Lake Garda – Sirmione.
Aperol Spritz and Hail Stones
There aren’t many places that we visit more than once, that’s not to say that we don’t like those places, it’s just that we like enjoy exploring. However, Lake Garda is our exception. We have visited this beautiful lake numerous times before and for me especially, it’s perfect. It has the climate (although we have only visited in the summer), the culture (think beautiful towns for strolling around), activities for kids (boat rides, lake swimming and water parks) and incredible food. Plus the flight time from the UK is just over an hour.
Our most recent trip here was totally spontaneous. We had planned to spend the entire part second part of our Italy trip in Lake Laguno, however due to the looming storm overhead, we decided to head over to Lake Garda for the last two days of our trip. It may have been a 2.5 hour drive away but it was well worth it. The temperature was 15 degrees C hotter and I must say, it really made all the difference. We left a cold and wet Porto Ceresio (yet totally beautiful) for sunshine and warmth.
Our usual trip to Lake Garda is at a campsite, which is absolutely amazing for the kiddes. We find it a good compromise as it’s also within walking distance of a beautiful town and an amazing gin bar! However, this time, the campsite was totally sold out but we managed to stay in our favourite town, Sirmione, and better still, the hotel was in the old town which is totally stunning and within walking distance of all the restaurants and shops, yet being a 5 minute walk away, we were able to avoid the hustle and bustle. Being in the old town meant we needed to get permission from the local police to drive through the (very narrow and busy) streets of Sirmione. Driving through was a pretty nail biting experience but Mr L was driving so I left most of the stress to him!
As soon as we arrived, we swapped the jumpers and trousers for swim wear and jumped straight into the hotel pool. We stayed at Hotel Desiree and was pleasantly surprised that we managed to find late availability at such an amazing hotel and location. Later that evening, we strolled around Sirmione, taking in the warm air and the wonderful atmosphere. We decided on a restaurant and sat outside on a beautiful cobbled street. We were soon moved inside however, after a storm took rage over Sirmione and we managed to avoid the biggest hail stones I have ever seen (think of golf balls!). The storm last an hour then it was back to warm dry weather and we joined the hustle and bustle on the warm streets of Sirmione.
We wondered around the shops and a particular jewellery shop caught my eye. We went inside and met the owners who proudly showed me a photo of themselves with Theresa May who had visited the week before. Mr L bought be a beautiful ring as an early birthday present and something I will always cherish!
The next day, we took a little train up to the point of Sirmione and snorkeled around. The kids had a ball.
I could have stayed Sirmione for so much longer but we had to catch our flight back the next day….
Arriverdachi Italia …
The Surfer's Wife 