San Biagio Island: Complete Guide to the Island of Rabbits, including Walking Routes, Water Taxis, and Practical Tips

Emerald waters of Caribbean clarity, manicured lawns shaded by centuries-old cypress trees, and the majestic profile of the Rocca di Manerba silhouetted on the horizon: theIsola di San Biagio is undoubtedly one of the most evocative, photographed, and beloved places on Lake Garda. In the heart of the Manerba Gulf, this tiny sliver of land is known everywhere by an affectionate nickname that tells of its magic: theIsola dei Conigli. For generations, those who land on this shore have found themselves sharing the green spaces with a colony of wild rabbits accustomed to human presence, free to run and rest among the trees.

Beyond its wildlife charm, what makes the Isola di San Biagio an extraordinary attraction is its unique natural configuration. Depending on the seasons and the fluctuations in the lake's water level, the island can be reached not only by boat, but also by walking along a submerged causeway of rocks and pebbles that emerges from the mainland. Those who prefer a comfortable and quick crossing, on the other hand, can rely on a punctual taxi boat service that departs from the nearby port of Porto Torchio.

In this comprehensive guide you will find all the essential information to best organize your visit to the Isola di San Biagio: how and when to cross on foot, how the taxi boat service works, entrance fees, swimming rules, the secrets of diving at Scoglio dell'Altare, and the best experiences to enjoy in the surroundings of Manerba del Garda.

The Isola di San Biagio in brief: location, history, and special features

Located in the municipality of Manerba del Garda, along the Brescian coast of the lower lake, the Isola di San Biagio is just two hundred meters from the panoramic tip of Punta Belvedere. With an area of about one hectare, the island constitutes a precious ecological piece within the Rocca di Manerba Nature Reserve and Lake Park, a protected area established to safeguard the gulf's rich flora and fauna.

The historical name derives from an ancient Romanesque chapel consecrated to San Biagio, built on the island during the Middle Ages, of which historical traces remain today in the local toponymy. The island is privately owned, but during the summer months it opens its gates to visitors, offering quality beach services, meticulously maintained English lawns, bathrooms, showers, and a welcoming refreshment area immersed in the Mediterranean scrub.

Feature	Details and Useful Information
Location	Southwestern Brescian shore, Manerba del Garda Gulf (Punta Belvedere)
Common Names	Isola di San Biagio, Isola dei Conigli
Distance from the Coast	About 200 meters from the tip of the Belvedere peninsula
Access Methods	On foot during dry periods or by taxi boat from Porto Torchio
Environmental Protection	Included in the Manerba del Garda Lake Park and Nature Reserve
Main Attractions	Free-roaming rabbits, crystal-clear lakebeds, Scoglio dell'Altare diving site

How to get to the Isola di San Biagio: on foot or by taxi boat?

Reaching the Isola di San Biagio is an integral part of the travel experience. The choice between walking and taking the boat depends essentially on the water level of Lake Garda during your visit, the amount of luggage you have, and your desire for adventure.

On foot along the submerged causeway: when and how to cross

Crossing on foot is the most iconic adventure associated with the Isola di San Biagio. The island is connected to the mainland (more precisely to the promontory of Punta Belvedere) by a narrow natural strip of rocky and gravelly lakebed about two hundred meters long. The depth of the water covering this ridge varies considerably depending on the water cycle of the Garda basin:

Spring and early summer: With the melting of the Alpine snows and seasonal rains, the lake reaches its highest levels. The water on the causeway usually reaches an adult's knees or thighs, requiring a refreshing but easy wade.
Midsummer and autumn: As the warm season progresses and inflows from tributary rivers decrease, the water level drops significantly. In most years, the water on the path is reduced to just a few centimeters (ankle height). In years of severe drought, the gravel causeway emerges completely dry, allowing you to walk to the island with perfectly dry feet.

Practical tips for crossing safely:

Water shoes are essential: The lakebed consists of smooth stones, pebbles of various sizes, and steep sections made slippery by natural algae. Walking barefoot or in soft flip-flops is not recommended as it increases the risk of slipping or cutting yourself; good neoprene water shoes with a rigid rubber sole offer ideal grip and protection.
Dry bag: Even if the water is low, waves caused by motorboats or an unsteady step can wet your personal belongings. Protect your smartphone, cameras, car keys, and wallet in a waterproof, airtight bag worn over your shoulder.
Swimsuit: Put on your swimsuit or shorts before starting the crossing.

