If the castle line is long, see it later in the day when the crowds have diminished. The entrance fee is 4 per person (children and seniors are 2), and there are also guided tours available if youd like to learn a little more about the history of the castle. I agree with PalQ suggestions if you have time. Of course, if you need help arranging that, were here to help! Once you land in Verona, youll need to take a taxi to Sirmione or take a bus to the Verona train station and then to Sirmione. Dont miss out on the chance to simply wander around the town, and get lost down little side streets and cobbled alleyways. Whether youre planning a trip or want to immerse yourself in a dream, welcome to my blog and enjoy exploring with me! I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Were fans of it not only for the service and old-world charm but because the grounds of the sprawling 12-acre property are jaw-dropping. Sirmione is an easy and fun place to visit with little ones. Its location just outside the historic city center means the Aqva Boutique Hotel is quieter than the other hotels here. Speaking of Call Me By Your Name, this is where they filmed the archaeological dig scenes. But its a historically and geographically significant place, thanks to its location on the border of Lombardy and Veneto provinces and because its on a narrow, long peninsula that juts into the lake. Cycle the loop from Sirmione to San Martino della Battaglia, Pozzolengo, and back. Lido delle Bionde has pebbles and is clear and shallow for quite a ways out. Our services are tailored to meet your needs and make sure you make the most of your trip. In Sirmione you can also enjoy Lido delle Bionde (another beach) while, if you love windsurfing, you should head to Spiaggia Galeazzi, at the base of the peninsula. These can be pricey: if staying the night, ask your hotel if they have special deals or if they can recommend arrangements for the car. Our family has found a full day to be the perfect amount of time to spend in Sirmione if you want to visit the main attractions of the town. The Scaligero Castle is medieval and dates from the XIII century AD. Hi! Sirmione has some of Lake Gardas most beautiful beaches, including: The Terme di Sirmione are worth a visit if you have the time (but I dont think theyre the highlight of Sirmione, so dont feel bad if you skip them). You could spend hours browsing shop windows for trinkets, tasting handmade delicacies, or stopping and admiring the views. People come to Sirmione attracted by two prominent landmarks: the Scaligero Castle and the towns thermal baths, among the most famous in the area and Italy. Ive visited Italy, France, and Greece countless times. READ MORE. It was bit like Bellagio, only at the northern end of Lake Maggiore. The service, food, and atmosphere are all on point with a good dose of small-town hospitality. candice[at]mominitaly[dot]com. A very pretty place. The town has a wonderful old-world charm to it with cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. Good To Know: If you have a fear of heights, stop and assess the situation at the top of the castle walls. Helpful Tip: Pre-visit, visit a grocery store or market and pack a lunch or purchase a sandwich and chips and have a picnic in one of Sirmiones many green spaces or at the beach. Safe travel planning! Please refer to our privacy policy. Hotel Meridiana hotel in central location with a nice garden and views of the lake, Villa Paradiso Romantic rooms in a beautiful property in Sirmione town center. The ruins at the end of Sirmiones peninsula have a spectacular view and theyre worth a wander. When you enter the archaeological park, theres also a small museum which houses artefacts discovered in the house. At the top, walk around the tower and soak up the views of the Sirmione peninsula, Lake Garda, and the castle walls below. If you have kids in tow, youll want to make time to visit the beloved amusement park, Gardaland, and its aquarium. The best cycling in Sirmione is south of town in the vineyards. Buses connect Sirmione with Peschiera, Desenzano del Garda and Verona, the three main getaways towns to the area and they are also one of the most convenient ways to explore the area. A relaxed itinerary for a full day in Sirmione with kids: Good To Know: Visit the Grotte di Catullo ruins if you have older children or teens who are interested in Roman ruins. . I will be writing all about it in my next post! If youre looking for a charming Italian market with beautiful products and souvenirs, this isnt the market for you. Check out our 14 Tips for Visiting Sirmione with Kids! Sirmione is definitely a tourist trap that's worth a quick detour but not an overnight stop. We host trips to Italy and Mexico to the regions of Lombardy, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. Otherwise, head to the Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde or Jamaica