Sirmione Travel Guide – Best Things to Do in Sirmione, Lake Garda

Sirmione, located in the south of Lake Garda, is one of those places that you must not miss if traveling to Italy. The main reasons why it’s worth a visit? It has a picturesque old town, a rich gastronomic offer (with endless gelato!) and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. 

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I had the pleasure of visiting Sirmione for the first time in 2020, when my partner Nicola, who was born and raised right there, showed me the beauty of this gem overlooking Lake Garda. 

In the beginning, every time we saw each other, Sirmione was an unmissable stop. Since then we’ve shared many memories in Sirmione, which has a special place in my heart.

Where to stay in Sirmione

I recommend you stay in the old town of Sirmione at the tip of the peninsula. Here, you will easily walk around while enjoying the cobbled streets and pastel-colored buildings. 

Best things to do in Sirmione, Garda Lake

Sirmione, on the southern shore of Lake Garda is rich in history and priceless artistic beauty. 

In the course of my visits, I have collected a few unmissable things to do that I want to recommend to you…I am sure you will have an unforgettable stay!

P.S. If you’re based in Verona and have limited time to discover Garda Lake, I recommend you book this tour of Sirmione and Grotte di Catullo from Verona for the best experience. It will take you to Punta San Virgilio, Baia delle Sirene beach, you’ll enjoy lunch in the village of Bardolino, visit Lake Garda castles and villas and even embark on a mini boat tour! 

Book your day tour of Sirmione and Grotte di Catullo from Verona

Related: Best day trips from Verona

Sail on Garda Lake

One of the best ways to experience Sirmione is to take a sunset boat trip around the Sirmione peninsula showing you the beauty of the area.

During the boat tour you will you will sail past the villa where Maria Callas used to live and can observe the source of Catullus thermal water.

On the surface of the water, in the middle of the lake, you will see bubbles. It is right down there, at a depth of 20 meters and a temperature of 156.2°F (69°C) that the thermal water originates.

Sirmione Sunset Boat Tour (45min)
Lake Garda Mini Cruise (25min)
Lake Garda Afternoon Cruise (4h)

Stroll through the colorful Sirmione old town 

Every time I go to Sirmione, I discover a glimpse of beauty that I had never noticed the previous time: a characteristic narrow street, a house full of magic and charm, or a flower that has just bloomed and is brightly coloured. Strolling through the village streets is a must!

Relax in style at Terme di Sirmione 

Chill in style at Terme di Catullo (Terme di Sirmione), ancient Roman bathing complex in Sirmione downtown. You can enjoy the lake view infinity pool, thermal water pools or saunas and steam baths. To add an extra touch to your visit, treat yourself to a massage. My favorite activity: sipping drinks in the pools with a sunset view.

Discover the Roman era at the Grotte di Catullo

Grotte di Catullo are an archaeological site believed to be the remains of a grand Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC. They are located at the tip of the peninsula and the view from the ruins is extraordinary. Discover all the secrets of the place this incredible Grotte di Catullo Archeological Tour. 

Book your Grotte di Catullo Archeological Tour

Sirmione Scaligero Castle 

Perched majestically at the entrance of Sirmione, the Scaligero Castle, named after the Scaliger Family dates back to the 13th century.

Today the castle hosts historical artifacts and exhibitions that offer a glimpse into Sirmione’s storied past, from medieval weaponry to archaeological finds. Book this tour of Scaligero Castle to get a better understanding for its history and who the Scaglier family was.

Book your tour of Scaligero Castle

Unwind at Jamaica Beach

Looking for a slice of paradise on Garda Lake? Look no further than Jamaica Beach! 

Nestled along the sparkling shores of Italy’s largest lake, this beach hotspot offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, making it a must-visit destination for the young and young at heart.

But it’s not just about soaking up the sun and working on your tan – Jamaica Beach is also a hub of social activity, attracting a vibrant crowd. With music, beachside bars serving up refreshing drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s infectious, it’s the ultimate hangout spot. 

Pose like a diva under the bougainvillea

If you come to Sirmione between June and September, you cannot miss the breathtaking beauty of the bougainvillea blooming on the building between Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Piana. It is purple and magnificent. Its flowers are such an intense color that if you don’t take a selfie right there, no one will believe your words!

Have an aperitif at the Enoteca delle Antiche Mura

Aperitivo is one of my fav activities at Lake Garda! And Enoteca delle Antiche Mura does it exquisitely. 

My personal suggestion? Instead of taking the classic Aperol Spritz, try Campari Spritz. The cocktail consists of Prosecco, Bitter Campari and soda. A more bitter variant of the classic Aperol Spritz but well worth trying! Enjoy it with an excellent charcuterie board or bruschetta.

Grab some gelato

Italy, as you know, is famous for its ice cream, and Sirmione confirms this. 

