Forget busy seaside towns and beaches this summer. Imagine yourself sunbathing on a peaceful and secluded Lake Garda Beach where the freshwater is clear, calm and perfect for relaxation.
But which Lake Garda Beach would you choose? With over 45km of free beaches all around the lake, you’ll be spoilt for choice! To give you a hand in narrowing down your options, we’ve come up with a list of 6 idyllic Lake Garda Beaches that we feel have something for every type of traveller.
So, pop the kettle on and enjoy perusing these beautiful beaches at Lake Garda before your trip to Italy.
Top Beaches to Visit Around Lake Garda
With a range of options scattered across its shores, Lake Garda beaches cater to all preferences. Here’s a glimpse at some of the must-visit spots:
Spiaggia Corno di Garda (Corno di Garda Beach)
Situated on the western shore near Manerba del Garda, Corno di Garda Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand and pebbles. It’s protected to the north so it’s the perfect spot for windier days. The calm waters here are ideal for families with young children. The surrounding scenery, with Mount Sasso dominating the backdrop, is pure postcard perfection. Just wait till sunset!
Bar Bikini is right on the beach serving snacks, cold drinks and cocktails so you don’t need to lug the cooler box down to the beach with you! There are toilets here and you can also find wheelchair-accessible toilets with showers at the other end of the beach near the entrance (50c charge).
Spiaggia di Pai Sotto
This beach is located a little further north of Corno di Garda Beach directly in front of a campsite called “Camping Pai di Maria”. As such, anyone staying in the campsite has direct access across the road. It’s a stoney beach so it’s perfect for the sand-haters out there!
Spiaggia di Pai Sotto has several small piers and moorings where you will often see people out fishing for anything from agone to trout and carp to perch. Due to its location beside the road, the beach is rarely crowded meaning you’ll likely have the place to yourself outside of peak season.
Jamaica Beach (Spiaggia Giamaica)
At the northern tip of the Sirmione peninsula, you’ll find Jamaica Beach tucked away under the Roman ruins. Despite its tropical name, this beach has pebbles rather than sand. It’s known for its large rocky outcrop where people can be seen relaxing in the shallow waters.
The beach, which is featured in the film Call Me By Your Name, also offers stunning views of the Scaligero Castle, adding a touch of history to your beach day. It can get quite crowded in warmer months so aim to arrive early to get a good spot. The Jamaica Beach Bar is a cash-only bar that serves snacks and drinks and has a toilet for customers.
Pro tip: Bring beach shoes to make walking easier on pebbles and slippery rocks.
Baia delle Sirene Park
This beautiful green and shaded park is located just west of Corno di Garda Beach at Punta San Vigilio. As you walk through the scenic park, you’ll reach the picturesque Cala delle Sirene, a hidden beach on Lake Garda’s east shore.
Parco Baia delle Sirene does require you to pay an entrance fee of around €25 per adult (kids under 12 go free). This fee includes parking, lounge chair rentals, access to a pool, showers, a mini club for kids, and a restaurant. Enjoy the lively atmosphere in peak season (June-August) or visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed vibe.
Pro tip: Cala delle Sirene offers discounted rates and free evening access after closing hours!
Lido di Lonato
Located in the southwest corner of Lake Garda, Lido di Lonato offers its visitors a quiet stretch of pebble beach that’s easily accessible from the main road. During the peak months, seasonal car parks open up along the road and charge a small fee to park for the day.
The beach itself is relaxed and chilled out, perfect for a quiet retreat. There are a couple of beach bars and beach clubs, namely Madai Maua on the east end and Coco Beach Club on the west end. Both serve food and drinks during the day and turn into livelier spots at night with DJs at weekends.
Baia Stanca Beach
Just north of Torri del Banaco town lies Baia Stanca Beach. This pebble beach is a popular spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to the consistent winds. On calmer days, you can rent stand-up paddle boards from the local SUP school.
The Baia Stanca Beach Bar is a great spot for a bite to eat or a couple of afternoon drinks in the sun. They even have a private terrace over the water for a true Lake Garda experience. Stick around to watch the sunset over Mount Baldo to the west: the perfect location for an evening selfie!
Activities and Water Sports on Lake Garda
Lake Garda’s beaches are more than just sunbathing spots. The calm, clear waters of the lake are perfect for water sports enthusiasts. As the area can get quite windy during off-peak months, there are plenty of options for all types of water sports.
For those seeking a thrill, there are opportunities for wakeboarding, waterskiing, parasailing and windsurfing.
If you prefer exploring the underwater world, scuba diving and snorkelling tours are also available to explore beneath the surface, with colourful fish and fascinating rock formations.
On calm days, renting a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak is a great way to enjoy the surrounding landscape from a different perspective. Consider heading out just before sunset for the most amazing views.
Best Time to Visit Lake Garda's Beaches
The best time to visit Lake Garda’s beaches depends on your preferences. The peak summer months (July and August) offer the hottest weather and the liveliest atmosphere. However, these months can also be crowded, especially at popular beaches.
For a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October). The weather is still warm and sunny, with fewer crowds and slightly cooler temperatures.
Pro tip: the water temperature in Lake Garda ranges from a very chilly 3°C (37°F) in winter to a balmy 28°C (83°F) in summer. If you’re planning to travel during the shoulder seasons, September and October will have warmer water temperatures than May and June.
Relax at Lake Garda Beaches
The sheer variety of Lake Garda beaches means you can find your perfect beach during your Italian escape. From secluded bays to livelier options with beach bars, Lake Garda offers fresh water, stunning landscapes, and all the amenities you’ll need on your beach day out.
Fancy having views of the mountains and Lake Garda from your bedroom? Browse Domus Rental‘s selection of exclusive holiday villas and apartments dotted around Lake Garda and the surrounding areas. Make your perfect trip complete with Domus Rental.
