One of the most common questions from first-time visitors to Lake Garda is, “Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?” The answer is: it depends on the area. Here is our complete map.
The general rule
The south of the lake (Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera, Lazise) has the sandiest beaches or those with fine gravel. The north (Riva, Torbole, Malcesine) and the western shore (Gargnano, Limone) have mostly pebbles and stones.
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Sandy beaches
- Jamaica Beach – Sirmione: the most famous beach on Lake Garda. Clear sand and warm thermal water bubbling up from the seabed. Free access but on foot (15 min from center).
- Spiaggia d’Oro – Desenzano: wide beach of fine sand in the center of Desenzano. Equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas.
- Lido delle Bionde – Sirmione: sand mixed with fine gravel. Shallow and calm water, ideal for children.
- Bremen Beach – Brenzone: small sandy beach, rare on the upper eastern shore.
Fine gravel beaches
- Baia del Vento – Manerba: fine white gravel, almost like sand. Crystal clear water.
- Feltrinelli Beach – Gargnano: mixed gravel, gently sloping seabed.
- Punta Grò – Sirmione: fine gravel in a protected cove.
- Lido di Lazise: fine gravel with areas of grass. Well equipped.
Pebble and stone beaches
- Pine Tree Beach – Riva del Garda: large, flat pebbles. Bring a mat!
- Sabbioni Beach – Riva: despite the name, it is fine pebbles. But it is the largest in Riva.
- Val di Sogno – Malcesine: white pebbles in an enchanting bay.
- Torbole Harbor: large stones, but the view makes up for it.
- Pai beach – Torri del Benaco: mixed pebbles, quiet atmosphere.
- Limone sul Garda: almost all cobblestone, but picturesque.
Practical Tips
- Rock shoe holder for pebble beaches
- Free beaches fill up early in summer: arrive by 9 a.m.
- Equipped beaches cost 10-20€ per day (sunbed + umbrella)
- Garda water is swimmable everywhere and of excellent quality
