7 Wonderful Activities in Sirmione, the Jewel of Lake Garda – Our Escape Clause

Nestled on a slender peninsula at the southern tip of Lake Garda, the charming resort town of Sirmione is primarily celebrated for its stunning lakeside castle. However, there are many exciting activities to enjoy while visiting Sirmione!

With its compact size, delightful walkability, and historic center flanked by breathtaking lake views, Sirmione’s popularity is well-founded.

For years, Sirmione was on our “must-visit” list in Italy, and when we finally had the opportunity to go, we were thrilled with our visit, even if some aspects differed from our expectations.

If you’re planning a trip to Sirmione, here’s everything you should know before you set out!

The Best Things to Do in Sirmione, Italy

Explore the captivating Castello Scaligero di Sirmione.

Who needs a traditional moat when you have the vast expanse of Lake Garda for protection?

The Castello Scaligero di Sirmione (commonly known as Sirmione Castle) is an unmissable sight. It’s one of the first sights you encounter as you cross the charming drawbridge into the historic core of Sirmione!

Positioned right next to the lake, Sirmione Castle was constructed in the 14th century by the prominent Della Scala family of Verona.

Today, the castle is famed for its remarkable design—part of the lake is enclosed within its walls—and its breathtaking vistas.

You can walk along the castle walls during your visit, which provide superb views of the Sirmione Peninsula and are arguably the best vantage point in town.

A visit to the castle is an essential experience in Sirmione!

Take a boat tour to view Sirmione from the water.

Affordable boat tours around the Sirmione Peninsula operate continuously, making it one of the most enjoyable experiences in Sirmione.

With minimal time required, you’ll have the chance to admire the highlights of Sirmione from the lake while soaking in the gorgeous scenery of Lake Garda itself.

If you’re visiting Sirmione during a particularly busy period or have a tight schedule, consider booking your boat tour ahead of time.

If your schedule allows for flexibility, you can simply walk up and inquire about the next available boat (we only waited about two hours for ours).

For a more luxurious experience, consider this private sunset cruise for a memorable outing!

Book your boat tour of Sirmione today!

Wander through the Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione’s Roman Ruins.

For a unique trip back in time, head to the tip of the peninsula and discover the Grotte di Catullo (or “Grottoes of Catullus”).

Interestingly, this site was neither a grotto nor linked to the poet Catullus; however, the ruins offer a memorable stop in Sirmione.

Originally an aristocratic villa, the building’s purpose changed over time, eventually serving defensive roles and now serving as a tourist attraction!

The location was chosen for its stunning views, reflecting the taste of the original wealthy owner.

Importantly, the Grotte di Catullo tends to be less crowded than Sirmione’s historic center, as it requires a bit of walking to reach (around 20-25 minutes from the castle, depending on how often you pause along the way).

We visited just before closing time at sunset and found the place nearly empty!

Unwind at the beach.

Sirmione boasts numerous beaches and lidos (Italian beach clubs, a hallmark of Italian summertime wherever there’s water to enjoy), guaranteeing that you’re just a short walk from a place to dip your toes into the water no matter where you are on the peninsula.

Among them, Jamaica Beach, located at the edge of the peninsula, offers exceptional views over Lake Garda and is definitely worth a visit.

Spiaggia Lido del Bionde is popular as well, while the more intimate Spiaggia del Prete, situated on the east side of town, provides a more laid-back experience.

Ultimately, Sirmione’s compact size means you can’t go wrong with any beach choice, as they are all within walking distance of one another!

Stroll along the picturesque promenade.

If you’re eager to take in stunning views of Lake Garda without committing to a beach or a boat tour, then a leisurely walk along Sirmione’s promenade may be just the right fit for you!

The promenade offers fantastic views throughout the day, and it’s just as delightful in the evening with a refreshing breeze after dinner.

Visit the Church of San Pietro in Mavino.

This tranquil church, dated back to the 8th century and featuring frescoes from as early as the 14th century, offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Sirmione’s historic center.

Situated in the northern part of the peninsula, not far from Grotte di Catullo, Sirmione’s oldest church is a quick and worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the area.

Experience Sirmione’s thermal springs.

Sirmione is renowned for its spas and particularly its thermal springs!

In the historic heart of the town, the Terme di Catullo and Aquaria Thermal Spa stand out as some of the most famous spas in the area.

Additionally, several hotels in the region, including Hotel Sirmione, offer on-site thermal spas for guests to enjoy.

Wander through the historic center of Sirmione.

The historic center of Sirmione is compact yet charming, featuring narrow streets filled with restaurants, shops, cafes, minor sights like the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and picturesque views along the lake at the edge of Piazza Porto Valentino.

The heart of the historic area—and its largest crowds—can be found just beyond the Castello Scaligero.

As you venture north, the historic core fades away and transforms into a (slightly) broader section of the peninsula with more dispersed hotels, beaches, and attractions.

The crowds dissipate along with the buildings, so if you find the historic center overwhelming, relief is only a short walk away!

Where to Stay in Sirmione

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Hotel Meridiana in Sirmione!

The accommodation was delightful, the rooftop terrace offered breathtaking views, the service was exceptional, and the breakfast featured a wonderful array of homemade cakes, perfect for indulging while on vacation in Italy.

Hotel Meridiana also provides on-site parking, which was very convenient during our road trip, especially given the parking challenges noted in other sections of this post.

