And who said you can’t go to the lake, sunbathe and take a dip? Riva del Garda, located at the northern tip of Lake Garda in Trentino, Italy, offers some of the most beautiful long and wide beaches on the entire lake and a breathtaking natural landscape with mountains overlooking the water. Unlike many other beaches along the lake, the wide spaces here allow you to lie comfortably at a distance from other people and without cars whizzing by behind you. Riva del Garda’s beaches can be reached comfortably on foot from the historic center. Right from the historic center of Riva del Garda-where Palazzo Riccamboni is located-taking the lakefront to the east and passing by the Spiaggia degli Ulivi, the Fraglia Vela Riva and the Giardini all’Italiana, the shore begins to lower and we meet the beaches. There are two main beaches in Riva del Garda: Spiaggia dei Sabbioni and Spiaggia dei Pini. Then there are other corners of the lake shore, smaller and more reserved, where it is possible to stay more secluded and quiet. Let’s discover together the beaches of Riva del Garda.
LIDO POINT
Punta Lido is a small isthmus, formed by the estuary of the Albola Stream, which, after joining with the Varone Stream (that of Varone Falls), flows into the waters of the lake. It is a picturesque lake oasis, a beautiful nature area. Here it is possible to sunbathe on the shoreline, choosing between rocks, gravel and grass. Be careful, however: bathing is prohibited on this stretch of lake shoreline because of the dangerous waters of the stream that flows into the lake. It is also possible to rent pedal boats and take to the lake waters. There are no services (except for the nearby Gelateria Punta Lido) and no children’s play area. Due to its characteristics, this stretch of coastline is not suitable for children.
MIRALAGO BEACH
Having crossed the small bridge over the Albola stream, the real beaches of Riva del Garda begin. The first one we encounter in front of us is the small Miralago Beach, which you will recognize from the tall palm trees. The beach is not very large, but pleasant and very picturesque
for the greenery that surrounds it. It is formed by a pebble beach nestled in a natural setting popular with those who wish to rest, dive into the lake, read and sunbathe.
SABBIONI BEACH
A few minutes’ walk takes you to the Sabbioni Beach. This is Riva del Garda’s largest and busiest beach, one of the largest bathing establishments on Lake Garda. Large free beach, gravel and grassy lawn areas. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with opportunities for sunbathing on the lakeshore or on the grass in the green area behind it. Here the trees in the large park not only spread the scent of forest but also cool the area, and you can find peace in the shade of the trees. A few ducks looking for food complete the setting. Very clean, crystal clear water with gradual access to the lake. There is a beach security service with a lifeguard. Spiaggia dei Sabbioni offers bars, restaurants, shower area, toilets, kiosks with deck chairs and sunbeds for rent, canoe rentals, with dedicated lake access lane. In the inner part, beach volleyball and basketball courts and playground with trampoline and sandbox also make this beach ideal for sportsmen and families. In the high season summer months this beach is very crowded. Ideal for those seeking a lively environment.
Before arriving at the next beach in Riva del Garda, Spiaggia dei Pini, you will encounter several smaller, grass and pebble beaches with a natural oasis behind them. Here there are various centers and schools for sailing and other water sports: windsurfing, sailing, SUP, foil, canoeing, kayaking. Here you can learn these sports with courses or lessons and rent equipment. Upper Garda and the Riva del Garda shoreline are in fact a great place to practice water sports because of favorable winds, such as the Pelèr and the Ora.
PINE BEACH
A little further on we find the Beach of the Pines, also called Purfina Beach, which you recognize by the presence of large maritime pines. This beach in Riva del Garda is mainly pebbly with pebbles, patches of grass and a large green area. It has direct access to the lake and is surrounded by nature. Spiaggia dei Pini is very popular because of the large kiosk bar surrounded by green parkland, where you can stop for a drink, eat a dish or snack, have an aperitif with a Spritz while listening to good music. This beach is known for its lively ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. It is especially loved and frequented by young people, by those who want to combine the pleasure of a day in the sun at the lake with that of having fun. Here, too, there are deckchair and sunbed rentals (both at the kiosk and the playground), small playground with sandbox that makes it suitable for children. There is also a surfing area here, which conveys the sporty atmosphere of the shoreline. Therefore, it is the ideal beach for windsurfers and SUP enthusiasts. There is also a beautiful wooden pier, where it is beautiful to practice yoga, sit and admire the sunset, and take a souvenir photo. The view is really beautiful: it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Atmospheric and very romantic atmosphere. During the summer months there are many initiatives at this beach, from beach volleyball tournaments, soap soccer and evenings with themed events. All this makes Spiaggia dei Pini one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Garda.
Continuing along the shoreline, before reaching Porto S. Nicolò, the shoreline becomes narrower. This stretch of coast is pebbly and faces the entrance to the harbor; bathing is prohibited here. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for those looking for a more relaxing place or to do sports. Wind surfing is possible here, with a surf school behind and an area for equipment storage. The friendly Sailing Bar, close to the shore and at the side of the harbor, is a refreshment and meeting place for water sports enthusiasts, before and after sports activities, for a cool drink or an aperitif as the sun goes down.
In Riva del Garda all are free and free beaches. They stand out for their cleanliness and attention to the environment (there are many ecological islands for recycling collection along the beaches), making them ideal destinations for those who love nature and sustainability. The beaches are connected by a bicycle and pedestrian promenade that starts from the town center and reaches Torbole. From Porto S. Nicolò to Torbole, the path is cantilevered over the water: a unique experience in contact with nature.