Are you off to Sirmione in Lake Garda? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the top things to do in Sirmione!
Last year, I went on a solo backpacking trip around Northern Italy and came across Sirmione. After spending a day in Bergamo, I was looking for somewhere to break up the distance between Milan and Bologna, and Lake Garda seemed like the perfect option. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a few days relaxing next to a gorgeous Italian lake?
I knew very little about Sirmione when I arrived, but it turned out to be a gorgeous destination. Sirmione sits on a peninsula in the southern part of Lake Garda. This means the entire town is surrounded by the Lake’s waters, treating you to stunning 360 views.
But Sirmione is more than just a lakeside town with great Italian food (although that is certainly a draw). Originally a Roman settlement known as “Sirmio,” the town is steeped in ancient history. From the well-preserved ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus, a sprawling Roman villa, to the medieval Scaligero Castle that stands proud at the entrance to Sirmione’s Old Town.
Today, I’ve collected the top 13 things to do in Sirmione so you can make the most out of your time here. You’ll wander the narrow old town, explore the surrounding vineyards, and discover the mighty history of this quaint Italian town. It is the perfect place for those who love to balance relaxation with exploration and history. So get ready to discover the top things to do in Sirmione.
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Discover the Top Things to Do in Sirmione
1. Explore Scaligero Castle
Scaligero Castle is one of the most well-known places in Sirmione and has become a symbol of the town. I spent a few hours exploring this medieval castle, and would highly recommend you take a visit.
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Scaliger family who ruled the region of Verona during the Middle Ages. It was once the defensive stronghold of the town and controlled the entrance to the peninsula.
Today, you can wander the grounds and climb the castle’s towers to enjoy panoramic views of Sirmione. There’s a particularly impressive view right down the entire peninsula which I loved. It’s worth checking if anything is happening at the castle whilst you’re there as they often host events, exhibitions, and concerts.
2. Wander the Historic Old Town
At the top of the Sirmione peninsula lies the most historic part of the town, offering a charming glimpse into its past. Start your exploration by crossing over the Ponte Levatoio di Sirmione, a drawbridge that leads you into the heart of the historic centre.
Once across the bridge, you’ll find yourself immersed in narrow cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings adorned with flowering vines. Take your time to wander these quaint Italian streets, soaking in the ambience and admiring the architectural details of the centuries-old buildings.
As you stroll, take time to browse the array of small boutique shops tucked away in hidden corners, offering an enticing selection of locally made crafts, clothing, and jewellery. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir to remember your visit to Sirmione, and I found some of my favourite postcards here.
Also Read: How to Spend 2 days in Florence
3. Relax on Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Sirmione. It has a unique landscape, made up of pebbles and sand with large, flat slabs of rock for you to sit and sunbathe on. You can wander down these rocks into the crystal clear lake water which is perfect for swimming in on a hot Italian summer’s day. These rocks can get pretty slippy so it might be worth bringing shoes with good grip!
Nearby, there is also a small beach bar and cafe if you want to stop up for any refreshments. The prices are a little steep here, however, so I’d recommend bringing your own snacks if you’re travelling on a budget.
The beach is at the very northern peak of the Sirmione’s peninsula, which is about a 20-25 minute walk away from the main gate. It’s a lovely walk, and you can tie visiting with seeing some of the other attractions in the area such as the Grottoes of Catullus. Alternatively, there is a small road train you can take to make the journey easier.
Also Read: Ultimate Itinerary for One Day in Sirmione
4. Cycle through Italian Vineyards
This next thing to do in Sirmione was one I discovered by accident but turned out to have completely made my time in the town. When I was booking my accommodation for Simrione, I didn’t do a very good job of looking at the location or how close it was to the main centre of Sirmione. As a result, I ended up staying in a lovely Italian cottage with the most wonderful host. However, it was also in the middle of the countryside. .
As it was an hour and 15 minutes walk away from Sirmione’s old town, it wasn’t ideal. Luckily, my host was very kind and had bikes available for her guests to use. Thus, I ended up spending my mornings and afternoons cycling through the Italian vineyards, watching the sunset, and having a pretty surreal experience.
