top of page
Writer's pictureDoriana Mazzone, Blogger

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: Why you should visit Sirmione, Italy

You've heard of Lake Como in Italy (Lago di Como). We all know George Clooney put that place on the map for foreigners. But have you ever heard of Sirmione, Italy?

If not, let me tell you about this untold lifestyle destination.


I'm going to break down this lifestyle blog with these headings:


  1. WHO SHOULD TRAVEL TO SIRMIONE?

  2. WHY VISIT TO SIRMIONE?

  3. WHY MOVE TO SIRMIONE, ITALY?

  4. WHAT TO DO IN SIRMIONE?

  5. TOP 12 THINGS TO DO IN SIRMIONE

  6. MY RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN VISITING SIRMIONE


Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches
Piazza Giosuè Carducci, Simrione


WHO SHOULD TRAVEL TO SIRMIONE

Sirmione, Italy is perfect for those who dream of a romantic lifestyle. Oh, baby!

While Santorini, Greece, is a popular choice for honeymooners and couples, and it's certainly beautiful, it has its challenges with getting around. However, once you've been to Sirmione, Italy, you'll find it's straight out of a fairytale—an adult version!

Unlike Greece and many other fabulous Italian cities, Sirmione is uniquely positioned on a peninsula surrounded by Lago Di Garda. This means two things:

  1. No need to navigate endless stairs, so you can wear your best outfit without breaking a sweat!

  2. The views are stunning from every angle, making it feel like a majestic fairytale town.



Words to describe Sirmione, Italy: Majestic. Medieval. Village. Romantic. Rich. Upscale. Retirement-friendly. Elegant. Refined. Sophisticated. Classy. Ideal for Ladies and Gentlemen.





If this sounds like the type of lifestyle or vacation you're looking for, then get going!

Sirmione epitomizes the Italian lifestyle. It’s the perfect combination of a town that's neither too big nor too small. With picturesque settings, architectural beauties, and an abundance of gelaterias, cafes, and restaurants, you'll never run out of things to enjoy.

Having traveled extensively throughout Italy since childhood, I can tell you that each town has its unique charm and specialties. From parmesan cheese to pesto, pizza to pasta, truffles, wine, and olive oil, Italy offers diverse experiences in each region. Despite its small size, Italy's regions are surprisingly distinct in their lifestyles and customs.

In the northern regions, locals speak proper Italian and each town has its own dialect, cuisine, and way of life. Northern Italians do things differently from their southern counterparts, and this diversity extends to every city from Rome to Florence, Milan to Bologna, and all those in between.

Just as people around the world have different lifestyles depending on whether they live in cities, suburbs, or rural areas, Italians have unique ways of living in different regions.

So, go to Sirmione, Italy, if you want to open your eyes to a new lifestyle and experience the true essence of Italian charm.






WHY TRAVEL TO SIRMIONE, ITALY?


People often talk about Lake Como, largely thanks to George Clooney making it famous. However, Lago di Garda is the hidden gem that no one wants to share because it feels like a well-kept secret.


For those seeking refined living at its finest, Sirmione is a must-visit. Having traveled to Italy 18 times and explored countless cities, I can confidently say that Sirmione, located in northern Italy's Lombardia region on a peninsula surrounded by Lago di Garda, is unparalleled.

Consider how you want to live as you grow older. Do you plan to stay in the same place, maintain the same lifestyle, or travel in the same way? To live life to its fullest, one must travel and see the world, especially while young.

When we are young, we often follow societal norms without questioning them. As an adventurous and curious person, I have always sought different lifestyles, engaging in activities like sports, hiking, biking, swimming, surfing, rock climbing, motorcycle riding, skateboarding, and snowboarding. I have lived in various environments, from city apartments to beach cottages, suburban homes to country houses.


One year, I visited Sirmione, Italy, staying with friends who graciously invited me. The experience was life-changing. At 41, I have always embraced new experiences and lifestyles, and Sirmione left a profound impact on me. Previously, Portugal suited my lifestyle in my 30s. Now, in my 40s, I am drawn to the Sirmione way of living and aspire to experience this part of my life.


Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches



WHY MOVE TO SIRMIONE, ITALY?


During Covid, many people shifted homes and moved abroad, with Portugal and Italy being popular destinations. While “Under The Tuscan Sun” certainly inspired many, there’s a whole world beyond that movie's Tuscan backdrop.

If I were to pick up and move to another country, it would be Italy. But I wouldn’t be interested in reconstructing a villa. I’ve had enough experience with family properties. Instead, I’d choose Sirmione, where everything is at my doorstep. Imagine starting your day with a café, then heading to Venice for dinner in the evening. Here, a bicycle or scooter is more practical than a car!


Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches

At 41, I still feel too young for Sirmione. But listen up, folks—if you think people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond have no life in Italy, you’re mistaken. They’re thriving in Sirmione, living their best lives in beautiful apartments. They enjoy their morning café while strolling to get fresh bread and groceries, then stop at a bar for an aperitivo with friends, discussing dinner plans before heading home to cook lunch, relax in the afternoon, visit thermal spas or private beaches, rent a day bed by the water, chat with neighbors, and enjoy a light dinner. Evenings are spent strolling for gelato in the historic center or meeting friends for drinks.

