To fully enjoy the beauty of Sirmione, a wonderful village on Lake Garda, a weekend is enough. With well-planned stops, you can see all the wonderful sights this charming town has to offer while still allowing yourself moments of relaxation.
On the first day, you can comfortably explore on foot the characteristic historic center of Sirmione, filled with narrow alleys, stunning views, and a delightful lakeside promenade lined with shops and cozy cafés where you can stop for a coffee.
After a short break, it’s time to visit the Scaliger Castle, built to guard the only land entrance to the town. This fortress, constructed in the eighth century by the Scaliger family, is one of the most complete and well-preserved castles in Italy and one of the few examples of fortifications built near a lake. Its towering height, nearly fifty meters, and the fact that it is completely surrounded by water make it the stuff of childhood dreams and fantasies. A long staircase leads to the circular walkways, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the splendid lake.
To complete your historical and archaeological tour, a visit to the Grotte di Catullo is a must. Despite its name, it is actually the most important set of ancient Roman villa ruins in northern Italy. The monument dates back to the early first century BC, and only thanks to recent restoration works have the villa's ruins been fully revealed, offering visitors a truly unique atmosphere.
After a pleasant morning immersed in culture, it’s time to relax and savor the culinary delights offered by the local restaurants. Strolling through the center, it’s easy to find charming spots with diverse menus, often highlighting typical local dishes made with freshwater fish. Choosing a lakeside restaurant allows you to enjoy the stunning view even during your meal, making the most of every moment of your vacation.
To kick off the afternoon with a fun and relaxed vibe, a boat ride around the Sirmione peninsula is ideal. Changing perspective and viewing the coast from the lake reveals details you might miss when surrounded by such beauty on land.
To end the first day in style, spending a few hours at the Sirmione Thermal Baths is a perfect choice. The Aquaria Thermal Spa is a true sanctuary of peace and well-being. You can immerse yourself in the healing thermal waters, enjoy vascular paths, aromatic showers, and chromotherapy baths, all while marveling at the unmatched sunset from the stunning pool overlooking Lake Garda.
On the second day, you can choose to visit one of the many nearby towns—there’s no shortage of options between Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino, and Garda. Follow your interests and enjoy the unique charm of these incredible lakeside villages.
In the afternoon, you might decide to spend time at one of the most renowned wineries in the region, perhaps enjoying a vineyard picnic and fully immersing yourself in the winery's atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can arrange to rent a motorboat—no license needed—and treat yourself to a pleasant DIY trip, romantic or shared with friends or family. Once again, before leaving, you’ll appreciate the colors, shades, scents, and enchanting views that Lake Garda offers, with its picturesque villages decorating and coloring the shores and hills, alternating with vineyards and olive groves. It's a beauty that will be hard to forget even after returning home.