Sirmione’s Roman & Medieval Tapestry

Sirmione is a sun‑drenched peninsula on Lake Garda, where medieval ramparts, Roman villa ruins and world‑renowned thermal baths converge in a timeless Italian idyll.

Old‑Town Stroll

Kick off your walking shoes in Sirmione’s winding heart: from the Scaligero Castle ramparts through secret alleys, every twist reveals medieval ruins, Roman relics and a touch of “La Divina” Callas drama—all within a ten‑minute loop.

🏰 Start at the Castle

Begin at Castello Scaligero—climb the ramparts, wave at the lake, and feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval epic.

🏘️ Lose Yourself in the Alleys

Slip into those twisty vicoletti (little lanes). Peek at the ruins of San Salvatore Church and marvel at scattered Roman stonework—history hiding in every corner!

🎭 Callas’ Hideaway

Pop into Palazzo Callas, where “La Divina” once stayed. Even if you’re not an opera buff, it’s a charming pause for a quick selfie or a peek at her legacy.

⛪ Hilltop Serenity

Wander (or hop on the little shuttle) up to San Pietro in Mavino. This hilltop church has golden‑light windows and sweeping lake views—perfect for a silent moment.

🌳 Park & People‑Watch

Finish in one of the shady parks or grab a gelato at a café in the piazza. Sit back, let the world drift by, and savour Sirmione’s dolce far niente.

Colorful waterfront buildings and restaurant terraces along the canal in Sirmione’s old town on a sunny day. — Sirmione’s cheerful canal promenade tempts with flower-decked balconies, bustling gelaterias, and sun-drenched cafés—perfect for an espresso or a lakeside linger.

"View down a colorful pedestrian street in Sirmione leading to Lake Garda, framed by pastel buildings under a bright blue sky. — Follow sunlit streets framed by candy-colored facades and swaying palms—because every path in Sirmione leads to lakeside magic.

Charming yellow building with flower-draped balconies and art-filled shops on a sunny pedestrian street in Sirmione’s old town. — Where bougainvillea climbs and shutters whisper of lazy afternoons—Sirmione’s streets blend color, culture, and a touch of Italian flair.

Interior view of Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Sirmione, featuring wooden pews, frescoes, chandeliers, and the ornate altar under a vaulted ceiling. — Step into cool stillness and soft light—Santa Maria Maggiore invites quiet reflection beneath centuries-old beams and flickering stained glass.

Scenic lakefront path in Sirmione with stone walls, pine trees, benches, and a view of Lake Garda and distant mountains. — Breathe in the scent of pine and freshwater breeze—this peaceful path along Lake Garda invites quiet moments and leisurely wonder.

Scaligero Castle

Ever fancied yourself as the hero of your own medieval tale? Let’s take a playful ramble through Scaligero Castle in Sirmione—Lake Garda’s very own time machine!

🏰 A Regal Welcome

Cross the stout stone bridge (once a creaky drawbridge!), and you’ll be met by two marble shields. One bears the roaring lion of the Della Scala clan; the other, Venice’s noble griffin. Think of them as the castle’s VIP greeters—silent, stoic, but undeniably cool.

🪜 146 Steps of History

Ready for a mini‑workout? Climb 146 weathered steps to the left‑hand tower. Feel the stones hum beneath your feet—each one has borne the tread of armoured soldiers. At the top, peek through a narrow slit and savor the sight of bobbing fishing boats on the sparkling lake. Insta‑worthy, right?

🔍 On the Ramparts

Wander along the smooth Verona‑stone ramparts. Close your eyes and pretend you’re a sentry on the lookout for marauding foes. Hear that gentle breeze? Locals say it carries the distant clank of armour…and perhaps the echo of a ghostly sigh.

👻 Ebengardo’s Lament

Speaking of sighs, meet Ebengardo—the castle’s resident spectre. Legend tells of a tragic duel over his beloved Arice. On stormy nights, rumour has it you might catch his lonely footsteps, lamenting love lost. If you feel a sudden chill, you may just have shared the corridor with him!

📝 Medieval Graffiti

Duck into the second courtyard, roofed in nineteenth‑century style. The walls are lined with mysterious inscriptions—ancient graffiti daring you to decode tales of valiant knights and courageous dames. Bring your best detective hat; these carvings have stories to tell!

⚓ The Darsena Delight

Before you depart, don’t miss the little harbour—modeled on Venice’s grand Arsenal. Climb the stone stair to the wall walk, breathe in that fresh lake air, and let seagulls serenade your farewell.

Whether you’re a history buff, a hopeless romantic, or simply in need of a dash of adventure, Scaligero Castle delivers a delightfully playful plunge into the Middle Ages. Now go on—make it your most memorable afternoon yet!

Scaligero Castle in Sirmione with its crenellated towers and moat, viewed from the harbor with boats docked in the foreground. — Step into a storybook—Scaligero Castle rises beside the lake, its golden towers mirrored in still waters, as boats bob like curious onlookers.

Scaligero Castle tower seen between colorful shuttered buildings on a narrow street in Sirmione’s historic center. — Turn a corner in Sirmione and history surprises you—Scaligero Castle’s battlements rise proudly between pastel walls and flowered balconies.

Grotte di Catullo

Step off the beaten path and into antiquity at the Grotte di Catullo—Sirmione’s cliff‑top Roman villa ruins, where crumbling columns and sweeping lake views make history feel refreshingly alive.

