Sirmione is located on the tip of the Benaco peninsula, in the southernmost end of Lake Garda. The town is famous for Catullus’s Grottos (in fact they are ruins from a Roman villa with no proven evidence of any connection with the great poet). The grottos are located right on the tip of the peninsula. Another of the town’s claims to fame include the Scala family castle and the wonderful views over the lake, the spectacular scenery so gorgeous from here at sunrise and sunset, and the mild climate.
The whole area appears to be a grand park around the archaeological area by the grottos, with avenues and paths stretching among fertile olive trees, cypresses, laurel bushes and magnolias. The historic centre is delightful with narrow streets, aristocratic houses and small piazzas, but be prepared to meet other tourists.
There are restaurants and shops, discotheque, mini golf and bike hire in town. It is also possible to sail, wind surf and go horse riding. Organized boat trips take place around the peninsula and from here you can enjoy the grottos, the castle and also stop by the hot springs out in the lake.
The sulphurous hot springs mean that there are several health and spa centres in the area.
The name Sirmione describes the whole area, but in reality there are three town areas: the town centre, Lugana and Colombare.
Lugana is the eastern area situated on the coast between Sirmione and Peschiera. There is 4 km to Sirmione.
All three towns have their own centre with shops, bars and restaurants, but they are within a few kilometers of each other and you can easily walk from one to the other.
