Bennie, the monster of Lake Garda. Myth, mystery and... final aperitif
No, he's not just Nessie's Italian cousin. Bennie is the monster of Lake Garda , and yes... there are actually those who say they've seen him. Is it a legend? Is it tourism marketing? Or maybe it's just the reflection of a bottle of wine that was finished too quickly? In any case, Bennie has entered the imagination of the largest lake in Italy, and today we're telling you his story — with a smile, but also with respect for the traditions of our territory.
And at the end of the article, a FeelGarda selection awaits you for true explorers of taste… perhaps to enjoy while you scan the water, in case Bennie really decides to show himself.
🐉 Who (or what) is Bennie?
The name “Bennie” comes from the area of the Gulf of Manerba and San Felice , where it is said that the monster first appeared. The first “reports” date back to the 1960s, when some fishermen swore they had seen a creature longer than 10 meters, moving sinuously under the surface. Since then, every now and then someone says they have glimpsed it: a shadow, a wake, a roar in the middle of the lake.
Of course, there is no definitive proof. But like any self-respecting legend, that's the beauty of it .
Bennie is generally considered a good monster in local popular culture. Unlike scary mythological creatures such as the Loch Ness Monster (to which he is often compared), Bennie is depicted as a shy and retiring creature, who has never shown aggressive behavior towards humans.
Many of the stories and legends surrounding him portray him as more of a mysterious and fascinating presence than a threat. For this reason, Bennie is seen more as a legendary mascot of the lake than as a true “bad monster”.
🔍 Legend or tourist folklore?
The truth is that every place needs its little mystery. Garda has oil, wine, enchanted villages... and Bennie , who adds a pinch of magic. It's the kind of story you tell children during boat trips, or friends while having a drink at sunset, just to keep alive that subtle emotion that only mysterious stories can give.
🍷 The Monster Hunter's Aperitif
After exploring the western shore of the lake in search of Bennie, you need a worthy refreshment. Here's what we recommend for an aperitif worthy of a "guardian of Garda":
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Artisanal olives in brine , to nibble while gazing out over the water.
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Mature mountain cheese , with a glass of fresh Lugana.
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Smoked Garda fillet , for those who love intense and mysterious flavours like Bennie.
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And of course, a toast with one of the wines selected on FeelGarda. The Bardolino rosé, for example, has the perfect color for a sunset… or a sudden sighting.
🧭 An alternative tourist route
Want an original idea? Create your own “Hunting Bennie” tour:
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Departure from Sirmione , with a visit to the Catullus caves.
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Continue towards Manerba , with a walk on the Rocca (perfect view to observe the lake).
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Stop in San Felice del Benaco , perhaps with a gastronomic break.
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And end in Salò, for a dinner overlooking the lake and the storytelling of the day.
Didn't find Bennie? Patience. You found flavors, views and stories to tell , and maybe that's the real treasure.
Conclusion: Bennie really exists. At least in our stories.
Believe it or not, the Lake Garda monster is part of local folklore, just like extra virgin olive oil or the wine from the moraine hills. It's a perfect excuse to look at Garda with new eyes , to smile, to dream. And maybe to order a FeelGarda cutting board, to share with those who love stories that remind them of home and mystery.
