Everything you need to know about Sirmione

Discovering Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is one of the musts do when visiting North Italy. Besides charming towns around, it also offers you swimming inside but not everywhere. You can enjoy Lake Garda during the summer when the water is at its warmest around 20C (68F) from June to August. Whether you choose to visit Riva del Garda or Sirmione, this lake is an inviting place full of things to do.

On the southeastern shoreline of Lake Garda you find a scenic tiny town named Sirmione. For us, it is one of the most picturesque town around the lake. Sirmione has wonderful natural parks, trails, beaches, numerous historical monuments, and many more fascinating things to explore. You’ll find here also local stores, markets, restaurants, bars, luxury resorts, and thermal baths.

We’ve collected some of the best tips when visiting Sirmione, Lake Garda. So grab your coffee and prepare yourself for a perfect getaway!

HOW TO GET TO AND AROUND SIRMIONE

Sirmione is connected to Lake Garda’s other sites by ferries that arrive and depart in the center. So you can easily access the town using boat services, which are trustworthy and affordable.
We love discovering Italy in general by car. The reason is simple, you can explore the country at your own pace.
Sirmione makes a great day trip from many northern Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, Bologna, and Verona. Driving to Sirmione is a pleasant journey by car from anywhere around.

Driving in Sirmione
Once you’ve arrived in Sirmione, the comfiest way to get around is by bike or by foot. The historic center is not allowed to be driven by car. Any kind of vehicle can’t enter without authorization, even motorcycles and scooters must be allowed. Sirmione ZTL works every day from 0.00 to 24.00. In case you’re a guest of one of the hotels inside you can get authorization with time slots.

Parking in Sirmione
Parking in Sirmione is usually not a problem but it depends on the day and time of arrival. There are many parking spots however during the summer weekends they get very crowded. If you’re planning to come in the main season (June-August) be sure to arrive before 9 am. Otherwise, you could get stuck in a traffic jam for hours.

The closest parking to the old town are
Lungolago Diaz Parking Area, Lungolago Armando Diaz, 25019 Sirmione
Parcheggio Monte Baldo, Piazzale Monte Baldo, 25019 Sirmione

Most of the parking places are paid for. One hour costs approximately €2.50. If are able to manage to arrive early enough, you can find a free parking spot with white lines. A useful tip for not very popular one is Parcheggio Via Aldo Moro” located on Via Aldo Moro, 9/1, 25019 Sirmione. It is basically a street parking, we left our car there several times. Then you can either hop on the bus which stops a few meters from the parking spot or enjoy a 45-minute morning walk to the center.

5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIRMIONE, LAKE GARDA

1. VISIT THE SCALIGER CASTLE

The Scaliger Castle is an access point to the historical center of the Sirmione peninsula. It is the first sight you will notice after entering the old town.
The Scaliger Castle was built in the 13th century and is a rare example of medieval port fortification. Nowadays the structure looks as if it was built on top of the lake as it rises out of the waters. There are no expositions inside but you can enter and even climb to the top of the tower with a spectacular view of Sirmione and Lake Garda.
The entrance ticket costs €6, and there are also guided tours available.

2. STROLL AROUND THE HISTORICAL SIRMIONE OLD TOWN

Sirmione’s old town is tiny and has very narrow streets so it takes up to an hour or two to visit all the sights.
Don’t miss out on the chance to get lost in the little streets of this lovely lakeside town.
You can explore astonishing architecture, plenty of souvenir shops, taste handmade delicacies and ice cream. Just walk at your own pace and you’ll witness things you wouldn’t otherwise. The streets of Sirmione are full of cultural heritage and the walls are covered with bright pink Bougainvillea flowers.

3. RELAX ON JAMAICA BEACH

There are plenty of beaches in Sirmione to choose from, but the most famous one is Jamaica Beach.
Jamaica Beach is a flat rock beach with large stone slabs that are smooth and slippery due to the algae. We would highly recommend waterproof shoes to protect your feet.

Entrance to Jamaica beach is free and there are few options for how to access it. You can walk down the stairs located below the Roman ruins of the Grotto de Cattulo that overlook the lake.

This attractive beach can be reached also by foot at low tide from the other side of the shore. We walked through the water and stones from Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde located south-east of Jamaica Beach.

The water on Jamaica beach has a beautiful clear blue color.
For about the first 15 meters the water is shallow and warm but then it gets cold and quite deep.
You can lay on the huge smooth stones partially dipped in water, swim in Lake Garda, or enjoy one of many water sports.
There are also sunbeds and parasols which you can rent out, as well as pedal boat rentals.
Jamaica Beach also offers an outdoor bar, which is perfect to cool off with some drinks and snacks and enjoy the best sunset views around.

4. DISCOVER THE CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO

A piece of paradise at the top of Sirmione town. The area is likely to be quiet as it’s not known by many tourists, maybe because of its steep approach.
Nevertheless, Chiesa di San Pietro surrounded by olive trees, tells stories from different periods of history. This little church was built in the 8th century. It’s a serene place to visit now, a great escape from the busy streets of Sirmione. The peaceful music inside helps you to breathe the atmosphere and enjoy sitting there for a couple of minutes. There is no entrance fee and it is definitely worth a stop.

5. REFRESHING LEMONADE AT STAND BIG LIMONE

After a long day and many steps in Sirmione, especially on summer days, you feel thirsty and tired a bit.
When leaving the gates of the historical center through the Sirmione bridge, you see “Stand Big Limone” on the right side.
The first thing you notice is probably huge lemons hanging on the stand. A very friendly local man offers lemonades from quality, fresh, and tasty fruits.
If you are in Sirmione you need to buy this refreshing lemonade. The lemon one is full of ice and it tastes sour but at the same time surprisingly sweet. So far it was the best lemonade in Italy we’ve ever had!

PS: If you have any questions about visiting Italy and especially South Tyrol feel free to reach out. We are here to help you plan your dream trip perfectly.

Have a safe trip to Sirmione!🍋