LAKE GARDA | VILLALSOLE | SAN FELICE DEL BENACO | LAKEFRONT APARTMENTS AND CHALETS | ITALY
Villalsole on Lake Garda: Quiet Lakefront Apartments and Chalets in San Felice del Benaco
A calm, green residence right on the shore of Lake Garda, with its own beach, jetties, buoys for boat owners and free canoes. Practical advice for visitors from the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland, including how to get there and how to enquire. The residence is often fully booked, so ask early.
| Often fully booked: enquire early
Residence Villalsole is popular with returning guests and is frequently fully booked in season. If you want a particular week, a lakefront house or a buoy for your boat, enquire as early as possible. Send your enquiry to info@sportmeeting.de. |
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and one of Europe’s favourite summer destinations, but it is not one place. The north is alpine and windy, the east is busy and cosmopolitan, the south is lively and family-friendly. The western shore, especially the gentle hill country of the Valtenesi between Salò and Desenzano, is quieter and greener than the rest. That is where San Felice del Benaco sits, and where Residence Villalsole has its parkland on the water’s edge.
For visitors from Prague, Warsaw, Paris, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Brussels or Dublin, the appeal is simple: a self-catering holiday in a quiet, green setting with immediate access to the lake. You can swim from the beach, paddle a canoe along the shore, cycle through vineyards and olive groves, take a ferry to a historic town or drive to Verona in under an hour. In the evening you cook on your own terrace or walk to a restaurant a few minutes away.
This guide describes the residence, the types of accommodation, the lake and boat facilities and the surrounding area, and explains how visitors from each of your countries can get there. It also tells you what to include in an enquiry, because availability is limited. Enquiries go to info@sportmeeting.de.
| Feature | Details |
| Residence | Residence Villalsole, Via Gardiola 3, San Felice del Benaco (Brescia province, Lombardy) |
| Area | Valtenesi, west shore of Lake Garda |
| Setting | Directly on the lakeshore; quiet; extensive parkland |
| Accommodation | Apartments in two buildings, independent chalets and terraced houses (villette) |
| Equipment | Fully equipped kitchen, furnished terrace or garden, wifi |
| Parking | One free parking space per booked unit |
| Beach | Private pebble beach with sunbeds and parasols |
| Water | Jetties and buoys for boat owners; canoes, stand-up paddleboards and bicycles free for guests |
| For children | Playground with a small pool |
| Eating | Restaurant a few minutes on foot; supermarket and shops in the village |
| Languages | Host service in German, English and Italian |
| Enquiries | info@sportmeeting.de; often fully booked, enquire early |
San Felice del Benaco is a village of about 3,500 people on a sheltered bay on the west shore of Lake Garda. It lies between Salò to the north and Desenzano to the south, on a stretch of coast far calmer than the busiest resorts on the east and south shores. Across the water you can see the Rocca di Manerba, a rocky headland jutting into the lake, and the Isola dei Conigli, the Rabbit Island.
Villalsole sits on the edge of the village. You live in peace, yet you are a short walk or bike ride from the centre, where a supermarket, bakery, butcher, greengrocer, bank, post office, restaurants and bars cover everyday needs. The small harbour and a little beach at Spiaggia Gardiola are within walking distance, and the residence’s own restaurant neighbour is only a few minutes away.
Wake up to the sound of water on the stones, end the day with cicadas. That is all most people want from a lake holiday.
| Place | Distance (approximate) | What you will find |
| Spiaggia Gardiola | About 3 minutes on foot | Small beach in the bay |
| Port of San Felice | About 10 to 15 minutes on foot | Harbour with bar and restaurant |
| Village centre | Short walk or bike ride | Supermarket, bakery, bank, post office, restaurants |
| Baia del Vento | About 5 minutes by car | Beach and bay |
| Rocca di Manerba | About 10 minutes by car | Nature park with cliffs, walking trails and views |
| Salò | A few kilometres | The nearest larger town: promenade, shops, museum, ferries |
| Desenzano del Garda | Just over 20 km | The largest town on the west shore: railway station, old town, harbour, castle |
Residence Villalsole offers several types of accommodation. All are self-catering: each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, a furnished terrace or garden and wifi. You can cook with ingredients from the local market or eat out; a restaurant is a short walk away.
