Discovering Sirmione

Sirmione (click to visit guide) has always been one of the Lake Garda towns that I love most. You feel a happy holiday atmosphere everywhere you go; sometimes it seems to almost have a seaside feel to it.

Not only is it a great holiday town, but there is so much history to see; among the highlights are the remains of the greatest Roman villa in Northern Italy and an incredible castle too.

If that wasn't enough, you have beaches (see our article on Garda's beaches here) and magical walks through endless olive groves, with glimpses of sparkling waters and distant peaks.

Of course, there is the quaint town itself, which is a true joy to wander through. Fascinating shops are around every corner, gorgeous geranium-filled flower boxes add color to the cobbled lanes, and the bougainvillea-covered cottages are too beautiful for words.

Whether you know Sirmione well or are thinking of visiting soon, join our photo journey through the streets and pathways of the town and its surrounds.

The Lanes of Sirmione

Once you've arrived, which in most cases is by boat, you'll find yourself in a maze of narrow lanes lined with colorful cottages, and in no time at all, you'll find yourself at the incredible castle walls...

The Shops

After wandering around the colorful lanes, you'll certainly be tempted by some of the shops. These photos below are of a few I love; I don't need to tell you where they are; the town is so small that they are impossible to miss.

The Castle

The 14th-century Scaliger castle, right in the old town, is incredible. It was home to the Scaliger fleet, and the view from the towers is breathtaking. The Scaligers dominated a lot of the Veneto region from 1226 until 1392, when they were forced to flee to Germany.

The Road to the Catullus Villa and Sirmione's Beaches

A little way from the old town, you'll find some of Garda's best beaches, stop for a pleasant dip if you like; before continuing on through a path that leads one past fields of ancient olive groves and leads you to the remains of the Villa of Catullus.

Catullus is best known for his passionate and personal poetry, which includes themes of love, heartbreak, friendship, and satire. His most famous works revolve around his tumultuous love affair with a woman he called Lesbia, widely believed to be Clodia Metelli. Catullus' poetry was deeply emotional and innovative, influencing later poets such as Ovid and Virgil, and the villa was clearly enormous, with a location second to none.

The walk to the beaches and to the Grotto of Catullus (as the villa is known) is delightful and not difficult at all; should you not feel up to it though, there is a little train (first photo below) that'll take you there.

For more on Sirmione and Lake Garda visit our guide which covers everything from beaches to hotels.