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Summer is the time of year to check off bucket list destinations while giving hidden gems a try.
Whether it’s iconic cities or the locals’ best-kept secrets that you’ve somehow discovered, it’s time to take advantage of your well-deserved PTO.
A country that attracts large numbers of tourists year after year is Italy, but this is not limited to Rome, Venice and the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
There is much more to see in this record-breaking country. Wherever we find ourselves, absorbing new environments packed with attractions that we don’t have at home never gets boring.
Some of these include storybook castles and vibrant blue waters, where the lesser-known lake town lies Sirmione has ultimate bragging rights as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Revealing the secret getaway of local Italians
Hidden in a treasure trove of Lombardy’s hidden gem lies Sirmione, a beautiful seaside resort on Lake Gorda.
Or if you want to sound sexy – Lake Garda. Don’t worry, I can’t get it done either.
However you pronounce it, the city is breathtaking and packed with historic architecture, hearty local cuisine and surrounded by Caribbean-esque blue waters.
Unlike Italy’s staples, Sirmione has yet to catch on, and those lucky enough to be in the know prefer to keep it that way.
The locals hope you distract yourself with other destinations in Lombardy, such as the fantastic city of Milan, or perhaps the neighboring Veneto region with incredible cities like Verona.
But we’re here to spoil the secret. No, not out of spite, but just because it’s so great, travelers should know that there are many more options than Italy’s most popular cities.
However, we are not alone. Sirmione is receiving increasing attention as it has recently been hyped as a top summer destination by other publications, such as European Best Destinations.
Forget the Amalfi Coast and Sicily! Visit this blue water paradise
Lakes don’t always have the best reputation in the US, but many of Europe’s lakes rival them as top beach destinations. If you’re worried about swimming in murky brown water, leave it to America.
Lake Garda is phenomenal, and even as a lake it has some beautiful, scenic beaches that are worth a visit, especially as summer brings incredibly sunny weather with temperatures averaging 27 degrees, according to Weather Spark.
The top beaches are located in:
- Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde
- Spiaggia Tifu
- Limone sul Garda
Italy is home to so many beautiful lakes, but since this one flies well under the radar, you can get your paradise blue water fix here instead of the crowded beaches of the Amalfi Coast or Sicily, as well as Lake Como.
Beautiful historical sites: castles, churches and Roman ruins
If there’s one thing the US lacks, it’s castles. Heck, even the White House is pretty basic, if we’re honest.
Unless a night out at Medieval Times is your thing, then a trip across the pond is your best bet.
Sirmione is of course not alone in Italy when it comes to beautiful castles, but the incredible Rocco Scaligera Castle may top them all as its preservation is impeccable.
Located on the vibrant blue waters of Lake Gorda, this top attraction is a must during your visit.
Although Rocco Scaligera is not alone, he is in an exclusive club of fascinating historical sights.
The ruinous Roman villa, Grotte di Catullo, is a sight to behold, along with the city’s oldest church, San Pietro in Mavino, which dates back to 8th century!
No remote shelter
Traveling through Europe, from country to country or city to city, is so much easier and more efficient than in the US
Whether by train or cheap flights, it’s no wonder so many travelers flock to the continent to fulfill their sense of wanderlust.
Sirmione is easy to reach from Milan, often one of the cheapest gateways to Europe in terms of air tickets.
The next best would be Verona, an even closer city but with fewer flights.
However, there are no train stations in Sirmione. Travelers should stop in the nearby towns of Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
