. A children's playground is nearby, making it a perfect option for families. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds here. There are also bars and restaurants nearby.

Peschiera: always walking towards Sirmione, after the Capuccini beach, you will soon reach the Spiaggia Bergamini beach. It is made up of small white and gray pebbles, typical of almost all Lake Garda beaches. On this beach you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds as well as pedal boats and canoes. It is a free bathing beach. On the meadows with trees you will find shady spots. Ducks, swans and chickens live near the reeds, an idyllic place.

Gardaland Sealife Aquarium, near Castelnuovo (Peschiera) .

On 16,000 square meters, visitors can immerse themselves in the colourful, exciting world of the oceans and also get to know all the fish that live in Lake Garda. Immerse yourself in the world of more than 5,000 sea creatures through large windows, transparent domes and a breathtaking ocean tunnel. A unique, creative experience awaits you. Visit the Interactive Ocean Room, where the fish you draw will come to life in the new magical three-dimensional aquarium.

Link: https://gardalandsealife.it

Gardaland Amusement park for the whole family and Legoland water park, for children accompanied by adults. Information also in English.

Link: https://www.gardaland.it

Link: https://www.gardaland.it/en/discover-gardaland/legoland-water-park/

Caneva the Aquapark

Canevaworld Resort, Lake Garda Large water park with many slides and pools. Near Gardaland, near Peschiera

Link: https://canevaworld.it

Movieland - The hollywood Park (Canevaworld Resort)

Lake Garda Experience the thrill of a journey into space. Antares, the long-awaited novelty of 2022. At Movieland there is fun for everyone. Play with your kids for a day full of adventure and unique moments. Discover the backstage of big films and become the protagonist of the sets. More than 40 stuntmen and artists stage extraordinary live shows with unbelievable special effects.

Link: https://canevaworld.it

Cavour, the Waterpark. Via Napoleonica 504, Valeggio sul Mincio. Beautiful water and wellness park at Valeggio sul Mincio (south of Peschiera)

Link: https://www.parcoacquaticocavour.it/

Villa dei Cedri - Excursion to the Thermal Baths and Park of Colà:

The Villa dei Cedriin Colà thermal park is located near Peschiera. There you can relax and have fun in the warm thermal water. The park has rich vegetation and is equipped with sun loungers and picnic areas. The water temperature go from 32 degrees to 35 and 37 degrees Celsius. The thermal park is open all year round.

Link: https://www.villadeicedri.it

A beautiful cycle path through the Mincio Park that connects Lake Garda to Mantua. The route is about 43 km long, runs along the banks of the Mincio River and is fully signposted with special signs. The tour does not contain any significant differences in altitude and is shaded in places, especially for the first few kilometers. The starting point is the fortress of Peschiera del Garda. This cycle tour can also be shortened by simply cycling from Peschiera to Valeggio sul Mincio, which is about halfway.

Link: https://www.terredelcustoza.com/de/itinerario/radstrecke-peschiera-mantova/

golf

Golf Club Paradiso del Garda, Località Paradiso, Peschiera del Garda

Link: https://www.golfclubparadiso.it

Golf Club Verona, Loc.Ca.del Sale, Sommacampagna (VR).The golf club is located between the towns of Peschiera and Verona. Link: http://www.golfclubverona.com

4. Excursions & boat trips timetable Lake Garda

Line ships on Lake Garda travel north from Desenzano to Malcesine and Riva. From Riva you can return via Gargnano, Salò and Desenzano.

For information on the boat schedule on Lake Garda click here...

The car ferry takes you from Toscolano to Torri in 20 minutes. There is a lot to see on the Verona side of Lake Garda: Gardaland, Colà thermal park, various nature parks and water parks, cable car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo (at 1700 meters altitude), Verona. On the Brescian side of Lake Garda you can visit the beautiful towns of Toscolano-Maderno, Gardone and Salò.

For information on the timetable of the Lake Garda - car ferry from Toscolano-Maderno to Torri click here...

Excursion to Solferino and San Martino- Visit to the Museum and Monuments of the Battle of Solferino

Link: https://www.solferinoesanmartino.it

South of Peschiera is the town of Valeggio sul Mincio, an idyllic town at the foot of the Castle Hill and the Scaliger Castle. Valeggio and Borghetto attract numerous guests with interesting restaurants with good cuisine. You should definitely try di Nodi d'amore, a tortellini specialty. Very close by is the beautiful Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world.

Link: https://www.sigurta.it

You can also go from Peschiera to Mantua on a special cycle path. You drive away from the traffic along the special embankment road of the deep blue Mincio towards the south, in the middle of the landscape of the morainic hills that dam Lake Garda. Bike rental is possible in Peschiera.

Excursion to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassino (15th century) and beautiful marble interior decoration. You can reach the church by driving in the direction of Desenzano.

Visit of Solferino and San Martino della Battaglia. From Solferino you can reach the tower of the memorial of San Martino della Battaglia, which dominates the hills, where in 1859 a terrible battle took place between the Italian army and the Austrian troops. The Swiss Henri Dunant found the dying and injured, who no one cared for, there days later. Under this impression, Henri Dunant founded the humanitarian organization: the Red Cross.

Link: https://www.solferinoesanmartino.it

Peschiera: Excursion to Castelnuovo del Garda, a little further from the lake. The landscape is characterized by vineyards, olive groves, cypresses, rustic farmhouses and old villas. Worth seeing is the church Chiesa di S. Maria, with a Romanesque tower and beautiful frescoes. Very close by is the town's most famous attraction, Gardaland, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe.