But beware, many tourist ice cream parlors sell ice cream at exorbitant prices. I wouldn’t want for you to fall into tourist traps so here are my recommendations for the best gelato at the best price! 

Cremeria Bullian offers excellent homemade ice cream, both classic and unusual flavors, top quality ingredients. The price is a little higher than average, but the quantity and quality pay off.

Gelateria Mancini dal 1933 is a family-run artisan ice cream parlor offering quality ingredients at good prices

Do some local shopping at Amadeus

Amadeus is a shop where no detail is left to chance. You’ll notice it immediately by the magnificent colorful bars of soap on display outside. For me Amadeus is an unmissable stop and I often buy fragrances and cosmetics to spoil my loved ones or why not, myself! 

Kiss whoever you want, but do it in style! 

Did you know that in Sirmione there is a viewpoint where kissing is a must? Oh yes! There is even a sign encouraging you to do so! So why not? Viva l’amore! 

The spot is just behind Santa Maria Maggiore Church, next to Del Prete beach, two minutes walking distance from Scaligero Castle.  

Have fun at Gardaland

Dive into excitement and grab a ticket to Gardaland, Italy’s premier amusement park. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for a day filled with fun, Gardaland offers an array of adrenaline-pumping rides, captivating shows, and immersive attractions suitable for all ages.

Would you like to combine Gardaland and SEA LIFE? Then book this experience!

Book your adventure:
Gardaland Entry Ticket
Gardaland and Sea Life ticket
Sea Life Aquarium Ticket

Where to eat in Sirmione 

In Sirmione it is unusual to eat bad food. The quality of the ingredients is excellent, the wine is delicious and the locations are tastefully fancy. 

Ristorante Risorgimento – SIMPLICITY OF EXCELLENCE 

A mix between traditional mediterranean and innovative cuisine. The finest raw materials guarantee exceptional quality and flavor. In the cellar there are more than 600 wine labels.

Ristorante La Rucola 2.0 – GREAT QUALITY

A modern ambiance with wood accents. Led by Chef Gionata Bignotti, the Michelin-starred restaurant serves a menu combining tradition with innovation, specializing in seafood.

Al Torcol – AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine with sardines, burrata, spaghetti carbonara and then tasty tiramisu, panna cotta and semifreddo. Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere.

Capricci di gola – THE CHARM OF THE BOTTEGA

If you want to eat something affordable and quick, you should definitely visit the Capricci di Gola shop. Their paninis are delicious!

Getting to Sirmione  

Sirmione, in Lombardy’s Brescia province, sits by Lake Garda’s southern shores near Mantua and Verona and it’s accessible by multiple means of transportation.

By plane: 

Fly to Verona Airport (VRN), which is approximately 15 miles away (30 minutes) by car or taxi to Sirmione. Alternatively, from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the distance is around 106 miles (2 hours). From Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), it’s approximately 46 miles (1 hour) or from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) it’s 94 miles (1h45min).

Then, from each of these airports, take a shuttle, taxi public transport to Sirmione. If you land at Verona Airport I recommend you book this private transfer on a comfortable Mercedes Minibus. 

By Car: You can reach Sirmione by car via the A4 Turin-Trieste motorway, taking the Sirmione exit, or by using the SR 11 ring road and exiting at Sirmione. 

Beware of no-traffic zone (in italian: ZTL=Zone a Traffico Limitato); useful Sirmione parking info is available here. 

By Train: There is no train station in Sirmione; the closest ones are in Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda along Milan-Venice line. Upon arrival at Desenzano del Garda, you can catch a local bus or taxi to Sirmione, which is just a short ride away.

By Ferry: During the warmer months, ferries operate from various ports around Lake Garda. You can take a ferry from nearby towns such as Desenzano del Garda or Salò. Check the ferry schedules; they may vary depending on the season. 

Getting around Sirmione 

Sirmione is compact and pedestrian-friendly. The best way to get around is on foot, by bike or by boat. For longer distances you can rely on taxi service. 

Walking Tours: by booking the Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione – Walking Tour you will discover Sirmione’s famous attractions like Grotte di Catullo, the Church of San Pietro in Mavino and the Scaligero Castle. 

Bicycle Rental: book this Wine and Bike Private Tour and discover Lake Garda gastronomy on a bicycle.

Boat Tours: enjoy one of the best of Garda Lake on this Sunset Tour while sipping Prosecco. 

Best time to visit Sirmione

The best time to visit Sirmione is during the shoulder seasons of May and September, offering very pleasant temperatures. Avoid the peak tourist season, particularly in August when many Italians take their vacations, resulting in crowded streets and attractions.

Is Sirmione worth visiting?

Sirmione is absolutely worth visiting for the blend of history, culture, natural beauty. Not to mention the amazing food and wine!