Heading to the gorgeous sun-kissed shores of Lake Garda? Lucky you!
Fortunately, the biggest decision you’ll need to make is at which of the Lake Garda beaches you’d like to spend your precious time.
It doesn’t get dreamier than the sparkling lake waters surrounded by mountain peaks. No matter how many times I’ve visited, it still feels like I’ve walked into a real-life postcard.
So whether you’re looking for a quiet spot along the lake or prefer a place with more to do, this guide will help you choose the best beaches on Lake Garda for your visit.
What to Know About the Beaches in Lake Garda
When planning a summer vacation in Italy, the mind often drifts towards the allure of the southern beaches and their crystal-clear seas. But hold onto your sun hats because Lake Garda has its own set of incredible beaches dotted across 3 regions of northern Italy, Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.
These beaches are mainly pebbly, although you’ll find a few that have sandy shores. Sometimes you’ll find them in a visibly public place. Other times, you might just stumble upon a quiet cove or bay that seemingly no one else has discovered yet.
Look for the signs pointing you in the direction of a “spiaggia,” “baia”, “punta” or “lido” to find some of the many miles of shoreline around Lake Garda. No matter what, you’re guaranteed refreshing lake water with stunning mountain and village scenery all around at one of northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes!
Is it safe to swim in Lake Garda?
Absolutely, there’s nothing like taking a refreshing dip in the waters of Lake Garda! While swimming in a lake may offer a different experience than the sea, Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is known for its clean and clear waters. (Always remember though to pay attention to local signs and alerts for any current swimming restrictions.)
Depending on which Lake Garda beach you choose, you might even see the brilliant lake water’s different shades going from a deep navy blue to a tropical turquoise.
During June, July, and August, summer temperatures range from about 75°F-85°F. Water temperatures are also warmest at this time, rising to about 75°F.
And even though Lake Garda does have a fairly mild year-round climate for its northern location, you won’t want to swim outside of late spring to early fall. The water (and air) temperatures are just too chilly for anything other than a dip by the bravest of souls!
Are water shoes required to swim in Lake Garda?
While there aren’t any specific requirements you must follow, many of Lake Garda’s beaches are covered in pebbles and stones. At a minimum, it could be uncomfortable to walk barefooted on the beach and into the shallower areas of water along the shoreline.
I highly recommend bringing a pair of water shoes so that you have the option. In addition, if you’re not planning on renting a sun chair at any of the beaches, you may want to bring an extra towel for padding to make a more comfortable spot for yourself along the water. This is especially the case at beaches with no grassy area.
Are Lake Garda beaches free or paid for?
Many Lake Garda beaches are free to access. However, you might need to pay for parking, and if you want some added comfort, you’ll need to pay to rent a sun lounger and umbrella where they are available. For the best chance at finding an available chair and umbrella for the day, especially on smaller beaches, arrive in the morning.
A few beaches, like the stunning Baia delle Sirene, are only open if you pay an access fee. Lastly, some Lake Garda beaches are reserved for people who stay in camping sites or hotels, so you might be denied access if you are not a guest of that accommodation.
Best Lake Garda Beaches
Garda Beaches
On the Veneto side of Lake Garda, you’ll find the town that gives the lake its name. You’ll also find one of the most incredible beaches in all of Lake Garda, as well as a great spot tucked into the shoreline heading toward Bardolino.
Baia delle Sirene
Punta San Vigilio Park is a stunning promontory on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, on the Veneto side. This picturesque spot is celebrated for its breathtaking views, lush landscape, and the overall tranquility it offers to visitors. It’s absolutely one of the most gorgeous places along Lake Garda.
The best beach to visit in Punta San Vigilio is Parco Baia delle Sirene, a pebbly, half-moon-shaped beach with the cleanest green-turquoise waters. The coast is shaded by an olive grove perfect if you don’t want too much sun exposure.
To enter Parco Baia delle Sirene beach you need to pay an entrance ticket which also grants you access to parking, rental of sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, clean bathrooms, and tons of entertainment options.
