SIRMIONE, LAKE GARDA
Sirmione, Italy, is SO close to a fairytale that your only way of entering the town is across a moat via a drawbridge. So once I’d got over my initial thought of how I was going to slay the dragon, my next question was ‘what’s so special that these Lake Garda castle walls are guarding?’
It’s probably fair to say that no visitor to Sirmione could leave feeling underwhelmed. Sirmione Del Garda is going to knock your socks off!
Staying In The Romantic Town Of Sirmione, Italy
Picking Sirmione as a base for exploring the rest of Lake Garda, selecting it for an indulgent romantic break, or even just visiting it for the day – however long you’re here for you’re in for such a treat. But as you may have read in our other post, ‘Wondering Where To Stay In Lake Garda?’, we think that Sirmione del Garda is the perfect choice if you’re after a romantic haven.
We have a few recommendations to suit any budget and we find Booking.com usually have the best deals…
BUDGET SIRMIONE HOTEL CHOICE
Whilst it is possible to find some cheap apartments within the peninsula city walls of Sirmione Garda (try this one – £400 for 3 nights) if you’re lucky enough to get the dates, most of the budget-friendly cheap apartments and hotels in Sirmione are on the pleb side of the draw-bridge. But hey, this is Lake Garda – nowhere is ugly here!
We like Monica Apartamenti. The free parking is great, as is the balcony – a great spot for people watching. And you’ll find the apartment very well equipped. You may not be waited on hand and foot as you would in a hotel but the rooms are really cosy and romantic and you’re still in the most beautiful town on Lake Garda.
For the best rates at Monica Apartments and to see more options nearby, click here.
MID RANGE HOTEL IN SIRMIONE
With prices ranging from £160 in the shoulder seasons and £300 in peak, we think Hotel Ocelle is actually really great value for money for such a gorgeous spa hotel on Lake Garda. When you consider what a spa hotel in the UK will set you back for one night’s stay and spa access, Hotel Ocelle is actually a very good deal. There’s no limits to how much you use the spa, it has its own thermal pools, and, IT’S ON LAKE GARDA!
We chose the Junior Suite with a lake view, because why come all this way and not enjoy the scenery, right? Plus you’re perfectly located to watch the sunrise from your balcony if you’re up early enough. The hotel has its own beach and the friendly staff are at your beck and call from your sun bed. It really is the epitome of luxury whilst also not feeling too pretentious.
The food was great, the spa was fantastic and the location is spot on if you want to do some day trips too since the hotel has a free car park. You may not be in the old city walls of Sirmione but it’s only a few minutes walk and it does make it easier if you’re hiring a car because across the draw-bridge is mostly car-free.
For the best deals at the Ocelle Hotel, Sirmione, click here.
LUXURY SIRMIONE HOTEL
Coming up in the ‘might need to sell a kidney but it’ll be worth it’ range of hotels is the ultimate in luxury; Villa Cortine Palace Relais Chateaux (why have 1 name when you can have 5!?). Needless to say we have not stayed here, although we have had a nosy, but this goes down as Lake Garda’s most exclusive and poshest resort. I say resort because the grounds are so large, it would be wrong to classify it as just a hotel!
It has 52 elegantly appointed rooms, a vast private park complete with ancient giant cedars, multiple fountains and statues, and breathtaking romantic views when the trees give way to the shore. Inside the marbled decor and frescoed walls also make you feel like you’ve returned in time and that you must at once inform the butler of your dinner requirements.
If your budget stretches, let it be Cortine Palace who take your money and pamper you.
For the best deals at Villa Cortine Palace, click here.
Visiting Sirmione, Lake Garda
Sirmione del Garda is quite possibly the prettiest town on Lake Garda. Even the main road which leads you to the entrance of Sirmione Castle is laden with the flowers of the season you could indeed be on the Yellow Brick Road. And it’s just a snippet of what lay beyond those fortified walls. Sirmione is the epitome of Italian elegance. Beyond ‘the castle on Lake Garda’ lies a world of cobbled lanes, high-end boutiques and sun-drenched piazzas where even the air tastes more refined.
It’s no wonder that Sirmione, Lake Garda, has long drawn the rich and famous – from poets to film stars – who come not only for the views, but for the quiet glamour that lingers in every corner. There’s something about Sirmione that makes you stand taller, smile wider, and feel just a little more beautiful simply by being there.
By day Sirmione buzzes with life. Day trippers weave through the narrow streets juggling camera’s and cornettos, eager to soak in its charm. But if you’re lucky enough to be staying in town, you’ll discover the true magic of Sirmione when the sun dips low. In the quiet of early morning or the glow of early evening, the crowds thin, the lake glistens, and in that softer light you get to feel the soul of Sirmione – unhurried, intimate, unforgettable.
Things To Do In Sirmione
Sirmione may be small – just a slender peninsula stretching a few kilometres into Lake Garda – but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. It isn’t packed with tourist attractions in the traditional sense and you won’t need a checklist to enjoy Sirmione. For the most part it’s more about finding the beauty in the details, the atmosphere and the slow rhythm of lakeside life. But there are a few things you must experience whilst you’re here…
1. Visit Scaligero Castle
Scaligero Castle isn’t the only castle on Lake Garda, but where Malcesine’s ‘Scaliger Castle’ might win in altitude, Sirmione’s castle wins in attitude. Also in charm, romance and Instagram likes too! Most people visit Sirmione intent on seeing this Lake Garda masterpiece eager to channel their inner knight, and all leave content. But what they don’t bank on is everything else inside these walls and narrow staircases. It’s part history lesson, part workout and part photo shoot, and all to the backdrop of Garda’s sweeping views.
