Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 04:20 pm
Scattered over northern Italy and across the Italian-Swiss border, the lauded Italian Lakes shine brightly among Italy’s most famous sites, renowned for their dramatic mountainous backdrops, idyllic lakeside towns, and fascinating Roman history. Delve into this region’s intriguing past, while soaking up the views and tranquillity that makes the Italian Lake District so irresistible to locals, celebrities and travellers alike.
Lake Maggiore
Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, Lake Maggiore lies on the southern side of the Alps with an especially scenic backdrop created by the mountains. Long and thin in shape, the lake has a number of small towns dotted along each of its shores, from which people can set out by boat to the lake’s main three Borromean islands. A diversity of water sports keeps active travellers out on the lake each day, while others soak up the history of the lakeside towns and hike in the scenic surroundings.
Lake Garda
As the largest lake in Italy, spanning a vast 370 square kilometres, Lake Garda has plenty to offer travellers. Historic cities and port towns sit amidst vineyards, with gardens and olive groves to meander through, and historic sites to stumble upon; seek out the amphitheatre of Rivoli, and the hilltop castle that marks the historic centre of Arco. Spend your time by the lake exploring each of its historic cities and hopping between the wineries and verdant vineyards, before tucking into the local cuisine that incorporates the region’s most abundant produce: fish from the lake, lemons and olive oil.
Lake Como
Not far from Milan, the significantly smaller (146 square kilometres) Lake Como is a popular escape for the Milanese. It’s also one of the most famous of Italy’s lakes, owing to its backdrop of forested mountains that rise up from the sophisticated lakeside towns; boats transport visitors between each of the lake’s resort towns, making exploration easy. Of these towns, Como is the lake’s main hub, remaining popular for its Gothic cathedral, scenic funicular railway, and waterfront promenade.
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano lies across the Italian-Swiss border, where lakeside villages back onto the surrounding mountains, including the World Heritage Site, Monte San Giorgio. Here, both the mountains and the lake provide a wealth of activities for those passing through, from hiking and horseback riding to sailing. While staying on the northern shore in the Swiss town of Lugano – where a number of celebrities have made their home – take a scenic lake cruise, or ride the funicular up the mountainside for unrivalled views of the lake and beyond.
Lake Orta
Situated to the west of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta is one of the least known (at just 13 kilometres in size) but most highly regarded of the Italian Lakes – so much so, that it’s also known by the name “La Cenerentola”, which translates to Cinderella. It’s the scenery that most people come here for, in addition to the charm of the small lakeside town of Orta San Giulio, which is where people base themselves to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and wander the streets in search of small boutiques and cafes.
Visit the Italian Lake District on Secrets of Italy, Highlights of the Italian Lakes, Best of the Italian Lakes, Splendours of Italy, Italian Scene, Grand Italian Experience and European Whirl.
Image credits: Cover photo of Lake Como © iStock / Marco Maccarini. Lake Maggiore © iStock / Brzozowska. Lake Garda © iStock / lucafabbian. Lake Como © iStock / claudio.arnese. Lake Lugano © iStock / Matthew Dixon. Lake Orta © iStock / italiansight.