Beach. The next town, Ascona, is lovely, too. Hang around Salt & Wind long enough and you probably start to notice that we love ourselves a good aperitivo cocktail. You simply get on a train at Milan central and go directly to Desenzano del Garda. The journey will take sound 2 hours and will cost about 8.75. We like Bellagio as well though we were a bit bored staying two nights there (lack of good restaurants). The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona and, from there, you can reach Sirmione by bus or car. If youve seen a brochure or website for Lake Garda, chances are youve seen a photo of Sirmione, a picturesque town with a castle jutting out of the lake waters. Take a quick peek at the town center and grab a snack if you need one. Full disclosure: we go here more for the people watching and the piazza-side tables than for the drinks or food but its a fun place to relax for a second. However, its the perfect time to visit the thermal spas, soak up the views without the crowds, and have the tiny streets (almost) to yourself. Your email address will not be published. Can you really visit Lake Garda and not spend some time on the lake itself? In the case of Sirmiones historic city center, thats when you book a room at the 5-star luxury property, the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel. Advertising - We loved this beautiful, colorful little village and it is definitely worth a visit when youre in Italy. For casual accommodations with kids, stay in one of the areas family-focused campgrounds or villages (for example, Bella Italia in Peschiera del Garda). You can then take a local bus or a taxi to get to Sirmione. Kids will love looking for the small fish. The north end of Garda is much more like Como--spectacular natural beauty. Lake Garda is an excellent place to explore on two wheels. We think this is the best way to arrive (and/or depart), but the schedules are limited, so plan your day accordingly. Step carefully and watch your head! All rights reserved. and is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Northern Italy. You can climb to the top of the castle for spectacular views over Lake Garda and the rest of Sirmione. The most well-known beach in Sirmione is Jamaica Beach, with its turquoise waters and white rock slabs that are reminiscent of you guessed it Jamaican beaches. It can be difficult to find parking, especially during the busy summer months, so if you can, arrive in the morning. . Gardaland isnt for everyone, beaches arent for everyone, but everyone in your group will find something fun or interesting in Sirmione: Sirmione is on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italys largest lake. Buses are also available from Milan, but they take close to 3 hours and are more expensive than trains, so if you are travelling from the fashion capital, I recommend the train. . Good To Know: The town isnt completely traffic-free, so be aware as youre walking the narrow streets. Jamaica Beach is a pretty 25-30 minute walk from the historical part of town. Situated at the end of the oh-so skinny peninsula are the Roman ruins known as Grotte di Catullo. The Roman villa dates back to the 1st century B.C. You may also spot some beautiful wildlife too as plenty of bird species roam this area. How do you pronounce Sirmione?Sirmione is pronounced seer-me-OH-nay. Ebengardo vindicated her death killing Elaberto with the same knife but spent the rest of his life locked in the castle, feeling guilty for being too late to save his wife. The ruins, which most tourists don't reach, are spectacular. Its very crowded and easy to get stuck in the few small streets. We spent three days in Locarno, Switzerland, a few years ago. If youre not comfortable with the view below (you can see down into the courtyard through the internal iron railings), dont continue up to the top of the tower. Many people have heard of Lake Garda, Italy but not many know about the town of Sirmione. But that alone is not a reason to stay here! Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! Navigazione Laghi has public ferry info, or you can schedule a private charter. On our last trip to Italy, we spent a few days in Bellagio, and totally loved it. The couple agreed to let him stay the night, but Elalberto wasnt happy with just a room. Sirmione has some of the best beaches on Lake Garda, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. In addition, the museum has artifacts from this villa and others finds on Lake Garda. Plus, as well as the rollercoaster, theres also an adjoining Sealife Aquarium and Waterpark. But, you can use your imagination (and see some of the recovered items in the small museum at the entrance) and enjoy the views. Its setting is spectacular! Long, long ago, a young, happy couple lived in the castle Ebengardo and his bellissima wife Arice. Thermal waters from the region have been popular for centuries and are still used