Manerba del Garda
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Latest page update: 1 November 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Manerba del Garda?
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The town of Manerba del Garda is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, with a population of around 6,000.
It is most famous for its beautiful beaches, including the popular Spiaggia dei Corni, and the historic Rocca di Manerba, a medieval fortress offering panoramic lake views. |
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Comune di Manerba del Garda
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Province: Brescia
Region: Lombardy Population: 5,351 (in 2024 - source) Size: 28 km² Elevation: 130 metres Highlights: Rocca di Manerba, Prehistoric Pile Dwellings Travel facilities: ferries and buses Close by: Salò, Gardone Riviera, Desenzano del Garda, Sirmione Recommended accommodation: Hotel Stella del Benaco |
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Discover
Discover Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda is a lakeside town in the province of Brescia, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda within the region of Lombardy. It stretches across a landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, with views over the lake towards the Sirmione peninsula. The town’s focal point is the Rocca di Manerba, a rocky promontory and archaeological site that rises above the water, offering one of the most striking viewpoints on the southern lakeshore.
The surrounding area combines natural beauty with traces of ancient settlement, reflected in the remains of medieval fortifications and Roman artefacts found around the Rocca. Manerba’s small harbours, beaches, and lakeside paths link a series of hamlets that make up the municipality, each with its own churches and rural character. With road and ferry connections to Desenzano del Garda, Salò, and Sirmione, the town serves as an accessible base for exploring the southern Garda area and the inland countryside of lower Lombardy.
The surrounding area combines natural beauty with traces of ancient settlement, reflected in the remains of medieval fortifications and Roman artefacts found around the Rocca. Manerba’s small harbours, beaches, and lakeside paths link a series of hamlets that make up the municipality, each with its own churches and rural character. With road and ferry connections to Desenzano del Garda, Salò, and Sirmione, the town serves as an accessible base for exploring the southern Garda area and the inland countryside of lower Lombardy.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Manerba del Garda
Manerba del Garda has a modest but well-regarded selection of established hotels, with most properties set near the lake or in the surrounding countryside. Accommodation here focuses on comfort, leisure facilities and easy access to the beaches, nature trails and boat services across Lake Garda.
Hotel Donna Silvia Wellness Hotel & Spa is one of the leading choices, appreciated for its modern design, wellness area and consistently positive guest feedback (€€€). Hotel Splendid Sole offers a relaxed stay near the lake, known for its outdoor pool, family-friendly facilities and welcoming service (€€). Hotel Residence Miralago provides a comfortable option close to the centre, noted for its lake views, convenient location and good overall value (€€).
Hotel Donna Silvia Wellness Hotel & Spa is one of the leading choices, appreciated for its modern design, wellness area and consistently positive guest feedback (€€€). Hotel Splendid Sole offers a relaxed stay near the lake, known for its outdoor pool, family-friendly facilities and welcoming service (€€). Hotel Residence Miralago provides a comfortable option close to the centre, noted for its lake views, convenient location and good overall value (€€).
Photo Gallery
Manerba del Garda Photo Gallery
Things to Do
Things to Do in Manerba del Garda
- Rocca di Manerba is a striking cliff-top archaeological site overlooking the southern part of Lake Garda. The remains of ancient fortifications sit within a protected natural park, offering spectacular views across the lake and islands. Walking paths lead through olive groves and wildflowers up to the summit.
- Isola di San Biagio lies just offshore and can be reached on foot through shallow water or by small boat. Also known as Rabbit Island, it’s a peaceful spot for swimming and sunbathing. The island’s clear waters and views back to the mainland make it a favourite summer escape.
- Spiaggia della Romantica is one of the largest beaches in Manerba del Garda, stretching along a gentle curve of the shoreline. Its fine gravel and shallow water make it popular with families. Beach cafés and nearby promenades add to the relaxed atmosphere.
- Santuario della Madonna del Carmine sits amid countryside west of the town, surrounded by vineyards and cypress trees. The 15th-century church features frescoes and a simple cloister. It remains a place of quiet devotion and historical significance for the local community.
- Guided hiking and boat tours in Manerba del Garda combine exploration of the Rocca, beaches, and nearby islands. Local guides share stories about the area’s history, flora, and lake legends. Many tours include opportunities for swimming, photography, and tasting regional specialities.
Tours and Activities
Manerba del Garda Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Manerba del Garda
Dining in Manerba del Garda reflects the culinary traditions of the Brescia side of Lake Garda, where local fish, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables feature prominently. Restaurants and trattorias are mainly found near the lakeside in Solarolo, Montinelle, and Pieve Vecchia, many with terraces overlooking the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with menus focusing on simple, regional dishes. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Local cuisine includes bigoli con le sarde del Garda (thick pasta with lake sardines), risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch), and coregone alla griglia (grilled whitefish). Starters often feature antipasti di lago or salumi bresciani, while desserts like torta di rose and sbrisolona are traditional favourites. Local wines include Lugana, Garda Classico Rosso, and Chiaretto di Moniga, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto di lago (€12–€16), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), coregone alla griglia (€22–€30), and sbrisolona (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Local cuisine includes bigoli con le sarde del Garda (thick pasta with lake sardines), risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch), and coregone alla griglia (grilled whitefish). Starters often feature antipasti di lago or salumi bresciani, while desserts like torta di rose and sbrisolona are traditional favourites. Local wines include Lugana, Garda Classico Rosso, and Chiaretto di Moniga, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto di lago (€12–€16), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), coregone alla griglia (€22–€30), and sbrisolona (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Day Trips from [Place Name]
Day Trips from Manerba del Garda
From Manerba del Garda, there are several rewarding excursions around the lake and nearby countryside. To the east, Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda can be reached by road or ferry, both offering lively centres and lakefront cafés. Travelling north along the coast brings you to Salò, where elegant villas and a long promenade frame views across the water. Inland, the road through Polpenazze del Garda and Puegnago del Garda passes rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards typical of the region.
