Lake Garda reveals itself best from above. These Lake Garda scenic viewpoints offer views that change with the light and the seasons:
Manerba del Garda
Discover Manerba on Lake Garda: a hidden gem on the shores of the lake with breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere to experience.URL
Manerba del Garda what to see
Manerba del Garda is a Valtenesi municipality located on the Brescia side of Lake Garda, which makes it a popular destination for the large number of visitors who visit each year. The municipality is divided into seven hamlets: Solarolo, Montinelle, Balbiana, Pieve, Trevisago, Campagnola and Gardoncino.
Enchanting beaches make Manerba del Garda a perfect destination for lake lovers, whether they are looking for total relaxation or want to practice sports such as SUP or Windsurfing.
Manerba is surrounded by greenery and situated on picturesque moraine hills. It is home to a lush natural park, famous above all for the Rocca and the breathtaking viewpoints.
Curiosity: Legend has it that Manerba owes its name to devotion to the goddess Minerva, while some scholars believe it to be a fusion of the ancient Gallic terms ‘mon’ (‘man of arms’) and ‘erb’ (‘military area’), referring to the fortress.
Manerba del Garda in pills
THE UNMISSABLE
• Rocca di Manerba
• Chiesa di San Giorgio Martire
• Isola di San Biagio
top beaches
• La Romantica
• Spiaggia Pisenze
• Spiaggia Baia Bianca
weekly market
• Friday morning
What to see in Manerba del Garda
The charm of Manerba del Garda is mainly due to the conformation of its territory, a delightful mixture of hill and lake surrounded by nature. There is no lack, of course, of historically and culturally relevant attractions.
Here are some tips on what you can see in Manerba del Garda:
Rocca di Manerba
This is Manerba’s most famous and important viewpoint. It stands on the top of a promontory and overlooks the lake. The view from here is breathtaking: you can see the Garda Island and the Island of San Biagio, but also the beautiful peninsula of Sirmione. The site is embellished by the fascinating ruins of an ancient medieval castle, which gives the Rocca di Manerba great archaeological importance.
There is also a large cross on the top of the Rocca, linked to a local legend: it is said to have been erected many centuries ago to celebrate the killing of the ferocious wolf that prevented the inhabitants of Manerba from approaching the Rocca.
You can get here comfortably by car, parking nearby, or on foot along a beautiful path through the wonderful Rocca e del Sasso Nature Reserve.
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Valtenesi Archaeological Civic Museum
Also inside the Nature Reserve, along the path leading to the top of the Rocca, is the Valtenesi Archaeological Civic Museum.
The archaeological section, on the ground floor, traces the various human settlements that have taken place in this area throughout history: from traces of Neolithic settlements to the remains of dwellings from the Roman era, passing through Copper Age necropolises.
The first floor is occupied by the nature section, which deals with the characteristics and peculiarities of the flora and fauna of the area.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church (or Cathedral) of Santa Maria Assunta, in the hamlet of Solarolo, is the seat of the parish of Manerba, a role previously held by the ‘Pieve Vecchia’ of Santa Maria.
Completed in 1757, it features a sumptuous Baroque façade. Inside you will find works of great artistic and cultural interest, such as beautiful frescoes and multiple altars dedicated to the Virgin and Saints, the largest of which is made of polychrome marble.
Church of St George Martyr
This is a small church located on a rise near the Port of Dusano. To access it, you have to cross a charming avenue with tall cypress trees and, once you arrive, you will be greeted by a remarkable view directly over the lake.
The oldest parts of the building date back to the Longobard era (7th-8th century), while partial renovations and slight extensions were carried out during the 11th and 16th centuries.
The overall context, with the small church, the cypress trees and the view of the lake, makes this site a precious pearl of Manerba. If you are lucky enough to get inside the small church, which is only accessible on rare occasions, you will be able to admire the frescoes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, including that of St George on horseback defeating the dragon.
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Things to do in Manerba del Garda
The beaches of Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda is an excellent destination for those who want to spend carefree days in the sun and crystal-clear water on Lake Garda. The area also has several schools and rental services for surfing, windsurfing and SUP.
The most beautiful beaches in Manerba del Garda are:
- La Romantica: the largest and most famous beach in this area, just below the Rocca. It has several bars and restaurants, as well as the possibility of renting beach umbrellas and sunbeds.
- Piaggia del Sasso: inside the Rocca Nature Park, this beach is enhanced by the rich vegetation that surrounds it.