The beach has table tennis, a playground area for children, a mini club, a bar, and a restaurant.
Parco Baia delle Sirene Beach is spectacular, and you won’t ever forget relaxing and swimming on this beach surrounded by majestic olive trees while overlooking the water and lakeside mountain peaks.
Spiaggia La Cavalla
This pebbly beach is located between Garda and Bardolino. The best way to reach it is by the pedestrian promenade between these towns because parking in the vicinity of the beach is very limited and the area closest to the beach has car restrictions. Still, it’s a popular beachy spot on the eastern side of the lake.
The beach is free but you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Once you navigate the rocky entry points to the water, you’re rewarded with a fabulous Lake Garda swim.
Even if you don’t plan on swimming or sunbathing, go for the restaurant that’s on the beach. The views are fantastic and at sunset, you’ll be gazing at the western sky.
Malcesine Beaches
One of the most popular towns on Lake Garda, Malcesine sits in a prime spot along the lake’s eastern shore. It’s perfectly placed in between Monte Baldo and the deep blue waters of the lake. You can also take in the size of the lake as you look both north and south, as well as admire the mountain scenery all around.
Spiaggia Val di Sogno
For as touristy as Malcesine is, this tiny beach is much more peaceful than the historic town center. There really isn’t parking near this beach so you have to make the walk along the lake from the town to reach this spot. But the effort is rewarded!
The beach is a mix of grass and pebbles where you can sit on bean bag chairs to enjoy the view, perhaps while having a snack or aperitivo.
One of the most unique experiences here, though, is the Isola del Sogno. This small island is just steps from the beachfront and connected by an islet of rocks. Sometimes, the water level is too high but other times it’s low enough for you to just walk over to the island.
If you’re interested in scuba diving, there’s a fascinating wreck just near the island.
Sirmione Beaches
Sirmione is one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda, and it has several beaches along the lake’s southern shore that you can visit to relax.
Jamaica Beach (Giamaica Beach)
Grab your beach shoes because you’ll be walking along the large slabs of smooth rocks that line the shore of the glistening Jamaica Beach. Known as one of the most beautiful free beaches in Lake Garda, it’s located just below the town’s promontory with the remains of an ancient Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC, known as Grotte di Catullo. (Don’t miss seeing this incredible historic gem, either!)
This beach stands out due to the vibrant hues of its waters, which resemble the aquamarine and azure of the waters surrounding the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The colors of the water give off that tropical vibe, making it feel like a slice of paradise in Lake Garda.
At Jamaica Beach, you can rent beach loungers, use the facilities, and get snacks and drinks at the beachside cafe. Once settled in, you’ll feel miles away from the larger crowds of daytrippers visiting Sirmione’s castle (one of the best castles of Lake Garda!), ruins, and historic town. If you can, stay to watch the gorgeous sunset!
Lido delle Bionde Beach
Lido delle Bionde, also situated in Sirmione, is another fabulous beach worth exploring. Nestled along the eastern shores of the Sirmione Peninsula and near the historic remains of Grotte di Catullo, this beach offers a beautiful retreat where you can bask in the sun for hours.
This small beach has clear turquoise waters, surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and a quintessential Italian backdrop of high cliffs with olive groves. There’s a long wooden pier where you can walk out onto the lake or use to set off into the water.
At Lido delle Bionde, there are a few sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. You can also rent canoes and SUPs to do fun water activities while enjoying the lake views. There is also a restaurant and bar at the beach that plays music during happy hour. If you want to take a dip at the beach, you can use the bathrooms and showers to get ready or clean up afterward.
Punta Grò Beach
Just off the Sirmione Peninsula and heading along the lakeshore towards Peschiera del Garda, you’ll reach a natural oasis called Punta Grò. It’s a free pebble beach and less crowded than the other beaches in Sirmione. And while it may not be the most manicured of all the Lake Garda beaches, I’ve included it in this guide because it’s more of a local spot right within easy reach of touristy Sirmione.
