Photo: Giladtop · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lake Garda
Sirmione's castle, a Roman villa and ferries round the lake.
Italy's biggest lake, with castle-topped Sirmione on its thin peninsula, Roman ruins over the water and old resort towns joined by ferries. Desenzano, on the main train line, is the cheapest base.
Places to see
- Scaligero Castle, SirmioneSight · A castle surrounded by water at the gateway to Sirmione's old town, with a walled harbour…≈ A$14
Grottoes of CatullusSight · The ruins of a huge Roman villa at the very tip of the peninsula, with arches and olive…≈ A$14
Vittoriale degli ItalianiMuseum · The strange hillside estate of a poet: dark, cluttered rooms, an open-air theatre over…≈ A$28
When to go
- Jan6° / 0°Some rainQuiet
- Feb9° / 1°Some rainQuiet
- Mar13° / 4°Some rainQuiet
- Apr17° / 8°Some rainBusy
- May22° / 12°Often wetBusy
- Jun26° / 16°Some rainVery busy
- Jul29° / 19°Some rainVery busy
- Aug28° / 19°Some rainVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Desenzano. The biggest town on the south shore, with the station, a lively harbour and better-value beds.
Sirmione. A castle town on a narrow peninsula with Roman ruins and thermal baths; packed by day.
Flying in
Verona Villafranca (VRN): Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova, then a train to Desenzano, about 1 h, ≈ A$18.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Desenzano del Garda; check times and fares before you fly.
Getting around
You'll need buses or trains. A single ticket is ≈ A$5. Ferries link the lake towns (fewer in winter) and buses run along the shore; Sirmione is about 20 minutes from Desenzano by bus or boat (check).
Tourist tax
Each lake town sets its own tax: usually about €1.50–2 a person a night in hostels and B&Bs, more in hotels; under-14s usually don't pay. Paid at check-in (check).
Day trips
, about 25 min by regional train. The Roman arena and an easy old town.
