Sirmione occupies one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Garda, at the tip of a peninsula looking out over the lake in almost every direction. Since Roman times it’s been the resort of choice for anyone who can afford it, so it's an old hand at hospitality! There’s a good range of accommodation to choose from and our pick of the best places to stay in Sirmione range from opulent, special-occasion-villas, through regularly beautiful villas and glamorous restaurants with rooms, to B&Bs and good value, family-friendly hotels.

Sirmione’s panoramic views are an obvious draw, and photos of its castle, built so that it’s surrounded by water at the entrance to Sirmione’s old town, and of its elegant promenade, and Roman ruins feature in many Lake Garda brochures. The town also has thermal baths, and is surrounded by orchards and olive groves, so it's popular with visitors, though not all stay over.

As well as being an excellent choice for foodies (there are loads of excellent restaurants to choose from here), our Gurus recommend Sirmione to any travellers hoping for a spa experience on Lake Garda — this isn’t a region with a huge number of spa hotels and Sirmione’s thermal baths are historically restorative. History buffs will love it too, especially the ruin of the private Roman edifice on the very tip of the peninsula (one of the most striking in Northern Italy), and the castle, a fine and rare example of a medieval port fort. Sirmione also has a collection of churches, and elegant villas, some which have been wonderfully converted into accommodation, which are ideal for honeymooners, or romantics.

Lots of travellers wanting to steer clear of Lake Garda’s busy spots plan to dip in and out of Sirmione in a day, but it might be more pleasant to just take your time...Book a room in one of the best places to stay in Sirmione, enjoy a spa treatment during the busiest part of the day and explore on foot when the crowds have dispersed.

The Best Places to Stay in Sirmione

For a Special Occasion

• The Villa Cortine Palace is grand and palatial, a 19th century villa reminiscent of ancient Rome, complete with pillars and statuary. Its location, on the tip of the peninsula, is idyllic, and its lush, gated grounds run down to the lake where there’s a private swimming jetty. There’s also a lovely pool closer to the main building and a restaurant serving gourmet Mediterranean style cuisine. The interiors are as Neo-classical-ly palatial as the exterior, with plenty of coloured marble, grand frescoes and gilt, though the rooms are less fussy, dating from the 30s. Stunning!

For Couples

• The Relais La Speranzina is an elegant, water-view villa turned restaurant with rooms, boasting a beautifully big bar and Michelin starred restaurant, set against the water, and spilling out onto a beautiful terrace, and just three rooms. The rooms are just as elegant as the exterior, with lots of white furnishings, luxurious feeling details and fabulous views. There’s also a small spa and sauna onsite, and one of the rooms comes with an in-room water-view hot tub.

For Families

• The Villa Pioppi is an elegant, seven room villa set within two hectares of beautiful parkland right on the lake shore. Its grounds include a private beach, as well as a pool and extensive, sunny terraces. The rooms are large, and decorated with relative simplicity — our favourites have lake views and private balconies. There’s a restaurant, with charming outdoor space, and babysitting available.

For Great Value

• The AQVA Boutique Hotel is a cool and contemporary lakeside villa: an oasis of complete modernity amongst all the period villas. If you prefer sleek lines and minimal details, then this 18 room hotel, with its perfect lakeside spot, and peaceful garden, may be for you. And it’s great value.
• The Hotel Eden is another relatively contemporary choice, not quite so minimal, but its 30 rooms and suites are still simple and chic, with big windows and private balconies. The hotel has a large sun terrace too, and a restaurant offering relaxed outdoor dining with a view. Unfussily good value.

Best B&Bs

• The Il Mosaico B&B is situated back from the peninsula, close to the charms of Santa Maria di Lugana as well as Sirmione. This impacts the price significantly, though, but with very little lost in the way of charms other than lake views. Its six rooms and suites are stylish and contemporary, with a bold, monochrome colour scheme, photography on the walls, and chic, spacious bathrooms. Adults only.
• La Dimora del Garda is a stylishly renovated house, now with four guestrooms, each with their own private outdoor space with table and chairs. There’s an airy communal breakfast room too, and families are most welcome.

Prefer a Self-catering Apartment or villa?

• Sometimes a villa or apartment is the best option if you're travelling in a larger group, so if you decide that you'd prefer a self catering option, check out our online booking partner, booking.com for some inspiration.

Travel Information

• Sirmione is at the tip of a wonderful peninsula jutting into Lake Garda from its southern shore, and is positioned between several international airports: Verona-Villafranca and Brescia-Montichiari. Both of these airports are around an hour away by car, with Brescia-Montichiari about an hour by public transport and Verona-Villafranca more like an hour and twenty minutes. Sirmione is also about 100kms from Venice Marco Polo airport — or an hour and a half drive. Milan’s Linate and Malpensa are about an hour and 15 minutes by car.
• If you want to hire a car — which we strongly advise if you’re staying on Lake Garda and want to explore further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sirmione is hugely popular in the peak summer months, so if you want to join the crowds at this time of year you’d be advised to book your hotel/s and restaurants early. Sirmione is charming well into autumn and winter too, and spring is also very beautiful. May and June are a good compromise if you’re still hoping for warmth and sunshine, with temperatures reaching about 25°C (ideal for walking holidays) and September is similar.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Lake Garda
• Consider including other local centres in your search like Gardone Riviera or Salò’, which are on the western shores, or Bardolino and Garda to the east.
• You could also consider refining your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, be it the best hotels with a view on Lake Garda, the best family hotels on Lake Garda or the  best hotels on Lake Garda for foodies
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.