Discover the real Sirmione while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels
Sirmione has a handful of spa hotels that take advantage of the thermal springs in this area. So if you really want to chill out, book yourself in for a swim, a sauna or a hydro massage, before lazing on a sun lounger with a view of the lake.
Another great way to take in the scenery of Lake Garda is from the water, with several ferries running regular services to and from Sirmione. You have the option of high speed hydroplanes that will whisk you between the lake’s resorts in exciting fashion, or the pleasure boats that cruise around at a more sedate pace.
In Sirmione’s old town, Piazza Carducci is the focal point for eating and drinking. It’s also home to Palazzo Callas, a house where the famous opera singer Maria Callas often stayed. The building looks rather modest from the square, but it’s much more impressive when you go inside. These days it’s used as a venue for art exhibitions.
The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona (VRN). Direct flights to Verona are available from Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton and take approximately 2 hours.
Lake Garda is traditionally a summer getaway, with hotels usually welcoming guests between April and October. Temperatures hover around 25°C in July and August – and this is when Lake Garda is at its liveliest. However, the climate in Lake Garda is very mild in spring and autumn, with temperatures rarely ducking beneath 20°C. Fancy avoiding the busiest months? Consider visiting in May, June or September – you’ll avoid the crowds and still be treated to warm weather.
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.