The countryside surrounding Sirmione is gorgeous, and it’s lovely to spend just an hour soaking up the incredible views. If your accommodation doesn’t have any bikes available, you’ll find multiple bike rental stores throughout the town. Il Ciclista comes highly recommended, providing great road bikes for a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to go on your bike, check out these top 10 rides around Sirmione on Kamoot. This is my favorite app to use when trying to find cycle routes as people review and recommend them as they go.
5. Discover the Grottoes of Catullus
The Grottoes of Catullus is an archaeological site on the northern tip of the Sirmione peninsula. It is named after the Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus, who lived in the 1st century BC and is considered one of the greatest lyric poets of ancient Rome.
The Grottoes of Catullus is a complex of Roman ruins, consisting of the remains of a grand Roman villa built during the 1st century AD. This villa, known as “Villa Catulliana,” is believed to have belonged to a wealthy family during the Roman period, but it’s unlikely to have had any links to the poet Catullus himself.
As you wander through the ruins, you’ll see remnants of what was once large terraces, courtyards, and thermal baths. You’ll also spot traces of the frescoes and mosaics that would have once decorated the ancient homes.
To visit the Grottoes of Catullus you will need a ticket but it is free for anyone under 18 and on the first Sunday of every month. If you’re visiting at any other time, a full-price ticket is €6.
6. Take a Boat Cruise around the Sirmione Peninsula
As Sirmione sits on Lake Garda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, it would be a shame to not fully explore all it has to offer. And what better way to do this than by hopping on a boat cruise around the Sirmione Peninsula?
On a boat tour, you get to experience the lake from the water, and there’s nothing quite like sailing on a warm summer’s day. There are a lot of boat tours available in Sirmione, each one slightly different, so I’ve done a bit of research and put together what I believe to be the top 3 available. From a cruise of Lake Garda to wine tasting to a more historical-centered tour, each one offers something different.
Lake Garda Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise from Sirmione
Duration | 4 hours
Highlights | Discover the scenery of Lake Garda with an afternoon cruise. See the islets of San Biago and Garda with a swim stop and stroll in Salò. End your cruise with a toast of prosecco as you overlook beautiful Gardone.
Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles
Duration | 4 hours
Highlights | Travel on a speedboat between the Castles of Lake Garda with a stop at Bardolino for a wine-tasting experience. You’ll have a swim-stop opportunity plus some bubbly to enjoy on the ride home.
Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo
Duration | 2 hours
Highlights | Combine exploring the Lake Garda by boat with a private walking tour of Sirmione. With your welcoming guide, you’ll discover all you need to know about the ancient legends surrounding Sirmione’s historic sites.
7. Indulge in Italian Cuisine and Gelato
When I embarked on my solo trip to Italy, it was one of the first times I had travelled on my own, and eating out by myself was a major fear of mine. But in Sirmione, I felt truly welcomed by the staff, and it was a great place to have a first solo dining experience.
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular places to browse different restaurants is the Old Town. You’ll find plenty of lake-side restaurants selling top Italian cuisine from traditional pizzas to seafood with stunning lake views. However, prices can become very expensive as it is the top location for tourists.
Whilst I’d recommend spending an evening in the old town, it’s worth walking a few minutes out of the main town to find something just as special. Ristorante Casa dei Pescatori sits about halfway up the main road through the peninsula, about a 20-minute walk from the old town. Here, you’ll dine with lovely lake-side views and delicious seafood and pasta dishes for a slightly lower price.
Afterwards, head back to the old town to grab a few drinks and soak up the bustling evening atmosphere.
Read Also: How to Spend One Day in Bergamo
8. Relax at the Thermal Spa
The thermal waters in Sirmione have been attracting visitors for centuries due to their health and relaxation benefits. They are fed by natural hot springs, and enriched with minerals believed to have therapeutic properties.
The best way to experience these thermal baths is by visiting the famous thermal bath, Aquaria Thermal Spa. Made up of over 700 square meters of whirlpools, swimming pools, steam, baths, and saunas, all made up of sulfurous salsobromoiodic water, which stays between 34°C and 36°C.
