The eastern shore of Lake Garda (in Veneto) offers freshwater swimming in crystal-clear lake water with spectacular views of the mountains. Pebbly and sandy lake beaches at Bardolino, Lazise, and Garda town are popular from June to September. The lake's Mediterranean microclimate keeps it warm.
The eastern shore of Lake Garda, the Riviera degli Olivi, falls within Veneto's Verona province and strings together a series of freshwater lake beaches at Bardolino, Lazise, Garda town and Torri del Benaco, with Bardolino lying about 30km west of Verona. These are lake beaches rather than sea beaches: the shoreline alternates between fine gravel, smooth pebbles and pockets of imported sand, shelving into strikingly clear, often turquoise water that stays calm and clean, with the dramatic backdrop of the Monte Baldo massif rising across the lake. There is no tide and no surf, though afternoon thermal winds (the Ora) can ruffle the surface and are prized by sailors and windsurfers. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, set against pretty lakeside towns of palm-lined promenades, gelaterie and wine bars; Bardolino in particular is famous for its light red wine and hosts harvest festivals. Garda's Mediterranean microclimate keeps the water swimmable from roughly June to September and nurtures olive groves, cypresses and lemon trees along the slopes. Amenities along the eastern shore include lakeside lidos and beach bars, restaurants, sailing and windsurf schools, water-sports rental, and the long lakeside cycle and walking promenade that links several towns. Many beaches are free public lakefront, with some organised lidos charging for loungers. Access is excellent: the shore towns are connected by frequent buses and by Lake Garda's ferry network, which links Bardolino, Garda and Torri del Benaco with the western and northern shores; Verona's airport and railway station are the main gateways, with buses onward. Pebbly entry can be hard on bare feet, so water shoes are useful. The combination of clean swimmable water, mountain scenery, wine towns and watersports makes the eastern shore a versatile alternative to the Adriatic coast.
Amenities
- beach bars
- restaurants
- sailing schools
- water sports centers
- cycling paths
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, surfers, couples
Highlights
- Clear, calm turquoise freshwater swimming with the Monte Baldo mountains rising across the lake
- Pretty lakeside towns — Bardolino, Lazise, Garda and Torri del Benaco — with palm-lined promenades and wine bars
- Long lakeside cycle and walking path linking several shore towns
- Sailing and windsurfing on the afternoon Ora wind, with schools and rental at the lidos
- Garda ferry network connecting the eastern shore to the western and northern lake towns
Tips for visiting
- Wear water shoes — many Garda beaches are gravel or pebble and uncomfortable on bare feet
- Free public lakefront is plentiful, but organised lidos charge for loungers and sun beds
- Use the Garda ferries to hop between Bardolino, Garda and Torri del Benaco rather than driving and parking
- Afternoons bring the Ora wind, great for sailing and windsurfing but cooler for sunbathing
- Park early or use the bus in July and August as lakeside parking in Bardolino and Lazise fills quickly
- Pair a swim with a Bardolino wine tasting; the town is known for its light red and holds autumn harvest festivals
When to visit
June and September give warm, swimmable water with thinner crowds, while July and August are busiest. Mornings are calmest for swimming and sunbathing before the afternoon Ora wind picks up.
Accessibility
Several lakeside lidos and the flat shore promenades offer step-free access and accessible facilities, though pebble beaches can be harder to cross; some lidos provide beach access aids. Confirm specific provision with individual towns or lidos in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the water at Lake Garda clean and warm enough to swim?
Yes. The eastern shore has clear, clean water that is comfortably swimmable from roughly June to September, helped by Garda's mild Mediterranean microclimate. There is no tide or surf.
Are Garda's eastern beaches sandy?
Mostly not. They are generally fine gravel or pebble with some imported-sand sections, so water shoes are recommended for getting in and out comfortably.
How do you travel between the shore towns?
Bardolino, Garda, Lazise and Torri del Benaco are linked by frequent buses, a lakeside cycle and walking path, and the Lake Garda ferry network connecting them to the western and northern shores.
How do you reach the eastern shore from Verona?
Bardolino is about 30km west of Verona. Buses run from Verona's railway station and airport to the lake towns, and driving takes around 40 minutes.