| Type | Description | Best for |
| Apartments | In two buildings on the grounds; kitchen and terrace; some with lake views | Couples, small families and guests who like being close to the facilities |
| Chalets | Independent houses in the parkland; more privacy; own entrance and outdoor space | Families and groups who prefer a house with a garden |
| Villette (terraced houses) | Small houses of about 70 square metres on a large lawn; some in the first row directly on the lake, some in the second row | Families and friends up to six people; dog owners |
| Which type suits you?
If you want to be as close to the water as possible, ask specifically for a first-row villetta or chalet. If you prefer peace, space and a terrace, the apartments work well. In your enquiry, give the number of guests, your preferred dates and any wishes about location. |
The villette are among the most popular units. They are small terraced houses spread across a large lawn between the parkland and the shore. First-row houses sit directly on the lake; second-row houses are set slightly back but still close to the water.
| Typical villetta (guide only) | Details |
| Living area | About 70 square metres |
| Capacity | Up to 6 people |
| Bedrooms | One double room and one room with two single beds |
| Living room | With sofa bed for two |
| Bathrooms | One bathroom with shower and a separate toilet |
| Kitchen | Fully equipped, with dishwasher and coffee machine |
| Outdoor space | Terrace or garden on the lawn |
| Pets | By arrangement; dogs are reported to be welcome on the grounds |
Furnishings can vary slightly from house to house and year to year. Current details of individual villette, including location, bed arrangement and pet rules, are provided when you enquire.
A distinctive feature of the residence is its focus on water activities and boat owners. It has its own pebble beach with sunbeds and parasols, jetties and buoys. For guests who bring their own boat to Lake Garda, that is a real advantage: the boat lies in front of your holiday home, and the way to the water is short.
| Requesting a buoy
If you are bringing your own boat, tell us in your enquiry to info@sportmeeting.de the boat type, length, beam and draught, your dates and whether you need a place for the whole stay. |
| Activity | Details |
| Canoes | Free for guests; ideal for paddling along the shore |
| Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) | Free for guests |
| Bicycles | Free for guests; routes along the lake and through the Valtenesi hills |
| Sailing and windsurfing | Depending on availability; the lake offers good wind for sailors and windsurfers |
| Playground and pool | Play area with a small pool for children |
| Parkland | Large lawns for games, sunbathing and relaxing |
For more activity there is plenty nearby: golf at the Gardagolf Country Club in Soiano, walking trails in the Rocca di Manerba nature park, cycle paths along the lake and over the vine-covered hills, tennis courts in the area and a dense network of sailing and windsurfing schools.
From San Felice there are two larger towns, one in each direction.
Salò lies only a few kilometres to the north and is the nearest larger town. It has a long lakeside promenade, an old town with palazzi and shops, a museum and a ferry landing. This is where you go for shopping, the weekly market or a meal in one of the many trattorias. From here you can easily reach Gardone Riviera, home of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the estate of the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, and the Isola del Garda.
To the south, just over 20 kilometres away, lies Desenzano del Garda, the largest town on the west shore. It has a railway station on the main Milan to Venice line, a harbour, an attractive old town with a castle and the remains of a Roman villa. From Desenzano you can reach the southern beaches, Sirmione with its Scaliger Castle and the theme parks Gardaland and Canevaworld.
