Things to Do in Sirmione: A Day Trip from Peschiera del Garda

You can pair a visit to Sirmione with a look around Peschiera’s historic centre, then choose how to cross to the peninsula. For practical route details, use this guide to getting from Peschiera del Garda to Sirmione by bus or boat.

Keep your Sirmione itinerary flexible: the historic centre, castle and peninsula sights can be approached on foot along the town’s suggested route.

If you have time before or after the outing, the walk through Peschiera’s fortress and old town makes a natural local pairing.

Scaligero Castle stands at the entrance to Sirmione’s historic centre, making it a clear first stop on the walk. The castle was built after the middle of the 14th century by the Veronese Della Scala family and restored in 1919.

Inside, you can see the courtyard, walkways, former harbour and tower. Entry is paid, and you can purchase a ticket at the ticket office at the castle entrance. Check the official site before you go for current visiting information.

From the castle, continue through the historic centre toward Santa Maria Maggiore and the remains of San Salvatore, then follow the route toward the peninsula’s tip. This sequence links the old town’s historic sites with the lakeside walk rather than treating them as separate stops.

The peninsula stretches about 4 km into Lake Garda, so the walk carries on beyond the old-town entrance. The suggested return route passes San Pietro in Mavino and follows the western side of the peninsula. The church dates to the 8th century; its bell tower was remodelled in 1070, and the building was rebuilt in 1320.

The Grotte di Catullo are Roman villa remains at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula. The villa was built between the end of the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD. The site includes the ruins, an archaeological park and an adjacent museum with finds from Sirmione and the Lake Garda area.

The name comes from a popular belief that the villa belonged to the poet Catullus. The local tourism authority says that attribution is unfounded: the villa was built after his lifetime. Allow this stop to be the far end of the suggested walk before returning via San Pietro in Mavino and the western side of the peninsula.

Jamaica Beach lies below the Grotte di Catullo. Dogs are allowed, and sunbeds must be booked by email the day before your visit.

Boat tours around the peninsula offer views from the lake of Scaligero Castle, the Grotte di Catullo, the thermal baths and Villa Callas. They provide a different way to take in the peninsula after exploring on foot. For your return to Peschiera, check the available transport options before you travel, as routes and services can vary.

Sirmione is about 10 km from Hotel La Favorita, making it a day trip. Before setting off, check current attraction and transport details, including ticket information and any seasonal arrangements.

What is the suggested walking route in Sirmione?

Start at the historic-centre entrance, pass Scaligero Castle and Santa Maria Maggiore, and continue toward the Grotte di Catullo. Return via San Pietro in Mavino and the western side of the peninsula.

Can you buy Scaligero Castle tickets at the entrance?

Yes. The castle is a paid attraction, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at its entrance.

What can you see at the Grotte di Catullo?

The site includes the remains of a Roman villa, an archaeological park and an adjacent museum with finds from Sirmione and the Lake Garda area.

Are dogs allowed at Jamaica Beach?

Yes. Dogs are allowed there. Sunbeds must be booked by email the day before your visit.