Latest update: 20 June 2023
Sirmione in Italy. What was once an idyllic Italian village on Lake Garda has become a real tourist trap. The village is ruined by its own success if you ask me. However, because the castle Rocca Scaligera is an impressive sight, I think you shouldn’t skip the village. So go in town, and get out asap.
Mass tourism in Sirmione, Italy
When my travel partner and I drive into Sirmione by car, we quickly find our way to the castle and the peninsula. Just follow the rest of the tourists to the enormous parking lot. When we park our car, we already know that we will have a hard time in Sirmione: too many people, too little space in the old town.
Tip! If you still need to rent a car in Italy, check out Sunny Cars.
Rocca Scaligera with a guide (Sirmione’s castle)
You enter Sirmione via the bridge over the moat. The beautiful Rocca Scaligera Castle is immediately on your right – you can’t miss it. We buy a ticket (8 euros, 2020) and join a guided tour that leaves within a few minutes. The guide is not very talkative, but we are happy with him anyway because we can go to places in the castle that are otherwise inaccessible.
Sirmione Castle was built in the 13th century and has two drawbridges. It borders Lake Garda on three sides. However, the most impressive part is the small, enclosed harbor at the back of the castle. It contrasts beautifully with the blue water. We get to walk around the port with the guide, you can’t access this area alone.
See more of the old town of Sirmione
So what else can you do in Sirmione? The castle Rocca Scaligera is in the narrowest part of the Sirmione peninsula. As you walk further into the old town, it becomes a bit wider. There you will find shops (mainly souvenirs) and restaurants that charge ridiculous prices. However, we manage to find an affordable cup of coffee at Bar Bussola. It’s full of Italians, so that seems like a good sign. If you walk a little further, you will get to the green part of the peninsula, where it’s a bit more peaceful.
When to visit Sirmione, Italy
Try to visit the old town of Sirmione as early in the day as possible, especially if you travel in the high season. Then it is still doable in the castle in terms of crowds. But, if you’re looking for an authentic Italian feeling, I advise you to stroll around and enjoy the food in another village (Salò is nice!). Sirmione, for me, is really a case of walking into town, visiting the castle, and escaping from it asap.
But, maybe it’s better from the water:
More travel inspiration for Italy
Useful links for your Italy trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Another option is WithLocals. For ‘free’ walking tours, check out Freetour and GuruWalk, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Try Tiqets for a 5% discount on museums and attractions with the coupon code KIMOPREIS22.
- Car rental. Want to compare prices? Check Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Be sure to check out Transavia, but do compare all your options! Definitely check out Momondo, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? There are plenty of choices. Start at Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Trains and buses. Travel by train to Italy from the Netherlands with NS International or Flixbus. Book buses and trains in Italy with Omio or Busbud.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. Or, go on a yoga retreat in Italy!
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First published: August 2020. Updated since.
