Sirmione holidays

Popular holidays

Thermal springs, heaps of history and an Old Town brimming with bars and restaurants – holidays to Sirmione have the lot.

A standout setting

Set on a slim strip of land sticking out of the lake's southern shore, Sirmione’s full of age-old buildings and bustling shopping streets. The perfect place to fill up on local flavours and find a souvenir or two. Lake views are never far away wherever you are, but to see the best of a bunch head down the stony slope to Lido delle Grotte at the end of the peninsula. With water that’s a Caribbean-worthy shade of turquoise, it’s sure to have you opening your camera app in seconds.

Soothing springs

Wellness in Sirmione goes way back to Roman times. Fast-forward to now, and the Aquaria Thermal Spa is your go-to spot to make the most of the natural hot springs. There’s a line-up off lakeside hot tubs and an infinity pool where you can add some knockout scenery to your soak. And to really level up your holiday zen, you’ve got all the saunas, steam rooms and beauty treatments you could want. Or for a swim with natural surroundings instead, take a dip in the lake itself. You can even see warm water from the underground springs bubbling to the surface in some of the bathing spots.

Historical hot spot

There’s a whole heap of history on show here starting with the Medieval castle that still guards the entrance to the Old Town. Built by the Scaligeri family in the 13^th century, it looks just as it did back then, with its turrets and tall central keep. Head onto the battlements for a 360° photo opp of the terracotta rooftops and the lake beyond. Then back down on street level, follow winding alleys towards the tree-covered tip of the peninsula. Tucked among the greenery is another one the area’s historical highlights, the Grotte di Cattulo – a huge Roman villa that dates back over 2,000 years.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Sirmione:

• Lakeside promenade
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Local ferries
• Castle
• Roman ruins
• Thermal spa
• Markets

Popular hotels in Sirmione

Top things to see and do in Sirmione

Beaches

Jamaica Beach

Sirmione has been famous for centuries for its thermal waters, with natural springs bubbling below the lake's surface. Jamaica Beach is the closest beach to the thermal spring. If the lake is still, you might even be able to spot the bubbles.

Lido delle Bionde

To the east of the peninsula is Lido delle Bionde, or Blonde Beach. Its name refers to the white rock that appears as the water level falls during the summer months. You can rent sun loungers and parasols for the day and gaze out on the lake. Or, if you fancy a view from the opposite direction, you can hire a pedalo or canoe here too.

Shopping

Bargain buys

There's a market held within the castle walls every week. Stroll around the stalls and you'll find Italian pottery, clothing, leather goods and more. In the Lugana area, there's also a weekly food market, with fresh produce from nearby farms.

Mid-range buys

You'll find lots of small shops and boutiques along Sirmione's narrow streets. Paolo Golinelli, a well-known Italian artist, has a studio that sells colourful artwork.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Sirmione is well-known for amazing ice-cream. Grab a cornet and stroll along the lakeside path, or people (and lake) watch at one of the cafes on the shore.

Lively evenings

Sirmione's narrow streets are alive with activity in the evenings, as shops, bars and restaurants stay open late. Beyond the castle walls you'll find bars with views towards Desenzano.

Food & drink

Restaurants and gelaterias

There are lots of restaurants tucked away down the historical alleyways of Sirmione - not to mention plenty of ice-cream parlours to try.

What do you fancy?

Compared to many towns along Lake Garda, Sirmione has a wider range of cuisines, from Italian to American and even Chinese. So you'll have lots of choice if you fancy eating out.

Getting about

Buses

You'll find the bus station behind the town's tourist office. Buses run once an hour to Verona, Desenzano and Brescia.

Passenger ferries

Hop on a ferry to various towns around the lake, including Bardolino, which is an hour to the east. You'll find Sirmione's port beyond the castle on the peninsula.

Trains

A tourist train wanders its way around Sirmione, letting you sit back and enjoy the views as they pass by. You can catch the train at Aquaria. The nearest mainline train station is at Desenzano, which is a bus ride away.

On foot

Sirmione is a stroller's town, with narrow, pedestrianised streets within the walls of the Scaligero Castle. On the other side of the walls are lakeside strolls with views across the water.

Walking

Walk to San Pietro

If you'd like to wander a bit further than the town centre, head north and follow signs for the Church of San Pietro in Mavino. It's Sirmione's oldest church, and is a beautifully peaceful place.

Walk to a Roman ruin

Walk to the north of the peninsula and right at the top you'll find the Grotto of Catullus. This three-storey Roman ruin has some of the best views around.