Lakes in Italy Worth Seeing
YasyaThere is so much beauty in Italy that you can travel through it endlessly. It seems to have everything — from world-famous landmarks (don’t tell me you don’t want to take a photo of yourself trying to straighten the Leaning Tower of Pisa) to the natural beauty of its rugged coastline. But it’s not just the sea that offers fabulous views of the water: Italy boasts a huge number of lakes worth seeing. Today, we’ll list them in order of their popularity.
Most Famous Lakes of Italy
Lake Garda
Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a fantastic holiday destination. Along its shores are quiet towns and villages, as well as picturesque mountains and forests. It’s an ideal place for relaxation, swimming in its deep blue and emerald waters, whose colors are no less vibrant than those of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s pleasant to walk here on a hot summer day, but you can also rent a bicycle: an impressive cycling path runs around Lake Garda, offering fantastic views. Which towns should you choose for accommodation? Riva del Garda, Lazise, and Bardolino are good options.
Lake Como
The most glamorous and fashionable of them all. Celebrities come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery, so keep an eye out — you might spot a familiar face from movie posters. Getting to Como is easy: first, take tickets to Milan with a layover in Istanbul, then take a train. To truly experience the atmosphere here, it’s worth visiting several nearby towns. In particular, Bellagio and the eponymous Como, at the foot of the lake, where the train station is located. A funicular will take you up to viewpoints with views of the lake and the Alps. Como is valued for its atmosphere of refined well-being and tranquility, but activities are also popular; for example, you can take a boat tour that will take you to various charming villages along its majestic shores.
Lake Maggiore
The third most important lake in northern Italy, alongside Como and Garda. This lake is also partly in Switzerland, so if you have time during your visit, you can cross the border and thoroughly explore the Swiss part of the coastline as well. The lake is an excellent place to explore the villages and towns along its shores and to find swimming spots along the way. Stay for a day or two in the towns of Luino and Laveno, as both offer beautiful views of Maggiore and the surrounding mountain peaks. It’s best to come here in spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds and hot weather.
Alternatives for Summer and Winter
Lake Orta
Not far from Maggiore, in a valley at the foot of Monte Mottarone, lies Lake Orta. Despite its beauty, it is less popular than Italy’s three main lakes, yet it is considered one of the most romantic places. The main attraction is the stunning medieval village of Isola San Giulio on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. You can reach it by boat from the town of Orta San Giulio. There you will find many ancient buildings, including a monastery and a 12th-century church, the Basilica of San Giulio, which is said to have been built by the saint himself.
In one trip, you can see three lakes from our list. Here’s a ready-made itinerary: starting point — Milan. From here, head to Como by train. Next, after a transfer in Malnate, go to Laveno-Mombello, where you can admire the second lake. A water taxi or ferry will take you to the other side, to the town of Stresa, from where, in a couple of hours with a transfer in Cuzzago, you will reach Pettenasco on the shores of Lake Orta.
Lake Alleghe
This lake is quite young compared to others — it was formed in 1771 after a landslide. Nestled amidst the majestic Dolomites, it offers visitors breathtaking views of the picturesque village of Alleghe and the neighboring Monte Civetta. In summer, people sail, windsurf, and swim here, while in winter, the lake’s shores transform into an ice arena. There are also convenient hiking trails and a funicular, which is definitely worth taking to get a higher vantage point and appreciate the full scale. Nearby are ski resorts, so winter is a great time to combine snowboarding and a walk along the lake, then warm up in charming Italian restaurants in the town. The best time to visit is from November to April.
Lake Ledro
The small Alpine Lake Ledro is located near the northern tip of Lake Garda. Surrounded by lush forests and mountain peaks, it is a popular spot for numerous outdoor activities: swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, and fishing. Additionally, hiking enthusiasts will be impressed by the extensive network of trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the lake. Interesting fact: in 1929, when the water level in the lake dropped due to the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in Riva del Garda, a Bronze Age settlement with several dwellings and artifacts was discovered here. It was restored, and the Palafitte Museum was created in Molina di Ledro. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A trip to Ledro can be added to your exploration of Lake Garda’s shores: bus route 484 runs along the coast. At the Riva Del G. Via D.Chiesa stop, transfer to B214 and go to Molina di Ledro.
Hidden Lake Gems of Italy
Lake Blu (Lago Blu)
In the Aosta Valley region lies the tiny but delightful Lake Blu, from whose shores fantastic views of the Matterhorn in Switzerland open up. It seems as if it deliberately nestled along the road leading from Valtournenche to the ski town of Breuil-Cervinia, to become a perfect mirror for the impressive southern face of the Matterhorn. There are no towns or villages around, so here you can simply admire nature in its pristine form, untouched by human hand. A wonderful place to escape civilization, have a picnic, and relax in the sun.
Lake Iseo
Let’s move to Lombardy. The turquoise waters of Iseo are surrounded on all sides by green slopes and medieval villages, the lake’s shores are dotted with olive groves, and above its mirrored surface rises Monte Isola — the largest island in a freshwater lake in Europe, with quiet streets, ancient castles, and the Church of San Michele with Renaissance frescoes. Here, time stands still: sailboats glide under the sunset rays, and the scent of lavender mixes with the whisper of waves. In the vicinity, the Franciacorta vineyards, famous for their sparkling wines, flourish, and in summer, the Monte Isola Jazz Festival takes place here.
Lake Vico
Lake Vico is located in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Lazio region, not far from Italy’s capital, so tickets to Rome will definitely come in handy. It is surrounded by the forested Cimini mountains and is considered one of the highest in the country — at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. It’s no wonder it has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is practically no tourist infrastructure here, apart from a couple of hotels and restaurants nearby.
