Discovering MANERBA
Rocca and Sasso Nature Reserve
A treasure trove of endemic species, footpaths, woods, dry meadows, olive groves and vineyards, this area is the ideal destination for lovers of nature, sport and walking in the great outdoors. The Reserve, designated a protected area in April 2016, covers 114 hectares and was established to preserve and promote the beauty of a region that is unique in terms of its history and biodiversity.
The high-speed motorway toll booth
It stands tall on the cliffs of Sasso, a small white building, is one of the two timing points (the other is situated on the lakeshore at Moniga, in the San Sivino area) from which the timekeepers of the Desenzano High-Speed Unit measured the speed of the racing seaplanes. The 23 October 1934, one of them, piloted by Marshal Agello, set the speed record for seaplanes with internal-combustion engines: 709 km/h, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
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Lacuale Park
The Manerba del Garda Lake Park is the first initiative in Italy dedicated to the study and protection of the lake environment and fish fauna of Italy’s largest lake. The Lake Park covers 84 hectares of water, flanked by 116.2 hectares of coastal land situated between Porto Dusano e Attendances.
Fishing is prohibited in this area (with the exception of commercial fishing, which is subject to authorised access), as is access to and transit through the area by motorised vehicles, unless explicitly authorised. Only sailing boats, rowing boats, pedal boats and windsurf boards are permitted. This helps to preserve and monitor fish stocks, whilst ensuring that this highly popular scuba diving site remains unspoilt..
Churches
In the heart of Manerba and its hamlets lie nine churches, veritable treasure troves of art, history and spirituality. Each sacred building tells the story of centuries of faith and local traditions. From Romanesque parish churches to frescoed country churches, via votive chapels and places of worship nestled amongst the greenery: visiting the churches of Manerba is a journey into the very soul of the region.
Beaches
12 km of beaches suitable for swimming are a major attraction for many visitors and tourists, with beaches to suit all tastes and types of leisure activity:
- Attendances: a public beach situated between the’Rabbit Island and the Manerba Fortress, a wide, green-and-blue basin, very peaceful, with clear water.
- Dusano: a recently extended beach, situated near the old fishing harbour.
- S. Sivino: between Manerba and Moniga lies a charming beach, much loved by the people of Manerba and known by various names: the section near the port of Dusano is called “Lo Zocco”, whilst the one towards Moniga is the “S. Sivino Beach”. The section connecting these two areas is known in the local dialect as “Scasöla”.
- Romantica and Porto Torchio: This is the longest and best-known beach in Manerba, stretching all the way to San Felice. It is peaceful and ideal for families, and you can hire beach equipment such as parasols and deckchairs. Nearby is the “Spiaggia Florida” dog beach, where dogs can run free and swim in the lake. There are numerous bars and restaurants along Spiaggia Romantica. Bicycles are not permitted along the lakeside promenade, nor is fishing allowed.
San Biagio Island, also known as “Rabbit Island” due to the historical presence of rabbits and hares in the 16th century, is a private island and a green gem set in Lake Garda. Surrounded by a rocky seabed that drops steeply into deep waters, the green of the meadows and the shade of the trees, combined with the fresh, pure blue of the water, create an atmosphere of total relaxation.
Made in Manerba
Discover the true spirit of the area through its local producers: wines, Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil and craft beers all reflect Manerba’s tradition and quality. Take part in guided winery tours and tastings for a unique food and wine experience. From this year onwards, the simplest and most convenient way to savour Manerba and its shops and services is the Manerba Welcome Card: a card designed for tourists staying in the village, offering exclusive discounts and special offers to help you make the most of the local area
Legends of Manerba
As well as its natural and historical heritage, Manerba is home to a rich world of legends and folk tales. Mysterious figures, ancient rituals and stories passed down orally bring to life symbolic places such as the Rocca, the caves and the churches in the area. These stories, poised between history and imagination, offer us a fresh perspective on the local culture.
- The hermit of the island
- Leutelmonte, the lord of Valtenesi
- The Cross of Manerba
- The goddess Minerva
The Old Port
The small harbour (known as “Old Harbour“), which is first mentioned as early as 1274, was extended during the Venetian Republic to serve the thriving grain market.
It is one of the most photographed and Instagrammed places in Italy, thanks to its natural and architectural features.
From the Ponte della Veneziana, which spans the harbour, you can enjoy the best view of Palazzo Todeschini, the statue of Saint Angela Merici and, in the background, the medieval castle.
The Lighthouse and the Harbour
The lighthouse is the quintessential symbol of Desenzano; it features in almost all the town’s logos and is the main attraction for tourists.
The lighthouse lantern, consisting of a dioptric device fuelled by paraffin, remained in use until 1903, when electric lighting was introduced, having already been in use in the town of Desenzano since 1899.
To this day, the building serves as a landmark for the whole community and is the point of arrival for the boats and ships moored in the harbour.
Rambotti Archaeological Museum
The museum, named after Giovanni Rambotti, houses an extraordinary collection of Bronze Age archaeological artefacts that document the development of pile-dwelling settlements on the shores of Lake Garda.
This is an interactive museum that offers sensory experiences which transport visitors back to prehistoric times, thanks in part to state-of-the-art technology.
On display in the museum are artefacts from the Lavagnone pile-dwelling site, the most recent of which is an ancient dugout canoe.
Oil and Wine Tasting
Food and wine are one of Desenzano’s many highlights. The local wines include Lugana, classic white Garda, Chiaretto, red Garda, Groppello and San Martino della Battaglia DOC.
Another gem of the region is its PDO extra virgin olive oil, characterised by an extremely low acidity level, which makes it particularly easy to digest and, as a result, highly sought-after.
The high quality of this Garda olive oil is monitored by its own consortium and by a certification body in accordance with a set of production regulations, which are among the most stringent in the country.
Golf
Gardagolf Country Club, in Soiano del Lago, offers its members and guests a technically challenging course set in breathtaking surroundings, always maintained to the highest standards, alongside a welcoming clubhouse offering a wide range of first-class facilities.
The Chervò Golf Hotel SPA & Resort is in San Vigilio, just a few minutes’ drive from the most beautiful resorts on Lake Garda and the most famous theme parks.
Calvagese, on the other hand, is home to the Arzaga Golf Club, a club of international renown; it attracts a great many guests who return here regularly every year.
Sailing and Cycling
Fraglia Vela, the DIELLEFFE Sailing Club, the Lega Navale and many other organisations offer opportunities to hire boats or take part in this sport.
Desenzano also frequently hosts top-level sailing competitions and, thanks to local organisations, places great emphasis on inclusivity, offering courses specifically for people with disabilities. “Lake likes bikes – The lake loves bikes”It’s not just a slogan, but a reality to be taken at face value.”.
Lake Garda is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, without any stress.
Go-karting and Clay Pigeon Shooting
The South Garda Karting circuit is situated in the nearby town of Lonato. It is one of the most important karting circuits on the international scene.
As well as official races, the circuit offers visitors the chance to experience the world of karting through the hire of karts for adults and children, as well as two-seater karts.
The Trap Concaverde shooting range in Lonato comprises twelve shooting lanes, arranged side by side along a longitudinal axis. The orientation of the shooting direction ensures maximum usability, whilst minimising the disruption caused to shooters by direct sunlight.