Holiday on Lake Garda - Sirmione

Why is Sirmione Special?

Firstly, the location is unique: Sirmione is perched at the end of a long peninsula extending, fingerlike, into the southern lake.

Arriving by car, it reminds me of arriving in Venice, yet the town itself seems more like a Ligurian town, a bit like those Cinque Terre villages or my beloved Tellaro—houses in every shade of yellow and red, brightly colored flowers everywhere, and little streets that just invite you to explore.

Before we explore lets find somewhere to stay in Sirmione

One hotel really stands out, and offers both good value and great service. The hotel I am talking about is the Hotel Mavino, it's set right in the heart of the old town of Sirmione. Service can’t be faulted, and the hotel rooms are well fitted with a minibar, air conditioning, etc. Definitely my choice; book early though, particularly if you are visiting in summer. The hotel fills up months in advance.

What to See

The best of all is to just enjoy the atmosphere of this little town and the "island." Despite the town's small size, there are some significant sights. For photos, click here, while to read more, scroll down...

The Scaliger Castle

View from the Castle Tower

This 14th-century castle is very impressive and surprisingly beautiful. The castle dominates the entrance to the town, and if you arrive by land, you have to pass through the castle to enter the town.

The view from the top is magnificent, although the climb up the inside of the tower is quite steep with lots of narrow stairs and low ceilings too, which had my tall husband bumping his head often.

You'll have to pay to enter, but the view alone is worth it.

The Grotto of Catallus

Once the home of the famous poet Catullus, this villa was a true masterpiece of Roman engineering and luxury. Though only ruins remain, with a little imagination, you can picture its former splendor—grand colonnades, sweeping terraces overlooking the lake, and lavish rooms adorned with frescoes and mosaics. When you take a moment to visualize it in its prime, you realize just how mind-blowing and breathtaking this villa must have been.

A holiday on Lake Garda was the height of fashion in Roman times, much like it is today. The wealthy elite of Verona and beyond sought refuge here, building extravagant holiday homes along the shore. For them, Lake Garda was an escape—a place to relax, indulge, and immerse themselves in beauty. And honestly, not much has changed! Walking through these ruins today, with the shimmering lake as your backdrop, you can almost feel the echoes of the past—whispers of poets, aristocrats, and dreamers who once called this place home.

The Spas

Rich in sulfur, these spas have been world-renowned for centuries and are as popular as ever. 

Facilities at both of the spas, Virgilio and Catullo, are very modern, and specialists in all the disorders treated are always on hand.

For more on some of the better spas in the Veneto, visit our Venice Italy & Veneto Spas Guide.

The Churches

Sirmione is known for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and charming streets, but it’s also home to two of the most important churches in the region: Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro in Mavino.

Santa Maria Maggiore, located in the heart of the historic center, is a beautiful 15th-century church with stunning frescoes, intricate wooden carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to step inside, take a break from the lively streets, and soak in a sense of history and spirituality.

That said, I find San Pietro in Mavino even more captivating. This small, ancient church is tucked away on a quiet hill, offering breathtaking views over Lake Garda. Dating back to the 8th century, it exudes a deep sense of history and serenity. The faded yet beautiful frescoes inside, combined with its peaceful surroundings, make it a truly special place to visit.

If you only have time for one, San Pietro’s charm, location, and atmosphere make it my top choice. But if you love history, art, and architecture, visiting both churches will give you an even deeper appreciation of Sirmione’s past.

Shopping

There are some really lovely little stores tucked away in the little lanes of the old town.

I always find something to buy, much to the frustration of my husband.

Prices are a bit high, but you do sometimes get lucky and find a bargain. I tend to find better bargains in September and October or in April/May when there are fewer tourists around.

There is  no one store that stands out for me; rather, wander around and make your own discoveries.

I'm sure you will find a few of those that I photographed for this page, like the ceramics store (there is always something I love there) and that dress shop with all the purple bougainvillea framing the entrance.

When to Visit Sirmione

What an absolutely exquisite little jewel Sirmione is. The only pity is that most of northern Italy and the rest of Europe already seem to know that. The result is crowds of people, which tend to spoil the place a little in July and August.

Try to visit in September or May/June if at all possible; if you can't make it in May/June or September, go anyway. Even with the crowds, Sirmione is too good to miss, and no holiday on Lake Garda should exclude a visit.

Don’t come by car during the summer unless your hotel has parking. Parking here is a real nightmare and very expensive too. Our suggestion is to catch the ferry from Desenzano – a far more sensible and pleasant option.

Where to Eat

Plenty of overpriced restaurants with horrible food are to be found in Sirmione; many come close to those of Venice when it comes to ripping off tourists, and some are enough to ruin any holiday on Lake Garda. If money is no object, then try La Rucola in Via Strentelle. Despite being very expensive, the food is excellent.

The Risorgimento Restaurant in Piazza Carducci is a more affordable option. For other restaurants around Garda, please try our restaurant guide.