Sirmione on Lake Garda

Sirmione, one of the most beautiful towns of Lombardy is located on a narrow peninsula of the lower Lake Garda.

The beautiful Sirmione is located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia, on the border with the province of Verona and Veneto. The town is located just over 100 km from Milan and is easily accessible via the E70 freeway (A4).

The Romans and Greeks already knew Sirmione and in particular the Via Gallica passed precisely through the isthmus of the so-called Sirmio. The Roman poet Gaius Quintus Valerius Catullus dedicated a passionate poem to it and the Roman villa of Sirmione, which occupies one of the most beautiful shores of Lake Garda, is traditionally considered the property of the poet.

Discover the attractions of Sirmione!

What are the most beautiful sights to see in Sirmione? Below we have selected the main attractions that you can discover in one of the most beautiful places on Lake Garda.

The beaches of Sirmione

The so-called Jamaica Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Sirmione, where you almost feel like you are on the sea. Other beaches worth visiting are Spiaggia delle Muse, just below the castle and the exclusive Lido delle Bionde, Santa Maria di Lugana and Spiaggia Brema, while Spiaggia Galeazzi is a paradise for sports enthusiasts where you can rent windsurfs, pedal boats and canoes.

The caves of Catullus

The Grotto of Catullus is a Roman villa, the oldest part of which dates back to the first century AD. Before the excavation of this huge archaeological complex, the ruins of the villa, covered by dense vegetation, appeared in the form of caves, which according to an ancient tradition are attributed to the Roman poet Gaius Quintus Valerius Catullus.

The caves can be reached on foot from the historic center, walking along Via Caio Valerio Catullo. Visit the museum, the cryptoporticus, the swimming pool, the cistern and the olive grove before going to the Aula dei Giganti and the great Pilone, the two best preserved areas of the entire complex.

The Castello Scaligero

The Scaliger Castle is one of the best preserved fortified buildings in Italy. Built around the middle of the 13th century during the time of the Scaligeri, a dynasty that ruled for 125 years the City of Verona ruled, it is surrounded on all four sides by the waters of the lake. On the castle tower you can enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Garda.

The Grottoes of Catullus
The Grotto of Catullus is a Roman villa, the oldest part of which dates back to the first century AD. Before the excavation of this huge archaeological complex, the ruins of the villa, covered by dense vegetation, appeared in the form of caves, which according to an ancient tradition are attributed to Gaius Valerius Catullus. The caves can be reached on foot from the historic center of Sirmione, walking along Via Caio Valerio Catullo.

Visit the museum, the cryptoporticus, the swimming pool, the cistern and the olive grove before going to the Aula dei Giganti and the great Pilone, the two best preserved areas of the entire complex.

The Callas Palace

The beautiful lemon yellow villa that looks out between the dark green trees of Via Catullo in the heart of the peninsula was for years the summer residence of Maria Callas’ husband and here the singer stayed whenever she had the opportunity, away from the limelight and close to Verona, with the famous Arena.

The Isola Borghese Cavazza and the Isola San Biagio

The island of Lake Garda, Isola del Garda or Isola Borhese Cavazza on the other hand, is a beautiful private island. You can visit this island and admire the English and Italian gardens and three of the rooms inside the magnificent neo-Gothic Venetian style villa on the island.

The island of San Biagio or Isola dei Conigli, also called “Island of the Rabbits” because of the many rabbits that live there, is a small island with lush vegetation.