Sooner or later, it’ll happen. If you travel to Lake Garda, someone will tell you to visit the historic city of Sirmione Italy. And, well, we couldn’t agree more. Yes, Sirmione, Italy, is that town. As in the village they visited in Call Me By Your Name, where there are Roman ruins and a castle set along clear turquoise waters.
There are many stunning historic villages to visit when you travel to Italy. But few have the combo of looks, history, geography, gorgeous water, and charm of Sirmione. As the founder of Salt & Wind Travel and someone who lived in Italy, I’ve spent years traveling in Northern Italy and crafting custom itineraries for our Italy travel clients.
When we started Salt & Wind Travel, I spent months in Lombardy and the Veneto researching for the small group trips we used to host there. I also have extended family who lives just east of Sirmione in nearby Bardolino. As such, I have spent my fair share of time in Sirmione, Italy.
I have firsthand experience shopping the boutiques, eating at the cafes, and seeing the sites. Oh, and since Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, we have sent many travel clients there and get their feedback too.
In this article, I highlight ten things to do in Sirmione, including spa time, shopping, and activities to enjoy outside of town. We’re also sharing a few of our favorite hotels if you plan to spend the night.
Why Visit Sirmione
It’s essential you know that this town is not unknown. It is arguably the most popular tourist destination within the province of Brescia. While we always try to introduce you to places that are a deeper cut, and we’re all about avoiding classic tourist mistakes and skipping the uber-crowded spots, sometimes the best-known places deserve their recognition. And that’s very much the case with Sirmione.
Naysayers will tell you there are touristy crowds in the summer months (and they’re right), but we don’t think that’s a reason to skip it. It just requires you to be strategic when you travel there!
10 Best Things To Do In Sirmione, Italy
This isn’t merely a quaint Italian town at the southern end of Lake Garda. It’s also historically and geographically significant, thanks to its location on the border of Lombardy and Veneto provinces and on a narrow, long peninsula that juts into the lake.
Over the centuries, Sirmione has attracted a diverse range of visitors, including intellectuals, nobles, and the poet Catullus, as well as the opera diva Maria Callas. These days, visitors flock to the old town, which, in our opinion, is one of Lake Garda’s prettiest historic villages.
Give yourself time to explore the historic town center and wander the narrow streets, where you can find everything from a meal to shopping and a glimpse of history. If you’re into the beach and wellness, you could spend all day at the lakeside trails and thermal baths. Or, if history and culture are a must for you, you can visit the Scaligero Castle, the Roman ruins, or even peek into the house where Maria Callas used to get some R&R. Here are more than eight things to do in Sirmione:
For Gorgeous Views: Sirmione’s Castle
The Scaliger Castle is a 14th-century fortress commissioned by the Della Scala family of Verona. It is surrounded by water that stands at attention on the southern tip of the historic city center. The castle is known for being one of the best-conserved castles in Italy, but we love it because a turquoise moat surrounds it, and you can climb the steep steps for an incredible panorama of Lake Garda.
Castello Scagliero di Sirmione, P.za Castello, 34, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
For Roman Ruins: The Grottoes Of Catullus
Speaking of “Call Me By Your Name,” this is where they filmed the scenes of the archaeological dig. The Roman ruins are situated at the end of the oh-so-skinny peninsula known as “Grotte di Catullo.” The Roman villa dates back to the 1st century B.C. and is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Northern Italy.
Grottoes of Catullus, Piazzale Orti Manara, 4, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
For History: Church of San Pietro In Mavino
From the Grotta di Catullo, you can walk to Sirmione’s oldest church, San Pietro in Mavino. The interior frescoes date back to the 12th century, while the bell tower is dated to 1070 AD.
Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino, Via S. Pietro in Mavino, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
For Relaxation: Thermal Baths “Terme di Sirmione”
One reason people have been drawn to this area since Roman times? The thermal baths! Sirmione has two main thermal baths—the Terme di Catullo in the town and the Terme di Virgilio in Colombare. If you have time, consider spending some time at a thermal spa or booking a massage.
Terme di Sirmione, Sirmione, Italy
For Relaxation: Aperitivo At Piazza Carducci
Hang around Salt & Wind long enough, and you probably start to notice that we love ourselves an excellent aperitivo cocktail. When you visit, the place to do an aperitivo is Caffe Grand Italia on the quaint Piazza Carducci. Full disclosure: We go here more for the people-watching and the piazza-side tables than for the drinks or food, but it’s a fun place to relax for a second.
For Exploration: Boat on The Lake
The ferry system on Lake Garda is extensive and provides regular service in the high season. Many of our clients hop on the ferry to explore the lake by boat. That would allow you to explore as far afield as the Isola del Garda, where you can visit the beautiful gardens known as the “Giardino dell’Isola del Garda.”
Lake Garda Ferry Schedule
For Exploration: Wine Tasting
There are some lesser-known but very much worth your time wine regions nearby. Within an hour, you could sip white wines of the Lugana DOC or even head north to the historic reds of Valpolicella. If you’re willing to make a full-day trip, you could even drive to Trento or Franciacorta to try premium sparkling wine. Of course, if you need help arranging that, we’re here to help!
For Exploration: Olive Oil Tasting
The Mediterranean climate of Lake Garda allows for the cultivation of produce that is more commonly found in temperate parts of Italy, such as wine grapes, olives, and lemons. We’re fans of the high-quality olive oil produced in this area, and there are several places where you can sample it or even take a tour. If you get in touch, we can assist you in arranging that.
