Sirmione on Lake Garda: 5 Amazing Things to See and Do

by letygoeson24, Sep, 2020Italy, Lombardy

Here are the 5 best things to do in Sirmione, on Lake Garda, to fully enjoy this spectacular and magical destination.

From the castle to the ancient caves, explore this charming town filled with history, natural beauty, and breathtaking views. Stroll through its picturesque streets, relax by its enchanting shores, and immerse yourself in the thermal waters that have made it famous since Roman times.

Weekend Adventure on Lake Garda: A Journey Through Sirmione and Its Hidden Gems

As the weekend kicks off, I find myself immediately immersed in the stunning beauty of Lake Garda. My first stop is the enchanting Parco Giardino Sigurtà a magical place I had always dreamed of visiting. I spend the morning exploring on foot, cruising around in a golf cart, and enjoying a delightful picnic in this meticulously maintained paradise.

Next, I head to the Sirmione Peninsula, a true jewel of Lake Garda. Even though I’ve visited before, my previous trip was during winter, and the colors weren’t nearly as vivid! Lake Garda, the largest in Italy and famous internationally, stretches across the provinces of Verona, Brescia, and Trento. Its shores are dotted with charming villages that make the landscape truly unique and magical.

Sirmione itself juts into the lake like a narrow strip of land, making it one of Lombardy’s most photographed and beloved gems. I eagerly drop off my car and luggage, eager to wander through the quaint streets leading to the tip of the peninsula.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

Scaligeri Castle of Sirmione

The most striking landmark is undoubtedly its defensive fortress, the Scaligeri Castle. It boasts a quintessentially Italian design that would seem out of place in Scotland or France.
The fortress also serves as the main gateway to the village, making it one of the most impressive entrances to any town on Lake Garda—or in Italy.

The Legend of Scaligeri Castle

Like any respectable castle, the Scaligeri Fortress has its own ghost that roams the halls on stormy nights. Here’s the tale:

Ebengardo, the castle’s Lord, lived peacefully there with his wife Arice. One stormy night, they offered shelter to a knight named Elaberto, the Marquis of Feltrino. Infatuated with Arice, the guest became obsessed and crept into her room to force himself upon her. Her cries woke Ebengardo, who rushed to her aid, only to find her already slain by Elaberto’s dagger.
A fierce struggle followed, ending with Elaberto fatally stabbed by his own weapon. Stricken by grief and guilt, Ebengardo was doomed to wander the castle as a ghost, eternally separated from his beloved Arice.

Opening Hours:

Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:15 AM to 1:45 PM
Thursday: 1:45 PM to 7:15 PM
Friday & Saturday: 8:15 AM to 7:15 PM
Closed on Monday

The Village Streets

Crossing the castle gate unveils a picturesque village that lives up to its glowing descriptions. In summer, Sirmione is bustling with visitors from all over the world.

Lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets and marvel at historical monuments and artistic treasures scattered throughout the village. Small, charming restaurants with neatly set tables line the streets, and windows bloom with vibrant flowers. Stone houses and well-kept lanes provide delightful views of the lake glistening in the warm sunlight. And yes, there are countless gelato shops.

Our hotel concierge even joked about the sheer number of Gelaterie, claiming there’s one for every seven residents!

Where to Park in Sirmione

The village is mostly pedestrian-only, except for rare exceptions. Several parking lots are located outside the castle. To avoid parking hassles during high season, I recommend staying at a hotel with an affiliated parking service.

My hotel in the heart of the village offered complimentary access to Grifo Park, just outside the walls. From there, a convenient shuttle train whisked us directly to the hotel in just five minutes.

Le Grotte di Catullo

Beyond the beautiful castle, you can explore the fascinating archaeological site of the Grotte di Catullo (Catullo’s caves) and ancient thermal baths. Entry costs €8 per person.

The name is misleading—these aren’t caves, nor do they belong to the Roman poet Catullus. In reality, they are the ruins of one of the most grandiose Roman villas in Northern Italy. The three-story structure once stood at the peninsula’s edge, offering breathtaking views of the lake and snow-capped Alps.

Though Catullus didn’t own these remains, he did have a country villa nearby and wrote numerous poems celebrating Sirmione’s beauty.

A fun fact: Maria Callas loved the site so much she built her villa nearby.

Sirmione Thermal Baths

Sirmione is a year-round destination, thanks to attractions beyond its historical and artistic appeal. These include its cozy beach, Lido delle Bionde, and the renowned thermal baths. The lake’s temperature is perfect in summer and cooler in autumn, but the thermal baths remain open all year.

The Catullo and Vigilio Thermal Centers offer top-notch balneotherapy and thermal treatments. While it’s challenging to secure a spot during summer, autumn provides a serene, rejuvenating retreat amid a sprawling park.

Sunset Private Boat Tour

A boat ride around the peninsula is the cherry on top of your visit. This fantastic experience offers unique and spectacular views of the village and surrounding landscapes.

Just outside the Scaligero Castle, you’ll find several boating companies offering various tour options, for example Sirmione Boats —from group excursions to private rentals with a personal captain.

You can also opt for a self-driven rental with no boating license required, giving you total freedom to explore.