There’s a range of booking options available, from last-minute entry for those looking on a budget to a full 5-hour thermae and sauna experience. Whilst it’s a pretty luxurious experience, if you have room in your budget, I would highly recommend it. To make the most out of your money, book in advance. Not only is there limited availability, but you can get pretty reasonable prices such as €25 for a two-hour ticket.
9. Discover the Church of San Pietro in Mavino
The Church of San Pietro in Mavino is the oldest in Sirmione, nestled in the olive groves on the top of the peninsula. It dates back to the Lombard period, with its origins believed to trace back to the 8th century AD. Since then, the church has had many renovations and additions, and the Romanesque and Gothic features are what you can mainly see today.
Its exterior design is beautifully simple, but inside you can see remnants of the frescoes that date from the 12th-16th centuries. Sit on one of the old wooden pews and take in the calm atmosphere, as soft music plays in the background. Overall, the whole experience inspires peace and tranquillity, from the idyllic woodland setting to the church itself.
To reach the church, it is just a short walk away from the Aquaria Thermal Spa and the Grottoes of Catullus. If you get the road train, walk out of the terminus and take a right up a small side road. The hill isn’t too steep so it should be pretty accessible to most visitors.
Also Read: 7 Days in Italy: 6 Memorable Itineraries
10. Explore Peschiera del Garda
If you’re looking for places to explore just outside of Sirmione, take the short trip along the coast to the town of Peschiera del Garda. This traditional Italian town is known for its historic centre and surrounding Venetian walls. My favourite part was the picturesque waterfront, where you could grab a bite to eat and simply relax.
Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the old town and dining in cafes. Make sure to be wanted by the UNESCO Venetian Fortress which is now filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlours.
If you’d like to spend a couple more hours relaxing, break up your trip between Sirmione and Pesciera by stopping at Braccobaldo Beach. This long shingle beach is one of the best in the area, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and sunbeds available to rent.
If adventure is more your thing then check out Gardaland Amusement Park. The park is just a 5-minute drive outside of Peschiera and was rated the number one amusement park in Italy. With rides to suit all age groups, it’s a great stop for families or thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
11. Visit Lido delle Bionde Beach
Lido delle Bionde Beach is one of the most overlooked areas in Sirmione. With most people heading straight to Jamaica Beach, it would be a shame to miss this beach. Made up of shingles and a long wooden pier, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, or choose to explore the lake waters with pedal boats or canoe.
The water here is incredibly clear and you can watch as fish swim by. It is also quite shallow making it very family-friendly, with the rocks forming small pools. There are also a lot of amenities nearby with toilets and refreshments available so you can make a whole day out of your trip here, should you wish.
As this is a shingle beach, I’d recommend bringing swim shoes with you. Whilst you can walk on the pebbles barefoot, it’s a much nicer experience if you can avoid this!
12. Take a Day Trip to Verona
For the final things to do in Sirmione, we’re heading out of town and taking a day trip to the beautiful nearby Verona. When I was in Sirmione, I accidentally took a day trip here by missing my bus stop. Pretty silly of me but it’s these little travel mistakes that often make the best experience, and I ended up spending a great afternoon wandering the city.
Verona is just a 45-minute drive or 50-minute bus ride away from Sirmione. The buses are pretty unreliable, so be prepared to wait a little. It can be quite a character-building exercise.
When you get to Verona, take the time to visit the Verona Arena, shop in boutique shops, and dine on fantastic food. It’s a city filled with picturesque Italian buildings with gorgeous balconies. Seriously, I’ve never seen so many balconies than in Verona. And they are all so beautiful and intricate. It’s no wonder it became the famous setting for the romance between Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
How to Get To Sirmione, Lake Garda
Sirmione sits on the southern point of Lake Garda. It is in the perfect spot between many major cities in Italy, making it a pretty easy location to get to. Here are the top ways to get to Sirmione:
By Car
Sirmione is easily accessible by car. It sits on the A4 motorway, which is the main road connecting Milan and Venice. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive to Sirmione from Milan, and about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Venice.