| Shopping and eating
The village of San Felice covers daily needs. For bigger shops, markets and evening meals, use Salò and Desenzano. The Valtenesi is also known for wine estates and olive mills worth visiting; the area produces the rosé Valtènesi Chiaretto and olive oil. |
| Destination | What to expect | Distance (approximate) |
| Rocca di Manerba nature park | Cliffs by the lake, walking trails, swimming coves, views of the Isola dei Conigli | About 10 minutes by car |
| Isola del Garda | The largest island on the lake, with a villa and gardens belonging to the municipality of San Felice; visits by guided tour with advance booking | Boat excursion |
| Gardone Riviera and Vittoriale | Belle Époque resort; D’Annunzio’s estate; Heller botanical garden | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Salò | Lakeside promenade, old town, museum, ferries | A few kilometres |
| Sirmione | Peninsula with the Scaliger Castle, Catullus grottoes and thermal baths | About 35 minutes by car |
| Desenzano | Town with harbour, castle and Roman villa | Just over 20 km |
| Gardaland | Italy’s largest theme park | About 35 km |
| Valtenesi wine estates | Tastings of Valtènesi Chiaretto and olive oil | A few minutes |
| Verona and Brescia | Cities with Roman history and culture; Verona Arena | About 50 minutes to 1 hour |
Villalsole is easy to reach by car from central Europe and by air from most of the countries in this guide. Airports near the lake include Verona (VRN), Brescia Montichiari (VBS), Bergamo (BGY) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Check current timetables, since routes and seasons change.
| From | By car (approximate) | By air | Notes |
| Czech Republic | Via Germany and Austria to the Brenner Pass, then south to Verona and the lake; roughly 9 to 10 hours from Prague | Flights to Verona, Bergamo or Milan from Prague and other cities; check current routes | Austrian motorway vignette and Brenner toll apply; plan an overnight stop with children |
| Poland | A long drive of about 1,500 km or more; most guests fly | Low-cost flights from many Polish cities to Verona, Bergamo or Milan are common; check current routes | Add 1 to 1.5 hours transfer by hire car from the airport |
| France | From eastern France via the Mont Blanc or Fréjus tunnels and the Milan to Brescia motorway; roughly 8 to 11 hours from Lyon area depending on route | Flights to Verona, Bergamo, Milan or Brescia from Paris and regional airports | Mountain tunnels carry tolls; check conditions in winter |
| Scandinavia | Possible by car via Germany and the Brenner, but long; many guests fly | Direct and one-stop flights from Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki and other cities to Verona, Bergamo or Milan | Allow a hire car for the transfer; around 1 hour from Verona |
| Netherlands and Belgium | Roughly 1,100 to 1,300 km; typically a long day or an overnight stop on the way | Flights from Amsterdam, Brussels, Eindhoven and Charleroi to Verona, Bergamo or Milan | Many guests drive with their boat or bikes |
| Ireland | Not practical | Flights from Dublin and other airports to Verona, Bergamo or Milan Malpensa; check seasonal direct routes | Hire car from the airport; allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to the residence |
| Airport | Approximate drive to Villalsole |
| Verona (VRN) | About 50 minutes |
| Brescia Montichiari (VBS) | About 40 to 45 minutes |
| Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
By rail, the nearest main station is Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione on the Milan to Venice line. From there, a taxi, bus or hire car brings you to San Felice. Arrival with a car is by far the most flexible way to explore the shore.
| Topic | What to know |
| Entry | Citizens of EU and EEA countries (Czech Republic, Poland, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) can normally enter Italy with a valid passport or national ID card. Always check current rules before travelling. |
| Money | Italy uses the euro. Czech, Polish, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian guests will pay in euros; a card without foreign transaction fees saves money. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases and markets. |
| Plugs | Italy uses 230 volt sockets; the standard Europlug fits most sockets. Irish guests need a plug adapter for UK-style devices. |
| Time | Italy uses Central European Time, the same as the Czech Republic, Poland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Scandinavia. Irish guests are one hour behind. |
| Driving | Check tolls and rules: Austrian motorway vignette, Brenner motorway toll, Italian motorway tolls, dipped headlights outside built-up areas and the required safety equipment. Many Italian town centres restrict traffic (ZTL zones). |
| Pets | Dogs need a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. If you return to Ireland, Finland or Norway, additional entry requirements such as tapeworm treatment for dogs apply. Check the rules for your own country. |
| Health | EU and EEA citizens should carry the European Health Insurance Card. Consider extra travel insurance. |
| Tourist tax | Italian municipalities may charge a small tourist tax per person per night; ask what applies to your stay. |
| Emergency | Dial 112 anywhere in Italy. |
| Period | Character | Suitability |
| April and May | Mild, green, blossoming; water still cool; quiet | Cycling, walking and golf; start of the season |
| June | Warm, long days; swimming season begins | Very good for families and water sports |
| July and August | Hot and busy; peak season; warm water | Swimming, boating and family holidays; book early |
| September | Warm, quieter, lovely lake temperatures; grape harvest | Often the best time: fewer crowds, still swimming weather |
| October | Mild, autumn colours, clear air; end of season | Walking and wine tasting; some businesses close |
The residence is a seasonal property, normally open from spring into autumn. In many weeks the changeover day is Saturday. Ask about exact opening dates, changeover days and minimum stays when you enquire.