This charming lake is a stretch of green and wild beach lined with ancient trees and natural reeds making it home to waterfowl, swans, seagulls, and herons, so you’ll surely have fun birdwatching by the shore. Punta Grò Beach gently slopes into the shallow waters of the lake making it perfect for swimming.
This quiet spot is a great leisure destination for families and those interested in street art with its nearby murals. If you’re driving to Punta Gró, there are plenty of parking spaces close to the beach. Nearby, you’ll also find the Casa del Pescatore, a small fisherman’s house museum with artifacts and information about the life of a Lake Garda fisherman.
Desenzano del Garda Beaches
Desenzano del Garda is the biggest town on the southwestern shore of Lake Garda, it’s a prime destination if you’re seeking a memorable lakeside experience. Better yet, it’s one of only 2 towns along the lake with a train station that you can reach from places like Milan and Venice.
Once along the lakefront, you can walk along the lakeside path which goes to both of the beaches listed below or just enjoy a scenic stroll!
Desenzanino Beach
Located just a 20-minute walk from the historic center of Desenzano del Garda, Desenzanino Beach is a pebbly beach with beautiful water and views. You can even see Sirmione which is just east of the beach. Given its convenient location to the city center and nearby parking, Desenzanino Beach can also be very busy in season.
The beach is split with a free side and an area where you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella while basking under the sun with a cocktail from the nearby bar and restaurant. Plus, if you want to explore the lake, you can rent kayaks and pedal boats. Afterward, you can use the facilities to change and shower if needed.
ProTip: The water here is calm but you’ll need watershoes to navigate the rocks in the shallow areas near the shore. In some spots, they are quite sharp.
Spiaggia d’Oro
Meaning Golden Beach, this popular spot is another pretty beach on the south shore of Lake Garda. The beach is blanketed with pebbles and has beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. Just behind this, you’ll also find a large grassy area.
As with other spots, the beach has a bar and places to eat whether you’d like lunch, an aperitivo, or just some gelato. The beach also plays music which ranges from live music on some weekends to a DJ that gives it more of a club atmosphere later in the day.
Peschiera del Garda Beaches
There are at least two beaches in Peschiera del Garda that you need to visit: Spiaggia dei Cappuccini and Braccobaldo Beach.
This historic town sits just east of Sirmione just past the divide into the Veneto region of northern Italy. Besides the beautiful lakeside views, the town has been recognized by UNESCO for its 16th-century Venetian defensive walls.
Peschiera del Garda has a train station like Desenzano del Garda, making it easy to access if you don’t have a car.
Spiaggia dei Cappuccini
Walking down the Peschiera del Garda lakefront promenade, you will reach the glistening water of Spiaggia dei Cappuccini. The pebble-covered beach has a grass area, perfect for enjoying a picnic with a beautiful view. At Cappuccini Beach, there’s also a pier for sunbathing or taking a dip into the deeper waters away from the gravely shoreline.
Access to the Spiaggia dei Cappuccini is free, and you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and pedal boats. Cappuccini Beach is ideal if you’re traveling with kids. It has a playground area complete with slides, swings, and trampolines.
Spiaggia dei Cappucini also has a fantastic restaurant called Il Forte dei Cappuccini where you can sit on the terrace and enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Garda.
Braccobaldo Beach
Traveling to Lake Garda with your four-legged furry friend? Then, Braccobaldo Beach should be on the top spot on your itinerary! This special beach in Peschiera del Garda is one of the first beaches for dogs ever established in Italy!
Opened to dogs in 2011, this pebble and fully-equipped beach is a haven for dogs and their families. You can rent sun chairs, umbrellas, and even get a bowl for our furbaby. The beach is fully fenced, and although dogs have to stay leashed, they can play and swim off-leash in the water.
Overall Italy is very dog-friendly…except at many beaches! So swimming here with your dog in Lake Garda will be an unforgettable experience!
Manerba Beaches
Manerba del Garda boasts an impressive 7.5-mile coastline dotted with picturesque beaches. If you’re looking to take a dip surrounded by the captivating natural beauty of Lake Garda, the beaches in Manerba are a perfect choice.