While this is typical Italian culture, what’s fascinating is the age group doing it here—it’s like being too young for the club at 40. Sirmione is sophisticated, classy, and elegant, and the best part? It’s not for the young.




TOP 12 THINGS TO DO IN SIRMIONE, ITALY'


And this is not in any order. But before you go, decide on how long you want to stay.

Is this a one-week trip or is this a weekend trip?

Either or is fine. 


  1. Visit Sirmiones Historic Village

Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches

Sirmione sits on a Peninsula which you can drive through, except when you get to the old historic village. Unless you are an actual resident that lives in the beautiful village then you need to park outside of the Ponte Levatoio di Sirmione this is the bridge that leads you into village. There is public parking before this bridge. But very limited. Helllooo, We are in Italy! 


2. Walk through the streets -  This is a picture perfect town to walk through. From walking into the historic village, or through-out the peninsula or along the boardwalk there are many beautiful properties to marvel at. I think it is absolutely fascinating when you see no two home that look a like and they are bright and colourful and very well kept. There are many boutique shops, cafes and little restaurants everywhere along in the streets. 




Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches
Castello Scaligero di Sirmione

Also if you are in this area around sunset time, you are in for a spectacular scene! 


4. Go to a Thermal Spa in Sirmione (Terme Di Sirmione)  




Sirmione is also known for having thermal spas - you can check any of them out. But the water of Terme di Sirmione is classified as mineral water, bacteriologically pure and hyperthermal. You can read more about this here. Trust me this is a very special place. No wonder 90-year-olds are riding bikes in this town! 


5. Cafe, Pastry & Gelatos 

Italy, italy travel, sirmione, tourism, milano, verona, lagodigarda, lagodicomo, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, home, europe, places to live, travel, destination, vacation, honeymoon vacation, love, romantic, explore, beach, travel diaries, traveljournals, spas, resorts, travel blogs, travel blogger, italian beaches

Duhh!! This is a staple thing to do here. Notice how in Italy there are no gyms and fast food chains? That's because no one is being influenced to do those things. Everyone is influenced to enjoy their ‘dolce vita’ and indulge in life.



6. Go to the weekly Market - almost every town in Italy has a weekly market somewhere in the streets. Where vendors set up their booths and sell their products from fruits and veggies, cheese trucks, food, clothing, shoes, accessories to home products, you name it. You can visit the Sirmione Turismo site which is very informative.









7. Visit the smaller towns in the area - Desenzano del Garda is one of many beautiful towns in the area. There are some great boutique shops and specialty stores. Coming from Toronto, Canada it's great going to cities and not being suffocated with big box franchise stores in your face all the time.






There's just something about getting on a boat and touring the homes around Lago Di Garda that are architecturally beautiful that you would not be able to see had you not rented a boat that just makes it worth your while to see!


9. Go to the Beach - There are many small beaches around Sirmione - Jamaica Beach is a spectacular beach that sits on the tip of the Peninsula, you have to pay an entrance fee to get into this one. But there are many other beaches along the shoreline of Sirmione that are much easier to get to. Some you can bring your own beach towels and some where you can rent a lounge chair all day. 





10. Take a day trip to Milano - I would recommend doing this by train. Milano is a crazy busy city. The traffic to get there is always ridiculous. As to be expected. Milano is more of a working-class city. It’s one of the most chaotic cities I have ever been to, and I love it. Also, the architecture in Milano, is unmatched to any other city that I've been to. But Milano is one of the top 4 fashion cities in the world. If you have to stop off anywhere here is would say Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the mall you need to walk through. 





11. Take a trip to Verona - Actually, Verona is a great weekend getaway destination. Apart from the tourist attractions. This is one of my favourite places in Italy. Try and see a show or concert in Arena di Verona, there is always something happening there. This city is insanely lively. When I go back, I'm not going to the tourist attractions, I'm going to do a food and lifestyle trip! 






12. Get on a Bike and bike around. Everyone here has a bicycle. From all ages. I'm not saying do what everyone does. But in this case, yes, do it. Don't waste your time. Trust me, it just makes sense. 






MY RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN VISITING SIRMIONE, ITALY


Sirmione is not really a place where you do wine tours, or spend your days visiting monuments and tourist attractions, Sirmione is more like a vacation destination in Italy. Whether it be for the weekend or for a week. This is more of a lifestyle vacation. 

Would I recommend going with a young family and kids? I'll be honest, no.

Yes, of course, it's definitely family-friendly, I would say just outside of the peninsula area is great for families. But once you get on the peninsula part I would say it gets a lot more classy. Not to say that children are not allowed. But all I'm trying to say is that it is great for a romantic getaway, a couples vacation, a rest and relaxation trip, or a girls' weekend trip to the spa is what I would highly recommend as well… that's all. 

Also if you do bring the kids, I would take them to Gardaland Resort




Ciao for now!







Comments


bottom of page