The path leading to the Punta Belvedere beach begins at the end of the coastal access road. Remember that parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the entrance are extremely limited.

By taxi boat from Porto Torchio

If you are traveling with small children, have heavy bags, umbrellas, or simply prefer not to get wet before reaching your destination, the most comfortable and relaxing way to reach the island is by taxi boat. The shuttle service continuously departs from the tourist port of Porto Torchio, the heart of Manerba's beach life.

Here is how the service is organized:

Travel time: The crossing takes only five to seven minutes of pleasant boating on open motorboats.
Departure frequency: During the peak summer season, the taxi boats run continuously, departing every fifteen to thirty minutes without the need for advance booking.
Tickets: The cost of the trip is very affordable (about 3 euros per person each way). At the ticket offices on the Porto Torchio pier, it is often possible to buy a combined ticket that includes both the crossing and entry to the island.
Disembarkation: The boat docks directly at the wooden pier located on the western side of the Isola di San Biagio, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and dry disembarkation.

Entrance fees, opening hours, and island regulations

The Isola di San Biagio is a private oasis carefully managed to preserve its natural integrity and ensure a pleasant and peaceful environment for visitors. For this reason, access is subject to specific hours and the payment of an entrance fee:

Opening period: The island is open to the public approximately from May to mid-September, coinciding with the Garda beach season. During the autumn and winter months, it remains closed.
Daily opening hours: The gates open in the morning at 9:00 and close in the late afternoon at 18:00. Shortly before closing time, staff notify beachgoers to allow for an orderly return to the mainland.
Entrance ticket: The daily fee to access the island is about 10 euros per person (discounts are available for children). This amount covers the use of the restrooms, fresh water showers, and the regular maintenance of the lawns and paths.
On-site services: A charming bar kiosk on the island offers cold drinks, ice cream, espresso, sandwiches, and light snacks. Those who want maximum comfort can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas for the entire day.

Rules of conduct and environmental protection:

Dogs on a leash: Four-legged friends are welcome, but they must be kept on a short leash at all times on the island. This rule is essential to avoid disturbing or frightening the wildlife, which would otherwise be scared or chased away, and to ensure the peace of other visitors.
Respect for wildlife: It is strictly forbidden to chase, capture, or feed the rabbits with unsuitable foods such as sweets, bread, or salty snacks, which are harmful to their digestive systems.
Park protection: Overnight camping, lighting fires or barbecues, playing loud music, and littering are prohibited. Remember that the waters around the island are part of the protected Lake Park area, subject to strict regional hydrobiological protection regulations.

Relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling: spending the day on the Isola dei Conigli

Once you step onto the island, the dominant sensation is that of being in a small floating paradise, far from the traffic of the coastal roads. The shores of San Biagio overlook crystal-clear lakebeds, where the white gravel reflects the sun's rays, creating spectacular turquoise and azure hues. Entering the water is generally gentle and allows for refreshing, peaceful swims.

The wide green lawns shaded by cypress trees, holm oaks, and olive trees offer a valuable refuge during the middle of the day, when the Garda sun warms the shores. It is the ideal setting to relax while reading a book or simply listening to the delicate lapping of the waves. In the early morning and late afternoon, when the crowds of visitors thin out, the little rabbits naturally emerge from the vegetation, curiously approaching the edges of the lawn.

For snorkeling enthusiasts, the tour around the island holds excellent surprises: the submerged cliffs on the eastern side attract schools of chub, European perch, carp, and scardina, which swim among the crevices in the rock, often offering exceptional underwater visibility.

The divers' paradise: the legendary Scoglio dell'Altare

At the foot of the Rocca di Manerba wall, not far from the Isola di San Biagio, emerges a solitary and evocative rock: the Scoglio dell'Altare. This stone spur holds a deeply rooted tradition for the Manerba community: in the past, on the feast of Saint Peter, the town's priests would celebrate an inspiring open-air mass right on this rock, attended by the lake fishermen, who gathered in a circle aboard their traditional boats.