The Della Scala family ruled this part of Italy between 1259 and 1387, and Scaligero Castle was used as a defensive post for the entire territory of Verona. The castle is a museum of architectural fascinations, historical tales, and 360 views.
Tickets are €8 or €18 for a combined ticket with the Sirmione Grotto and Desenzano’s roman villa. You can buy tickets online or outside the castle gates, but if it’s peak season we recommend online booking beforehand. The castle is relatively quiet in the mornings, even in Summer, and tends to get busier as the day trippers arrive about noon.
2. See Sirmione’s Grotto (Ancient Roman Villa Ruins)
As part of a combined ticket with the castle and another Roman Villa in Desenzano is the Grotto of Sirmione. Not exactly a grotto in the traditional sense, this is definitely not and never was a cave! Instead, these are extensive ancient ruins from an extremely large villa built between 1 BCE and 1CE. Somebody at some point thought Lake Garda was prime real estate and built himself a lovely (not so) little holiday home here. But it’s quite incredible that this all took place over 2000 years ago!
There was a time that this was thought to be the family home of Roman poet, Gaius Catullus, hence its name – The Grotto Of Catullus, however this was later discredited. But whoever owned this beautiful villa must’ve been pretty wealthy.
It’s a worthy visit if you’re looking for things to do in Sirmione, and a great opportunity to see some incredible views of Lake Garda.
3. The Church Of San Pietro In Mavino
Right next to the Sirmoine War Memorial and recently renovated in 2019, this cute little 8th century church in Sirmione is worthy of a little peek. The beautiful frescoes are definitely the highlight of Chiesa San Pietro, along with the stained glass and ancient trees in the grounds. In fact, the name ‘Mavino’ actually means ‘among the highest vineyards’ as it sits on a hill overlooking the town and lake. It’s a peaceful spot for sure, probably as the 10 minute walk from the centre is a pretty steep incline and puts some visitors off.
4. Check Out A Thermal Spa In Sirmione
One of the main reasons the town of Sirmione on Lake Garda became such a popular holiday destination back in the Belle Epoque era, when health tourism was very fashionable, are the thermal springs, or Terme Sirmione. Discovered in 1889, the Bojola thermal spring now supplies Sirmione’s modern spas and the warm mineral rich waters are thought to produce therapeutic results.
The best, and most well known, of the spa’s is Acquaria Terme located within the heart of Sirmione. It’s 700 sq meters of whirlpools, swimming pools, steam baths and saunas and depending on the time of day prices start from €44 per person. There is also Terme di Sirmione – SPA and Thermal Garden, attached to the hotel of the same name, right next to the castle. You don’t have to be a resident at the hotel (but maybe you want to take a peek here at the rooms to decide if you’d like to book a stay) but this spa does get booked up quick so be sure to reserve well in advance.
For The Best Deals at Hotel Terme Sirmione, click here
Alternatively, if you fancy a little expedition, local rumour has it that there’s a spot not far from Lido delle Bionde, where there is a natural hot spring for anyone to use. But be sure to check the temperature before you enter as it can be a little hot. It can also get a little crowded too, depending on the day.
5. Go To The Beach
If you’re taking a romantic break in Sirmione, no doubt a lot of your plans revolve around relaxing. Therefore, you might like to take advantage of one of the beautiful beaches in Sirmione. There are several to choose from and most of them have sun loungers and amenities.
Perhaps the most remote and wild beach, but possibly the prettiest, is Jamaica Beach right at the end of the peninsula. Lido delle Bionde is probably the most popular with access to a beach bar, sun loungers and some water activities. And then Lido Galeazzi on the outskirts of town is by far the largest beach and has more room to spread out.
6. Take A Walk Along Passeggiata delle Muse To Tomelleri Park
You can’t quite walk the whole of the peninsula of Sirmione but this little section is a worthy route. From the ‘kiss please’ spot just outside the Grazia Deledda Garden all the way to the public park ‘Tomelleri‘ adjacent to Bionde Beach, you get great views of the lake and are able to walk in the shade of the old olive trees. Then once you reach the park there are multiple trails to use through more olive groves which occasionally give way to some beautiful views of Garda.
7. Gellato Tasting In Sirmione
The first time we were visiting Sirmione with the kids they thought that their luck had come in! Every Gelateria we walked past invited them in to try a little spoon of something. Can you believe that they were literally fed up of ice-cream by the time we’d walked the old town of Sirmione! However, somebody let us in to a little secret… not all things are equal when it comes to gelato in this town…
Look for the stores that are only selling a few flavours – the more they sell and the more extravagant the combination the less likely it is to be artisanal gelato. It’s probably mass produced and poorer quality. Mind you, the kids didn’t seem to mind, and the samples were free.
Don’t go for the ones that are piled high in the containers, this usually means they are made with stabilisers and other added nasties.
Stick to the places that offer the traditional flavours; nocciola (hazlenut), pistachio, fior di latte, stracciatella and seasonal fruit sorbets. And make sure they’re not bright colours – banana shouldn’t be illuminous yellow!
So there you have it, all the information you need in order to book your trip to Sirmione, Italy. We know you’re going to love it and it really is the perfect spot for a romantic Lake Garda retreat.
If you are still in the planning process of sorting your Lake Garda holiday, you might want to check out our other article for more guidance on the best places to stay…
Wondering Where To Stay In Lake Garda?
And, if you’re flying to Italy, don’t forget about Skyscanner – they scrape all of the airlines for the cheapest flights around and there are often some very good deals to both Milan and Verona…
Any bookings made through links on our site, regardless of whether it’s the actual hotel we recommend, make us a small commission at no extra cost to you. So we’d like to thank our readers for their continued support – it all goes towards the cost of this blog. We love sharing our recommendations with you, so we’re grateful we can keep doing so. Thank you.