San Felice del Benaco is one of the 7 Brescia villages that make up the hilly Valtenesi, between the blue lake and the magical hinterland cultivated with vineyards and olive groves.
Its name probably derives from the Latin ‘sinus felix’, happy cove; and here even the climate is happy, mitigated by winds, lake and mountains, which make it always pleasant both in the height of summer heat and in the mild winter.
Let’s find out together what to see and do in this beautiful location, truly full of charm, panoramas and treasures to admire.
Historical notes on San Felice del Benaco
The area of San Felice del Benaco, inhabited since prehistoric times, was conquered by the Romans, as attested by archaeological finds, including a plaque dedicated to Neptune walled up in the parish church. In the 10th century it was called Scovolo (from the Latin scopulus, rock) and a castle-shelter was built here against barbarian incursions.
In 1279, with the conquest of Valtenesi by the Brescians, the castle and village were destroyed, and the inhabitants moved to the hamlet of San Felice, renamed San Felice di Scovolo. A new castle was erected here, but it underwent various vicissitudes: it was the domain of the Visconti until the 15th century, destroyed by the French in 1509 and rebuilt under the Serenissima.
In the early 18th century, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the territory was crossed by armed troops, causing abuses and requisitions of timber.
Finally, in 1928, the town took its current name of San Felice del Benaco.
What to see in San Felice del Benaco
The historical centre
San Felice del Benaco has in its historic centre the Palazzo Rotingo, built in the 17th century and now home to the Town Hall, which has finely decorated walls and coffered ceiling; and the Scaligeri tower, located west of the parish church, which serves as the church bell tower and is part of the complex of castle ruins built by the Scaligeri in 1330 and now used as a cemetery site.
Walking through the village, one can also admire the former Monte di Pietà, an elegant Veneto-style structure with a five-arched portico supported by rusticated stone pillars. It was built by the testamentary will of the wealthy benefactor Giacomo Pace, whose wish was to offer concrete support to the needy, allowing them to obtain financial loans from his assets without having to pay any interest. Today it houses the Information Office and an Exhibition Hall that hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists; it also preserves important artistic and cultural artefacts, including an ancient coat of arms of San Felice and a precious fresco by Abramo Grisiani, an artist active between the 16th and 17th centuries.
In the centre of the village stands the Baroque parish church, dedicated to the Martyred Saints Felice, Adauto and Flavia; designed in Baroque style with a Greek-cross plan and large volumes under the central vault, it was proposed on 31 July 1740 by the nobleman Innocenzo Moniga and the provost Matteo Alberini. After the demolition of the previous 16th-century church, said to date back to Theodolinda and Bishop Felice, the new building was constructed by architect Antonio Corbellini and completed in 1781.
Dedicated to the patron saints Felice, Adauto and Flavia, whose relics are preserved in the high altar, the church houses important works of art. Among them, an altarpiece by Romanino (1536-1537) depicts Saints Felix, Adauto, Anthony Abbot, John the Evangelist and Gennaro at the feet of the Virgin in glory. The walls and vault are frescoed with the Stories of Saints Felix and Adauto by Carlo Innocenzo Carloni and Giosuè Scotti (completed in 1760), which narrate salient episodes in the lives of the saints.
In the right aisle is the Martyrdom of St Bartholomew by Johann Carl Loth, while on the left a 17th century painting of the Madonna and St Roch decorates the altar of the same name. The side chapels, adorned with coloured marble altars, include that of Our Lady of the Rosary, with a statue of the Virgin and fifteen canvases on the Mysteries of the Rosary. On the third altar on the right is an altarpiece by Pietro Ricchi, known as the Lucchese, depicting the Coronation of the Virgin with various saints.
The sacristy houses a Nativity attributed to Zenon Veronese and a Madonna of the Rosary with Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena signed by Giovanni Andrea Bertanza. The high altar, made in 1858 in precious polychrome marble, is the work of sculptor Giovanni Emanueli.
The harbour
The harbour of San Felice del Benaco offers beaches, an electric boat rental service, a nautical recharging station (the only public recharging station on the entire Lake Garda, installed by the State), a refreshment bar, a beautiful restaurant with a private pier, and above all a splendid view enriched by the panorama of the Rocca di Manerba.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine, dating back to the 15th century, is an example of Gothic-Lombard architecture with Romanesque influences; located about 500 metres from the town, on a hillock surrounded by ancient walls, it is today a pilgrimage and prayer site.
It was built on an earlier chapel dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie, in a marshy area called ‘delle Cisterne’, thanks to the will of the local population and the support of Ludovico II Gonzaga and his son, Cardinal Francesco. The consecration took place on 17 January 1482 by Bishop Giorgio Vink.
According to tradition, it was the local fishermen who wanted the church to thank the Virgin for the protection they received during storms on the lake. The management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Carmelite friars of the Mantuan Congregation.
The façade is simple, with a pointed arch door, a central rose window and two single-lancet windows. The single-nave interior, with a gabled ceiling and a quadrangular apse, features 15th-16th century frescoes by unknown artists, influenced by Mantegna, Foppa and Perugino, restored in 1963.
At the end of the 18th century, the friars were forced to abandon the site by a decree of the Serenissima, and the sanctuary suffered spoliation and neglect. Only in 1952 did the Carmelites of Vittorio Veneto return, reviving the sanctuary.