| Often fully booked: ask early
Villalsole is popular with families who return year after year, so it is frequently fully booked in season. The earlier you enquire, the better your chances of getting your preferred dates and accommodation type. Lakefront houses, buoys and school-holiday weeks in July and August are in particular demand. Only enquire is possible, no online booking. |
| Enquire about Villalsole: info@sportmeeting.de
Send enquiries about apartments, chalets, villette and buoys to: info@sportmeeting.de Please enquire early: the residence is often fully booked. In your message, tell us: – Your preferred dates and alternatives – Number of guests (with children’s ages) – Type of accommodation and location wishes – Boat and buoy needs (dimensions) – Pets – Your home country and airport, so we can suggest the easiest route More information about Lake Garda holidays, sports and accommodation is available on sportmeeting.de. |
| What applies when you rent a holiday apartment
A holiday apartment or chalet rented on its own, without other travel services, is generally not a package holiday. The EU Package Travel Directive and its insolvency protection therefore do not apply automatically. Your agreement is the rental contract. Before paying, check: – A written booking confirmation with dates, price and services – The amount of deposit and balance and payment deadlines – Cancellation terms and deadlines – Security deposit and extra costs such as utilities, final cleaning and linen – Local tourist tax – Fees for pets and for a buoy Currency: prices are in euros. If you pay from the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Denmark or Norway, check exchange rates and card fees. Travel cancellation insurance may be worthwhile. Payment methods and conditions are given in reply to your enquiry to info@sportmeeting.de. |
| Question | Answer |
| Where exactly is Villalsole? | In San Felice del Benaco on the west shore of Lake Garda, Via Gardiola 3, on the edge of the village right by the lake |
| Is it quiet? | Yes, it sits on the edge of the village in extensive parkland by the water |
| Is there a private beach? | Yes, a pebble beach with sunbeds and parasols |
| Are there buoys for boats? | Yes, for boat owners; numbers are limited, so enquire early |
| Are canoes and paddleboards extra? | They are described as free for guests, along with bicycles |
| Are pets allowed? | By arrangement; dogs are reported to be welcome on the grounds |
| Where do I shop? | In San Felice village; for bigger shopping, in Salò or Desenzano |
| How do I get there? | By car via the Brenner and Verona; airports at Verona, Brescia, Bergamo and Milan; station at Desenzano |
| When is it fully booked? | Often in season, especially July and August; enquire early |
| Who do I contact? | info@sportmeeting.de |
Villalsole does not shout. It wins guests through its position, its calm and the water. Anyone who has jumped from the jetty into the lake on a summer morning understands why so many families return every year. And because places are limited, it pays to ask early. The address: info@sportmeeting.de.
We warmly welcome lake enthusiasts from Norway, the Netherlands, USA, Poland, Italy, Switzerland and across Europe and the world. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or as a group, discover Lake Garda, Italian culture and the freedom of travelling at your own pace.
Hjertelig velkommen – Varmt välkommen – Hjertelig velkommen – Sydämellisesti tervetuloa – Serdecznie witamy – Bienvenue – Hartelijk welkom – Bienvenuti – Un caloroso benvenuto – A warm and hearty welcome – Srdečně vítáme – Szívélyes üdvözlet – Srdačno dobrodošli – Topel dobrodošli – Bun venit călduros – Kalósorisma – Kordialmente bonbini – Herzlich willkommen – A warm American welcome
| Check In | 12:00 pm |
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| Check Out | 12:00 pm |
Member Since 2021
