We suggest you avoid the height of summer and instead visit in May, June, September, or October when crowds are gone but the weather is still nice (ie late Spring and early Fall like we do on our Salt & Wind Italy trips). Sirmione is very pretty and perfect for a stroll. It was bit like Bellagio, only at the northern end of Lake Maggiore. Dont forget to also check out our 100+ Italy travel tips and our guide to planning a first trip to Italy! His ghost is still said to haunt the castle! Dont miss out on the chance to simply wander around the town, and get lost down little side streets and cobbled alleyways. Parking is available just outside the center. 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. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. While youre there be sure to explore the inside of the historic Arena, visit Juliets House, and climb to the top of the Torri dei Lamberti for stunning views over the city. Entrance costs 8 including the museum. He was entranced by Arice and pursued her, but she rejected him. The next town, Ascona, is lovely, too. The thermal baths! I hope you enjoyed this quick travel guide to Sirmione and it helped you plan a visit. Of course, if you need help arranging that, were here to help! #summer, Always happiest exploring . It gets its name from the 1400s when these ancient sites and structures were underground. The Dirty Passport, LLC. You can also fly into the following airports: If youre already in the area, use Arriva Bus (arriva.it/en) to get to Sirmione. Italian cuisine is one of the best reasons to visit the country. 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. 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. 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. These days visitors flock to visit the old town which, in our opinion, is one of Lake Gardas prettiest historic villages. 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. Luxury Suite Sirmione Town Center pretty rooms in central location, close to the beach, some with lovely balconies. In Sirmione, the dining options are no exception. There is a ton of parking just outside the historic city center so try to drive as close as you can to the historic city center entrance before parking. The villa belonged to a rich Roman family. The nearest airport is Verona Catullo (VRN) 35 km, 30 min. Stay tuned. candice[at]mominitaly[dot]com. Kids will love the steam railways or water slides whilst adults can bring out their inner child with thrilling rollercoasters and log flumes. You can find things for every taste, from traditional seafood dishes to traditional Italian-style pizzas. That is Sirmiones castle! Navigazione Laghi has public ferry info, or you can schedule a private charter. 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. Ciao! Ciao and welcome to Mom in Italy. To the west, you could head to the walled city of Bergamo (we love the local shops there!) Go here for a white tablecloth experience that puts the spotlight on fish and seafood. . Theyre open from 10am until 11pm, so youre able to have a full family day out. 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. This isnt merely a quaint Italian town on the southern shore of Lake Garda. Read our 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips for Your First (or 10th!) Just north of the Scaliger Castle, walk on the paved Lungolago Sirmione. As well as handmade pizza, it also serves delicious desserts and some seriously scrummy starters. If youre into the beach and wellness, you could spend all day walking the lakeside trails and dipping in the thermal baths. Lake Garda is an excellent place to explore on two wheels. In his rage, Ebengardo killed his wifes murderer, and his ghost can still be seen wandering the castle looking for his beautiful Arice. Even I hadnt before I paid a visit! Not just reserved for Budapest, Sirmione is another beautiful destination in Europe that has a wonderful thermal spa for visitors to enjoy. Sirmione Castle is a medieval castle located in the heart of the town. This villa was built between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. Of course, Lake Garda is one of the beautiful attractions of Sirmione Italy. Over the centuries, Sirmione has drawn everyone from intellectuals to nobles including the likes of the poet Catullus and the opera diva Maria Callas. Make sure you check out the well and see the ducks in the moat! 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. We loved this beautiful, colorful little village and it is definitely worth a visit when youre in Italy. There are some lesser-known but very much worth your time wine regions nearby. The best cycling in Sirmione is south of town in the vineyards. Visit the remains of a Roman villa with panoramic views of the lake. A very pretty place. If small, chic, and boutique are your deal, then youll want to check out this modern 18-room hotel. Lido delle Bionde has pebbles and is clear and shallow for quite a ways out. 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! Visit, Locals Guide to Going To The Beach Near Lucca, Italy (7 Best Beaches + Map), Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions, beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, Winter months of November through March (to visit the quiet town and thermal baths), Hotel Spas (Grand Hotel Terme, Hotel Sermione e Promessi Sposi, Hotel Acquaviva del Garda, Hotel Fonte Boiola). One of the most popular is Aquaria Thermal SPA. The drive from Verona is also a fairly straightforward 30-minute route, and there are also regular buses running between the two destinations. Gardaland is home to some of the most exciting roller coasters, games, and rides in Europe. 