Milan and the big lakes tend to steal the spotlight. But Lombardy has far more up its sleeve. Beyond the headline names, there’s a patchwork of villages with castles rising straight out of the water, footpaths clinging to cliffs between mountains and lakes, grand villas with vast gardens, and old-school spa towns where slowing down feels natural. Explore lesser-known yet unmissable villages in Lombardy that deserve a spot on your holiday wish list.
Sirmione: a fortress on the water, thermal baths, and an ancient Roman villa
Set on a narrow peninsula stretching into Lake Garda, Sirmione makes an impression straight away. The historic centre draws you in with tight lanes and small shops, while the outline of the Rocca Scaligera dominates the little harbour, giving the whole place a slightly theatrical feel.
