Sirmione
|
Latest page update: 1 November 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where is
Where is Sirmione?
|
The picturesque town of Sirmione is located on the southern shore of Lake Garda in Italy's Lombardy region, specifically in the province of Brescia.
With a population of around 8,000 residents, Sirmione is famous for its stunning Scaligero Castle, ancient Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, and thermal baths. |
|
Comune di Sirmione
|
Province: Brescia
Region: Lombardy Population: 8,312 Size: 33 km² Elevation: 68 metres Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024-2025 Travel facilities: trains, ferries and buses Fly to: Verona Airport - 30 minutes by car (31 km) Closest train station: Desenzano del Garda (23 minutes by bus) |
What People Ask About Sirmione, Lombardy
Is Sirmione worth visiting?
How do I get to Sirmione?
What are the main attractions in Sirmione?
When is the best time to visit Sirmione?
How long should I stay in Sirmione?
Related links
Discover
Discover Sirmione
Sirmione, a picturesque town on Lake Garda, is renowned for its stunning scenery and rich history. The highlight is the Scaliger Castle, a beautifully preserved fortress offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Strolling along the charming cobblestone streets, visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Villa of the Mosaics, which showcases intricate mosaics and provides insights into the area's Roman past.
The town is also famous for its thermal springs, particularly at the Aquaria Thermal Spa, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. Nearby, the Grotte di Catullo, the remnants of a Roman villa perched on a cliff, offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's historical significance. Just a short boat ride away, the beautiful peninsula of Punta San Vigilio and the charming village of Garda provide additional opportunities for exploration. Sirmione’s enchanting blend of history and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination on Lake Garda.
The town is also famous for its thermal springs, particularly at the Aquaria Thermal Spa, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. Nearby, the Grotte di Catullo, the remnants of a Roman villa perched on a cliff, offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's historical significance. Just a short boat ride away, the beautiful peninsula of Punta San Vigilio and the charming village of Garda provide additional opportunities for exploration. Sirmione’s enchanting blend of history and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination on Lake Garda.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Sirmione
Sirmione has a strong selection of established hotels, many of them overlooking Lake Garda or positioned close to the historic centre. Most offer comfortable facilities, lakefront access or spa services, providing an appealing base for exploring the peninsula and its landmarks, including the castle and thermal areas.
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is one of the standout options, set in grand parkland near the historic centre and appreciated for its elegant interiors, lakeside setting and consistently high guest feedback (€€€). Grand Hotel Terme offers a refined stay by the water with wellness facilities, thermal treatments and an excellent location close to the castle (€€€). Hotel Eden provides a more intimate lakefront option near the centre, noted for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and panoramic terrace over the water (€€).
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is one of the standout options, set in grand parkland near the historic centre and appreciated for its elegant interiors, lakeside setting and consistently high guest feedback (€€€). Grand Hotel Terme offers a refined stay by the water with wellness facilities, thermal treatments and an excellent location close to the castle (€€€). Hotel Eden provides a more intimate lakefront option near the centre, noted for its welcoming atmosphere, comfortable rooms and panoramic terrace over the water (€€).
Photo Gallery
Sirmione Photo Gallery
Things to Do
Things to Do in Sirmione
- Scaliger Castle is Sirmione’s most recognisable landmark, a medieval fortress rising directly from the lake with towers, battlements, and a dramatic harbour entrance. Visitors can walk the ramparts, explore the courtyards, and admire wide-ranging views over Lake Garda and the peninsula below.
- Grotte di Catullo is a large archaeological complex at the tip of Sirmione, home to the remains of an ancient Roman villa. Paths lead through crumbling walls, terraces, and colonnades, offering insight into Roman architecture alongside sweeping views of the lake and distant mountains.
- Jamaica Beach is known for its smooth rock terraces, shallow turquoise waters, and relaxed, scenic setting. Accessible on foot from the Roman ruins, it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and spending time by the water in a natural environment.
- Sirmione Old Town features narrow cobbled streets filled with boutiques, gelaterias, cafés, and historic buildings. Wandering through the centre offers an atmospheric experience, with lively squares and small harbour views around every corner.
- Guided boat tours and walking excursions explore Sirmione’s coastline, Roman ruins, and historic streets. Local guides share stories about the town’s past, architecture, and traditions. Tours often include swimming stops and tastings of regional food and wine, offering a well-rounded cultural and natural experience.
