It is a Sunday in early April and spring is just around the corner, the perfect day for a trip out of the city. We decide to visit one of Italy’s most beautiful parks: the Parco Giardino Sigurtà in Valeggio sul Mincio.
Spanning over 60 hectares, it is a natural work of art, with enchanting gardens, serene ponds and scenic routes. In this article, we explore this place together.
Map
At the entrance to the park, we are handed a detailed map showing the various attractions inside. With enthusiasm we enter this labyrinth of nature, ready to discover every hidden corner and every wonder the park has to offer.
Our advice is to follow the route numbered on the map so you don’t miss out on anything the park has to offer!
What to see
The park is really big and varied and offers a multitude of things to do and see. Passing through the Green Labyrinth, we have fun looking for the exit. The Carp Lake shows itself in all its splendour. And then there are the theme gardens, scenic paths and rare botanical species that make for a perfect spring day.
Below is a list of attractions not to be missed:
- Hermitage with the 4 small lakes: a classic hermitage with a staircase at its foot leading to four small lakes inhabited by frogs;
- Meridian: an ancient astronomical structure that allowed time to be measured using the position of the sun relative to the meridian line;
- Large Turf: a vast expanse of green lawn perfect for lying on the grass and enjoying the warmth of the sun or organising picnics;
- Flower Lakes: these are one of our absolute favourite attractions! They are ponds surrounded by lots of flowers and water plants, crossed by a small bridge and with a large tree in the middle;
- Castelletto: with its towers and ancient walls, it is a very picturesque spot that adds to the fairytale atmosphere;
- The farm and the Deer Valley: these are two attractions that allow you to get in touch with rural life and wildlife. Here you can meet fallow deer, goats, donkeys and other farm animals;
- Water gardens: these are gardens characterised by fountains, ponds and waterfalls;
- Labyrinth: the labyrinth is a perfect attraction to go back to childhood, play and have fun;
- Great Oak: a centuries-old tree that stands majestically in the park, representing a symbol of strength, endurance and beauty;
- Youth Stone: is a legendary stone famous for its alleged miraculous properties that promise eternal youth to anyone who touches it.
The best time to visit the park
The best time to visit the Sigurtà Park is spring, between March and April, but each season has its own unique characteristics:
- In spring you can admire the blossoming of crocus, tulips, narcissus, hyacinths, peonies and roses;
- In summer, you can admire the blooms of water lilies, lotus flowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, hemerocallis and tagetes;
- In autumn, you can admire the blossoming of asters, cane indica, annuals and enjoy the foliage of Japanese maples and ginkgo biloba trees.
How to Visit the Park and Visiting Time
For us, the best way to discover the park is on foot. We really enjoy walking and immersing ourselves in nature step by step. To do a complete tour consider at least four hours, but if you want to have a picnic, several stops or lie in the sun between stages it is better to take the whole day.
Here are some alternative ways to visit the park:
- Electric Bicycle: Within the park it is possible to rent electric bicycles and ride along the tree-lined avenues one after the other. The cost is 6.50€ per hour. You can enter the park with your own bicycle at no extra cost.
- Golf-cart: equipped with a GPS guide, it provides information on the places visited along the itinerary (the guide is available in Italian, English, German and French). The cost is 20€ per hour.
- Little train: travels along the itinerary of enchantments, discovering the garden’s most attractive spots but without stopping. It departs from the Iris bar and the visit time is approximately 1 hour and can accommodate a maximum of 15 people. The cost is €7 per person.
- Shuttle: The tour on board the electric shuttle allows visitors to learn about the history and curiosities of the park thanks to a guide who accompanies the entire tour. Departure is near the Iris bar and the tour time is 35 minutes. The cost is €5 per person.
How to get there
There are different ways to reach the Sigurtà Garden Park, depending on the starting point and availability:
By public transport:
- Peschiera del Garda railway station and bus line 46 APAM;
- Verona railway station and bus 160 ATV.
Cycling:
The Park is 2 km from the Mantova-Peschiera del Garda cycle path. Moreover, if you go by bike you can also use it inside the Park at no extra charge.
In the car:
- A4 Milan-Venice motorway, exit Peschiera del Garda, 8 km towards Valeggio sul Mincio.
- A22 Brennero-Modena motorway: from Modena exit Nogarole Rocca then follow signs for Valeggio sul Mincio. From Brennero exit Affi, clearway (SS 450) for Peschiera del Garda, then signs for Valeggio sul Mincio.
Where to eat
The park has five refreshment points located in different places within the park, several areas with benches or tables on the paths, for a break with snacks, sandwiches, focaccia, pizzas, ice cream and coffee. It is also possible to have a picnic with a packed lunch by spreading a cloth on the Large Grass Carpet.
Where to park
The Sigurtà Park has four car parks, not all near the entrances but free of charge. The parking spaces in Valeggio, on the other hand, are on a time disc (60 min or 120 min maximum) and some are chargeable. We found parking in the nearby supermarket, where we conveniently left our car for the duration of our visit.
Timetables, tickets and useful tips
The Sigurtà Garden Park is open daily from 8 March to 10 November, with continuous opening hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entrance at 6 p.m.). In March, October and November the opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entrance at 5 p.m.).
Admission tickets can be purchased online or directly at the park entrance, and there are different rates for adults, children and groups. For up-to-date prices, however, we recommend visiting the park’s official website.
Last modified: 18 May 2025
