Lake-Garda.Net - The Most Beautiful Beaches on Lake Garda - Italy

Lake Garda West Coast - Manerba Beach

The western coast of Lake Garda has a better and earlier sun exposure in the morning compared to the eastern coast, while in the afternoon in some places most of the beach is in the shade even at 4 o'clock, due to the fact that the mountains are just behind the beach. The beaches are usually made of small rocks and the water is clean, if you are not too close to villages and camp sites.

How to get to the beach.
From Desenzano follow the indications for Salò. Pass over Padenghe and turn right for the centre of Moniga. Go ahead and follow the indications for "Parco Naturale" (natural park). When you reach the marina, you can park your car. To get to the beach, walk North (the lake is on your right), all through the natural park, whose entrance is to the top of the hill: you'll find very beautiful beaches and clean water. Beware that on some stretches several people practice nudism (forbidden by a recent mayor writ).
Another beautiful beach, in the same area, can be found at Lido di Pisenze. This time, when you reach Moniga, instead of turning right in direction Parco Naturale, turn left, pass through the centre of Moniga and then turn right into Via Pisenze. Once you get to the beach, if you walk South (the lake is on your left) you can find very nice and secluded spots. While, if you walk North and keep going ahead, walking in the water for some stretches, you'll finally get to the famous Isola dei Conigli ("rabbits' island"). I don't think it's such a great place, but it's worth paying a visit.

Compared to the east coast, on the west coast it's generally easier to park your car and the road is not too close to the beach, but you'll probably have to walk a little bit more to find a nice beach, moving away from camp sites.

Click on the pictures below to view them full-size.

     Various sights of Sirmione...

Manerba: view from the cliff

Manerba: panoramic view

Manerba: sight from the cliff

View from Lido di Pisenze

Isola dei Conigli

Manerba beach

Manerba beach

Sirmione: Catullo caves

Sirmione: Catullo caves