In Between Mount Baldo And Lake Garda Is A Picturesque Italian Resort Town Full Of Beaches

Nestled in a rustic setting between the glittering expanse of Lake Garda and towering Monte Baldo, Malcesine in Italy looks like a fairy tale sprung to life. The turret of its medieval Scaliger castle stands sentry over the town, whose ivory and fire-hued buildings glow in the Italian sun. Near the village, promenades trace the shoreline along a series of pebbled beaches, where bathers frolic in crystal-clear waters. Welcome to Malcesine, a sweet piece of Italian civilization amidst the grandeur of nature. 

Malcesine may lack the elegance of some of Italy's other lake towns like posh (but overrated) Bellagio on Lake Como, for example. But its simple beauty is refreshing and its loveliness is undeniable. It sits on the northeastern shore of Lake Garda, around 40 miles northwest of Verona, which is in Italy's Veneto region. For those visiting Italy in the height of summer, it makes for a great escape from the heat and crowds in larger tourist cities, such as nearby Milan or Venice. The best way to get to Malcesine is by car or by ferry, which can take you to points that are north and south of the old town (Malcesine Traghetto and Malcesine Centro, respectively). Ferries travel between here and other towns on the lake, including Limone, Torbole, and Riva del Garda in a northerly direction and Garda and Bardolino in the south. 

Sandy beaches are few and far between in this area of Lake Garda, but the pebbled ones are just as pretty, albeit in a more rustic way. And with their access to the lake's delightfully clear and cold water, they are fabulous spots to chill on a hot day. There are several wonderful pebbled beaches right in Malcesine as well as north and south of town. Navene, a few miles north of town, is a free beach with a car park, a swim-up raft, a kids' sports field, and several nearby cafes. On the north side a little closer to Malcesine is Campagnola, a slightly bigger beach with similar amenities. The shoreline is slightly hilly but not overly so, making Campagnola a good place for swimming, particularly for families. Another plus is that several accommodations and campsites are located close to this beach. 

Just north of the Scaliger Castle near Malcesine's center is Paina, another free pebble beach with abundant amenities, including loungers, lifeguard service, rafts, volleyball courts, a skateboard area, and several bars and restaurants. If you're looking for a quieter beach in town, head to Posterna, located right beneath the castle. To reach this under-the-radar gem of a beach, follow an alleyway near the castle down some steep steps. Posterna is a quiet place to relax after an active day, but be aware that it lacks any amenities (including bathrooms), and water shoes are recommended for wading/swimming. 

South of Malcesine, the bay at Val di Sogno is the best place for sailing, windsurfing, and lots of other activities out on the water. Plus, its beach is considered one of the most picturesque in the area. TripAdvisor reviewer tLESLIE highly recommends walking on the promenade alongside the beach: "The views along this walk, south from Malcesine are absolutely mind-blowing. The best half hour you will spend on the lake." Another special feature of Val di Sogno beach is its small island, Isola del Sogno, which you can wade to when the water level is low enough. 

A few miles south of Malcesine, the village of Cassone also has pleasant beaches. Don't miss exploring Cassone itself, a dreamy hamlet of narrow alleyways that's also home to the Lago di Garda Museum, where you can learn about local history and culture. Besides beaches, swimming, and shoreline strolls along the promenade, visitors will find plenty of other things to do around Malcesine. One adventure not to miss is taking the cable car from the heart of Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo for a spectacular aerial view of the lake. This journey is especially magical in the early morning light. Families with children should also check out Gardaland (less than an hour's drive from Malcesine), a fun-filled destination that is one of the most popular amusement parks in Italy.