Other highly-rated accommodations include Hotel Sirmione, which features an on-site thermal spa, and Hotel Casa Scaligeri, known for its modern, recently renovated rooms located in the heart of Sirmione.

All the hotels mentioned here receive outstanding reviews and are conveniently located within walking distance of the best attractions in Sirmione.

Check rates & book your stay in Sirmione today!

Can You Take a Day Trip to Sirmione?

Absolutely, you can take a day trip to Sirmione!

Verona is the nearest major Italian city to Sirmione, and you can reach it in under an hour by car.

Moreover, many cities in northern Italy, such as Milan, Venice, Parma, Padua, Ferrara, Bologna, Brescia, and Bergamo, are close enough to Sirmione for a feasible day trip—especially if you travel by car and carefully plan your day (ideally leaving early in the morning).

Renting a car for the day allows for additional sightseeing opportunities along the way, including potentially enjoying beautiful views of Lake Garda, depending on your route.

While Sirmione can be accessed via a combination of train and bus (details below), there is no train station located directly in Sirmione itself.

Though a day trip from many locations using public transport is entirely manageable, it’s not the easiest option available.

Alternatively, guided tours are popular for visiting Sirmione from Verona and Milan.

This well-reviewed day trip from Verona includes a boat cruise and scenic stops along Lake Garda, while this day trip from Milan covers a visit to Verona along with a boat cruise and a stop in Sirmione.

Book your day trip to Sirmione today!

How Long Should You Stay in Sirmione?

You can easily explore the main attractions in Sirmione in a day to a day and a half, depending on how much time you wish to spend at the beaches or in the thermal spas.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace that includes ample time for the beaches, thermal spas, and perhaps a day trip to other destinations on Lake Garda (like the stunning Isola del Garda), you could fill 2-3 days enjoying everything Sirmione has to offer.

Getting Around Sirmione + Lake Garda

Sirmione is highly walkable. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a few days like we did, it’s best to park your car upon arrival and leave it until you depart.

(If you’re not at a hotel with parking, we suggest checking the official Sirmione parking page prior to your visit—more on that below).

When it comes to navigating Lake Garda itself, you have several options.

You can drive, take a bus, head to a larger ferry terminal or train station (note that there’s no train station in Sirmione; nearby Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda are your closest options), or take the ferry.

If you’re keen on visiting more of the picturesque towns around Lake Garda like Limone sul Garda, Garda, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda, the ferry is undoubtedly the most scenic option. However, driving often proves to be quicker, as many ferry routes connect through towns like Desenzano del Garda.

Tips for Visiting Sirmione

Embrace the resort-town atmosphere in Sirmione.

Sirmione is an exquisite destination, conveniently located near Milan and Verona, surrounded by a stunning landscape and featuring a historic castle right on the water.

Given this, it’s no wonder it attracts so many visitors!

While we enjoyed our trip to Sirmione, there’s no denying it occasionally feels more like a resort with an Italian town backdrop than an authentic, functioning town—especially in the bustling historic center.

This vibe is reminiscent of spots like Bellagio and Positano, both other beautiful Italian waterfront towns that, while deservedly popular, can feel entirely enveloped by their tourism industries.

Beware of overly touristy gelato.

This advice somewhat aligns with the one above, but after visiting over a hundred Italian cities and towns, I must say we’ve never encountered such excessively large, touristy portions of gelato as we did in Sirmione—at quite a price!

As a general rule, for authentic and delectable gelato, seek those served from metal tubs (avoid the ones heaped high) and opt for muted colors (pistachio should be more brownish than bright green).

If you simply want a cold treat from the nearest shop, go ahead! But if you’re a food enthusiast in search of traditional Italian gelato, proceed with caution in Sirmione.

To avoid the heaviest crowds, consider an overnight stay!

Like many sought-after day trip destinations, Sirmione becomes quite congested with day-trippers during peak season.

If you want a more relaxed experience in the town, simply opting for an overnight stay can do wonders!

Once the daytime tourists depart for their base cities, Sirmione reveals a quieter side worth enjoying.

During our visit, we took advantage of the serene evenings and found many benefits, including nearly having Grotte di Catullo all to ourselves at sunset.

Another option is visiting Sirmione in winter, especially if you’re not keen on swimming in Lake Garda. This way, you can relish the thermal spas and the tranquility, although keep in mind that some hotels and restaurants may close for the season.

Prepare for limited access to the historic center (and plan parking ahead).

Unless you’re staying at a hotel on the peninsula that provides parking (Hotel Meridiana is one such option, although driving through Sirmione’s historic center isn’t the most enjoyable experience), you’ll need to park before crossing the drawbridge at Castello Scaligero that signifies the entrance to the historic area.

There are multiple parking lots near the area designed for visitor use, starting just beyond the drawbridge and extending further from the historic center as you go.

We advise checking the official Sirmione parking page for the latest details and arriving equipped to be adaptable and prepared for some walking as your adventure begins.

If you’re driving to Sirmione for a day trip, aim to arrive as early as possible!

This ties in with the advice above, but if you’re making an independent day trip to Sirmione, arriving early can significantly enhance your visit!

With competitive parking and hordes of tourists arriving each morning, an early start is a notable advantage.

Sirmione Castle typically opens at 8:30 AM each day (closed on Mondays).

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