The hamlet of Portese, with beaches and port
Portese is a hamlet of San Felice del Benaco. Its scenic harbour with beaches, bars and restaurants is worth a visit;
and also its Parish Church – located higher up the harbour in a dominant position – dating back to the 15th century, extensively renovated in 1585 (and in 1885 by architect Antonio Tagliaferri) and consecrated to St John the Baptist.
The hamlet of Cisano, with the first big bench on Lake Garda
Also worth a visit is the hamlet of Cisano (not to be confused with the Bardolino village of the same name on the Veneto shore), a small, quiet village with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Salò. Here you can discover buildings of great historical value, such as the 15th-century church of San Giovanni Battista Decollato and the elegant Palazzo Cominelli, built in the mid-17th century by the family of the same name from Salò. It is currently the headquarters of the ‘Cominelli Foundation’ formed by the will of the poet Raffaele Cominelli (1893 – 1981). It houses exhibitions and cultural promotion activities.
In the park of Palazzo Cominelli, there is a unique attraction: Lake Garda’s first Big Bench, number 101. This large yellow bench, part of a project conceived by designer Chris Bangle, offers a spectacular viewpoint over Lake Garda and Monte Baldo, combining art and nature in a fun and unforgettable experience.
The Promontorio di San Fermo with its little church
Right in San Felice del Benaco, there is one of the most scenic and easy-to-reach vantage points of the entire Lake Garda area: the Promontorio di San Fermo.
From there one can immerse oneself in a postcard view that reaches as far as Monte Baldo. Reaching the Promontorio, you can also visit the small Church of San Fermo Martire, built during the 15th century.
Find all the information on how to reach the Promontorio di San Fermo by clicking here.
Isola del Garda
Isola del Garda, the largest island of Lake Garda, is part of the municipality of San Felice del Benaco.
You can visit both the park and part of Villa Borghese Cavazza. A truly spectacular place that absolutely deserves a day trip.
Find all information on how to reach Isola del Garda and what to see in detail by clicking here.
The beaches of San Felice del Benaco
San Felice del Benaco offers splendid beaches, ideal for those who wish to relax and enjoy themselves on the crystal-clear shores of Lake Garda. Here are the most evocative:
Porto San Felice Beach
Situated on Via Spizzago, it is a wide, free pebble beach. Here it is possible to hire parasols, sunbeds and pedalos. There is a bar and a restaurant with a private jetty nearby.
Baia del Vento
A small free beach where you can hire parasols, sunbeds, canoes and pedalos. This location offers a privileged view of Lake Garda and is equipped with a bar and restaurant.
Gardiola Beach
Located in Navenago, this is a small, unequipped pebble beach, perfect for those seeking a more natural and peaceful environment.
Portese Beach
A free beach that includes an area dedicated to dogs. Nearby there are excellent bars and restaurants to complete the experience.
Valtenesi cycle path
For cycling enthusiasts, or for those who simply want to enjoy a pleasant ride surrounded by nature, the Valtenesi cycle path is an unmissable choice. This 18-kilometre-long scenic route also connects the villages of San Felice, Portese and Cisano, offering an experience that combines sport, relaxation and discovery of the area.
The track winds its way through picturesque landscapes, among rolling hills, centuries-old olive groves and glimpses of Lake Garda, offering cyclists a variety of evocative scenery. It is suitable for everyone, from experienced cyclists to families with children, thanks to its simplicity and the possibility of stops in the villages crossed, rich in history and culture.
Along the way, you can stop to visit the various attractions, or enjoy local specialities in the restaurants and inns along the way. The trail is not only an opportunity for exercise, but also a unique way to get in touch with the beauty and authenticity of this corner of Lake Garda.
Where to sleep in San Felice del Benaco
We recommend some different and unique places:
BorgoLuna Luxury Holidays House is a small jewel set in the village of San Felice del Benaco. 3 exclusive suites, born from the union between history and innovation, between sustainability of materials and respect for tradition.
For further information click here.
The Hotel San Filis, with all its charm of an ancient 17th century residence, is located in the historic heart of San Felice del Benaco. Swimming pool, garden, restaurant and many services available to guests.
For further information click here.
Camping Europa Silvella, offers flats, bungalows, maxi caravans, glamping tents and pitches, in the beautiful bay of San Felice del Benaco, directly on the shores of Lake Garda.
For more info click here.
Residence Lamasu overlooks the beautiful waters of San Felice del Benaco, only 50 metres from the beach, offering breathtaking views and an authentic connection to nature.
For more info click here.
Experiences in Valtenesi
The cultural and natural heritage of Valtenesi offers many opportunities to live unique experiences in the area. Here are some ideas for many beautiful emotions!
To experience the waves of the lake as true protagonists on Wakesurf, E-foil, Foil, Jetsurf you cannot miss an adventure with the Your Wave team.
To visit a unique and exciting location surrounded by vineyards and book a food and wine tasting we recommend the Conti Thun Winery.
Do you love adventure? Do you like to get excited? Try parasailing and discover Lake Garda by flying thanks to the Garda Parasailing team.
Have you ever experienced the silence of an electric boat? At Nautica Elettrica San Felice you will find it for hire.
Do you like to photograph? Contact professional photographer Stefano Maraggi to guide you in your search for the perfect shot.
San Felice del Benaco is a truly happy discovery; and this sentence is not just a play on words, I write it with conviction. It is one of the most intact and truest villages of our beloved Lake Garda; even in the low season you will find churches and places open and visitable, combined with the warm welcome of its inhabitants.
See you soon dear Outdoors!
Silvia Turazza
