Sirmione occupies a narrow peninsula on southern Lake Garda and is one of Italy's most dramatic and scenic small towns. The perfectly preserved 13th-century Scaligero Castle guards the entrance to the town, and the Roman ruins of the Grotte di Catullo at the peninsula's tip are spectacular. The Terme di Sirmione thermal spa is excellent for relaxation.
| Travel time | 55 minutes to Desenzano by train, then 10-minute bus |
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Suggested itinerary
- Train to Desenzano, bus to Sirmione. Walk through the castle gate into the old town. Scaligero Castle tour. Walk to Grotte di Catullo along the peninsula. Swim if warm. Lunch in Sirmione. Optional: Terme di Sirmione afternoon (book ahead). Return bus and train.
Weather through the year in Italy
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Italy.
Highlights
- Scaligero Castle (13th century)
- Grotte di Catullo Roman ruins at the peninsula tip
- Terme di Sirmione thermal spa
- Lake Garda views from the peninsula
- Sirmione's small fishing harbor
- Clear turquoise water swimming (in season)
Tips for visiting
- Cars are banned inside Sirmione — park at the bridge or use Desenzano + bus
- Terme di Sirmione spa must be booked in advance especially in summer
- Desenzano del Garda is itself worth 1-2 hours with its Roman villa mosaics