A Week of Dolce Vita in Manerba del Garda
- Mirco Röthlisberger
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
Italy – for me, it means: amazing food, cheerful people, and places that make your heart skip a beat. And this time? Italy did not disappoint. My destination: Manerba del Garda, a small yet charming town on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda. I spent an entire week soaking up the full “Dolce Vita” experience – with the whole family, of course!
The Journey – An Adventure from the Start
Yes, the drive was long – and with two kids in the car, a road trip is never quite the epitome of comfort. But you know what? Every stop, every rest area, every quick espresso at the gas station was a mini moment of the vacation, and a step closer to this Italian paradise. As we finally arrived in Manerba del Garda, all the travel stress melted away. The first view of the shimmering lake, framed by rolling hills and palm trees, was pure magic – like something out of a dream.
Our Resort: Relaxation and Adventure Hand in Hand
I was clear about what we needed: a family-friendly resort that offered plenty of space for both relaxation and fun. And that’s exactly what we found! The resort was large but so inviting, clean, and full of life. The room was simple, but cozy – and the best part? Right outside the door was a little terrace with a lounge chair, the perfect spot for my first morning coffee, while I listened to the soothing sounds of crickets.
The staff was absolutely wonderful: always friendly, helpful, and full of energy. I was given a resort wristband right away and a quick briefing on all the offerings. For families, having enough parking was a game-changer – especially when you're traveling with lots of luggage!
Pool, Beach, and Adventure – A True Kids' Paradise
The resort had everything a kid (and adult) could dream of. The pool area was huge and diverse – from shallow kids' pools to deeper swimming pools for the more serious swimmers. In between, there was mini-golf, table tennis, and a little playground – plus, the real highlight, a direct access to Lake Garda!
Just one door separated us from the small but lovely beach area right on the lake! It was pure bliss – while the kids splashed around in the water or built sandcastles, I could finally relax and enjoy the moment. The luxury of just letting go, gazing at the lake, and soaking in the beautiful surroundings – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Culinary Delights – From Pizza to Gourmet
Eating in Italy? Always a highlight – but here in Manerba, it became an absolute experience! The in-house restaurant, "Elephant," was the real deal. The food was extraordinary – refined, full of flavor, and prepared with so much care. Every dish was a masterpiece that left me floating on a cloud of taste.
But even beyond the resort, I was in food heaven. Pizza, pasta, gelato – everything was fresh, flavorful, and simply delicious. The local Italian eateries had this charm that made me feel right at home. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – I could have eaten all day long, and still would have wanted more!
Day Trip to Sirmione – A Fairytale Moment
One of the highlights that will stay with me for a long time was our day trip to Sirmione. The drive over the narrow peninsula was breathtaking, and once we arrived, I was in love: charming streets, ancient walls, and the crystal-clear water of the lake making everything even more magical.
The Scaliger Castle in Sirmione was straight out of a fairytale – imposing, historic, and simply stunning. Yes, it was touristy. Yes, it was crowded. But it was also filled with so much charm and atmosphere that I didn’t mind the bustle. The fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juice at the entrance to the castle made the crowds instantly forgettable.
Tip: Parking is a bit scarce, so it's best to arrive early or bring a little patience.
Conclusion: A Week of Little Joys, Big Memories
This week in Manerba del Garda was so much more than just a vacation – it was pure joy! Between relaxing, indulging in amazing food, enjoying family adventures, and making unforgettable memories, this trip was like a gift that brought us closer together as a family.
I laughed, marveled, savored, and fully embraced the moment. Italy has once again stolen my heart – and I’m sure I’ll be back. Maybe even soon. Manerba, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Comments