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. Sirmione is a famous thermal destination and has lovely spas to relax and unwind. Once youve arrived in Sirmione, the easiest way to get around is on foot. Heres our full list of what to do in Sirmione: Definitely give yourself time to explore the town center for everything from a meal to shopping and some history. All things considered, Lido delle Bionde was my favorite Sirmione beach! When you visit, the place to do aperitivo is at Caffe Grand Italia on the quaint Piazza Carducci. So, if you have time, definitely spend some at a thermal spa. Could anyone who has been to Bellagio and Sirmione give me a clue as to whether we'd be disappointed in Sirmione (and Garda) or if Sirmione is as charming and delightful as Bellagio? 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 usually use Omio to find transport in Europe as its cheap and easy to use. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. And, there are a number of good, if expensive, places to eat. 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. The nearest train stations are just under 10 miles in the towns of Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda. 25 mins peninsular and Sirmione boat tour, 25 min motorboat tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, Lake Garda Tour from Sirmione with pizza and prosecco, San Candido/Innichen: why you will love this delightful Italian mountain town, Why you will love Chioggia, Italy: 10 excellent reasons for visiting, Visiting Scopello Sicily: 5 reasons you will love this picture perfect village. Long, long ago, a young, happy couple lived in the castle Ebengardo and his bellissima wife Arice. It is flat and the town is very touristy. Read more. If youd like to spend time at the thermal baths, plan on spending at least one night. The ruins at the end of Sirmiones peninsula have a spectacular view and theyre worth a wander. Sirmione is a popular day trip destination in the summer, especially mid-June through August. Where else do you see a castle with a lake for a moat? The main spas in Sirmione are: Take a break at a beachfront cafe or in a little piazza in Sirmiones old town to sample some of the local wines: Fans of the 2017 romantic drama film starring Timothe Chalamet will enjoy seeing where the films archaeological dig scene was filmed in the Grotte di Catullo ruins. 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). Sirmione is picturesque, vibrant and totally walkable. Theres also a small restaurant, toilets, and plenty of shade in the olive groves. Its in the province of Brescia and the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy. 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. Its an amusement park with something for everyone. Can you really visit Lake Garda and not spend some time on the lake itself? Sirmione is an easy and fun place to visit with little ones. The stunning scenery further north across Garda is completely mesmerizing. Sirmione makes a great day trip from many northern Italian cities such as Verona, or Milan. It reminded me of Taormina, about which virtually everyone on this forum raves, but which left me cold. and is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Northern Italy. You may also spot some beautiful wildlife too as plenty of bird species roam this area. 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). From Milan, its a slightly longer journey, but its no more complicated. ), relax on the lawn, or just enjoy the views of Lago di Garda. 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. If you have some extra time in Italy, this city makes a wonderful day trip or long weekend trip from the lake, so its one of the best things to do in Sirmione. If you take the local bus, it will drop you off on the southern part of the peninsula, and youll need to take a smaller bus (navetta) to the historic center or Sirmione (using the same ticket). Sirmione is different things to different people. Its important you know that this town is not unknown. 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. Does Sirmione have a beach?Sirmione has multiple beaches! 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! The ruins, which most tourists don't reach, are spectacular. For cheap combined flight and hotel deals. It was later controlled by the Duke of Milan, the Republic of Venice, the French, the Austrians, and the Kingdom of Italy. 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. Last Modified: July 12, 2022. But, if we had the means, wed spend a long weekend holed up at the luxury hotels pampering ourselves with spa services. The unique castle was built in the 13th century and is a rare example of medieval port fortification. In addition, the museum has artifacts from this villa and others finds on Lake Garda. Itll most likely be one of the first things youll see when you get off the ferry and its certainly a wonderful sight. The 69C water contains sulfur, bromide, and iodine and is believed to help with respiratory and circulatory problems, skin issues, arthritis, and more. Sirminone and Bellagio have one thing in common: in season some of the most overrun with day trip tourists of any place in Europe - even approaching Portofino status. There are plenty of public water fountains around Sirmione, so you can refill your water bottle. If Sirmione isn't it, is there another place that might be more 'our kind of town'? But few have the combos of looks, history, geography, gorgeous water, and charm of Sirmione. Make sure to take your camera for the beautiful views. The castle is well-preserved and beautiful. Or, if history and culture are a must for you, you can visit the Scaligero Castle, the Roman ruins, or even peek into the house where Maria Callas