Holidays in Sirmione

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Sirmione

While Sirmione may not be the first place that comes to mind for the avid walker, this is the ideal resort if you’re looking for some really easy and relaxed walks on a flat piece of land. In Sirmione you’ll really have time to experience the town, the parks, the beaches and the lakeside promenades and there are no strenuous climbs to get to those sought after viewpoints. Stroll along the lakefront with an ice-cream in hand or do a loop of the Sirmione Peninsula, keeping the shoreline in sight every step of the way.

Buses & Trains

All of our hotels in Sirmione are just a short walk from a bus stop. The buses are great if you’re looking to explore nearby towns such as Desenzano, which you can get to in approx. 20 minutes on the LN026 bus. Desenzano is where you’ll get many bus links to other parts of Southern Lake Garda, including Manerba. Head in the opposite direction and you can also be in central Peschiera in under 20 minutes. If you want to go even further afield for the day, then hop on the bus to Peschiera train station (approx. 25 minutes from central Sirmione) and take a direct train to Milan (approx. 1 hour), Verona (approx. 15 minutes) or even Venice (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)!

Rocca di Manerba

A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature reserve near Sirmione which has several routes for you to enjoy. It’s above lake-level and so has the most incredible views of the lake, as if you’re on a Greek Island looking over the lapis lazuli sea. For history and archaeology lovers this is a complete hidden gem, as various excavations have uncovered the remains of pre-historic settlements, some dating back to the 4^th Century Bronze Age! This nature reserve is well worth a day trip if you’re in the area and will give you a completely different perspective on walking in the South of Lake Garda.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Getting there: To get to Manerba from Sirmione it takes about an hour on the bus. Taking the LN026 bus to Desenzano and then changing onto the LN006 bus to Manerba (Via IV Novembre). From there it’s about a 25 minute walk up to the nature reserve.

Rocca Scaligera – Jamaica Beach – Grotte di Catullo

This circular trail bring together some of Sirmione’s most popular sites. From walking along the long stretch of lakeside on the Sirmione pensinsula to admiring the crystal clear waters at the tip on Jamaica beach, Robinson Crusoe style, to the Catullo caves, an ancient archaeological site – where the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1^st Century BC still stand. This is a really easy loop to walk along, but it’s full of gems which will help you get to know Sirmione’s hotspots. We’d recommend doing this walk at a quieter time in the day, so you can experience it with less people milling around.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 4km (walking time approx. 1 hour)
• Ascent and descent: 66 metres 
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, rocky/sandy beaches

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking guidelines

The lakes are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
• Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

History and culture in Sirmione

Sirmione town has a rich history so there’s lots to explore and learn. The Grotte di Catullo are fascinating Roman ruins at the tip of the peninsula and the ancient Scaligero Castle, which was built during the La Scala family dynasty is a fantastic historic site to behold. Sirmione’s been known for its healing thermal waters since the Roman times and there’s plenty of places to enjoy them on the tiny peninsula. Aquaria’s our go-to place when we need to relax - it has the biggest pools and over 10,000 square metres to chill out in.

Exploring further afield: hopping from town to town on Lake Garda and discovering Verona

It’s easy to get to other resorts on the lake as ferries run all day from the central port. Head over to Malcesine where you can take the cable car up to Monte Baldo and explore a fantastic walking area with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. If you're looking for some really challenging uphill ascents, then Limone's the town to go to- there are no cable cars here, so getting up to the top of the mountain requires mountain goat abilities!

If culture is what you're looking for, or you're a literary fanatic, them jump on the bus, and you can be in Verona in under an hour. Verona's a fantastic city to walk around– its main attractions are all within walking distance, so it's easy to see all the sights in one day; cross the Ponte Pietra and walk up to the Piazzale Castel San Pietro for stunning views of the city.

Savouring food & wine on Lake Grrda

You can't leave Sirmione without testing out the ever popular gelato. There are plenty of gelaterie in the pedestrianised centre, so pick out your favourite flavour (or two, or three) and savour it as you wander along the lakeside promenade in the summer sunshine. When it's time for lunch or dinner, walk over to Piazza Carducci where you'll be spoilt for choice for restaurants and cafés.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Venice Classic from £91 per person (full day)

Venice is not to be missed! This excursion allows you to explore the city with a guide and at your own pace. You’ll arrive by coach and grab a water taxi to the centre. You’ll also have the option to add on a gondola ride (payable locally). There’s plenty of time to take in sights of the Basilica, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square and the Rialto bridge– this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy's most magical cities.

Departs on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Majestic Dolomites from £74 per person (full day)

Start with a scenic drive through the exceptional South Tyrol, Val di Fiemme, Cavalese and Moena regions. You’ll then stop off at Passa Pordoi and take in the incredible views from this 2,000-metre-high vantage point. There’s some free time to explore the terrain at your own pace, either by taking one of the trekking paths or simply enjoying an Aperol at a rifugio and taking in the views. A stop off at the chocolate box town of Ortisei is included on the way back to your hotel as well as plenty of stops for photo opportunities in this awe inspiring landscape.

Departs on Fridays. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a cable car for an additional fee of approx. €23pp (payable locally). Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

Tour of Lake Garda from £56 per person (full day)

Get ready to explore the best of Lake Garda on this excursion – there’s so much natural beauty and picturesque towns to discover. See the spectacular mountain scenery of the north and the sunny plains of the south. Travelling by both coach and ferry, the tour itinerary for this excursion varies depending on where you start but will usually follow the famous Gardesana road lined with fragrant olive and lemon trees to reach the likes of Malcesine, Sirmione, Salo and Limone. This is the ideal taster tour of the entire lake where you'll get to spend a short period of time in a variety of stunning towns.

Departs on Fridays. This excursion won't run on the 15th August, due to a public bank holiday.

Verona from £62 per person (full day)

Verona is one of Italy’s most charming little cities. This day trip dips into the romance of the medieval city, reliving the scenes from Romeo and Juliet while wandering around through the cobbled streets and past ancient buildings. On a walking tour of the city you'll see the impressive 2,000-year-old Roman arena. It's one of the best preserved Roman amphi-theatres in the world and is currently home to the Verona Opera. Explore the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini which leads to the pretty market square Piazza Delle Erbe.

Departs on Fridays, entry tickets to the Roman Arena are not included

Book locally

Verona Opera (evening)

The Verona Opera is definitely one for the bucket list! The season runs from mid June to early September and covers all the classics including Aida by Verdi or Turnadot by Puccini. Whichever performance you choose; you’ll have an incredible evening.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.