06/18/2025
ITALIAN LAKES GUIDE - COMO, GARDA OR CHOOSE ONE OF THE LESSER KNOWN?
The Italian Lakes are beautiful. These shimmering glacial made expanses of water, have captivated visitors for centuries. Wonderful views of ancient fishing villages and magnificent villas hugging the shorelines, framed by backdrops of spectacular mountains and adorned with lemon and olive groves, vineyards, palm trees and oleander, all set in a temperate mild, sub Mediterranean climate, are magnetic. The BIG THREE - Como, Garda and Maggiore can get clogged during the high season (May to September). However, there are still some undiscovered gems in these regions if you are fortunate enough to discover them. Going out of season, visiting earlier in the day or choosing one of the smaller, lesser known lakes is a good alternative.
LAKE COMO
COMO is the most celebrated of the Italian Lakes - just 51 kms north of Milan it is 46kms long and 4.5kms wide. A popular retreat for centuries due to its natural of steep wooded slopes rising from idyllic lakeside villages and luxurious villas and gardens, Como is framed by a back drop of snow capped Alpine peaks. Shaped like the letter Y with the town Como at the end of the western spur and Lecco on the opposing eastern spur, with the famous picturesque town of Bellagio (known as The Pearl of Lake Como) lying and the junction of the two arms. There are many ferry/boat tour options offered on the lake. Small villages such as Argegno, Santa Maria Rezzonico, Bellano and Nesso offer a more authentic and peaceful experience.
LAKE GARDA
GARDA is Italy's largest and most popular lake with 124kms of shoreline. It is long and narrow, situated at the foot of the Dolomites and has easy access from both Venice and Verona. Featuring clear blue waters, low hills with vineyards and olive groves in the south which more gentle, relaxed, atmosphere to a more rugged Alpine environment in the north where watersports, hiking and outdoor adventure is prevalent. Roman ruins, castles and religious buildings offer insight into region's opulent history. Small towns dot the shoreline of Lake Garda and it is possible to drive the perimeter. Some of the most notable of these are Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Salo and Bardolino
LAKE MAGGIORE
MAGGIORE is Italy's second largest lake which extends into Switzerland at its northern tip. Featuring 11 islands within in body of water - including the famous Borromean Islands - many of which are accessible by ferry. Nature lovers will find Lake Maggiore also known as "Italy's Garden of Eden", the ideal place to spend their vacation thanks to the many botanical gardens which fourish in the mild climate. The towns of Stressa, Verbiana, Cannobio and Arona on the Italian side of the lake and Locarno on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore are highly recommended for a visit. It is possible to drive the picturesque perimeter of the lake (approx 170kms), while the Lake Maggiore Express is a popular scenic route that combines train travel with a ferry ride, offering a loop around the lake.
LAKE ORTA
ORTA is a gem! This smaller Italian lake is intimate and less crowded. At 13kms in length and 1.2kms wide Lake Orta can be explored in a day and it is just 42kms from its neighbor Lake Maggiore. This quaint, secluded lake, is flanked by mountains and woods. It's main town of Orta San Giulio is simply stunning, featuring ochre hued buildings, ivy wrapped villas, cobbled squares and winding streets. Orta San Giulio sits on a peninsula with a direct view of the lake's only island, the tiny and picturesque Isola San Giulio. There is a public ferry service that operates between various towns and the island of San Giulio.
LAKE LUGANO
Much of Lake LUGANO lies in Switzerland, but a portion lies in Italy and it is in close proximity to Lake Como. Just as beautiful but far less developed than Lake Como, Lake Lugano has a Mediterranean flair with an alpine background and an unspoiled shoreline. It is a paradise for nature and culture lovers and ideal for boat trips, hikes, cycling and watersports. Some highlights of Lake Lugano's Italian side are the colorful towns of Porlezza, Cima and Valsolda. The Swiss side of Lake Lugano includes the picturesque town of Morcote, and the beautiful Parco Scherrer, a botanical garden with exotic plants and a magnificent view of the lake. Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè offer panoramic views of Lake Lugano and numerous hiking trails.
LAKE ISEO
ISEO is nestled between lakes Garda and Como. It is 15.5 miles long and 3 miles wide and is located at the foot of the Alps. Less well known than it's star studded neighbors, Iseo feels untouched and authentic. Providing a cultural feast, Lake Iseo is home to 38 different historic buildings and eight archaeological sites. With pristine waters it is possible to take the ferry to various small villages dotted along the shoreline, or to Monte Isola, (a mountain in the middle of the lake) which is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is also the largest lake island in Europe. It is possible to drive around the shores or alternatively there are dedicated cycling lanes around the lake.
LAKE IDRO
IDRO lies between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo and is shaped like an elongated "S" and is around 11 kilometers long and 410 meters at its widest point. At to 122 meters in depth, it is one of the deepest lakes in Italy. The shoreline and pristine waters of Lake Idro are specked with charming villages, including Anfo, Idro, and Crone, each offering unique glimpses into local life and a glimpse into Alpine culture . The picturesque setting of the lake, with the Alps in the background, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities windsurfing, kayaking, hiking, fishing and mountain biking on its rugged terrain) and cultural experiences.
LAKE TRASIMENO
TRASIMENO is Italy's, 4th largest lake lies in the Province of Umbria between Rome and Florence and is a hidden treasure. Differing from the vistas of glacial mountain lakes, Trasimeno is surrounded by sun kissed hills, olive groves, vineyards, and reflects the beauty of the surrounding charm of its little towns and villages. Boat tours are offered to the small islands of Isola Maggiore with its quaint fishing village and the lush landscape of Isola Polvese. There are 9 well kept beaches on Lake Transimeno which offer swimming and a wide variety of water sports.
THE LAZIO LAKES - Created from the craters of extinct volcanoes
Lakes Vico, Bolensa and Bracciano all lie within a 1 hour drive north of Rome.
Lake VICO fills a collapsed volcanic crater and has a nice, scenic road around the rim and pristine shores protected by a nature park surrounded by greenery. It lies just west of the famous Villa Farnese with its outstanding gardens.
Lake BOLENSA is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. An authentic natural wonder, with stunning landscapes, clear waters, quiet beaches, and villages rich in culture. An ideal destination for lovers of tranquility, history and nature. Some notable villages on the lake include Marta, Capodimonte, Montefiascone, and Gradoli
Lake BRACCHIANO - another volcanic body of water with a perimeter of 32kms. The water is clean, motorized boats are forbidden, and there is even a beach that holds Blue Flag. It is surrounded by several charming villages including Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano.
For further detailed information on these lakes or anywhere else in Italy contact me at [email protected]