Tours and Activities
Sirmione Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Sirmione
Dining in Sirmione is shaped by its lakeside setting, with restaurants offering views across Lake Garda and menus based on fresh local produce. Trattorias, wine bars, and pizzerias are concentrated around the historic centre and waterfront, where outdoor terraces are popular in the warmer months. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of traditional and modern Italian cooking. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Local cuisine features dishes such as bigoli con le sarde del Garda (thick pasta with lake sardines), lavarello alla griglia (grilled whitefish), and risotto al Lugana (risotto cooked with local white wine). Starters often include antipasti di lago, while desserts highlight regional classics such as sbrisolona (crumbly almond cake). Local wines such as Lugana, Bardolino Chiaretto, and Garda Classico Rosso are commonly served, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto di lago (€12–€16), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), lavarello alla griglia (€22–€32), and sbrisolona (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Local cuisine features dishes such as bigoli con le sarde del Garda (thick pasta with lake sardines), lavarello alla griglia (grilled whitefish), and risotto al Lugana (risotto cooked with local white wine). Starters often include antipasti di lago, while desserts highlight regional classics such as sbrisolona (crumbly almond cake). Local wines such as Lugana, Bardolino Chiaretto, and Garda Classico Rosso are commonly served, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto di lago (€12–€16), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), lavarello alla griglia (€22–€32), and sbrisolona (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Day Trips from [Place Name]
Day Trips from Sirmione
From Sirmione, there are plenty of rewarding day trips around Lake Garda. To the west, Desenzano del Garda offers a lively harbour and lakefront cafés, while eastwards Peschiera del Garda combines scenic canals with access to family attractions nearby. Travelling north along the shore brings you to Bardolino and Garda, where markets, walks, and lake cruises showcase the character of the eastern towns.
Beyond the lake, the city of Verona is less than an hour’s drive away, known for its Roman arena and elegant piazzas. The inland hills of the Valtenesi region are dotted with vineyards offering tours and tastings, while the Monte Baldo area provides opportunities for hiking and mountain views reached by cable car from the lakeside town of Malcesine.
Beyond the lake, the city of Verona is less than an hour’s drive away, known for its Roman arena and elegant piazzas. The inland hills of the Valtenesi region are dotted with vineyards offering tours and tastings, while the Monte Baldo area provides opportunities for hiking and mountain views reached by cable car from the lakeside town of Malcesine.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Sirmione
By Rail: Sirmione does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Desenzano del Garda (about 10 kilometres away) on the Milan–Venice main line operated by Trenitalia and Italo. Trains from Desenzano del Garda reach Verona Porta Nuova in about 20 minutes, Milan in roughly 1 hour, and Venice in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Desenzano, Sirmione can be reached by taxi or by bus along the SP572, with a journey time of around 20 minutes.
By Road: Sirmione lies on a peninsula extending into the southern shore of Lake Garda, about 40 kilometres west of Verona. The drive from Verona takes around 45 minutes via the A4 motorway and SP11. From Brescia, it is roughly 35 kilometres, taking about 40 minutes via the A4. From Milan, the distance is around 125 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the same route. Public car parks are located near the historic centre and at several points along the approach road to the old town, which is pedestrian-only.
By Bus: Sirmione is served by Arriva Brescia bus routes connecting the southern and western sides of Lake Garda. Regular services operate between Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Verona Porta Nuova, with journey times from Desenzano of about 25 minutes and from Verona of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. During the summer months, additional routes provide access to nearby resorts such as Bardolino and Garda. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova and continue by bus towards Sirmione.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Sirmione is one of the main ferry ports on Lake Garda, with regular passenger services to Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, Garda, and Riva del Garda. Services operate all year, with more frequent departures in summer. Crossing times vary between 15 minutes and around 3 hours depending on the destination and ferry type.
By Road: Sirmione lies on a peninsula extending into the southern shore of Lake Garda, about 40 kilometres west of Verona. The drive from Verona takes around 45 minutes via the A4 motorway and SP11. From Brescia, it is roughly 35 kilometres, taking about 40 minutes via the A4. From Milan, the distance is around 125 kilometres, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the same route. Public car parks are located near the historic centre and at several points along the approach road to the old town, which is pedestrian-only.
By Bus: Sirmione is served by Arriva Brescia bus routes connecting the southern and western sides of Lake Garda. Regular services operate between Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, and Verona Porta Nuova, with journey times from Desenzano of about 25 minutes and from Verona of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. During the summer months, additional routes provide access to nearby resorts such as Bardolino and Garda. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova and continue by bus towards Sirmione.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Located about 35 kilometres east of Sirmione, taking around 40 minutes by car via the A4 motorway. It is the closest airport, with a range of domestic and European services.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: Roughly 90 kilometres west, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A4 motorway. It mainly serves low-cost and European destinations.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 120 kilometres southwest, reached in about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A4 motorway, offering extensive international connections.
Ferry Connections:
Sirmione is one of the main ferry ports on Lake Garda, with regular passenger services to Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera del Garda, Bardolino, Garda, and Riva del Garda. Services operate all year, with more frequent departures in summer. Crossing times vary between 15 minutes and around 3 hours depending on the destination and ferry type.
Private Transfers
Sirmione Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and stress-free way to travel to or from Sirmione, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s a convenient choice for visitors staying on the peninsula, especially given the narrow roads, traffic restrictions, and limited parking close to the historic centre.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all of which operate regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Sirmione with nearby destinations such as Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, and Verona, allowing you to travel at your own pace around Lake Garda and beyond.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all of which operate regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Sirmione with nearby destinations such as Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda, and Verona, allowing you to travel at your own pace around Lake Garda and beyond.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