Spiaggia della Romantica
The name of this beach says it all. Dubbed the “romantic”, Spiaggia della Romantic earns its title from the natural beauty and inviting charm of its landscape. Together with its mountains, sparkling water, and lakeside promenade, it’s a quintessential Lake Garda scene.
Spiaggia della Romantica sprawls along the lake making it one of the biggest beaches in the area. It’s perfectly positioned facing east which catches all the sun’s golden rays throughout the day, especially in the off seasons, spring and fall. You can also walk the long promenade if you’d rather just take in the views.
This corner of paradise is among the most popular ones in Manerba, and it is free to access. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas if you want to soak in the sun by the lakeside.
Spiaggia della Romantica also has shaded areas where you can find rest from the summer heat and several restaurants and kiosks where you can grab a bite.
Baia Bianca Beach
Baia Bianca Beach in Manerba is unique among the other beaches in Manerba—it has soft, white sand brought directly from the Caribbean! The sandy area is next to a grassy area where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Both of these sections are elevated just above the pebbly shoreline.
It’s also a great spot for an aperitivo overlooking the lake. The restaurant also serves lunch and snacks throughout the day. If you’d like, you can rent SUPs or even sign up for a lesson.
Later on, hit the dancefloor and enjoy the party vibe at Baia Bianca Beach.
San Felice del Benaco Beaches
San Felice del Benaco is a lovely town on Lake Garda’s western shore. What adds to the allure are the emerald beaches with mountain vistas as backdrops.
Baia del Vento Beach
Perfectly positioned along the shore, Baia del Vento Beach treats you to breathtaking views of Monte Baldo, Punta San Vigilio, and the enchanting Isola del Garda.
The glistening emerald waters create a striking contrast against the bright green backdrop of olive trees that line the beach and almost call you by name to jump in for a refreshing dip. The beach is mostly pebbles but you’ll find some sandy spots, as well as more sand as you go into the water past the shoreline.
Baia del Vento beach is a great spot to rent a lounger and an umbrella and sit lakeside for a few hours of sunbathing or finally reading a few chapters of that book you packed for your Italy trip. Among the other services available at Baia del Vento Beach are rental surfboards and SUPs, pedal boats and canoes, as well as a restaurant.
Also a plus, this is one of the only beaches that lets you book your beach spot online. (Look for “Prenota qui i tuoi lettini” on the webpage.)
Spiaggia Porto San Felice
If you’re looking for a tranquil spot in San Felice del Benaco, the Spiaggia Porto San Felice is a bit of a hidden gem tucked less than a mile from the town center.
The beach has inviting aquamarine water that gently laps against the fine gray pebble beach. It’s open to the public and offers a range of amenities, including showers, toilets, and the option to rent sun loungers for a more comfortable beach experience.
During the summer, there are boat rentals nearby if you’d like to try kayaking or canoeing. If you want to grab a bite or just enjoy your morning coffee by the lake, there’s a restaurant and a cafe just steps from the beachfront.
Limone sul Garda Beaches
Limone sul Garda is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Lake Garda’s western shore. Famous for its lemon groves and golden-green olive oil, Limone del Garda has beautiful beaches to discover surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.
Cola Beach
Cola Beach is easy to get to, as it is just steps from Limone’s scenic harborfront. The beach’s central location is a real plus, making it a convenient spot to unwind. Limone Sul Garda is one of the most picturesque spots anywhere on Lake Garda and Cola Beach embodies this with majestic mountain views framing the postcard-perfect scene.
This free-access pebbled beach is connected to other beach areas like San Giovanni Beach mentioned below. You can rent loungers and umbrellas or just find a shaded spot under one of the beach’s leafier areas.
The water here is especially clean and clear. Bring your water shoes so you can enjoy all this beautiful spot has to offer. After having fun in the water, Cola Beach has restaurants, pizzerias, bars, and ice cream parlors if you want to grab a bite.
Foce Torrente San Giovanni Beach
Continuing north towards the Trentino shore, Spiaggia Foce Torrente San Giovanni is a gem not to be missed on Lake Garda. Although smaller in size, it is one of the prettiest spots in Limone with a spectacular panorama. Its shoreline is conveniently connected to Cola Beach through a lakeside promenade.