Peschiera: Full moon rides and discovery tours are offered by the Barcaioli del Mincio from March to November. These are interesting boat trips through the Mincio Natural Park, departing from the port of Grazie dei Curtatone, near Mantua. The wetland with its diverse vegetation and species-rich animal world is explored on small boats steered by experienced boat drivers. These full moon tours are a very special experience for the whole family.

Link: https://www.fiumemincio.it

5. Restaurants & Wine region

La Vecchia Griglia

The restaurant is in a good/quiet location. The staff is very friendly. Quality is good and the price is right too.

Address Via Quattro Novembre 14, Sirmione

Phone +39 030 098 50 22

Rest day Wednesday

Antica Locanda Mincio

Good food in this trattoria, in a fairytale medieval hamlet on the banks of the Mincio, consisting of two beautiful dining rooms with historic ceilings.

Address Via Michelangelo Buonarroti 12, Borghetto, Valeggio Sul Mincio (in der Nähe von Peschiera)

Phone +39 045 795 00 59

Rest day Wednesday and Thursday

Ristorante Alla Borsa

Taste explosions, delicious tortellini. Here you can enjoy every phase of your visit to the restaurant. Excellent cuisine, perfect service, very nice ambience.

Address Via Goito 2, Valeggio sul Mincio (in der Nähe von Peschiera)

Phone +39 045 795 00 93

Rest day Tuesday and Wednesday

Moscatello & Muliner

This pretty restaurant is in the middle of a large farm. The menu focuses on regional specialities. Moderate prices.

Addrese Località Moscatello di Sotto 3/5, Pozzolengo (in der Nähe von Peschiera)

Phone +39 030 91 85 21

Ristorante Villa Moscardo

Good restaurant, right next to the thermal park of Cola, you can also eat in the garden.

Address Piazza di Sopra 2 - Colà, Lazise (Bei Peschiera)

Phone +39 349 476 40 66

Rest day Wednesday

Trattoria Dal Pansa

Very good restaurant with traditional tasty dishes. Everything fresh with homemade pasta. Highly recommended for those who care about classic Italian cuisine.

Address Via Piazza di Sopra 12, Cola, Lazise

Phone +39 349 513 99 66

Rest day Monday

Wine region Lugana (from Desenzano to Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda)

Take some time to explore the Desenzano and Sirmione hinterland and discover wineries that are little jewels and a landscape of hills and vineyards that are among the most beautiful in Italy.Lugana and Lake Garda: a land of clay, a grape with unique characteristics caressed by the gentle breeze of Lake Garda. If you want to do a wine tasting, it is best to reserve it a few days in advance, there is usually a fee for the tour.

Azienda Agricola Cobue

Address Ortschaft Cobue Sopra, bei Pozzolengo (zwischen Sirmione und Peschiera)

Phone +39 030 91 08 319

Tenuta Roveglia

Address Ortschaft Roveglia, bei Pozzolengo (zwischen Sirmione und Peschiera)

Phone +39 030 91 86 63

Marangona

Address Ortschaft Marangona, Pozzolengo (zwischen Sirmione und Peschiera)

Phone +39 030 91 93 79

Ca' Lojera

AddresseVia 1866, Nummer 19, Rovizza di Sirmione (zwischen Sirmione und Peschiera)

Phone +39 030 91 95 50

Wine region Lugana (between Desenzano and Sirmione)

Take some time to explore Desenzano's hinterland and discover wineries that are little jewels and a landscape of hills and vineyards that are among the most beautiful in Italy.Lugana and Lake Garda: a land of clay, a grape with unique characteristics caressed by the gentle breeze of Lake Garda.

Ca Maiol

Address Via del Colle Storici 119, Desenzano del Garda

Phone +39 030 99 10 006 (Für Besuche Interne Taste 4 drücken)

Reservations are required for wine tasting. Price from 10 euros Guided tour: minimum 2 people

La Rifra

Address Ortschaft Pilandro, San Martino della Battaglia

Phone +39 030 91 08 023

Reservations are required for wine-tasting, at least 3 days in advance. Price from EUR 15 per person. Guided tour: minimum 2 people

Montonale

Address Via Conta 4/a, Desenzano del Garda

Phone +39 030 91 03 358

No reservation is necessary for wine-tasting. Guided tour: 3 variants, from Euro 20 (at least 2 people)

Ca dei Frati

Address Via Frati 25, Sirmione

Phone +39 030 91 94 68

For wine-tasting, with guided tours, reservation on the internet is required

6. Events

Events in Sirmione:

Grape Festival Lugana, in Sirmione, in September
Weekly market in Colombare di Sirmione, every week, every Monday
Weekly market in Lugana di Sirmione, every week, every Friday

Events near Peschiera:

Interesting events take place in Peschiera every year. The Ponte dell'Arte, an event with works by painters and sculptors, begins on the third weekend in May. In July there is the Festival of Musical Bands, while in August there is the Feast of San Benedetto, with fireworks from the Voltoni Bridge.

Regatta Palio delle mura, near Peschiera, in August
Big vintage market. Fashion, design and curiosities, in Valeggio sul Mincio, near Peschiera, from May to October
Valeggio sul Mincio, near Peschiera Costume party and fireworks on the occasion of the Antica Sagra di Salionze, near Valeggio sul Mincio, near Peschiera, in July
Tasting of dishes made with peaches - The La pesca in tavola event takes place in Valeggio sul Mincio and other nearby locations, from July to August
Tortellini Festival Tortellini e Dintorni, in Valeggio sul Mincio, near Peschiera, at the beginning of September
Weekly market in Peschiera, every week, every Monday
Weekly market in Valeggio sul Mincio, near Peschiera, every week, every Saturday
In Castelnuovo del Garda, very close to Peschiera, the interesting traditional village festival Antica Fiera di Cavalcaselle takes place in autumn, as well as a beautiful wine festival