used to get some R&R. Good To Know: The 140km cycling path around the lake is set to be completed by 2026. Another area thats nice for a walk is on the rocky path that leads north from the Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Its definitely worth it to circumvent the lake by ferry or car to see the nearby towns like Sal, Bardolino, and Lazise. What makes Castello Scaligero so special? Salt & Wind Travel is a boutique travel company for the discerning food and lifestyle traveler. . This beach is located just below the ruins of the Grotto de Cattulo and offers the perfect chance to soak up the sun, cool off with some drinks at their outdoor bar, or enjoy one of their many water sports. Also worth noting is the Il Mosaico Ristorante, which is a great place for pizza lovers. But that alone is not a reason to stay here! Inside youll find stained glass windows, 12th and 15th-century frescoes, and a war memorial. Sirmiones narrow medieval streets are full of cafes, shops, and restaurants. 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. Good To Know: If you have a fear of heights, stop and assess the situation at the top of the castle walls. 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Its location on the shores of Lake Garda means that you could do many a day trip from Sirmione. You can then take a local bus or a taxi to get to Sirmione. 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. A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way. . Our family loves Sirmione and we think you will too! 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. In these busy times, its nice to arrive early in the morning or spend the night and have the evenings in a much less crowded town. This has a real sand beach with rentals available for lounges and umbrellas. And thats very much the case. You can stay inside smaller corner towers and still get amazing views of Sirmione and the lake! The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona and, from there, you can reach Sirmione by bus or car. I started Adventures of Alice to help others like me travel the world as affordably as possible! Local stories tell us that, in the Middel Ages, the castle was inhabited by a young couple, Arice (wife) and Ebengardo (husband). Arice screamed for help but before Ebengardo could safe her, Elaberto had stabbed her to death. . 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. I will be writing all about it in my next post! Take a boat trip to the privately owned island and tour its villa (a few of the rooms) and gardens with one of the Cavazzi family members. Many people have heard of Lake Garda, Italy but not many know about the town of Sirmione. Only a short 20 minute walk from town on a scenic lakeside path, you will find Lido delle Bionde. Yes, you could easily day trip and do nothing more than simply walk the town, stroll the lakeside, and grab a bite. . The town is easy to explore with a stroller, and you can even take a little train if you get tired! One night, a man called Elaberto went to the castle asking for shelter for one night and the young couple agreed. All you need to know to plan a trip to Sirmione, one of the most popular towns on Lake Garda, Italy, famous for a breathtaking castle and pleasant thermal baths. Speaking of, if you are heading to Italy soon, check out our Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Italy or reach out to have us plan a custom trip for you! Visit the nice playground with plenty of shade in the northern part of the town center. One stormy evening, a knight from Venice (Elalberto) knocked on the castle door seeking shelter from the storm. 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! Depending on which tour you take, you might even be able to explore the Italian mountains surrounding the lake. Take a quick peek at the town center and grab a snack if you need one. 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. Advertising - The historical center has no shortage of cafes, restaurants and bars. Look, the historic core of Sirmione can get very busy during the high season (July and August) as tons of visitors pour in for day visits. READ MORE. With an incredible history, it was built between the 1st century BC and the beginning of the 1st century AD. The castle of Sirmione is said to be haunted! One of the things that surprised us most on our first visit? This post may contain affiliate links. This Michelin-starred spot is our favorite option for fine dining. 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 best way to explore it is to wander, admire the hidden courtyards and balconies, catch views of the lakes and stopping at the many souvenir shops. Subscribe to the Salt & Wind newsletter today to receive travel tips and recipes directly in your inbox. The ferry was just a few steps from our hotel which made it so easy to visit other towns. Head here to get started! 2021-2022 | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. The tours usually last about an hour and take you along amazing stretches of Lake Garda. Yes, it is that town. 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. If you have kids in tow, youll want to make time to visit the beloved amusement park, Gardaland, and its aquarium. You can find the bus schedule here (Arriva Bus) and here (Flixbus). Tropea is located on Calabrias Golden Coast. From either train station, you can hop a local bus or grab a taxi to get to the historic center of Sirmione. It can only be reached by foot at low tide, so prepare to go for a paddle if youd like to see this beach. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. Our services are tailored to meet your needs and make sure you make the most of your trip. In the last 4 years, I've gone from never leaving the UK, to documenting my journey round the world. Read More The 11 Best Places for Hiking in Austria, The Most Beautiful Countryside in England . Sirmione has some of the best beaches on Lake Garda, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. #athens #history #travelhisto, Cannot wait to be heading back to Italy in a few w. Always feel better being in this city Good To Know: The famous Roman poet Catullo never lived here, but the villa has come to be associated with him because his family had a home in the area. One of the reasons people have hung out here since Roman times? Elaberto got a glimpse of Arice, felt an irresistible attraction for this young woman and assaulted her during the night. Speaking of Call Me By Your Name, this is where they filmed the archaeological dig scenes. The most famous are Aquaria (wellness and thermal spa), Terme di Catullo and Terme di Virgilio, offering thermal baths, massages and and rehab packages. Hi! It can be difficult to find parking, especially during the busy summer months, so if you can, arrive in the morning. The town has a wonderful old-world charm to it with cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. 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. Kids will love looking for the small fish. . We specialize in food-focused experiences in the most interesting culinary regions of the world. Contact Us - 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. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Ngl, Im quite proud of this photo Throwback, In this big wide world, we are tiny I tend to agree with others that it is a little too touristy. Advance booking is essential. How Much Time to Spend in Sirmione, Lake Garda, Visit Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero), Swim and Relax at the Beaches of Sirmione, See Where a Scene from Call Me By Your Name Was Filmed, Near Sirmione (Attractions and Towns to Visit), Italian Gas Stations and Getting Gas in Italy, Renting a Car in Italy with a US Drivers License, 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips for Your First (or 10th!) Through our food-first travel planning services,including. And, you can rent pedal boats (with slides!) Our advice for a first-time visit would be to do an extended day trip. It takes its name from the person who ordered it built: Leonardino della Scala aka Mastino della Scala (Scaligero = della scala in Italian). Posted on 13/07/2021 byAlice Smith. Its easy to arrive in Sirmione by 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. Getting out onto the water is one of the most wonderful things to do on the Italian Lakes. If you are planning a trip to Lake Garda, Sirmione is a must see. 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. The approach is quite steep, so itll likely be quiet. You wouldnt think there would be a tropical island paradise on an Italian lake, but Jamaica beach is just that! #tr, Ive got summer on my mind Its a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, great for getting away from the busy streets for a while. Make sure you head to the centro storico (historic center), and not the modern part of Sirmione. 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. Sirmione Lake Garda is well known for its medieval castle the Rocca Scaligera. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Grazie! 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. The closest train stations are in Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda, both around 10 km from Sirmione. Good To Know: The town isnt completely traffic-free, so be aware as youre walking the narrow streets. Your email address will not be published. Otherwise, check schedules on FlixBus. Thermal waters from the region have been popular for centuries and are still used today by locals who want to sit back and relax. Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. I hope to give you inspiration and practical information on some of the most wonderful places in the world. Your first stop is at the top of the tower walls. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the island and the visit lasts for around 2 hours. Framed by tall, green trees the fabulous old church is simply but spectacularly decorated. Its just a few stops on a train to Desenzano del Garda, and from there you can either walk, catch a ferry, or take a bus to the lakeside gem. We spent three days in Locarno, Switzerland, a few years ago. If youre planning on driving in Italy, check out our posts on:Renting a Car in ItalyItalian Gas Stations and Getting Gas in ItalyImportant Italian Road SignsDriving in ItalyInternational Driving Permit for ItalyRenting a Car in Italy with a US Drivers License. If you get tired, you can also take the small train, a taxi, or even a boat! In fact, I found it to be a perfect home base for visiting other nearby towns of Lake Garda via ferry. 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). Thats not to say that this historic town on Lake Garda isnt worth a visit but, like so many uber-popular spots these days, it can feel like Disneyland if you visit in the midst of the high season. or kayaks. 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. 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. Fun Fact: The site isnt actually a grotto, or a cave. Whether youre planning a trip or want to immerse yourself in a dream, welcome to my blog and enjoy exploring with me! Cycle the loop from Sirmione to San Martino della Battaglia, Pozzolengo, and back. Looking to travel to the Bel Paese? Is Sirmione closed up in the winter?Sirmione doesnt close for winter, but not all shops are open and its very quiet.
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