For Exploration: Lakeside Cooking Class
A hands-on cooking class is one of our clients’ favorite things to do near Sirmione. We have developed relationships with a few local cooks who take great pride in the area’s classic foods. Whether it’s braised meat, the candy-shaped casonsei pasta, or the cornmeal cookie called Torta Sbrisolona, they can do semi-private or private experiences for you (and we can help you book it)!
For Exploration: Day Trips
Its location on the shores of Lake Garda means that you could make many a day trip, even beyond the lake. To the west, you could head to the under-appreciated town of Brescia or the walled city of Bergamo (we love the local boutiques there!) or head into storied Verona for an opera.
It’s worth taking a ferry or car to circumvent the lake and visit nearby towns like Saló, Bardolino, and Lazise. If you have kids in tow, you’ll want to see the beloved amusement park, Gardaland, and its aquarium.
Where To Eat In Sirmione
Many of our travel planning clients eat in the historic city center of Sirmione because there are varied options, such as the Michelin-starred La Rucola 2.0, the lakefront dining at Tancredi, or classic Italian food at Tavernetta Maria Callas.
If you’re staying longer than a few nights, we encourage you to head to nearby Desenzano del Garda, Salò, or San Felice del Benaco for a meal to see a different side of this area. Contact us if you want help deciding where to eat in Sirmione or to make restaurant reservations.
Where To Stay In Sirmione
For Super Classic Villa: Villa Cortine Palace Hotel
Sometimes you gotta go big and grand and over-the-top, we get it. In the case of Sirmione’s historic city center, that’s when you book a room at the 5-star luxury property, the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel. As the name suggests, this hotel was first a villa and then converted into a hotel in the 1950s.
Its location at the end of the Sirmione peninsula means it has gorgeous views of Lake Garda and direct access to the famous thermal waters and a private beach. We’re fans of it for the service, old-world charm, and the sprawling 12-acre property grounds, which are jaw-dropping.
Chic and Central Hotel: Hotel Eden
This 4-star hotel is the most accessible in the historic center of Sirmione because it’s just a few steps inside the walled city center. But that alone is not a reason to stay here! Its lakefront terrace, gorgeous views, easy beach access, and central location are very much so!
For Modern Vibes: Aqva Boutique Hotel
If small, chic, and boutique is your deal, you’ll want to check out this modern 18-room hotel. Its location just outside the historic city center means the Aqva Boutique Hotel is quieter than the other hotels. Add to it that they have a cute library, a private dock, a gorgeous pool, and free bikes for riding around, and, well, we’re fans!
How To Get To Sirmione
By Train
The nearest train stations are just under 10 miles away in Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda. From either train station, you can hop on a local bus or grab a taxi to get to the historic center of Sirmione.
By Ferry
If you’re staying on Lake Garda, the local ferry is likely the easiest way to get to Sirmione – especially if you only plan on staying for a few hours.
By Car
Suppose you’re arriving by car from the west or east (i.e., Milan, Verona, or Venice). In that case, you’ll want to hop on the A4/E70 highway and follow the signs for Sirmione Centro Storico (as in the historical part and not the modern town of Sirmione).
If you’re staying on Lake Garda and driving over, it’s easy to get to, though it could take a while if there is traffic or weather. There is a ton of parking just outside the historic city center, so try to drive as close as possible to the historic city center entrance before parking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sirmione Italy
Great question! Sirmione is pronounced, “Sear-me-oh-neh.”
We certainly think so! Many travelers visit small towns in Central Italy but don’t do so in Northern Italy, and we think it’s a shame. There is a mix of hill towns, some historical, and some lakeside (like Sirmione!) — that really help you get a feel for the area’s beauty and history.
Look, the historic core of Sirmione can get very busy during the high season (July and August) as tons of visitors pour in for day visits. Lake Garda is a playground for Italians and many Northern Europeans (especially Austrians, Swiss, Germans, and Dutch). That’s not to say that this historic town on Lake Garda isn’t worth a visit, but, like so many uber-popular spots these days, it can feel like Disneyland if you visit amid the high season.
If you want to visit during the high season, we recommend going very early or late in the day, as most visitors seem to visit between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Like many smaller towns in Northern Italy, many of the main attractions are open seasonally from Easter through October. We suggest you avoid the height of summer and visit in May, June, September, or October when crowds are gone, but the weather is still nice (ie, late Spring and early Fall as we do on our Salt & Wind Italy trips).
Most of our travel clients take day trips to Sirmione from Verona, other parts of Lake Garda, Franciacorta, or Milan. At a minimum, plan to spend a half day eating, shopping, and exploring. However, with everything from wine tasting and ruins nearby, it also makes for a great long weekend getaway.
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Beautiful Lakes In Italy To Visit Next
Since you’re already planning a visit to Lake Garda to see Sirmione, we highly recommend you read about the other nearby beautiful lakes in Italy that are worth visiting. From the lesser-known Lake Iseo with world-class sparkling wine and famed Lake Como to the under-the-radar Lake Orta, you could easily spend a few weeks simply exploring this part of the country.
Recipes Inspired By Italy
Not heading to Italy quite yet? Here are a few of our favorite classic Italian recipes to make at home to stoke your wanderlust:
Lombardy Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Sirmione, Italy, and the Lombardy region in real life? Check out our complimentary Lombardy Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles.
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