Lake Garda is the single largest lake located in Northern Italy bordering Trentino, Verona and Brescia. This beautiful region was formed by melting glaciers from the Alps during the last Ice Age and has now become a popular tourist destination for Europeans.
Lake Garda is not really a beach type holiday destination to go to, however there are many shingle beaches where you can hire out sunbeds and parasols dotted around the shoreline. Or if you are into water sports you must head to the northern region to have a go at windsurfing or kayaking.
Lively Beaches
Bardolino is one of the most popular resorts in Lake Garda, mainly down to its surrounding hillsides which grow local wines and inviting beaches. Even though it only has a couple of small shingle beaches they can still become very popular for locals and tourists as it's the ideal place to take a dip in the water on a hot summer's day. Another place to head to, to top up your tan is the small town of Garda, not far away from Bardolino, where you will find a small public bathing beach at the north end of the promenade.
Desenzano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area as it is only a short walk from the centre of town and the old harbour. This shingle beach provides a restaurant and kiosk where you can keep cool with soft drinks, beers and ice cream! Pedalos and sunbeds with parasols can also be hired out from here.
Secluded Beaches
If you're staying in the popular southern region of Lake Garda there a few secluded beaches in this area to choose from.
Sirmione beach boasts the clearest water you will find in the whole of Lake Garda. It takes a bit of a walk to get here but it's certainly worth it. This is a great place to go swimming and soak up the rays, however it is quite a small beach so you will want to get here early.
If you walk to the east end of Desenzano you will find the beach of Rivoltella. It takes about a 20-minute walk from the centre of the town but it is well worth the walk. You can choose from sunbathing on the grass area or shingle beach which are both favourites with locals and tourists.
Sandy Beaches
There are only a few sandy beaches in Lake Garda, however these are not natural. The sand is usually poured on top of the shingle to create a soft, sandy beach similar to what you would find in many popular beach resorts.
Lazise is a small, quiet town located on the south-eastern shore of the lake and here you can find a deep fine sand beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the water. There are also a few small sandy beaches tucked away near the village of Torri del Benaco if you keep an eye out for them. However, If you're near Toscolano-Maderno, found on the west side of Lake Garda, you can also find a small sandy beach, but it is not as deep as the likes of Lazise beach.
Water Sport Beaches
Malcesine is one of the most attractive towns found along the northern region of Lake Garda, famed for attracting writers, artists and even water sports enthusiasts due to the stronger winds produced here.
Thrill seekers will adore Easy Kite Surfing Lab in Malcesine where you can learn how to kite surf for the day with experienced professionals or rent out a kayak. However, if you would like to have a go at windsurfing, Wwwind Square is the place to head to. Take in the beautiful landscape of Lake Garda and the charming harbour of Malcesine whilst learning how to windsurf or sailing in a catamaran. Or you could always take to the skies with the help of Power Skull Kite Boarding, who also provide kite surfing lessons for both beginners and more advanced riders.