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8 lake beaches you've got to visit in Europe

The best beaches are tropical, right? Think again. Europe's lake shores are stunning too – and with pinch-me views and authentic towns, it's easy to see why they're so popular. We’ve rounded up some of the best lake beaches in Europe, so go ahead and take a look.

Best beaches in Lake Garda, Italy

Baia delle Sirene, Garda

Called ‘Mermaid Bay’ in English, this quiet cove near Garda town has hosted a few famous faces over the years, from Winston Churchill to royalty. Grassy lawns slope down to the pebble beach, and there are plenty of olive trees you can sit under for a bit of shade. Plus, with water reaching 26°C in the summer, it's one of the best lake beaches for swimming in Lake Garda (and some might say Europe as a whole).

Baia delle Sirene beach

Sabbioni beach, Riva

The lively harbour town of Riva has some of the longest stretches of shingle beach on Lake Garda, and Sabbioni’s a popular spot. Kick back on a deckchair with a fab view of the jagged mountains, get a group together for a beach volleyball game or swim out to the floating pontoon. And if you'd rather be on the water than in it, you can hire a canoe to explore.

A view from the pebbly shore of Sabboni beach, dotted with people and surrounded by tall trees and green jagged hills.

Sabbioni beach

Jamaica beach, Sirmione

This lake beach is at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, surrounded by Roman ruins and bright turquoise water to make up one of the most wow-worthy views in the Italian lakes. You can grab a seat outside a nearby café and take it all in over a coffee or creamy gelato, or go for a paddle in the lake – just watch your step, since the rocks can be slippery and it gets deep quickly.

Other lake beaches in Europe

Strandbad, Zell am See, Austria

A short walk from the cobbled Old Town, the Strandbad (that’s ‘lido’ in English) is a private area – but you’ll get free entry with a Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card, which is included with lots of hotel stays here. Kids will love zooming down the giant slide into the water, and you can also test your balance on a stand-up paddle-board. Then lie back on the grass to dry off before heading to the lakeside restaurant for some lunch.

Miami beach, Lake Orta, Italy

Just a short hop from Orta San Giulio, you’ll find this sunny golden strip on Lake Orta’s south-eastern shore. It's the sort of spot where you can dig into a plate of good ol’ Italian pasta, sip a spritz and soak up views of the shimmering lake, surrounding green hills and hazy mountain outlines in the distance. There’s a small fee to get onto the beach, plus a little more to hire a sun lounger, then the sandy, bright brolly-dotted shore’s all yours. Lots of kids love the slide into the lake too.

An striped sun umbrella dotted sandy beach filled with lakeside loungers, surrounded by big bushy trees.

Miami beach, Lake Orta

Esterházy beach and waterpark, Balatonfüred, Lake Balaton, Hungary

At the eastern end of the prom in Balatonfüred, this lake beach is a firm fave with families, and for good reason. Sandy shores, grassy lounging spots, pools and waterslides keep everyone happy – plus its vibrant flower displays and excellent upkeep have earned it a Blue Wave Flag award. And with the lake on hand for refreshing freshwater dips, it’s got all the makings of a fab beach day.

A grassy lakeside lounging beach dotted with vibrant flower displays, and a shimmering lake past the shore.

Esterházy beach

Gradište beaches, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

For three neighbouring lakeside beaches, set off to Gradište on the eastern pebbly shore of Lake Ohrid, a couple of kilometres from Peštani. Pay a little extra to nab a lounger and tap your toes to music from the nearby bars, or cool down in the crystal-clear water and take in the pine trees and peaks of Galičica National Park. This is also not far from the Bay of Bones Museum, a replica of a Bronze age village, so you can tick both off the list in one day.

Grajska beach, Bled, Slovenia

Tucked against the cliffs below Bled Castle, Grajska’s up there with Slovenia’s most scenic bathing spots. From here, you can see across to Bled Island and its church – a popular photo opp – and you can hire a rowing boat to get a closer look if you like. Back at the beach, there’s a big swimming area with waterslides and you can lie back on a lounger or doze under the shade of a chestnut tree.

A view from a bright blue-green lake up to a hilltop castle, completely surrounded by trees, with the lakeshore below it.

Grajska beach

Where to stay

Check out these three beachfront hotels that are sure to leave you smiling.

Du Lac et Du Parc Resort, Riva, Lake Garda, Italy

TUI rating: TTTT+

Du Lac et Du Parc’s surrounded by gardens that lead right down to the waterfront prom and Sabbioni beach – so it couldn’t be easier to lap up some time by the lake and then pop back to make the most of the hotel’s outdoor pools, spa and restaurants.

Lago Hotel, Lagadin, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

TUI rating: TTTT

A modern pick just across from a pebble beach, Lago Hotel's perfectly placed to enjoy Lake Ohrid – whether you're dipping your toes in the water or sipping spritzes at the beach bar. Kayaks and pedalos are available for hire too if you fancy getting a little more active.

Grand Hotel, Zell am See, Austria

TUI rating: TTTT+

The lakefront Grand Hotel definitely lives up to its name – it’s a real town landmark with first-class facilities and it’s on a private peninsula right next to the Strandbad. When evening rolls around, don’t miss stopping by the hotel’s bar for a front-row seat of the sunset.

Which Lakes & Mountains holiday suits you?

So, you love a lake, huh? And maybe you have a soft spot for summit strolls, foodie finds or culture trips?

Take our quiz to discover your ideal Lakes & Mountains holiday vibe – and the resorts that match it best.

Feeling like a bit of lake beach lounging? Browse holiday deals and check out our Lakes & Mountains homepage for even more inspiration. Or see where you can get a summer card, for money off things like boat trips and other activities.

Author: Charlotte Baldwin

Last updated: 27.05.2025