If you’re planning on renting a car when in Italy, check out Discover Cars. They are a great comparison website that helps you get the best deal out of your rental.
By Train
Italy is one of the best countries I’ve travelled to for train travel, and it is always the form of public transport I would choose to use.
To get to Sirmione by train, travel to either Desenxano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda. From here, you can catch a taxi or get the bus. The route is very simple, however, I found the bus times to be pretty unreliable, so be prepared to wait for a while at the bus stop.
When I travelled through Italy, I booked all of my train tickets through Trainline. Booking tickets at the station got quite confusing as each train company has a different ticket desk. With Trainline, you can easily compare the times and prices of all the available routes, making the whole process a lot more streamlined.
How to Get Around Sirmione, Lake Garda
The main centre of Sirmione in Lake Garda is pretty small, making it very easy to get around. Depending on where you decide to stay will depend on how much you use public transport, but here are the top ways to get around Sirmione:
One Foot
Your feet are going to be your best friends when exploring Sirmione. Walking between the attractions and around the peninsula is the best way to see the town. Many of the attractions are within walking distance, taking no more than 20/25 minutes to walk between. By walking, you’ll also stumble across the quirky spots that give Sirmione its charm.
By Bus
For anyone staying outside of the main peninsula and for those attractions slightly further out, the bus is the most cost-effective way of travelling around Sirmione. Buses regularly travel up and down the peninsula, which is itself about a 25-minute walk, and to nearby towns.
However, they can be pretty unreliable, so you do have to have some patience and lenience. For me, taking the bus became part of the expereince, and you kind of have to learn to go with the relaxed Italian attitude when it comes to the timetable.
By Bike
Biking is my favourite way to travel around Sirmione. There are multiple bike rental shops around the town, and you can rent them for as long as you like. Whether that’s an afternoon or a few days, renting a bike allows you to explore the less touristy parts of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Where to Stay in Sirmione, Lake Garda
Sirmione is a beautiful place to stay in Lake Garda. With plenty of options to choose from, you’re sure to have a wonderful stay. Here are three of the top options for you to have a look at, from perfect budget accommodation to luxury stays right on the lake’s waters:
Grand Hotel Terme
Grand Hotel Terme in Sirmione is a luxurious 5-star hotel situated in a stunning location overlooking Lake Garda. The hotel features elegant rooms with free minibars, wellness facilities, private spa, which features direct access to the outdoor thermal pool.
The rooms offer beautiful views of the lake and are designed for comfort and luxury. The hotel’s restaurant, L’Orangerie, serves international and classic Italian cuisine with a focus on quality and taste. Guests can enjoy a full English buffet breakfast while taking in the picturesque surroundings. The Grand Hotel Terme is a perfect choice for travellers looking for a high-end and rejuvenating experience in Sirmione.
Hotel Casa Scaligeri
Hotel Casa Scaligeri is a charming and welcoming accommodation option located in the heart of Sirmione, overlooking the picturesque Lake Garda. This boutique hotel offers a cosy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. With its traditional Italian decor and personalized service, Hotel Casa Scaligeri provides a comfortable stay in a historic setting.
The rooms are decorated with a modern interior that inspires a calming atmosphere, and you can spend your evenings dining in one of the 2 hotel restaurants before taking a short walk into Sirmione for some drinks.
Luxury Suite Sirmione
Luxury Suite Sirmione is a charming option for those on a slightly tighter budget. It is in a great location, right on the main peninsula. The suites are made up of well-designed and modern flats with comfortable beds, cool bathrooms, and helpful staff.
The apartments are ideally situated in the city centre near the old castle, offering a large terrace with city views. The rooms are clean, well-appointed, and spacious, providing a comfortable stay for guests. The property also offers free WiFi, and if you’re driving to Sirmione, there is a private parking option available for an additional fee.
The Wrap-Up: Top Things to Do in Sirmione
Sirmione is a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Garda that offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation. From exploring the historic Scaliger Castle to relaxing in the thermal baths at Aquaria Spa, Sirmione has something for every traveller.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the charming streets of the old town, taste delicious gelato by the lake, and take a boat tour to admire the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Sirmione has it all.
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