The Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy

A somewhat smaller lake in Lombardy, Lake Iseo is the little sister of Lake Garda – both being in the Brescia province. With wonderful bicycle routes, fabulous shops in the town of Iseo, and daily ferries across the waters, this lake will charm any visitor. It also has an island mountain in its midst – Monte Isola – the largest of its kind in Europe.

In the north of Italy, between the Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino regions, Lake Garda is one of the most beloved destinations in the country. Whatever you’re looking for on your trip, Lake Garda will have you covered: on the beach (as well as in the several towns scattered along its coast) there are students celebrating, families camping and tourists exploring the hills. The area is also sure to impress with luxury hotels, wonderful apartments, top-notch restaurants, an incredible natural backdrop and several open beaches.

In the industrial region of Lombardy, Lake Como is generally regarded as the favourite holiday destination of the Milanese. There’s plenty to do along the shores with an array of wonderful vistas, cultural events and activities. A guided bike or boat tour of the lake is one of the top-rated things to do here. While Isola Comacina – the only island on the lake – is a beautiful oasis for wildlife.

At the foot of the Italian Alps, Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy and is shared by Switzerland and the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. It has islands and villas, but what’s special about Maggiore is the presence of a few castles, adding a dash of architectural grandeur. And with many museums and natural reserves to explore, a holiday here is something to really look forward to.

In the mountainous region of Trentino, this rather small lake – at just 3km (1.9mi) long and 1.5km (0.9mi) wide – is the ideal destination for those who do not want to compromise on highland scenery. With perfect, temperate breezes throughout the summer, Lake Ledro is great for swimming, hiking and biking. There are four beaches around the lake and one of them is dog-friendly, making this a good stopover for a family trip.

Lake Bolsena is the largest lake of volcanic origin in Europe and is situated in High Latium, near the border with Tuscany and Umbria. It was generated when the Vulsini volcano crater collapsed and it now features two islands, Bisentina and Martana. It is also home to many restaurants and osteria, where it is possible to taste the local fish in delicious dishes.

Situated west of Lake Maggiore, in the region of Piedmont, this smaller lake used to be called Lake of Saint Julius, the patron saint after which an island on the lake is still named – San Giulio. Surrounded by green mountains that offer incredible views of the area, Lake Orta will strike any tourist as being picturesque and quaint. The island of San Giulio, occupied in its near entirety by an abbey, is the main attraction and combines culture and nature in surprising and thought-provoking ways.