The best beaches are tropical, right? Think again.
Europe's home to some incredible lakes – and many are fab for swimming, as well as having pinch-me views and authentic towns dotted along the shore. We’ve rounded up some of the best lake beaches in Europe, so go ahead and take a look.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out these three beachfront hotels that are sure to leave you smiling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last updated: 27.05.2025
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