Did you know it is possible to visit fresh-aired mountaintops while enjoying a relaxing beach holiday, and that you can experience the comprehensive history and architecture of Roman Italy without facing the hustle and bustle of Rome itself? The Italian Lakes in northern Italy are as interesting to explore as they are beautiful. The Italian lake district is awash with natural, historical and adventure activities, and is the ideal holiday destination for any eager tourist.
View from the mountains overlooking Lake Garda
Whether you choose to relax at just one of the region’s lakes, or to explore many in a single trip, navigating the mountains and valleys in between, you will never want for a more captivating backdrop.
Windsurfing on Lake Garda
Despite being 65 metres above sea level, Garda is the largest lake in Italy. While it has its own fair share of attractions to explore, like the quaint village of Sirmione and numerous Roman castles and ruins on the five inhabited islands, the lake is most popular among water sports enthusiasts.
Where to stay: Sirmione is the most well-known and well-catered location, although there is a whole host of smaller, medieval towns, like Torri del Benaco.
Isola Bella and its stunning gardens on Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore primarily boasts beautiful and historic architecture. The Borromean Islands, a collection of three small islands in the middle of the lake, each house their own attractions, though Isola Bella is rightfully the most popular with its terraced garden pyramid and a palace full of elaborate paintings, tapestries and decorations. Meanwhile, across the lake is the scenic castle of Rocca Borromeo di Angera.
Where to stay: Cannero is on the northern side of the lake. It tends to be quieter than other spots while offering boat trips to the other towns and islands.
View overlooking Como
Lake Como is the smallest of the three large lakes but, incredibly, one of the deepest in Europe. Despite being situated high in the mountains, its deepest point is 200m below sea level. It has long been a popular area for resident Italians and is considered the birthplace of Roman villa culture, making Como arguably the most picturesque of the three main lakes.
Where to stay: Como is right on the lake and full of beautiful places to explore. Visitors with more money to spend should stay at the magical Bellagio, while budget travellers can find lower cost accommodation at the pretty fishing village of Varenna.
View of San Giulio Island from the bank of Lake Orta
While all the large lakes are beautiful, they can also get busy. For a more private affair, visit one of the smaller (but still large) lakes, like Lake Orta, where you can gaze upon the Baroque and Romanesque buildings along the shoreline while floating in the water.
Meanwhile, Lake Lugano enjoys the warmest weather and is perfect for tourists wanting to combine a relaxing beach visit with their mountain holiday.
Adventure by land or by water
Most lakes offer a range of water sports options, including kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
If you prefer to stay on land, you’re rarely far from somewhere to hire bicycles, including one-day or multi-day tours, or the chance to climb the surrounding mountains. Lake Garda arguably has the most hiking trails because of its size, although Lake Maggiore is more isolated for that off-the-beaten-track feel.
Furthermore, the lakes are just a stone’s throw away from the gorgeous Dolomites mountain range to the north.
Venice is within driving distance of the Lakes
Being surrounded by such a fairy-tale landscape, you could be forgiven for thinking you are a million miles away from civilisation. Yet, the Italian Lakes are the perfect base for exploring some of Italy’s most popular destinations. Fashion powerhouse Milan is just an hour-and-a-half drive from Lakes Como and Maggiore, while the watery canals of Venice are just over two hours from Lake Garda. Pisa, Genoa, and Nice, France are all within a few hours from the Lakes, too.
Sample some of the world’s finest wine
No trip to Italy is complete without consuming a good portion of local wine (the adults, anyway), be it on a tour of a nearby vineyard, or while dining at a cosy restaurant on the water.
Northern Italy is home to the border region of Piedmont, which produces the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco. Or head to Franciacorta Region to try Italy’s answer to champagne.
The towns are as exciting to explore as the lakes
Lake Garda is close to a number of theme parks for families to enjoy, including Movieland, Caneva Aquapark, and Italy’s most popular park, Gardaland. Also, family and adult-only travellers will equally enjoy exploring the drive-through safari park of Parco Natura Vita.
Meanwhile, couples should not miss Bellagio at Lake Como. This romantic lakeside village is a popular cliché, but with good reason. Every inch of it oozes romance, and its cobbled lanes, graceful buildings, and intimate restaurants are just as enticing as the 18th-century terraced garden of Villa Serbelloni overlooking the lake. In fact, Bellagio is so romantic that even Italians cannot stay away and the village is often overrun at weekends, so visit during the week to make the most of its world-class atmosphere. Take the short hike uphill to Restaurant Rifugio Martina for the most spectacular views.
With friendly service, delicious food, and comfortable accommodation overlooking the lapping, shimmering water, make the Italian Lakes your next holiday destination.
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