A visit to the Rocca di Manerba nature reserve offers trails and panoramic viewpoints over Lake Garda’s southern basin. Further afield, the Valtenesi area provides opportunities for wine tasting and local produce tours, while to the north the Alto Garda Bresciano Park begins, with scenic drives and walks through wooded valleys and mountain villages.
A visit to the Rocca di Manerba nature reserve offers trails and panoramic viewpoints over Lake Garda’s southern basin. Further afield, the Valtenesi area provides opportunities for wine tasting and local produce tours, while to the north the Alto Garda Bresciano Park begins, with scenic drives and walks through wooded valleys and mountain villages.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Manerba del Garda
By Rail: Manerba del Garda does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Desenzano del Garda (about 15 kilometres away) on the Milan–Venice main line operated by Trenitalia and Italo. Trains from Desenzano del Garda reach Verona Porta Nuova in around 20 minutes, Milan in about 1 hour, and Venice in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Desenzano, Manerba del Garda can be reached by taxi or by bus via Salò, with a journey time of around 25 to 30 minutes.
By Road: Manerba del Garda is situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, roughly 50 kilometres northwest of Verona. The drive from Verona takes about 1 hour via the A4 motorway and SP572. From Brescia, it is approximately 35 kilometres, with a driving time of around 45 minutes via the SP45bis. From Trento, the distance is about 90 kilometres, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A22 motorway and SS240. Parking is available near the harbour, town centre, and beaches, particularly around Porto Torchio.
By Bus: Manerba del Garda is served by Arriva Brescia bus routes that run along the southern and western shores of Lake Garda. Regular services connect with Desenzano del Garda, Salò, and San Felice del Benaco, offering access to nearby resorts and transport hubs. Buses from Brescia take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while those from Desenzano del Garda reach Manerba in about 30 minutes. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova, continue by train to Desenzano del Garda, and transfer by bus or taxi to Manerba del Garda.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
There are no direct ferry services from Manerba del Garda, but regular passenger and car ferries operate nearby from Desenzano del Garda (about 15 kilometres away). From Desenzano, services connect to Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, and Torri del Benaco, with crossing times ranging from 30 minutes to just over 2 hours depending on the route and vessel type.
By Road: Manerba del Garda is situated on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, roughly 50 kilometres northwest of Verona. The drive from Verona takes about 1 hour via the A4 motorway and SP572. From Brescia, it is approximately 35 kilometres, with a driving time of around 45 minutes via the SP45bis. From Trento, the distance is about 90 kilometres, taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A22 motorway and SS240. Parking is available near the harbour, town centre, and beaches, particularly around Porto Torchio.
By Bus: Manerba del Garda is served by Arriva Brescia bus routes that run along the southern and western shores of Lake Garda. Regular services connect with Desenzano del Garda, Salò, and San Felice del Benaco, offering access to nearby resorts and transport hubs. Buses from Brescia take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while those from Desenzano del Garda reach Manerba in about 30 minutes. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova, continue by train to Desenzano del Garda, and transfer by bus or taxi to Manerba del Garda.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Around 45 kilometres southeast of Manerba del Garda, with a driving time of about 1 hour via the A4 motorway and SP572. It is the most convenient airport, serving both domestic and European destinations.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: Approximately 85 kilometres west, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A4 motorway. It mainly handles low-cost and European routes.
- Milan Linate Airport: Roughly 120 kilometres southwest, with a driving time of around 2 hours via the A4 motorway. It offers a wide range of national and international flights.
Ferry Connections:
There are no direct ferry services from Manerba del Garda, but regular passenger and car ferries operate nearby from Desenzano del Garda (about 15 kilometres away). From Desenzano, services connect to Sirmione, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, and Torri del Benaco, with crossing times ranging from 30 minutes to just over 2 hours depending on the route and vessel type.
Private Transfers
Manerba del Garda Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Manerba del Garda, with a professional local driver offering direct, door-to-door service. It’s a great option for visitors staying near the lake, where parking can be limited and local transport connections are often infrequent.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Manerba del Garda with nearby destinations such as Salò, Desenzano del Garda, and Sirmione, allowing you to travel easily and at your own pace around Lake Garda and the surrounding areas.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all operating regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Manerba del Garda with nearby destinations such as Salò, Desenzano del Garda, and Sirmione, allowing you to travel easily and at your own pace around Lake Garda and the surrounding areas.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
