What to do in Sirmione (even when it rains): 10 original ideas

Sirmione is an enchanting destination on Lake Garda, but what can you do and see there?

This town, located on the southern shore of the lake, impresses with its natural and artistic beauty. Between sacred sites, the castle, the remains of ancient Roman architecture and a historical centre enlivened by shops, small boutiques and restaurants, Sirmione is certainly the perfect destination for those who want to spend a relaxing weekend. How? By discovering the beaches, history and local wonders.

Sirmione can be admired by foot, strolling through the splendid historic centre, by bicycle, crossing nature trails or by boat, taking advantage of a new and pleasant perspective. An interesting destination to explore all year round, even in bad weather.

Would you like to know more? In this guide we present 10 original ideas on what to do in Sirmione, even when it rains!

What to do in Sirmione? 5 unforgettable travel ideas

If you want to spend a memorable holiday at Lake Garda, the ideal thing to do is to add beautiful Sirmione to your itinerary. It is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, perhaps adding a series of interesting activities to the list of things to do.

Among the main attractions in Sirmione we recommend you visit:

Scaliger Castle (in piazza Castello, 34), built after the middle of the 14th century by the Veronese Della Scala family. The interior and the tower, from which you can enjoy a unique panorama of the Benaco, are fascinating;
Grotte di Catullo (in piazzale Orti Manara, 4), one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Italy where you can find the remains of a Roman villa built between the end of the 1st century B.C. and the 2nd century A.D., an archaeological museum, a park and pristine beaches;
Villa Callas (at 7 via Caio Valerio Catullo), bought in the 1950s by the husband of soprano Maria Callas, Giovanni Battista Meneghini, and used by the couple as a holiday home. It can be admired from the outside and on rare occasions is open to public visits;
Church of San Pietro in Mavino (in via San Pietro in Mavino), built in the Lombard era and known to be the oldest church in Sirmione;
the remains of the Church of San Salvatore (in via San Salvatore, 2) linked to the ancient monastery founded by the wife of the last Lombard king Desiderius.

Also worth seeking out is the Monumento al Bacio (Kiss Monument), a sign made in 2009 by artist Lillo Marciano, installed in a scenic spot overlooking the beach of the Muses. A highly Instagrammable place!

But besides the well-known places to see, what are the activities to do in Sirmione? Let's take a look at 10 original and unique ideas.

1. A 'stroll' through the vineyards in a luxury Land Rover Defender

Sirmione falls within the territory of Lugana, a famous area where the DOC wine of the same name is produced. To spend a different day in the open air, you can choose an exciting experience in direct contact with nature: a visit to the vineyards on board a Land Rover Defender.

A journey on a luxury vehicle, comfortable and safe, in the company of an oenologist, to explore the historic San Giacomo vineyard and learn its secrets. A wine experience that ends with a tasting of the family's historic wines, accompanied by a selection of local dishes, from cured meats to cheeses.

2. Boat trip, with private driver

A boat trip on Lake Garda is a unique experience, but for it to be memorable you can opt for a chic and refined touch. How? By considering, for example, a private, captained trip from Sirmione sailing aboard the Riva, a historic boat that is a symbol of Italian luxury and craftsmanship.

For an exploratory trip, suitable for a family holiday, or with friends, you can always also consider other experiences such as:

a private tour with driver from Sirmione to Punta San Vigilio and Garda to admire the most important historical and natural sites such as the thermal baths of Sirmione, the Scaligero Castle, the Grotte di Catullo, the Guarienti-Brenzone Renaissance villa at Punta San Vigilio, the Baia delle Sirene, Villa Canossa and Garda;
a sunset tour of the Poets' Peninsula to be captivated by the magical views offered by the lake.

The advantage of these boat trips? The perfect organisation that allows you to just enjoy the experience, without thinking about anything else, as well as an excellent aperitif during the cruise (with wine, fresh fruit and background music).

3. Relaxing on the beach

A day at the beach, sunbathing, swimming and lidos surrounded by unspoilt nature is the epitome of a peaceful holiday in Sirmione. But which ones to choose? Jamaica Beach is very interesting, so much so that The Guardian ranked it as one of the most beautiful and wildest beaches in Italy. Lido delle Bionde, a few minutes' walk from the centre, is also a beautiful place. Surrounded by a natural oasis, not far from the Grotte di Catullo, the beach is full of amenities including a restaurant and other activities on the lake (such as SUP and canoeing).

