Italian Lakes Destination Guide

Perched around the Italian lakes are medieval castles, elegant villas and historic churches.

Introduction

The Italian Lakes are famous for their stunning landscapes of pastel-painted waterside towns and villages, world-class gardens, luxurious mansions and historic islands to explore. Little wonder this northern corner of Italy is a favourite haunt of celebrities, alongside romantic couples and families.

Various watersports are available at many spots, but this area has an overall atmosphere of timeless romance and elegance. But be warned, the roads and towns around the largest lakes get very busy in the summer months.

Visiting the Lakes is less about specific sights and more about exploring pretty villages nestling along the shores, relaxing in waterfront cafes and enjoying fine food. A leisurely steamer trip and an evening stroll along the water's edge are essential experiences. For the energetic, the Lakes offer a chance to try watersports in an inspiring location and take bracing walks with sensational views.

Take a ferry to one of the region's tiny island outposts

Sights and activities

Perched around the lakes are medieval castles, elegant villas and historic churches. Villages entice visitors with winding, cobbled alleys, interesting old churches and cafes and restaurants floating over the water on stilts. All the lakes are worth visiting if you have time, as each has its own sights and atmosphere:

Keep your days on the lakes busy, the nightlife in the area is sedate

Lake Garda

Garda is the most easterly lake and boasts the warmest weather, although breezes from the mountains keep windsurfers happy.

The town of Sirmione is the main attraction, nestling on a narrow peninsular at the base of the lake, where hotels, restaurants and shops stand between olive and cypress trees. There's an old thermal spa using hot springs and a picturesque castle with walls extending down into the lake.

Picturesque Malcesine is on the eastern shore. You can take a cable car from here for an exciting ride up Monte Baldo and spectacular views. Further south is the Gardaland amusement park, which claims to be Italy's largest.

If you're feeling more sedate, there's a spectacular cruise from sleepy Malcesine up to bustling Riva, which sits under the shadow of the mighty Dolomite mountains.

Riva del Garda is the busiest resort on the northern shore, with a younger, livelier feel and plenty of sporting activities both on and off the lake.

Visit each of the lakes if you have the chance, they all have a distinct flavour to them

Lake Maggiore

Perhaps Maggiore has less spectacular shoreline scenery than many of the other lakes, but its wow factor is the fairytale Borromean Islands.

The most popular lake resort is Stresa, with narrow streets running up between terracotta-tiled roofs and a grassy waterfront with views across to the three islands. Take one of the frequent ferries to visit these tiny outposts, complete with gardens, villages and palaces. Alternatively, jump on the cable car to Monte Mottarone for an exhilarating excursion from Stresa.

The pedestrianised shopping areas in the region offer great local crafts and delicacies

Lake Orta

It may be just 13km long and 3km wide but Orta, on the other side of Monte Mottarone, is as pretty as any of the Lakes. The essential sight here is the smart medieval town of Orta San Giulio, where you can relax in a cafe in the pedestrianised waterfront square, surrounded by frescoed buildings. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or Prosecco at sunset overlooking the magical island of Isola San Giulio.

Lake Como

The rich and famous have always chosen to spend summers relaxing at their villas on Como - from Romans like Pliny the Elder to today's celebs including George Clooney and Brad Pitt. It's certainly one of Europe's most beautiful spots, with the Y-shaped lake bordered by thick wooded slopes, tiny villages and the fabulous cascading gardens of the grandest villas.

Tiny towns like Bellagio and Varenna are small and busy but still breathtaking. Restaurants and bars lurk in medieval buildings with wonderfully distracting panoramas of water and mountains. The city of Como itself is definitely worth a day trip too, as there are great shops, monuments and restaurants within its ancient city walls.

Lake Iseo

The quietest and least-known lake has one amazing feature - Monte Isola. This is Europe's largest island in a lake and boats pass to and fro all day, making it easy to visit. Climb the steep sides, passing through olive and walnut groves up to the 13th century church on the island's heights.

Shopping

You'll find plenty of local leather goods in the gift shops around the Lakes, so look out for stylish shoes, bags, belts, wallets and gloves. Lace and embroidery are also popular local crafts. Don't forget to stock up on the finest olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

After dark

When night falls the Lakes are fairly sedate. Hotels and campsites may feature some entertainment but there's little chance of a big night out away from the city of Como. Most visitors choose instead to take quiet strolls around the lakeside, dine al fresco, catch a concert in a church or climb aboard a sunset lake cruise.

Getting there, getting around

Most British visitors fly to one of Milan's airports - Linate (12km east of the city) or Malpensa (48km north west). There are many bus and train links to the Lakes, or it's a short drive if you hire a car from the airport.