Holidays in Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda is located in the heart of the Valtènesi area, on the south-western shore of Lake Garda between Salò and Desenzano. The resort offers beautiful beaches and a nature reserve, as well as archaeological and culinary highlights.
Manerba del Garda is especially known for its 11 km long beaches (Spiaggia Romantica, Porto Torchio and Porto Dusano) and for the nature park Riserva Naturale della Rocca e del Sasso and Parco Lacuale. The reserve covering 114 hectares was declared a protected area in 2016 to preserve the beauty of this unique territory. There you can also visit the Archaeological Museum of the Valtènesi area and the remains of the Rocca di Manerba fortress.
On various hiking trails you can discover scenic beauty, a diverse flora and fauna and an exciting past. The view from the Punto Sasso rocky reef is breath-taking.
Another nice destination is the island of San Biagio. Depending on the water level, it can be reached from the narrow peninsula Punta Belvedere by wading through low water or over a narrow strip of land. As an alternative, you can take a small boat trip. Last but not least, Manerba has a great selection of beautiful beaches for sun-seekers and water sport enthusiast.
Leisure time in Manerba del Garda
The area on the lake shore is undoubtedly more mundane and active, while the inner part still retains its traditional and rural character. Here, taverns and restaurants still offer typical dishes such as spit-roasted meat and pike with polenta, as well as excellent wines such as Chiaretto and Lugana – and all this in a cheerful, cosy atmosphere.
The landscape surrounding Manerba is characterized by extensive olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Especially in spring and autumn, it invites you to take leisurely hikes and bike tours. In summer, however, there is nothing better than spending some hours on the beach, surfing and sailing.
Sights in Manerba del Garda
Archaeology Museum of Montinelle
In Montinelle, a part of Manerba, you can visit a small archaeology museum. The building is in a "strategic" position along the way leading to the top of the rock. It houses finds that have come to light around the fortress and in the Valtènesi area. The exhibition is on two levels and aims to highlight the archaeological findings as well as landscape and nature of the area of Manerba.
Rocca di Manerba
The remains of the castle of Manerba, built by the Lombards and destroyed by the Venetians in the 18th century, are located on a 200-metre-high cliff.
Parco Lacuale of Manerba
The lake park is a fish fauna protection zone where fishing is prohibited and only sailing and rowing boats are allowed.
Santa Lucia
The 15th-century Santa Lucia church is located in the Balbina district. Its interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Santa Maria
This sacred building in the district of Pieve Vecchia is one of the oldest of its kind in the entire Valtènesi area. Until 1722 it was the parish church of Manerba.