This pebbled beach is a sports enthusiast’s paradise, offering everything from volleyball to windsurfing. In fact, along with Cola Beach, it’s one of the best places to windsurf at Lake Garda.
Near the beach are bars, ice cream parlors, restaurants, pizzerias, and an area for picnics to complete your beach day in Limone sul Garda!
Sé Beach
For those seeking a break from the touristy beach hustle and bustle of Limone, Sé Beach is your perfect respite. Despite how close it is to the town center, it’s one of Limone’s most unspoiled and under-the-radar spots.
The beach is only accessible by foot, so you’ll need to walk along Via Nova to get there. Look for a sign near the Hotel al Rio Sé. There are no facilities or restaurants at the beach, but along the way, there are places to stop for snacks and drinks. Once you get to the beach, marvel at the majestic views of the lake and the mountains.
Riva del Garda Beaches
Strolling along the lakeside in Riva del Garda offers incredibly scenic views that will tempt you to take a refreshing swim. The two main beaches in Riva del Garda, Spiaggia Sabbioni and Spiaggia dei Pini, provide perfect settings to cool off and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this northern Lake Garda town in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Spiaggia Sabbioni
Spiaggia Sabbioni stands out in Riva del Garda as the largest beach in town, it’s lined with pebbles, grassy areas, and large rocks by the lakeside. This beach is a great spot to visit for a swim. Just be careful because the crystal-clear waters are immediately deep.
Sabbioni Beach has many amenities like sun beds, showers, and sports equipment rentals like canoes and kayaks. It has a floating platform with an inner pool for added family fun. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a basketball court, while the little ones have a playground equipped with trampolines and sandboxes.
Spiaggia Sabbioni offers many nearby facilities like bars, kiosks, and restaurants. With so many things to do and the stunning natural scenery, you can’t plan a more perfect day at Lake Garda.
Spiaggia dei Pini
This is another beach in Riva del Garda that you won’t be able to resist! A small beach of grass and pine trees with turquoise water, Spiaggia dei Pini is fantastic! This charming beach, also known as Purfina, seamlessly blends the glamour, natural beauty, and laid-back vibe Lake Garda is famous for.
You can spend the day sunbathing on the lawn. It’s a great spot for windsurfing, with a specific area for anyone giving it a try. Families with kids who love to be in the water will also appreciate the lifeguards and sectioned-off swimming area.
The beach has a terraced bar where you can enjoy lunch or an aperitivo, along with summer music and events. If you prefer, use the walking or cycling paths to swoon over the mountainscaped, beachfront views.
Torbole Beaches
Equally as blessed as Riva del Garda when it comes to position along Lake Garda, Torbole sits in the Trentino region at the lake’s northern edge. From here, you get clear water, clean beaches, and some of the most stunning views mountain and lake views.
Spiaggia Lungolago
It’ll be hard to choose where to look in this gorgeous spot. The mountains are larger than life and the water looks so clear and refreshing!
Fortunately, you can plan a day here because there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and plenty of food and drink choices nearby. You can also find your spot along the free section of the beach. As with most Lake Garda beaches, the terrain is covered in small stones so water shoes are a big help!
The area is a hotspot for windsurfing. If you’ve never tried it and always wanted to, sign up for a lesson and give it a go here!
Plan Your Perfect Sunny Getaway in One of the Best Lake Garda Beaches
Lake Garda is a wonderful destination, perfect in every season. If you are planning a northern Italy trip during the summer months, Lake Garda is one of the best spots to be! (I know it can be hard to choose between lakes like Garda or Como!)
As you can see, there are countless gorgeous beaches on Lake Garda. You can spend a day relaxing, sunbathing, practicing water activities, and swimming in incredible blue-green-hued waters.
So, choose your shore, pick a town, and visit as many beaches as possible to have an unforgettable time in Lake Garda!
Which Lake Garda beach would you like to visit?
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