An authentic corner of paradise rises on the shores of Lake Garda: Punta San Vigilio. The beautiful peninsula, owned by the Guarienti Counts of Brenzone, is part of the Municipality of Garda, in the province of Verona.
To fill this enchanted place with charm are the art, history and nature that surround it. We find Villa Guarienti, already inhabited in Roman times and the Locanda San Vigilio, whose construction dates back to the sixteenth century by the will of the humanist Agostino Brenzoni, designed by the Veronese architect Sanmicheli, for the need to enjoy a place of peace and tranquility. immersed in a magnificent Italian garden with statues and panoramic terraces overlooking the lake. Today the Villa is also a splendid location for weddings. Inside there are a small church and a building with a double loggia.
Punta San Vigilio has also always been a destination for illustrious visitors, including Maria Luigia Duchess of Parma, the King of Naples, Emperor Alexander of Russia, Winston Churchill, Otto Hahn and his wife, the painter Edith Junghans, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Prince Charles of England.
What to see in Punta San Vigilio.
Taking the small cobbled street on the left towards the marina, you reach the sixteenth-century building Locanda San Vigilio, today a hotel and restaurant with a wonderful terrace overlooking the lake, and the Taverna San Vigilio a very welcoming place, ideal for an aperitif, a snack, an easy lunch, admiring the pieds dans l’eau lake and its unforgettable sunsets. Note: going down the cobbled street, at the end on the right, you can admire a glimpse of the ancient lemon house of San Vigilio, which is now private and is part of the Locanda.
On the opposite coast is the Cala delle Sirene Park, a wonderful natural park with a splendid equipped beach, surrounded by an olive grove, which in the summer turns into an authentic oasis where you can enjoy regenerating moments of rest in the sun or looking for refreshment in the waters. clear and crystalline of the lake.
There is also another beautiful beach equipped with a swimming pool called Parco San Vigilio.
On a plaque placed on the arch of the entrance to the small port you can read this ancient inscription: “leave business and worries to the city”, a very valid advice today!
How to get to Punta San Vigilio.
In high season we recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the inconvenience of the large influx of tourists. Do not miss the time of sunset, which illuminates the whole lake with gold.
On foot from Garda (VR): Punta San Vigilio is almost 3 km from Garda. You can follow the lakeside promenade to the north, but be careful, at a certain point you continue on an unpaved road not suitable for children in pushchairs, wheelchairs with the disabled, elderly people. Furthermore, in the last stretch it is not possible to continue from the lakefront and you have to go up on the asphalted state road, through the vegetation, paying attention to passing cars.
By car: from the eastern Garda road (SR249) both north and south you will find, near a bend, the entrance sign to Punta San Vigilio and Baia delle Sirene. Here you can park (for a fee only in high season).
If you only want to go to the Baia delle Sirene beach, parking is included in the price of the beach entrance ticket.
By boat by lake: undoubtedly this is the most suggestive and romantic way to get to Punta San Vigilio. You will find a dock for docking.
See you next time dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza – Garda Outdoors editorial staff
