San Felice del Benaco

The historic center gathers around the Parish Church of Saints Felice and Adautto, an 18th-century church with a facade of local stone and interiors with stucco and altarpieces of good workmanship. The Sanctuary of Carmine, in the hamlet of the same name, preserves 15th-century frescoes and is worth a visit for the atmosphere of recollection within its walls.

But the main reason San Felice attracts visitors is Garda Island-the largest island on the lake-which lies just a few minutes’ boat ride from the shore. Guided tours depart from San Felice harbor (and other landing stages) and allow visitors to explore the neo-Gothic villa of the Cavazza family, terraced gardens, and the remains of the monastery founded by St. Francis in 1220.

The territory of San Felice is scattered with hamlets-Portese, Cisano, San Felice village-connected by roads among olive groves that produce a quality extra virgin olive oil DOP. Beaches are distributed along the coast with alternating free stretches and establishments; Baia del Vento, in the northern part, is frequented by sailors because of the thermal currents that run through the lake in the afternoon hours.

The Port of Portese, the largest in the area, is a starting point for boat trips to Garda Island and the Brescian coast. Restaurants on the shore serve lake fish – whitefish, pike, eel – with recipes that mix Brescian tradition and lake flavors.

San Felice can be reached from the western Gardesana (between Desenzano and Salò) and has ample parking in the harbor area. The hillside hamlets are connected by a network of trails and dirt roads ideal for walking and mountain biking.

Itineraries from San Felice

• San Fermo Promontory – close-up view of Garda Island