Sirmione sits on a narrow peninsula that juts far out into the lake from the south shore. The entrance to the old town is guarded by the Scaliger Castle, a moated fortress with battlements and a harbour basin. At the tip of the peninsula lie the remains of a large Roman villa, known as the Grottoes of Catullus.
Our top pick: Sirmione: 1-hour boat tour
Where to stay in Sirmione
| Location | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old town on the peninsula | Couples, short breaks | Quiet and special in the evening, access by permit only |
| On the mainland (Colombare, Lugana) | Families, drivers | Larger hotels with pool and parking |
| Near Desenzano | No car | Desenzano-Sirmione station nearby |
Avoid the day trippers: the old town is busiest between about 11 am and 5 pm. If you stay here, you have the castle and the lanes almost to yourself in the morning and evening.
Boat tours from Sirmione
The peninsula looks best from the water. Choices range from a one-hour round trip to a Fiat 500 boat you drive yourself without a licence.
Sirmione: 1-hour boat tour
Round trip around the peninsula past the castle and Roman villa. 4.7/5 from over 150 reviews.
Fiat 500 boat, no licence needed
Drive yourself around the lake for an hour, ideal for couples. 4.8/5 from over 200 reviews.
Speedboat tour of the southern lake
Two hours with a skipper and stops in bays. 4.6/5 from almost 200 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
From Sirmione to Verona
Verona is about an hour away by car and can be booked as a guided day tour with a boat ride, a good choice for a rainy day.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive into Sirmione's old town?
Only with a permit, for example if your hotel is in the old town and registers your car. Everyone else parks in front of the peninsula.
How do you get to Sirmione without a car?
Take the train to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione station on the Milan-Venice line, then continue by bus or boat.
Is a boat tour in Sirmione worth it?
Yes: only from the water do you really see the castle, the tip of the peninsula and the rock slabs along the shore. Short round trips take about an hour.
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