today by locals who want to sit back and relax. This beautiful Sirmione castle is an imposing structure at the entrance of the historical part of town. When you arrive, walk quickly through the crowded town center. The village is small and walking distances between attractions are short. Not to mention, you will find the ferry conveniently located right in the middle of town in Piazza Giosue Carducci. So, if youve been dreaming of exploring the Italian Lakes, these are some of the best things to do in Sirmione, Lake Garda. You wouldnt think there would be a tropical island paradise on an Italian lake, but Jamaica beach is just that! Add to it that they have a cute library, a private dock, a gorgeous pool, and free bikes for riding around, and, well, were fans! Sirmione Castle is a medieval castle located in the heart of the town. The castle is breathtaking. But, I only recommend only products and companies that I use and love. Subscribe to the Salt & Wind newsletter today to receive travel tips and recipes directly in your inbox. Visit. The crystal clear water is fringed by rocks not sand, but its worth it as and is one of the best things to do in Sirmione. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Planning a trip to Italy? One stormy evening, a knight from Venice (Elalberto) knocked on the castle door seeking shelter from the storm. Pay at the machines and display the ticket on your dash. For buses, trains, ferries, and transfers. Its a relaxing way to explore with ease or spend an evening with your family or significant other. Read More The 11 Best Places for Hiking in Austria, The Most Beautiful Countryside in England . Arrive or depart by ferry, or take a boat excursion to see Sirmione from the water. Yes, it is that town. There are actually two main sets of thermal baths in Sirmione the Terme di Catullo in the town and the Terme di Virgilio down the road in Colombare. Your itinerary could be to arrive early in the morning and visit the historic sites then escape the daytime crowds with a midday spa service and wrap up the day with a classic Italian aperitivo cocktail on the square! Posted on 13/07/2021 byAlice Smith. Sirmione Lake Garda is well known for its medieval castle the Rocca Scaligera. Like most towns on Lake Garda, Sirmione has a well-maintained path along the lake. To say that Sirmione is beautiful would be an understatement. That is Sirmiones castle! These days visitors flock to visit the old town which, in our opinion, is one of Lake Gardas prettiest historic villages. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae5960d65715aa138269d6303f4c3a63" );document.getElementById("a26c3c57c7").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not only is Sirmione known for its castle (Scaliger Castle, or Castello Scaligero), its also worth visiting for its: All of these make Sirmione worth a visit. Only a short 20 minute walk from town on a scenic lakeside path, you will find Lido delle Bionde. The stunning scenery further north across Garda is completely mesmerizing. The building is surrounded by water but doesnt have a standard moat: the waters of this castle are those of the lake so that the whole building seems to come out of Lake Garda itself! We say do a mix of it all with the following being our top picks: The Scaliger Castle is a 13th-century fortress and castle surrounded by water that stands at attention on the southern tip of the historic city center. Sirmione is picturesque, vibrant and totally walkable. It reminded me of Taormina, about which virtually everyone on this forum raves, but which left me cold. A small village on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Garda, there are some amazing things to do in Sirmione and fascinating places to explore. Last Modified: July 12, 2022. To get the best views of Sirmione and Lake Garda, be sure to climb to the top of the castle walls or even higher, to the top of its tower (about 150 steps total). The menu included a large assortment of pasta, pizza, panini, snacks and drinks. Though it is definitely the pricier option, its worth it for the impeccable service and some of the more creative food Frico Parmigiano popsicles, Szechuan Pink Peppercorn Carbonara Pasta, and Almond Milk and Uni Pasta, to name a few on Lake Garda. Arrive in town and climb the Scaligero Castle tower. If youre visiting Sirmione, its best to have a plan for what youd like to see, as the things to do/see are a bit spread out. Go here for a white tablecloth experience that puts the spotlight on fish and seafood. It gets its name from the 1400s when these ancient sites and structures were underground. If you like visiting Isola del Garda, you should check out Isola Bella near Stresa on Lake Maggiore! I usually use Omio to find transport in Europe as its cheap and easy to use. Ciao! This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and related sites (Amazon.it, Amazon.co.uk, etc). The most famous Sirmione beach is called Jamaica and is indeed very beautiful and another famous beach is Spiaggia delle Muse, that offers nice views of the castle. Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If small, chic, and boutique are your deal, then youll want to check out this modern 18-room hotel. You can find things for every taste, from traditional seafood dishes to traditional Italian-style pizzas. You can have a look at a couple of options: Sirmione is in high demand and this means prices for accommodation in town are at a premium, especially if you look for the area closest to the castle. . If you are planning a trip to Lake Garda, Sirmione is a must see. There are some lesser-known but very much worth your time wine regions nearby. Sirmione is different things to different people. Required fields are marked *. Our Italy travel planning services are here to help you achieve the ideal vacation. Luxury Suite Sirmione Town Center pretty rooms in central location, close to the beach, some with lovely balconies. Just an hour from Lake Garda by train, Verona is a beautiful Italian city. Within an hour you could sip white wines of the Lugana DOC or even head north to the historic reds of Valpolicella. When you visit, the place to do aperitivo is at Caffe Grand Italia on the quaint Piazza Carducci. I hope you enjoyed this quick travel guide to Sirmione and it helped you plan a visit. After purchasing your ticket, start climbing! And, there are a number of good, if expensive, places to eat. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. The town is closed to traffic by nature of its geography and layout and is a delight of small streets and piazzas. Gardaland is home to some of the most exciting roller coasters, games, and rides in Europe. The no-sand beach is mainly limestone formations with a beautiful view of the lake and mountains. Relax and soak like the Romans did in one of Sirmiones spas. Sirmione Italy is a beautiful, small resort town on Lake Gardas southern tip. Make sure to take your camera for the beautiful views. Good To Know: For another viewpoint, take a lake cruise to see the castle from the water. His ghost is still said to haunt the castle! Itll most likely be one of the first things youll see when you get off the ferry and its certainly a wonderful sight. From Milan, its a slightly longer journey, but its no more complicated. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). This a a very pretty piazza with many places to sit, eat, people watch, and enjoy the view! It was later controlled by the Duke of Milan, the Republic of Venice, the French, the Austrians, and the Kingdom of Italy. You access the castle through its main gate and you can climb to the top of the bastions: the walk is not suitable for people with a fear of heights but, if you can take it, it will reward you with a fantastic view of the lake, framed by the ancient castles battlements. . Sirmiones narrow medieval streets are full of cafes, shops, and restaurants. If you want to visit during the high season, we recommend going very early or late in the day as most visitors seem to visit between 10 AM and 4 PM. Grotte di Catullo is the best preserved ancient Roman villa in northern Italy, located in Sirmione! There are plenty of public water fountains around Sirmione, so you can refill your water bottle. In addition, there are also water toys to rent such as paddle boats and kayaks. The journey will take around an hour and will cost roughly 4.45 from Verona. It has a casual small bar/restaurant area, therefore you can relax with a drink or something to eat. Its location at the end of the Sirmione peninsula means it has gorgeous views of Lake Garda that provide direct access to the famous thermal waters and a private beach. And thats very much the case. This restaurants location on the lake means you can eat alfresco on the terrace or in their glass-walled dining room and enjoy the view while you dine. If youre into the beach and wellness, you could spend all day walking the lakeside trails and dipping in the thermal baths. You cant visit Italy and not see a gorgeous church! In addition, you have a choice of two beaches to enjoy fun in the sun. The nearest airport is Verona Catullo (VRN) 35 km, 30 min. Once you walk through the center, Sirmione opens up and there is much more space, greenery, and other gorgeous parts of the town. One of the reasons people have hung out here since Roman times? #tr, Ive got summer on my mind Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. If you prefer to drive, please be advised that Sirmione is closed to traffic and you will have to leave the car outside of the city at the designated car parks. