10 Things to See in Sirmione

Sirmione Lake Garda

Experience La Dolce Vita in Sirmione

Nestled on the southernmost tip of Lake Garda’s largest peninsula sits the scenic town of Sirmione. With its striking 13th century castle, Roman ruins, picturesque harbor, and laidback village charm, it’s easy to see why Sirmione has been a popular lakeside retreat since the ancient times.

Visitors approaching Sirmione are greeted by the striking silhouette of Rocca Scaligera, a medieval fortress surrounded by a moat and well-preserved towers. Be sure to walk the castle’s ramparts for sweeping lake views. Just south lies the Grotte di Catullo, an impressive Roman archaeological site with ruins of a villa, baths, and temple.

But Sirmione’s real magic lies within its village streets. Pastel-hued houses and cozy trattorias surround the pedestrians-only historic center. The atmosphere here is pure Italian lakeside relaxation. Stroll narrow alleyways, sip an Aperol spritz along the water, watch boats come and go from the small harbor, and soak up the sunshine at Baia delle Sirene beach tucked within the castle walls.

Staying overnight lets you experience Sirmione’s peaceful evenings when the crowds dissipate and the town takes on a whole new ambiance. The sound of waves lapping against moored boats will lull you to sleep. Tomorrow brings a new day to embrace la dolce vita.

With its postcard scenery, romantic air, and blend of medieval charm and Roman history, Sirmione is an unmissable Lake Garda highlight. Its unique location and relaxed beauty encapsulate why visitors return to Garda year after year. Sirmione simply has it all.

10 Things to See in Sirmione

Your vacation in the “Pearl of Garda” would not be complete without exploring the top 10 things to see in Sirmione.

In the city there are numerous points of cultural, historical, naturalistic and beach interest, and we wanted to highlight ten in particular that you can visit in one or more days of your stay.

Follow this list for the main ideas to best experience your time in Sirmione.

1. Scaligero Castle

Built after the mid-fourteenth century, Scaligero Castle stands at the entrance to the historic center, where it keeps watch over the ancient village and the waters of Lake Garda that surround it.

Strolling between the dock that provided shelter for ships, the courtyard, the corridors, you can rediscover the poignant atmosphere of the Della Scala era, when the fortress served as a defensive outpost for the area.

Open seasonally, the castle can be fully visited upon purchase of the appropriate ticket at the box office located at the entrance. Visit the official Castello Scaligero website for more information.

2. Grotte di Catullo

Located in a highly scenic position on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula overlooking the waters and landscape of Lake Garda, the Grotte di Catullo are the remains of an ancient Roman villa built between the 1st century BC and 2nd century AD. According to popular local tradition, it was the residence of the poet Catullus, hence the name.

Surrounded by vegetation, the ruins can be visited with a walk during which you can also stop at the adjacent Museum with finds related to various eras and the history of Sirmione and Lake Garda. Entrance fee applies. Visit the website for more information.

3. Giamaica Beach

Located on the tip of Sirmione, under the Grotte di Catullo, Giamaica Beach is a place with an exotic atmosphere, from which the view extends towards the Rocca di Manerba and up to the northern part of the lake. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and adorned with wild vegetation that grows spontaneously all around, it is formed by smooth white rocks, polished at every moment by the waves.

Partially equipped with sunbeds, it can be reached on foot by following a gate located just before the entrance to the Grotte di Catullo, crossing a steep descent among the olive trees. More information here.

4. Lido delle Bionde Beach

On the Sirmione peninsula, between the Villa Cortine Park and the Grotte di Catullo, Lido delle Bionde is a romantic beach nestled among terraced olive groves and the ridge on which the remains of the Roman villa stand. The name, inspired by the word “biunda” which means “enclosed place”, perfectly describes this discreet corner overlooking the lake’s waters.

Right in front of the beach in a small stone enclosure you can enjoy a puff of hot water coming from the Terme di Sirmione.

The beach is free, with showers, a bar and restaurant. Dogs allowed. Sunbeds only by reservation the day before at info@lidodellebionde.it.

5. Stroll Through the Ancient Village

From the enchanting Scaligero Castle to the tip of the peninsula where the Grotte di Catullo are located: a walk through Sirmione’s old town is a unique experience, immersing yourself in local and Italian history through monuments and artifacts ranging from prehistory to Roman times, from the early Middle Ages to modern times.

After visiting the fortress, you can wander through the evocative small streets and admire the remains of the Church of San Salvatore and Roman period sites, rediscover the legendary Maria Callas at the Palace named after her, or reach the charming Church of San Pietro in Mavino, with a relaxing break in one of the parks or downtown venues.

