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Latest update: 18 April 2025
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, I highly recommend the comparison options offered by DiscoverCars.
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 purchase a ticket (€ 8, 2020) and join a guided tour that departs 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 of Rocca Scaligera is situated 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 selling souvenirs) and restaurants that charge exorbitant prices. However, we manage to find an affordable cup of coffee at Bar Bussola. It’s full of Italians, so that’s 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. It is still manageable in terms of crowds at the castle. However, if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience, I recommend strolling around and enjoying the food in another village, such as Salò, which is fun! 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. Have a look at 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. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Always compare prices and insurance coverage. DiscoverCars and Rentalcars.com often have good deals.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Amazon.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Trains and buses. Book busses and trains in Italy with Omio or Busbud.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? There are plenty of choices. Start at Expedia or CheapOair.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely check out Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Yoga retreat. Or try a yoga retreat in Italy.
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First published: August 2020. Updated since.
