San Felice del Benaco
Province of Brescia · Lombardy · Guide 2026
Hill town overlooking the Isola del Garda — the lake's largest island, home to the neo-Gothic Villa Borghese Cavazza. Produces DOP Garda Bresciano olive oil in a quiet atmosphere away from mass tourism.
Where is San Felice del Benaco? San Felice del Benaco is a town of 3,461 inhabitants in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, in the Lake Garda area. The town centre sits at 109 m above sea level, and the municipality covers 20.2 km².
Where is San Felice del Benaco
San Felice del Benaco lies in the Valtènesi, on the Brescia shore, between Salò and Manerba. Besides the hill village it includes the hamlets of Portese, with its harbour, and Cisano, and it is the reference municipality for the Isola del Garda.
The nearest station is Desenzano del Garda, then an intercity bus or a drive through the Valtènesi. By car you can also come from Salò. Boats leave for the Isola del Garda during visiting periods.
| Mode | How |
|---|---|
| Car | From Salò or Desenzano through the Valtènesi |
| Train + bus | Desenzano del Garda station, then intercity bus |
| Boat | Guided visits to the Isola del Garda during opening periods |
Bus and boat timetables: always check the operators' current information before travelling.
The lake's largest island and a frescoed sanctuary
San Felice is a village of hills, vineyards and small harbours, facing the largest island on Lake Garda.
Off San Felice lies the Isola del Garda, the largest island on the lake, with a Venetian neo-Gothic villa built between the 19th and 20th centuries and a large garden. The island is privately owned and can be visited on guided boat tours during opening periods.
The 15th-century Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine holds an important cycle of frescoes and is one of the most significant places of worship in the Valtènesi.
The harbour of Portese is the liveliest spot on the lake, while the hills around the village are covered with Valtènesi vineyards and olive groves.
Things to do in San Felice del Benaco
Between island, sanctuary, harbours and wineries.
| Place / Activity | Practical notes |
|---|---|
| Isola del Garda | Villa and garden on guided boat tours. Dates and bookings on the official website. |
| Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine | 15th-century sanctuary with frescoes. |
| Portese harbour | Small harbour with a lakeside walk. |
| Valtènesi wineries | Tastings of Chiaretto and Groppello. |
| Beaches | Coves and beaches along the municipality's coast. |
What to eat in San Felice del Benaco
San Felice is in the heart of the Valtènesi, land of Chiaretto and olive oil.
| Speciality | Description |
|---|---|
| Valtènesi Chiaretto | The rosé of the Brescia shore, from Groppello and other local grapes. |
| Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil | From the hillside olive groves. |
| Lake fish | Whitefish and trout in the trattorias of Portese. |
| Spiedo bresciano | Traditional spit-roast dish of the Brescia hinterland. |
For restaurants open today → IlGarda.live · Shops & Services
Where to stay in San Felice del Benaco
San Felice offers lakeside campsites and residences, agriturismi and holiday homes in the hills.
| Type | Where |
|---|---|
| Campsites and holiday villages | Along the coast |
| Hotels and residences | Portese and surroundings |
| Agriturismi | Valtènesi hills |
| Holiday apartments | Village and hamlets |
Check offers and availability directly with the properties. In high season it is worth booking ahead.
A day in San Felice del Benaco
A day between an island, a sanctuary and the wineries.
Isola del Garda
Guided boat tour (during opening periods, by booking).
Lunch in Portese
Lake fish near the harbour.
Carmine Sanctuary
Visit the sanctuary and its frescoes.
Winery
Tasting of Valtènesi Chiaretto.
Sunset on the lake
Walk along the coast towards Portese.
Around San Felice del Benaco
San Felice sits between Salò and the Valtènesi, on the widest part of the lake.