🏺 Roman Ruins Unveiled

Wander through crumbling marble columns, broad mosaic floors and stone walls, imagining life in a lavish villa from the 1st–2nd century AD. Those “caves” you’ll spot are actually the remains of sumptuous baths and living quarters!

🕰️ Quick‑Visit Details

Hours: Tue–Sat 08:30–19:30 (last entry 18:40), Sun 14:00–19:30 (last entry 18:40), Mon closed

Ticket: €6 per person (card or coins)

Tip: Book online to skip the line if you’re tight on time.

🏛️ On‑Site Museum

Pop next door to the Museo Archeologico and uncover Roman pottery, medieval finds and lakeside “pile‑dwelling” treasures—tiny relics, big stories!

🚶 Easy Access

A 10‑minute stroll from Sirmione’s centre (follow the lakeshore path), or catch the little tourist train if you prefer wheels over heels.

Ancient stone arch and olive trees at Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione overlooking Lake Garda on a clear day. — Where Romans once wandered, sunlight now pours through ancient arches—framed by olive trees and the endless blue of Lake Garda.

Terme di Sirmione

Immerse yourself in steamy sulphurous bliss at Terme di Sirmione—where thermal springs, saunas and multi‑sensory delights meet lakeside luxury!

Opening Hours

Sun–Thu: 09:00–22:00

Fri–Sat: 09:00–00:00

What’s Included

Thermal pools • Sauna & steam circuit • Multi‑sensory rooms • Bathrobe & cap

Entry & Ticket Options

All‑Day Spa & Saunas (Mon–Fri): € 86

5‑Hour Access:

Mon–Thu: € 44

Fri–Sun: € 56

Evening Admission (entry until closing):

Sun–Thu: € 34

Fri–Sat: € 40

Short Break (2 h): € 25

À la Carte Treatments

Body massages, facial rituals, mud wraps, thermal‑method therapies

Why It’s Unique

Sulphurous‑bromo‑iodine Waters

Warm (34–36 °C), buoyant and rich in minerals—gently melt away tension.

Infinity Pool on Lake Garda

Float against a panoramic backdrop of castle and vineyards.

Multi‑Sensory “Journey of Water”

From brisk “Mountain” mist to soothing “Rain” cave, plus Salt & Starry‑Sky rooms.

Sauna Rituals

Finnish sauna with Aufguss ceremonies, Turkish bath and Roman steam—all perfectly timed.

3D illustrated map of Terme di Sirmione spa complex showing thermal pools, relaxation areas, treatment rooms, gardens, and lakeside zones. — Navigate your perfect spa day—this Terme di Sirmione map reveals pools, saunas, sensory rooms, and lakeside loungers all in one healing haven.

Credit: Terme di Sirmione

Lido delle Bionde

Swap your morning coffee for a splash of emerald water at Lido delle Bionde—where a hidden cove, sunbeds and a pier-packed panorama turn a few hours into your own little lakeside holiday.

🌅 Dawn Arrival

Slip in as golden light gilds the Grotte di Catullo cliffs. Tucked between Villa Cortine’s gardens and terraced olives, this “biunda” cove greets you with emerald water and soft pebbles.

🕘 Quick‑Reserve Comfort

By 09:00 am your sunbeds and canvas umbrella await—just a quick email the day before. Ready to freshen up? Hot showers and spotless loos (0.50 euros per use, coins only) sit ankle‑step from private changing cabins—wheelchair‑friendly and hassle‑free.

🏄 Water‑Play Fun

Waist‑deep shallows beckon for a dip; hire a SUP, canoe or pedal‑boat (slide included!) on the spot. Kids zoom; you drift in perfect peace.

🍕 Lakeside Lunch

Bite into a wood‑oven Margherita and sip chilled local white wine under striped awnings. Seafood antipasti, soft tunes and lakeside views—bliss!

🌇 Golden‑Hour Finale

One last plunge from the pier, then wander to Aquaria’s thermal pools next door as the day softly closes.

Quick, carefree and utterly delightful—Lido delle Bionde is Sirmione’s must‑do micro‑adventure!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lido delle Bionde (@lidodellebionde)

Lugana di Sirmione

Discover a peaceful lakeside escape just south of Sirmione—perfect for a stroll, bike ride or wine‑tasting detour!

🚶‍♀️/🚴 Route Highlights

Length: ~2.5 km one‑way along flat, paved path

Start Point: Church of Santa Maria di Lugana (next to Pasticceria La Fenice)

Views: Sirmione peninsula on your left, Venetian shore across the water

🍷 Sip & Savour

Pasticceria La Fenice: Coffee, aperitivi, light lunches, wine tastings right on the lake

Trattoria Lugana: Traditional menu from Ca’ dei Frati winery, perfect for a mid‑journey refuel

🌳 Nature & Amenities

Shaded Sections: Grove‑lined meadows form cool, leafy canopies

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for swans, ducks and waterhens—please don’t feed them!

Facilities: Lakeside bars, snack kiosks, tennis courts, camper stops, benches and picnic lawns

🏖️ Beach Spots

Lido di Lugana & Punta Gro’: Sandy‑pebble beaches ideal for sunbathing and dips

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VisitSirmione (@visitsirmione)

Sirmione’s Roman & Medieval Tapestry

1. Old‑Town Stroll

2. Scaligero Castle

3. Terme di Sirmione

4. Grotte di Catullo

5. Lido delle Bionde

6. Lugana di Sirmione

Perched between lake and sky, Sirmione's skyline charms with castle towers, terracotta rooftops, and the deep green of cypress trees—Italy's timeless elegance at golden hour.