Overview

• Sirmione, a town of 8,000 residents, saw an unprecedented influx of 75,000 visitors during the May Day holiday weekend.
• Severe congestion left cars, electric buses, and pedestrians stuck, with tourists facing 40-minute waits to enter the historic center.
• Councilor Roberto Salaorni proposed installing a barrier at the castle entrance to better manage visitor flow, though no overall visitor caps are planned.
• Residents and business groups, including Siamo Sirmione, warn of risks to public safety, community well-being, and the town's image if solutions are not implemented.
• Viral videos of the chaos have fueled calls for urgent regulation, with Sirmione joining other European tourist hotspots grappling with overtourism challenges.