Manerba del Garda

Manerba del Garda is on a spur in the lake with a panoramic point that leads right out to the water. It is actually a collection of villages strung along the western shore of Lake Garda, that offers some of the prettiest views. It was named "one of the happiest towns in Italy".

There was a prehistoric presence here from the late neolithic period, and remains of a mesolithic village were found below the Rocca fortress, in what is now the Archaeology Natural Park. The name derives from Minerva, to whom a temple was built in the Roman period. There was a Roman fortress, then a medieval castle with a tower that was part of a waterfront defense system, and a town developed around it. Later it was a haven for bandits and fugitives from the Republic of Venice.

Today, Manerba del Garda is a laid-back destination for visitors who want to explore the area, enjoy the fresh water beaches, water sports, and inland activities. You can hike in the hills, go horseback riding, or boating. There is a marina located here for boat rides. A neat outing is the Isola di San Biagio, a tiny island that lies just a few meters off the point called Punta Belvedere. Swim over for a visit!

Inland, olive groves and grape vines produce prized oil and wine. Garda Classico DOC Rosso, Rosso Superiore, and Bianco are nice, as is the Classico Chiaretto DOC, which pairs well with lake fish. In town, there are shops and restaurants to enjoy. The location is great for seeing the sights. Right here in Manerba is the Parco Archeologico Naturalistico, which takes you through millennia of history and shows off 400 types of plants and 21 varieties of orchids.

The beautiful town of Sirmione is nearby. There are nearly a dozen theme parks along the eastern side of Lake Garda to visit, as well as botanical gardens in the area. You can visit art-filled cities like Brescia and Verona easily.