Sirmione, Lake Garda

Sirmione, Lago di Garda

Sirmione is a dramatic peninsula jutting into Lake Garda, crowned by a stunning 13th-century Scaligero Castle. The town also boasts Roman ruins and natural hot springs that have attracted visitors for millennia.

Things to do

• Tour Scaligero Castle — Climb the towers for extraordinary views over the lake and peninsula.
• Visit the Grotte di Catullo — Explore the largest Roman villa ruins in northern Italy at the peninsula's tip.
• Swim at Lido delle Bionde — A lovely natural swimming area with clear, thermal-influenced waters.
• Take a thermal spa — Aquaria Thermal Spa uses natural sulphurous hot spring water for relaxation.
• Walk the peninsula perimeter — A 4 km lakeside path circles the entire peninsula with beautiful views.

Food to try

• Bigoli in salsa di lago — Thick pasta in a freshwater fish sauce, typical of the Garda area.
• Carpione di trota — Trout marinated in white wine and vinegar, a classic Lake Garda dish.
• Lugana wine — A crisp local DOC white wine from the southern shores of Lake Garda.
• Olive oil from Garda — The mild lake microclimate produces prized, delicate extra-virgin olive oil.

Local customs & good to know

• Traffic restrictions — Cars are banned inside Sirmione's historic centre; park outside and walk in.
• Book spas in advance — Thermal spa slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and in summer.
• Shared lake culture — Lake Garda borders Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino — expect cultural and culinary variety.