Sirmione Things to Do

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In the late 13th century, the della Scala family took over Sirmione from the Patarine heretics, who had to either repent for their sins or be burned at the stake in Verona. Ever since, it has stood guard over the town. Its small port gives access to the lake, and its towers offer a grand view of the lake and town.

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As beautiful as the sunset may be on the lake, even more lovely is the sunrise over the walls of the Scaligari Castle.

I caught it just one day as I walked to the bus stop to pick up our tour to Florence. I managed to take two pretty snaps, but regretted that I didn't have the time to take more.

The best position is in front of the castle in the square by the Sirmione Hotel. You would get a lovely shot of the sunrise over the lake if you walk up the street to the side of the castle within the old town walls.

I hope you enjoy these pics.

Sirmione is a promonitory surrounded on three sides by Lake Garda and so it is a terrific place to watch the sun set from many vantage points throughout the town.

My favourite sunset spot was from the deck over the lake at the Hotel Sirmione.

However, I also found some good spots at the cul de sacs fronting the lake throughout the old town. These areas usually have walls at the end of them where people stop to watch the birds, the sunset, and.....eat ice cream:-)

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At the very tip of the peninsula there is a Roman Palace that is fun to explore. Unfortunately all the signs were in Italian and no english. There is also a museum to see. There is a fee to get into the Palace (Grotte di Catullo).

There's a few places to hop in the water to cool off on the Sirmione Peninsula. You’ll see signs for the public beach (Spiaggia - see next tip). This is located on the east shore, not to far after you enter the town.
I'd continue past this area, walking along the path that parallels the shore. Go about a ½ mile (km or so) to some areas that are less crowded, and great to go swimming. For about 30 meters or so from the shore, it is shallow flat rocks that you can walk on, some come out of the water and you can sit and be dry- have a picnic perhaps. On the way out, you’ll pass a dock for hotel sunbathers, then a little food stand, continue a little further and pick a spot to test the waters. See the travelogue with more photos of this area-

This public beach is small, probably a little crowded, but close to the town center. It’s just to the east, or right, after you enter the town through the castle. Signs to the "spiaggia" will lead you there. The surface is not like sand you would find at the beach, rather larger, but rounded rocks. We passed by this beach as it was crowded and found what we thought a much nicer spot to jump in the water. See previous tip.

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Check out the Ivy plants with lovely purple flowers (did not find exactly what kind of Ivy - Latin name Hedera it is, as it was more flowers than leafs, so it might have not been Ivy but some other climbing plant).

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As well as in all Italy, also in Sirmione you can feast your tastes with the renowned Italian ice cream, which is undoubtedly the best in the world. Check out the ice cream stands on the streets, who can resist the temptation, child or adult?