Manerba del Garda
Province of Brescia · Lombardy · Guide 2026
Brescian municipality home to the Rocca di Manerba Natural Park — a promontory with prehistoric settlements and a 360° lake panorama. Extensive accommodation infrastructure along its 12 km of shoreline, the longest of any Brescian municipality on the lake.
Where is Manerba del Garda? Manerba del Garda is a town of 5,377 inhabitants in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, in the Lake Garda area. The town centre sits at 130 m above sea level, and the municipality covers 36.6 km².
Where is Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda lies in the Valtènesi, on the Brescia shore, between Moniga and San Felice del Benaco. The municipality is made up of several hamlets — including Pieve, Montinelle, Solarolo and Balbiana — and has a long coastline with beaches and small harbours.
The nearest station is Desenzano del Garda, then an intercity bus or a drive through the Valtènesi. By car you arrive from Desenzano or Salò along the Valtènesi roads.
| Mode | How |
|---|---|
| Car | From Desenzano or Salò through the Valtènesi |
| Train + bus | Desenzano del Garda station, then intercity bus |
| Bike | Cycle routes between hamlets and hills |
Bus and boat timetables: always check the operators' current information before travelling.
The Rocca, the rabbit island and a Romanesque church
Manerba is dominated by the Rocca, a headland rising sheer above the lake that is also a nature reserve and archaeological area.
The Rocca di Manerba is an archaeological and nature park: on the headland there are traces of a medieval castle and of much older settlements, and the surrounding area is part of a nature reserve. From the top the view takes in much of the lower lake.
Off the coast lies the Isola di San Biagio, also called the Rabbit Island: when the lake level is low you can reach it by walking through the shallow water from the shore.
In the hamlet of Pieve stands the Pieve di Santa Maria, a Romanesque church among the oldest in the Valtènesi. The Valtènesi Archaeological Museum displays finds from the area.
Things to do in Manerba del Garda
Manerba combines nature, archaeology and beaches.
| Place / Activity | Practical notes |
|---|---|
| Rocca di Manerba | Archaeological and nature park with lake views. |
| Isola di San Biagio | Reachable on foot from the shore when the lake is low. |
| Pieve di Santa Maria | Romanesque church in the hamlet of Pieve. |
| Valtènesi Archaeological Museum | Local finds. Check opening hours. |
| Beaches | Long beaches and coves along the coast. |
What to eat in Manerba del Garda
Manerba is in the Valtènesi: Chiaretto, olive oil and Brescia cooking.
| Speciality | Description |
|---|---|
| Valtènesi Chiaretto | The rosé of the Brescia shore. |
| Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil | From the hillside olive groves. |
| Lake fish | Whitefish and trout. |
| Spiedo bresciano | Traditional dish of the hinterland. |
For restaurants open today → IlGarda.live · Shops & Services
Where to stay in Manerba del Garda
Manerba has many lakeside campsites and holiday villages, plus agriturismi and holiday homes.
| Type | Where |
|---|---|
| Campsites and holiday villages | Along the coast |
| Hotels and residences | Lakeside hamlets |
| Agriturismi | Valtènesi hills |
| Holiday apartments | Hamlets |
Check offers and availability directly with the properties. In high season it is worth booking ahead.
A day in Manerba del Garda
A day between the Rocca, the island and a Romanesque church.
Rocca di Manerba
Walk on the headland to the viewpoint.
Archaeological Museum
Finds from the Rocca and the surrounding area.
Lunch
Valtènesi cooking with a glass of Chiaretto.
Isola di San Biagio
If the lake is low, on foot from the shore; otherwise relax on the beach.
Pieve di Santa Maria
The Romanesque church in the evening light.
Around Manerba del Garda
Manerba is in the middle of the Valtènesi, between Desenzano and Salò.