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. And, you can rent pedal boats (with slides!) Sirmione is a popular day trip destination in the summer, especially mid-June through August. Jamaica Beach also has restaurant options for lunch and dinner as well as things like pedal boat rentals if you want to head out on Lake Garda by yourself and explore things from the water. We are looking for a similar experience (knowing, of course, that each little Italian town has a character all its own). For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. The beach at Lido delle Bionde is also very picturesque and has gorgeous, clear waters. One of the most popular is Aquaria Thermal SPA. The Dirty Passport, LLC. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. The villa is at the very top of the Sirmione peninsula, it overlooks the lake and it is beautiful: the ruins, the greenery around them and the views of the lake behind them make this one of the most spectacular spots in the area! Does Sirmione have a beach?Sirmione has multiple beaches! Naysayers will tell you there are touristy crowds in midsummer (and theyre right), but we dont think thats a reason to 100% skip vit. This villa was built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. From either train station, you can hop a local bus or grab a taxi to get to the historic center of Sirmione. Sirmione is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda and one of the most popular. Looking to travel to the Bel Paese? This 4-star hotel is pretty much the easiest hotel to get to in the historic center of Sirmione because its just a few strides inside the walled city center. In fact, I found it to be a perfect home base for visiting other nearby towns of Lake Garda via ferry. The 69C water contains sulfur, bromide, and iodine and is believed to help with respiratory and circulatory problems, skin issues, arthritis, and more. The unique castle was built in the 13th century and is a rare example of medieval port fortification. Its location on the shores of Lake Garda means that you could do many a day trip from Sirmione. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Your email address will not be published. As the name suggests, this hotel was first a villa and then converted into a hotel in the 1950s. Wander at your own pace and youll notice things you wouldnt if you were rushing down the historic streets theyre full of things that make Italy truly unique. I started Adventures of Alice to help others like me travel the world as affordably as possible! . You can stay inside smaller corner towers and still get amazing views of Sirmione and the lake! Have a coffee or aperitivo in a small piazza, shop for trinkets or ceramics, or relax lakeside and take a break from the sun (and crowds). For cheap combined flight and hotel deals. . My name is Marta Correale, I am the travel-loving Italian Mama behind this Mama Loves Italy Blog. Its been busy but it's been wonderful! Contact Us - If you wish to explore things outside of the town or want to explore other towns on Lake Garda such as Peschiera del Garda, you can get between them using boat services, which are quite reliable and affordable too. Of course, Lake Garda is one of the beautiful attractions of Sirmione Italy. It features outdoor baths with stunning views across the lake, heated pools, an indoor spa, massage facilities, and jacuzzis. And while we always try to introduce you to places that are a deeper cut and were all about avoiding classic touristy mistakes and skipping the uber-crowded spots, sometimes the best-known places are deserving of their recognition. Through our food-first travel planning services,including. Good To Know: If you visit in the busy summer months, know that once you make your way through the extremely crowded town center (just after crossing the drawbridge), you will be able to find space in the rest of the peninsula. Entrance costs 8 including the museum. . Dont forget to also check out our 100+ Italy travel tips and our guide to planning a first trip to Italy! If youre staying on Lake Garda, the local ferry is likely the easiest way to get to Sirmione especially if you only plan on staying for a few hours. The closest train stations are in Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, both around 10 km from Sirmione. . The castle is known for being one of the best-conserved castles in Italy but we love it because its surrounded by a turquoise moat and you can climb the steep steps for a not-to-be-missed view of Lake Garda. ), relax on the lawn, or just enjoy the views of Lago di Garda. The south end of Garda is nothing like Bellagio. The ruins are quite incredible and you can spend hours walking around them. Of course there are many boutiques and stores for those who love to shop. There are a lot of stunning historic villages to visit when you travel to Italy. If youre staying on Lake Garda and driving over, its easy to get to though it can take a while depending on traffic and weather. The town is easy to explore with a stroller, and you can even take a little train if you get tired!
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