4. An outdoor photo shoot, to feel like a star

The spectacular views, the architecture, the castle with its drawbridge, the beaches... everything makes Sirmione the perfect set for a private photo shoot. To take home wonderful memories of your holiday, it is best to hire a professional photographer who will make you the protagonist of iconic images.

They will teach you how to look your best in front of the camera, to capture emotions naturally and sincerely, leaving embarrassment behind. The perfect (and fun) activity for family, couples, friends, but also for those who like to travel alone and want to capture some magical moment in an exceptional place.

5. From coast to coast, by boat to Garda Island

For a trip to Lake Garda, you can board a boat with a skipper and set off from the port of Sirmione for a tour to Isola del Garda (also known as Isola Borghese Cavazza).

A pleasant and fascinating journey, with the wind in your hair, that will allow you to admire the Grotte di Catullo, the Brescian shore, the Rocca di Manerba, the Isola dei Conigli and then arrive at your destination and visit the historic private residence, designed in Venetian neo-Gothic style by architect Luigi Rovelli in the early 20th century.

A fairy-tale place entirely surrounded by the lake, two gardens (one Italian and one English) and a centuries-old park full of local and exotic plants, rare essences and unique flowers from all over the world.

What to do in Sirmione when it rains? 5 activities not to be missed

Not sure what to do in Sirmione when it rains? No problem. Here are 5 suggestions of original activities to do in the town when it's not sunny outside.

1. Shopping, galleries and museums to discover

When it rains in Sirmione, one can go shopping in the boutiques and shops in the centre, but also explore the local museums and galleries. For example, Palazzo Callas Exhibitions (in piazza Giosuè Carducci) in its 400m² exhibition area always offers new exhibitions, including contemporary ones. At the Archaeological Museum (in piazzale Orti Manara, 4), on the other hand, you can take a plunge into the past thanks to the architectural elements, mosaics and artefacts found in the Grotte di Catullo.

2. Savouring the pleasures of the table

Sirmione is also a fantastic place to discover for its food and wine. Between Garda DOP olive oil, Lugana white wine, saffron and Pozzolengo salami, you will be spoilt for choice.

In case of bad weather, there are wineries and other local realities ready to welcome you and let you taste the typical products of these magical lands. The ideal thing to do is to book a visit to a wine cellar with a zero-kilometre lunch-tasting in an agritourismo to see the winemaking cellar and the underground cellar up close, as well as lunch with local products in the agritourism. Also worth considering is the proposal of wine tasting in a designer cellar for a sophisticated wine experience, tasting DOC wines (from sparkling brut to pas dosè) in a sophisticated atmosphere.

3. A day at the spa

Sirmione has been known for its thermal baths since Roman times. Here, in fact, stands the ancient Bojola spring, prized for its sulphurous and thermal waters.

The Catullus and Virgil caves are part of the widespread thermal park that also includes the state-of-the-art Aquaria wellness centre. With over 10,000m², this facility offers numerous opportunities to spend a regenerating day.

A place suitable for everyone, even families with children. If the bad weather continues for a few days, you can always visit other spas on Lake Garda, located in different locations.

4. A yoga session

If the day promises rain, you can always opt for a relaxing activity such as yoga. Near Sirmione, about a 10-minute drive away, you can reach Rivoltella, home to a private indoor studio.

Together with two professionals and students of the masters Renato Turla and Dona Holleman, you can approach Asana techniques to become aware of your breath and your body. Lessons are suitable for beginners (and not only) and can be held either in a group or individual session.

5. Cookery course in a historic house

Approximately 20 minutes away from Sirmione you can reach Ponti sul Mincio, where there is a historic residence that hosts engaging cooking lessons. An activity that begins with a narration about the area (and traditional foods) and continues with the preparation of dishes that, once ready, you can taste.

This is a fun activity suitable for everyone, including families with teenagers and children, which allows them to get involved in learning how to roll out the dough and make delicious sauces and fillings with genuine ingredients.

What to do around Sirmione?

From Sirmione you can easily reach other magical places, either by car or by train, to discover architecture, history and culture. There are many places to visit and activities to do, both indoor and outdoor. Discover all the Lake Garda activities with NowMyPlace!