Manerba del Garda is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda.
This stretch of land, elected among the 10 “happy villages” in Italy (in a special ranking drawn up by Il Sole 24 Ore in 2015), is one that I have visited several times and it is definitely the municipality that I visit the most during the year. Yes, because there are truly a great multitude of different experiences to be had here: from long walks, to relaxation on one of its long beaches, to the possibility of spending your days cycling or even taking a WindSurf or Sup course. In short, there is something for everyone.
From the Fortress to its Park: Manerba’s strong point
Nature, above all, is the real strong point (in my opinion) of this village: I have already told you about the magnificent Rocca di Manerba which stands out over the lake with the Archaeological Museum as another point of reference. This is also the starting point for one of the most beautiful excursions you can take on the entire lake. Starting from the Rocca, or from Pisenze, you can walk along the many paths that cross the natural park below with Punta Sasso as a real reference point.
If you start from the fortress, you will have to make a steep descent (see photo below) that you will then have to climb back up if you want to return to where you started. I tell you this to recommend that you wear suitable clothes and shoes, because although it is not very difficult, it is still challenging as a route. Especially if done during the hot summer days.
The complete route, without stopping at the Rocca di Manerba, links Pisenze to Dusano and for the round trip I recommend you consider a whole afternoon, although it obviously depends on your speed, the stops you make and your desire to walk. In any case, what I would urge you to do is to bring a packed lunch and enjoy a whole day immersed in the nature of this park, with a stop at Punta Sasso to admire the lake from above.
The Beaches: 11 km of pure relaxation
Hiking but also relaxation, in Manerba you can find some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire Lake Garda, with unique and almost maritime colors.
Ideal for everyone, and especially for families, is the beach La Romantica, the longest in this area and with plenty of space available as well as being “accompanied” by bars, restaurants and kiosks.
For the younger and more sporty, instead, the beach Pisenze is definitely the most popular thanks to the many courses offered in Sup and WindSurf. Only note: it is much smaller than La Romantica and on summer days it is definitely crowded.
The 11 km of beaches in Manerba are not all exhausted here, there are several other possibilities to relax by the lake thanks to the beaches of Dusano, Sasso and those near the Island of the Rabbits. What is left for you is to choose, I always find it very difficult!
The islands near Manerba
If you are still wondering what to see in Manerba del Garda after reading this article, then continue reading this point. Yes, because right in the vicinity of this area you can admire not only crystal clear waters but also truly unique places. The two most characteristic islands of this portion of the lake are: the island of San Biagio (also known as the island of rabbits) and the island of Garda.
Both of these islands have unique characteristics:
- as for the island of Garda, you can admire one of the most beautiful 19th century buildings in this area, in a unique park.
- On the island of San Biagio, on the other hand, you will find crystal clear waters, but above all, the peculiarity lies in the possibility of reaching it directly on foot by walking on the water!