For the diving world, Scoglio dell'Altare represents one of the most famous, exciting, and challenging destinations in Northern Italy. Just below the surface, the rocky plateau suddenly drops into a dizzying vertical wall that plunges into the blue to depths of over 150 meters. Along the cliff, you can admire rare colonies of bright yellow freshwater sponges (Spongilla lacustris), while the rock's deep natural cavities provide homes for large pike, majestic bottatrici, and large eels. Given the dizzying depths and lake conditions, deep diving along the wall is reserved exclusively for experienced divers with advanced technical certification.

What to see in the surroundings: the Rocca di Manerba and the lakeside village

An excursion to the Isola di San Biagio can easily be enriched by combining the trip with the other landscape and historical wonders that dot the Manerba del Garda coastline:

The Rocca di Manerba Nature Reserve: Perched on a spectacular limestone cliff that rises almost vertically for about 150 meters above the lake, the Rocca is an unmissable stop. The hiking trails within the reserve pass through coppiced woods, arid meadows rich in wild orchids, and olive groves, climbing up to the remains of the medieval fortress and the large summit cross. From this panoramic viewpoint, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view embracing the Isola di San Biagio, the nearby Isola del Garda, the Sirmione peninsula, and the mountain range surrounding the upper lake.
Porto Torchio and the lakeside walk: After returning from the island, the port of Porto Torchio offers the perfect setting to end the afternoon. The lively lakeside walk hosts typical restaurants where you can taste dishes made with lake fish, cozy pizzerias, and bars overlooking the piers. It is the ideal time to enjoy a refreshing aperitif at sunset, sipping a glass of Chiaretto or Lugana DOC while the boats slowly return to their moorings.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Isola di San Biagio (FAQ)

Can you always reach the Isola di San Biagio on foot?

Not always. Whether you can cross on foot depends closely on the water level of Lake Garda. In spring and early summer, the water on the gravel causeway often reaches above the knees, requiring you to walk through the water. In the warmer and drier months of late summer and early autumn, the lake level drops enough to allow wading through ankle-deep water or, in the driest summers, walking completely dry.

Can dogs enter the Isola dei Conigli?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a short leash at all times on the island. This rule is essential to avoid disturbing or frightening the wildlife present and to protect the peace of other visitors.

Where is the best place to park to visit the island?

The most convenient solution is to use the large paid parking lots located in the Porto Torchio area, just a few steps from the taxi boat boarding point. For those who prefer walking access from Punta Belvedere, parking spaces in the adjacent streets are very limited; it is therefore recommended to travel by bicycle, by local bus, or to reach the tip with a pleasant walk from the village parking lots.

Are there really free-roaming rabbits on the island?

Yes, for decades the island has been home to a large colony of wild and dwarf rabbits living freely. The animals are accustomed to the presence of tourists and move peacefully among the meadows and bushes, especially during the cooler morning and afternoon hours.

Rediscover the lake's breath: the freshness of the scents of Lake Garda

A day spent on San Biagio Island leaves indelible memories: the reflection of light on the clear waves, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze moving through the cypress trees, and the intense fragrance of the Mediterranean scrub warmed by the summer sun. Rabbit Island is just one of the extraordinary gems set in this body of water: you can discover them all in our complete guide to the 5 islands of Lake Garda, with all the details about the imposing Isola del Garda and the hidden treasures along the Veronese coast.

The extraordinary sense of vitality felt along the Manerba coast is also thanks to the lake breezes. Among them stands out the Pelér, the typical morning wind that blows from the north, rippling the waters and bringing with it the clear and pure air of the Dolomites. It is precisely from this regenerating moment that the artisanal perfumery Terre del Garda draws inspiration for its exclusive creations: Peler Eau de Parfum combines sparkling citrus notes and clear aquatic accents, elegantly recreating the pure emotion of a day spent on the lake.

Continuing your journey along the coast northward, just a few minutes from Manerba, the Gulf of Salò awaits you. Here, in the heart of the historic center, the historic Boutique di Salò welcomes you to discover the freshness of the Garda winds and its refined signature fragrances, transforming the beauty of your stay into an olfactory emotion to take with you always.