6. Thermal Baths

Sirmione has been known since at least Roman times for the presence of the ancient Fonte Bojola and its sulphurous and bromo-iodic thermal waters, which have preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative properties. A stay in the city can be an opportunity to discover all the treatments offered, related to health and beauty.

At any time of the year, the two spa centers Terme Virgilio in Colombare and Terme Catullo in the old town offer the opportunity to undergo curative treatments, alongside wellness activities that can be enjoyed at the Aquaria Thermal SPA center and those at various hotel facilities.

7. San Pietro in Mavino Church

It is the oldest church in the Sirmione area, dating back to the 8th century AD: the Church of San Pietro in Mavino is located on the hill of Mavino and can be reached by following the direction of the Grotte di Catullo and climbing a gentle slope. Nestled among olive trees, it offers an atmosphere of peace and silence, just steps from the historic center.

From the outside you can see the Romanesque bell tower, reworked in 1070, while the church building was rebuilt in 1320.

Inside, the 14th century frescoes are evocative, along with the Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints from the same era.

8. Punta Grò

Extending to the extreme south of the Sirmione territory, on the border with Peschiera del Garda, Punta Grò is a park and beach area directly overlooking the waters of the lake, in the Lugana locality. It is an idyllic area for walking among centuries-old trees, spending hours on the beach and enjoying the landscape of Lake Garda, with views encompassing the entire southern part of the lake to the mountains in the north.

It is the starting point of the Sirmione Literary Walk and the site of the “Casa del Pescatore”, an open-air exhibition about the ancient fishing trade on the lake and in Sirmione.

9. Boat Tour

With its peninsula configuration that allows navigation by water practically all around, Sirmione is particularly evocative even for a boat trip, from which it is possible to admire natural and archaeological beauties from a truly unique perspective and experience the thrill of braving the waves and breezes of the lake, in complete safety for the whole family.

The harbor and Scaligero Castle, Grotte di Catullo, spa facilities, Villa Callas are some of the points of interest to admire, interspersed with the wonderful views and natural glimpses given by Lake Garda and the lush Mediterranean vegetation.

10. Literary Walk

Six stops in Sirmione where information panels, thanks to a QR Code system, very simply using your own smartphone allow you to listen to the audio of literary excerpts specifically chosen to form a real itinerary, linked to a theme or author which will vary year by year.

Finding all these extracts allows you to abandon yourself to the words of their authors and, at the same time, stroll among Sirmione’s places while being enchanted by the landscape, starting from Punta Grò to the Lugana Lakefront, from Lido Galeazzi to Piazza Pertini, from Callas Park to San Pietro in Mavino.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 10 Things to See in Sirmione

1. What are the must-see attractions in Sirmione?
   • Sirmione is known for its historic charm and stunning views. Don’t miss the Scaliger Castle, Grotte di Catullo (Catullus’s Grotto), and the beautiful lakeside promenade.
2. Is it worth visiting Scaliger Castle in Sirmione?
   • Absolutely! The Scaliger Castle, a medieval fortress, offers panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding area, making it a fascinating historical site to explore.
3. What is unique about Grotte di Catullo (Catullus’s Grotto)?
   • Grotte di Catullo, also known as the Grotto of Catullus, is a well-preserved Roman villa ruin. It showcases ancient Roman architecture and offers a glimpse into the region’s history.
4. Are there natural hot springs to see in Sirmione?
   • Yes, Sirmione is famous for its natural hot springs. The Aquaria Thermal Spa allows visitors to experience the healing properties of the thermal waters in a relaxing spa setting.
5. What are the main points of interest along Sirmione’s lakeside promenade?
   • The lakeside promenade in Sirmione offers beautiful views of the lake and leads to attractions like Jamaica Beach, the Roman Bridge, and the picturesque Porto di Sirmione.
6. Can I visit the archaeological sites in Sirmione?
   • Yes, apart from the Grotte di Catullo, the archaeological sites also include the Roman Villa (Villa Romana) and the ruins of the Church of San Pietro in Mavino.
7. Are there boat tours available to explore Sirmione from the lake?
   • Yes, you can take boat tours that offer a unique perspective of Sirmione’s stunning landscapes and architectural wonders from the tranquil waters of Lake Garda.
8. What is the best time to visit Sirmione to avoid crowds?
   • Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) is a good idea to avoid peak tourist crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather and open attractions.
9. Is it worth climbing the tower at Scaliger Castle for views?
   • Definitely! Climbing the tower of Scaliger Castle rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Garda and the picturesque town of Sirmione.
10. What are some hidden gems or lesser-known places to discover in Sirmione?
    • Explore the Church of San Pietro in Mavino, the Olive Oil Museum (Museo dell’Olio), and the peaceful Church of Santa Maria Maggiore for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.