- Pisenze Beach: a free and fairly isolated beach between the Rocca and the Island of San Biagio. SUP and windsurfing equipment can be hired.
- Piaggia di Dusano: free beach surrounded by unspoilt nature, near the old port.
- Baia Bianca beach: both free and equipped, this beach is famous for its fine white sand, which comes directly from the Caribbean.
Panoramic hike in the Rocca e del Sasso Park
This trekking route is not at all demanding and is suitable for the whole family. It is a pleasant walk from Montinelle to the wonderful viewpoints of Punta Sasso and the Rocca di Manerba. Along the way, which should take about a couple of hours, you will also pass the beautiful little church of San Giorgio.
SUP and Windsurfing Course
On the beach at Pisenze you will find SUP Garda, a renowned centre offering SUP and Windsurfing courses. If you are already an expert, here you can rent equipment for SUP, Windsurfing, Surfing and Kayaking.
Manerba del Garda and surroundings
Manerba del Garda borders two other municipalities on the Brescia side of Lake Garda: to the north is San Felice del Benaco, and to the south is Moniga del Garda. These locations are easily accessible by car or bicycle, and will amaze you with their landscapes and points of interest. In San Felice del Benaco, for example, you can visit the beautiful Isola del Garda, on which stands a majestic villa from the 19th century.
Alternatively, thanks to the ferry service, you can reach Salò or Sirmione via Moniga.
We have presented the main things to see and do in and around Manerba del Garda. If we have whetted your curiosity, all you have to do is pack your bags and set off to discover this wonderful area.
Manerba Lago di Garda: FAQ
How to get to Manerba del Garda?
-By car
A4 motorway (Milan-Venice): exit at Desenzano and follow the signs for Salò.
-By train
The nearest railway station to Manerba del Garda is Desenzano. From here, you can easily reach Manerba by bus by taking line 07 or 27.
-By plane
The nearest airports to Manerba del Garda are Brescia’s Gabriele D’Annunzio Airport, Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport and Orio al Serio Airport (Bergamo). From your chosen airport, you can use public transport services or hire a car to reach Manerba del Garda.
-By ferry
It is possible to reach Manerba del Garda from other locations on the lake by ferry. You can check timetables and fares with the Lake Garda shipping company.
Where to park in Manerba del Garda?
Here is where to park in Manerba del Garda:
-Free parking Lido di Manerba: in Via del Torchio, free of charge and a few minutes walk from Porto Torchio and the beach.
-Parking Pisenze: in Via Duca D’Aosta, for a fee. Very convenient both for reaching the beach and for going up to the Rocca.
-Via del Rio Parking: in Via del Rio, for a fee and guarded, very close to the beach.
-Parking at the Natural Park: in Via Agello, payment and guarded. Very convenient for visiting the Nature Park and the Manerba Rock.
What to do in Manerba del Garda if it rains?
If it rains during your holiday in Manerba del Garda, we recommend a walk around the town centre and take shelter in the interesting shops and workshops. You could take the opportunity to enter the church of Santa Maria Assunta and admire the works contained therein. A visit to the Museo Civico Archeologico della Valtenesi is also recommended.
If you want to do some shopping without worrying about the rain, you can choose between two large shopping centres, Il Leone and Le Vele, both half an hour’s drive from Manerba.
What to do in Manerba del Garda with children?
Manerba del Garda is an ideal destination for spending a holiday with the whole family. Children will certainly enjoy spending the day at one of the area’s beautiful beaches, perhaps even taking the opportunity to take SUP or windsurfing lessons.
Alternatively, the excursion up to the Rocca di Manerba is very popular with children: the walk is not strenuous and its vantage points will delight the whole family.
If you move a little further away from Manerba, the amusement parks of Gardaland and Movieland, among the most renowned in Italy, are a 45-minute drive away.
What is Manerba del Garda famous for?
In addition to its beautiful beaches on Lake Garda, Manerba is most famous for its fascinating Rocca and the Natural Park that contains it. Diving enthusiasts will know Manerba for its proximity to the Scoglio dell’Altare.
In what region is Manerba del Garda located?
Manerba del Garda is located in the region of Lombardy, in the province of Brescia. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to the beaches on Lake Garda and its Natural Park.
Other curiosities about Manerba del Garda:
A Guide to Camper Stopovers at Lake Garda, town by town
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Many ideas for celebrating a hen or stag party on Lake Garda.