8 of Switzerland's best sandy beaches to visit this summer
If you’re looking for summer, sun, and sandy beaches this summer, you don’t need to travel abroad. Here are 8 of the best sandy beaches in Switzerland, from Geneva to Lucerne.
Plage des Eaux-Vives
If you live in the Geneva area, chances are you’re already a Plage des Eaux-Vives regular.
After being made partially accessible to the public in 2019, the 400-metres-long public beach opened to the public fully on August 22nd 2020.
The beach offers swimmers a spectacular view over Geneva’s harbour and being situated in the heart of the city, is perfect for those looking for a quick lunchtime dip.
The resort can accommodate between 6,000 and 8,000 people and includes a two-hectare park adjoining a nature area with a magnificent water garden.
The good news is that access to the beach is free, however, swimmers should note that swimming is unsupervised.
READ MORE: How to keep safe when swimming in Switzerland's lakes and rivers
Strandbad Biel
Open from mid-May to early September, Biel’s beach resort offers a springboard, a playground, table tennis, beach volleyball courts, a water park and a play area for children as well as a large lawn for lounging. for only 5 Swiss francs a day.
The water park is open every day (June 1st to August 31st) from 2 pm and closes one hour before the resort’s closing time. Children under the age of ten may only use the water park when accompanied by an adult supervisor.
Access to the beach resort costs 5 francs for adults, 4 francs for students and the elderly, and 2.50 francs for children aged 7 to 15 years.
Note that in bad weather, the resort can close early so always check the current opening times before travelling.
Lunchtime in Biel😍 #mittag #badi #biel #summerzeit pic.twitter.com/wtrIluFA2l
— Monika Hirt (@MonikaHirt) August 9, 2019
Gäsi Sandstrand
Located on the edge of a forest in eastern Switzerland, the Gäsi beach resort is ideal for swimmers looking for a quieter getaway.
The public resort is surrounded by a protected forest which makes for a fun exploration activity with kids, and includes a beach volleyball field and playground area.
While access is free and it is advised that you arrive by bicycle, paid parking spaces are also available for those who might be bringing along picnic tables, chairs, or other equipment.
Lido Lugano
First opening doors in 1928, its sandy beach, (heated) swimming pools of various shapes and sizes, and generous green spaces make the Lido Lugano an ideal destination for the whole family.
Further to the staple Swiss beach resort features like playground, tennis table and beach volleyball court, the resort also includes a football field and free Wi-Fi throughout the lido area.
This year, Lugano’s lido is open from May 1st until September 17th (9am – 7pm/7.30pm) and charges adults 10 francs for a ticket. Children aged 3 to 13 years pay just 3 francs, while those older (up to the age of 20) pay 6 francs to use the facilities.
Inizio di stagione baciato dal sole #lidolugano pic.twitter.com/hQ06Nnw7P0
— maurizio canetta 🖤💙 🏳️🌈 🇮🇷 (@mauriziocanetta) May 1, 2022
Yvonand
If you’re looking for gently shelving beaches, fine sand, and turquoise water, look no further than the beaches of Yvonand. This is where you’ll truly feel like you’re bathing at the seaside.
Thanks to Lake Neuchâtel's low current the resort is ideal for families with children who wish to unwind for the day completely free of charge.
In addition to swimming in the lake, water rats can also enjoy their day pedal boating, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, sailing, or renting a water bike or motorboat.
All of Yvonand’s beaches are within walking distance from the main train station.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Switzerland's outdoor pool culture
Lido Ascona
Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Lido Ascona is one of Switzerland’s longest and most beautiful beach resorts.
While the lido is ideal for families looking to enjoy the rows of relaxing sunbeds and restaurants, the sports on offer are where the resort really shines.
Gym rats can choose from several sporty activities, such as five-a-side football and table tennis to beach volleyball, bocce, and numerous water sports, while those wishing to take it easy can practice yoga and Pilates, or enjoy a relaxing on-site massage or spa treatment.
Admission is free for residents of Ascona provided they have their VivoAscona card on hand.
If you are visiting Lido Ascona from elsewhere and have booked an overnight stay in a hotel, youth hostel or campsite, you will be eligible for a reduced entry fee thanks to the Ticino ticket.
General admission for adults is 9 francs and for children 6 francs.
#Lido #Ascona pic.twitter.com/AZ5l6pZ8iQ
— Markus Steiner (@kusistein) July 11, 2013
Strandbad Rive-Bleue
The Rive-Bleue resort lies in the idyllic Valais village of Le Bouveret on Lake Geneva and has opened its doors to visitors for free since 2022.
At the popular beach resort swimmers can enjoy sandy beaches with shallow access to Lake Geneva and rent various sports equipment, such as surfboards and pedal boats, at the on-site water sports centre.
The beach resort does not employ a lifeguard, so caution is advised when swimming.
Lido Luzern
Lucerne’s oldest and biggest lido offers mesmerising views of the Pilatus, Stanserhorn, and Bürgenstock mountains and the city of Lucerne.
While the resort and its 300-metre sandy beach can get understandably busy on the hotter days, the lido has plenty of shady lawn areas and quiet spots for swimmers hoping to sit back and take in the scenery.
If you fancy dropping by on a cooler day to avoid the masses, then you’re welcome to swim in the (heated) 25-metre pool or play a round of beach volleyball on one of the lido’s six pitches.
Adults pay 8 francs for entry to the lido from Monday to Friday, and 10 francs on the weekend days. Children younger than six can enter for free.
