Tucked away on the southwestern shores of Lake Garda lies Isola di San Biagio, an emerald sanctuary defined by its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush cypress groves. Affectionately known as "Rabbit Island," this hidden gem offers travellers the surreal experience of wading across a shallow, underwater isthmus to reach its pristine beaches.
One of Italy’s most popular destinations is Lake Garda in the northern part of the country. Here,, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic alpine cliffs, olive groves, and historic lakeside towns like Sirmione. However, hidden on the lake’s southwestern shore lies a small, emerald gem that truly captures the distinct variety found in the Mediterranean.
Officially, this small island is called Isola di San Biagio, but locals affectionately call it Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island). This slice of paradise proves that some of Italy’s most breathtaking destinations are only a few hundred meters from the shore.
It’s almost like walking on water
What makes Isola di San Biagio unique is the whimsical way it’s connected to the mainland. Located just off the Punta Belvedere peninsula in the municipality of Manerba del Garda, it’s essentially an extension of the rock formation found on the mainland.
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In the summer, the water levels surrounding the island naturally drop due to the warmer weather. This allows a narrow stone-and-pebble isthmus to reveal itself just beneath the surface. To get to the island, slip off your shoes and wade through the knee-deep, crystal clear waters for 200 metres, a perfect way to cool down from the hot Italian sun.
It is a rare, surreal experience that sets a playful, adventurous tone before you even set foot on the grass. But when the lake is high, or for those carrying beach gear, a regular taxi-boat service operates from nearby Porto Torchio, ensuring the island remains accessible.
A slice of Caribbean in the Italian Alps
For those looking for a Caribbean feeling but within Europe, Isola di San Biagio is perfect for you. Stepping onto the shores of this small island feels like discovering a hidden sanctuary. Despite only being one hectare, there is plenty of natural charm. Shaded by elegant cypress trees, blooming shrubs, and sprawling green lawns, it offers a stark, lush contrast to the deep blue of Lake Garda.
The surrounding waters are incredibly clear, giving the shallows a wonderful Caribbean-esque turquoise hue. The pebble beaches gently ease into the lake, making it the ideal destination for swimming and sunbathing in Lombardy.
If you’re after a little more adventure, then go beyond the rocky seabed, and you’ll discover it drops dramatically into deeper waters. If you want to stay on dry land, why not explore the Scoglio dell'Altare (Altar Rock), a legendary local diving site where a sheer underwater wall plunges roughly 150 meters down, harbouring flourishing colonies of royal perch, pike, and eels.
A look into the island’s history
Before becoming a popular holiday destination, during the Middle Ages, Isola di San Biagio was an uninhabited island that served as a retreat for hermits. Then, during the 16th century, wealthy mainland villa owners used the island as a private hunting reserve, populating the land with hares and rabbits, the origin of its famous nickname.
Then, in the 1950s, it was used by the nearby firearms manufacturer Beretta to test weapons and ammunition. Thankfully, since 2016, the island has been protected as a vital component of the Riserva Naturale della Rocca, del Sasso e Parco Lacuale, ensuring its pristine ecosystem remains intact for generations to come.
Whether you spend your afternoon watching the resident rabbits hop through the clover, diving into the refreshing waters, or simply gazing at the imposing cliffs of the Rocca di Manerba across the bay, Isola di San Biagio provides a timeless escape from the modern rush of travel.
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