Legend has it that Manerba was erected in devotion to the goddess Minerva. She came to hide in this valley, an important and picturesque center of Valtenesi, where she planted her olive trees (of which she was the patroness) and taught many of her arts. A temple was established in her honor, but it was destroyed by the Barbarians. Many scholars believe that the toponym of Manerba derives from "Minerva arx"; Others, however, trace this name back to the Cenomani Gauls (the term would derive from the union of mon, meaning "man of arms," and erb, "military area"). The toponym would indicate, in this case, "a fortified place residence of the chief": this is plausible given that from the top of the village fortress it was easy to defend against any attack. The climate is mild throughout the year and very comfortable. On wonderful spring days one can witness the triumph of nature in bloom, in summer the light breeze mitigates the high temperatures, autumn offers enchanting sunny days, and even in winter the temperatures remain pleasant. Natural beauties in the surroundings Garda Island, the largest island on the entire Lake Garda, belongs to the municipality of San Felice del Benaco. On the island is the luxurious palace of the Cavazza family, surrounded by beautiful Italian gardens and a rich forest composed of cypresses, acacias, and pines. Guided tours of this breathtaking island are organized with the Cavazza family between April and October. Feel the heavenly atmosphere of this small island on your skin. The Heller Botanical Garden and the Vittoriale degli Italiani are popular destinations for visitors from all over the world.The mountains above, by the way easily accessible on foot, offer breathtaking scenery. Garda's culinary arts Various are the excellent restaurants in the area but the most renowned are :Lido 84 ( starred restaurant), Il Benaco, L'orologio, Le Rose and excellent pizzerias. Lake Garda sports Lake Garda is known for water sports, first and foremost sailing with the important regattas that take place every year in the Benaco waters, but also wakeboarding (water skiing), kitesurfing, windsurfing, canoeing, snorkeling, not forgetting the hottest water sport of the moment: stand up paddling (SUP). Thrill-seekers can experience the thrill of hang gliding and paragliding from the top of Mount Spino and Mount Baldo. Several golf courses are reachable within 10 km , Arzaga, Garda and Colombaro. Walks on foot, bicycle or horseback will make your experiences magical , there are more than 100 km of bicycle paths going from the lakeside to hillside trails. For snow lovers, the prestigious resort of Madonna di Campiglio can be reached in just under two hours by car. Public and private ports - Port of Dusano ( public and private ) - Port of Portese ( public and private ) - Port of San Felice ( public ) - Port of Torchio - Manerba del Garda ( private ) - Port of Gardone Riviera ( public and private ) Manerba beaches and surroundings Romantica beach. Pisenze beach and Porto Dusano. Bau Beach in Salò Rive Grandi beach in Barbarano. Rimbalzello beach. For the little ones and beyond. 10 must-see amusement parks on Lake Garda ; the smiles , fun, carefree family vacation....Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium, Caneva Aquapark, Movieland: The Hollywood Park, Medieval Times, the Knights Rodeo, Busatte Adventure, Parco Natura Viva, Parco Giardino Sigurtà, Elias Adventure Park,Jungle Adventure Park in addition to public and private parks where you can admire all types of native flowers.