Der schönste Platz im Moment ist in der #Badi. Möglichst nah am Eisstand oder Wasser. Auf dem Bild #Lido in #Luzern pic.twitter.com/mpkzPH7VV4
— Maik in der Schweiz 🇨🇭🇩🇪 (@AuswandernCH) July 6, 2015
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Plage des Eaux-Vives
If you live in the Geneva area, chances are you’re already a Plage des Eaux-Vives regular.
After being made partially accessible to the public in 2019, the 400-metres-long public beach opened to the public fully on August 22nd 2020.
The beach offers swimmers a spectacular view over Geneva’s harbour and being situated in the heart of the city, is perfect for those looking for a quick lunchtime dip.
The resort can accommodate between 6,000 and 8,000 people and includes a two-hectare park adjoining a nature area with a magnificent water garden.
The good news is that access to the beach is free, however, swimmers should note that swimming is unsupervised.
READ MORE: How to keep safe when swimming in Switzerland's lakes and rivers
Strandbad Biel
Open from mid-May to early September, Biel’s beach resort offers a springboard, a playground, table tennis, beach volleyball courts, a water park and a play area for children as well as a large lawn for lounging. for only 5 Swiss francs a day.
The water park is open every day (June 1st to August 31st) from 2 pm and closes one hour before the resort’s closing time. Children under the age of ten may only use the water park when accompanied by an adult supervisor.
Access to the beach resort costs 5 francs for adults, 4 francs for students and the elderly, and 2.50 francs for children aged 7 to 15 years.
Note that in bad weather, the resort can close early so always check the current opening times before travelling.
Lunchtime in Biel😍 #mittag #badi #biel #summerzeit pic.twitter.com/wtrIluFA2l
— Monika Hirt (@MonikaHirt) August 9, 2019
Gäsi Sandstrand
Located on the edge of a forest in eastern Switzerland, the Gäsi beach resort is ideal for swimmers looking for a quieter getaway.
The public resort is surrounded by a protected forest which makes for a fun exploration activity with kids, and includes a beach volleyball field and playground area.
While access is free and it is advised that you arrive by bicycle, paid parking spaces are also available for those who might be bringing along picnic tables, chairs, or other equipment.
Lido Lugano
First opening doors in 1928, its sandy beach, (heated) swimming pools of various shapes and sizes, and generous green spaces make the Lido Lugano an ideal destination for the whole family.
Further to the staple Swiss beach resort features like playground, tennis table and beach volleyball court, the resort also includes a football field and free Wi-Fi throughout the lido area.
This year, Lugano’s lido is open from May 1st until September 17th (9am – 7pm/7.30pm) and charges adults 10 francs for a ticket. Children aged 3 to 13 years pay just 3 francs, while those older (up to the age of 20) pay 6 francs to use the facilities.
Inizio di stagione baciato dal sole #lidolugano pic.twitter.com/hQ06Nnw7P0
— maurizio canetta 🖤💙 🏳️🌈 🇮🇷 (@mauriziocanetta) May 1, 2022
Yvonand
If you’re looking for gently shelving beaches, fine sand, and turquoise water, look no further than the beaches of Yvonand. This is where you’ll truly feel like you’re bathing at the seaside.
Thanks to Lake Neuchâtel's low current the resort is ideal for families with children who wish to unwind for the day completely free of charge.
In addition to swimming in the lake, water rats can also enjoy their day pedal boating, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, sailing, or renting a water bike or motorboat.
All of Yvonand’s beaches are within walking distance from the main train station.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Switzerland's outdoor pool culture
Lido Ascona
Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Lido Ascona is one of Switzerland’s longest and most beautiful beach resorts.
While the lido is ideal for families looking to enjoy the rows of relaxing sunbeds and restaurants, the sports on offer are where the resort really shines.
Gym rats can choose from several sporty activities, such as five-a-side football and table tennis to beach volleyball, bocce, and numerous water sports, while those wishing to take it easy can practice yoga and Pilates, or enjoy a relaxing on-site massage or spa treatment.
Admission is free for residents of Ascona provided they have their VivoAscona card on hand.
If you are visiting Lido Ascona from elsewhere and have booked an overnight stay in a hotel, youth hostel or campsite, you will be eligible for a reduced entry fee thanks to the Ticino ticket.
General admission for adults is 9 francs and for children 6 francs.
#Lido #Ascona pic.twitter.com/AZ5l6pZ8iQ
— Markus Steiner (@kusistein) July 11, 2013
Strandbad Rive-Bleue
The Rive-Bleue resort lies in the idyllic Valais village of Le Bouveret on Lake Geneva and has opened its doors to visitors for free since 2022.
At the popular beach resort swimmers can enjoy sandy beaches with shallow access to Lake Geneva and rent various sports equipment, such as surfboards and pedal boats, at the on-site water sports centre.
The beach resort does not employ a lifeguard, so caution is advised when swimming.
Lido Luzern
Lucerne’s oldest and biggest lido offers mesmerising views of the Pilatus, Stanserhorn, and Bürgenstock mountains and the city of Lucerne.
While the resort and its 300-metre sandy beach can get understandably busy on the hotter days, the lido has plenty of shady lawn areas and quiet spots for swimmers hoping to sit back and take in the scenery.
If you fancy dropping by on a cooler day to avoid the masses, then you’re welcome to swim in the (heated) 25-metre pool or play a round of beach volleyball on one of the lido’s six pitches.
Adults pay 8 francs for entry to the lido from Monday to Friday, and 10 francs on the weekend days. Children younger than six can enter for free.
Der schönste Platz im Moment ist in der #Badi. Möglichst nah am Eisstand oder Wasser. Auf dem Bild #Lido in #Luzern pic.twitter.com/mpkzPH7VV4
— Maik in der Schweiz 🇨🇭🇩🇪 (@AuswandernCH) July 6, 2015
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