A beach without stifling heat, set among forests and peaks, really does exist. In many cases, it’s just a few hours by car, with clear water to dive into and meadows where you can stretch out in the shade.
The new “cool” summer destinations aren’t by the sea but at altitude: Alpine lakes and valleys with proper lidos, equipped or completely natural, suited to swimming, picnics and sport.
Val di Mello (Lombardy)
A side valley of Valmasino, Val di Mello flows gently between the village of San Martino and the Monte Disgrazia massif. Conifer woods and imposing rock faces frame a small stretch of clear water, well suited to a cooling swim during the hottest hours.
The valley is easy to access and works well for anyone after a simple day out with a picnic, a bit of time relaxing by the banks and unhurried walks.
Lake Sirio (Piedmont)
Glacial in origin and fed by a spring, Lake Sirio is the most accessible of the lakes in the Ivrea morainic amphitheatre. The Marina di Ivrea area has summer facilities including restaurants, rural guesthouses, sports fields, a campsite and parking, while the public beach attracts those looking for fresh air and peace.
It’s possible to walk all the way around the lake in about 40 minutes along a paved road, or follow the “Anello del Lago Sirio e delle Terre Traballanti”, which leads through countryside, vegetable gardens, orchards and meadows suited to lying in the sun.
Spiagge Alte, Val di Genova – Madonna di Campiglio (Trentino-Alto Adige)
In the Adamello Brenta Geopark, where the Sarca stream widens into a small mountain lake, you’ll find a rather unusual experience: Spiagge Alte.
May to mid-September, small groups walk for around half an hour to reach a pale, secluded bay for an aperitivo prepared on site with extracts of mountain herbs and fruits. The picnic basket is created in rotation by the three Michelin-starred restaurants of Madonna di Campiglio.
Lake Ledro (Trentino)
South of the Brenta Dolomites and a short distance from Lake Garda, Ledro is considered one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino. Its elongated shape and transparent waters lend themselves to swimming, sailing, windsurfing, SUP, canoeing or a simple pedal boat ride.
There are four main beaches: Pieve di Ledro (north-west), the largest and sunniest at Molina di Ledro (Besta area), Mezzolago (north) and Pur (south), which also has a section reserved for dogs.
The prehistoric pile-dwelling site is recognised by UNESCO and explained at the Museo delle Palafitte. The comune of Ledro includes 13 small hamlets worth exploring. Walkers often head along the Sentiero del Ponale, a scenic route carved between rock and wide lake views.
Lake Molveno (Trentino)
In the heart of the Brenta Group and roughly 40 kilometres from Trento, Molveno is an Alpine lake praised by travellers and associations for its environmental and tourism standards.
The shoreline includes around 12 hectares of beaches and well-kept lawns, with children’s play areas, an Acqua Park, mini-golf, a miniclub and a pump track for those starting out on bikes.
Active visitors can switch between tennis, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, boating or a swim in the Olympic pool, while a lakeside stroll is always a reliable plan. May to October, a panoramic cable car runs up to the Pradel plateau, a gateway to hikes in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites.
Lido di Ascona (Switzerland)
The Lido di Ascona extends across a park of around 40,000 square metres dotted with centuries-old trees, with restaurants, bars and sports facilities.
The sandy beach, about 600 metres long, provides generous space and services for a full day by the water. On the lake, you can try wakeboarding or SUP, and a pedal boat trip gives a different perspective on the shores of Canton Ticino.
Lake Sainte-Croix du Verdon (France)
Covering around 2,200 hectares, Sainte-Croix is a man-made reservoir created in 1973 with the damming of the Verdon River, between the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments.
It is now an established lakeside resort, with equipped beaches suited to relaxing or taking part in water sports. Those seeking complete quiet can find hidden corners among pines and oaks, and several paths run along the banks within the Verdon Regional Natural Park.
Lake Sanabria (Spain)
In Castile and León, a mountainous region is home to Lake Sanabria, formed by an ancient glacier. Today the lake covers about 318 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 51 metres.
In summer, there are numerous beaches: Viquiella and Custa Liago have sandier stretches, while El Pato, El Folgoso, Los Enanos and Los Arenales de Vigo tend to be quieter.
Schwarzsee – Kitzbühel (Austria)
A few kilometres from Kitzbühel, Schwarzsee is a moorland lake known for its pleasant summer temperatures and emerald-green water.
The peaks of the Wilder Kaiser rise above 2,000 metres and create a dramatic backdrop, while the shores include several beaches and a large lawn of around 34,000 square metres.
Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)
Encircled by the Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj lies within one of Europe’s oldest national parks. The peaceful shores are well suited to sunbathing and swimming in clear water, and boat hire allows you to take in the scenery from the lake itself.
Walkers often head towards the Savica waterfall, a classic destination in the valley. Less well known than nearby Bled, Bohinj appeals to those looking for authenticity, quiet and an Alpine setting that still feels largely untouched.
Article originally published on travel.thewom.it: Spiagge in Montagna, le più belle (e fresche) per l’estate 2026
