Published 18th Feb. 2026
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Slow down, take in the spectacular scenery, and savour the unhurried pace of life around the Italian Lakes. The lakes were made by glaciers retreating at the end of the last ice age and have been a popular destination since the Romans were in power, so the region has a rich history. Add in the landscapes, nature and the charm of the towns and villages, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Here, our Italy expert, Valeria, runs through what you can do at the lakes and how to plan your trip.
Elegance is the order of the day here – think opulent buildings and serene natural beauty. Lake Como is shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, with arms extending to Como and Lecco. The deep blue waters, surrounded by lush green hills and the towering Rhaetian Alps in the distance, make it somewhere you can forget about everyday life and just let the day unfold in front of you.
Image by Rhiannon Taylor
Begin in Como, the main town that gives the lake its name (though the locals also call it Lario). The town’s historic centre is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets that open into bustling piazzas, where independent boutiques offer everything from high-end fashion to crafts by local artisans. When you need a break, settle into one of the many chic cafés or wine bars – we recommend the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s T Bar and its scenic shaded terrace.
Every villa has a story to tell, but perhaps the most well-known is the Villa Balbianello. Perched on a wooded peninsula, it’s renowned for its elaborate terraced gardens and views of the lake. Impressive gardens are a key feature of many villas, each meticulously designed and overflowing with colourful flowers, ancient trees and classical statues.
A leisurely boat trip across the lake takes you to Lake Como’s Golden Triangle: the villages of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio.
Italy’s largest lake is framed by verdant hills, ancient olive groves and the soaring mountains of Trentino Alto-Adige. It’s located at the crossroads of three distinct regions – Lombardy, the Veneto and Trentino Alto-Adige – which makes it an ideal base for exploring. You can roam around Roman ruins in the morning and tap into your adventurous side in the afternoon by trying water sports like diving, sailing and windsurfing on the lake.
Image by Lucy Laucht
Lake Garda's shores are dotted with delightful towns, each rich with history and character. Indulge in a day of relaxation at one of the area’s spa resorts, where you can soak in open-air thermal pools while enjoying views of the lake. The waters, particularly those around Sirmione, are rich in minerals like sulphur, bromine, chloride and iodine, which are highly regarded for their restorative, healing properties.
Sirmione is also known for its Roman heritage. Here, you can wander through the impressive ruins of the Grotte di Catullo, the remains of a vast Roman Villa, and visit 13th-century castle Rocca Scaligera. You can climb to the top for views across the lake and the town’s warm terracotta rooftops.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lake Garda is also a destination for adventure sports. The surrounding mountains offer opportunities for climbing, hang gliding and paragliding, providing a stunning bird’s eye view of the scenery. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the region is criss-crossed with well-maintained trails for both cyclists and walkers. And, of course, the clear waters and consistent winds in the northern part of the lake create perfect conditions for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. You can also hire a pedalo if you prefer something a little calmer.
The southern shores of Lake Garda are overlooked by gentle green hills covered in ancient olive groves, producing some of Italy’s finest olive oil. In the town of Limone sul Garda, you can stroll through fragrant lemon groves, planted in terraced gardens to protect the fruit during the winter season.
Introducing one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: Lake Iseo. It’s often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, Lake Como and Lake Garda, but we think that’s a mistake. It offers a more tranquil atmosphere, with serene waters, towering mountains and charming villages all on the doorstep. And it’s easy to reach from nearby Bergamo and Brescia. Enjoy the laidback rhythm of lakeside life as you meander through medieval streets, sip coffee and people-watch in a piazza, all while the fishing boats bob gently on the water.
Image by swen_stroop - stock.adobe.com
Lake Iseo is just north of the Franciacorta wine region, which is known for producing Italy’s finest sparkling wine. Visit a vineyard to taste it and gain a glimpse into the region’s rich vinous heritage.
Conditions on the lake are often ideal for a variety of watersports – glide across the calm surface in a canoe, set sail on a yacht or take advantage of the steady breezes and go windsurfing. The lake is warm enough for swimming from spring to autumn, offering a refreshing break on a sunny day.
Those who prefer to discover the beauty of Lake Iseo on land are just as well catered to as those who favour the water. The area has cycle paths that trace the shoreline, with a scenic and relatively flat route for riders of all abilities. Walkers and hikers can make their way along the Via Valeriana, a historic path that runs along the eastern shore of the lake, winding its way through olive groves, ancient woods and sleepy hamlets. You’ll also be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the lake, its islands and the surrounding mountains.
Lake Maggiore balances the glamour of a bygone era with the beauty of the natural world. It’s one of the closest lakes to neighbouring Switzerland and the northern tip of the lake actually extends into the country. It’s a great base if you want your travels to stretch beyond Italy.
Often considered the most peaceful of the Italian Lakes, compared to its busier neighbours, Lake Maggiore is a place where you can spend the morning marvelling at historical tapestries in a palace and the afternoon hiking through a wild valley.
Image by Rhiannon Taylor
The Borromean Islands are three small landmasses in the gulf between Stresa and Verbania: Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.
The most famous, Isola Bella, was a barren rock before the Borromeo family transformed it. Notably, its summer palace, Palazzo Borromeo, floats on the water. With its baroque art and artificial grottos, it’s an intriguing look at the opulence of aristocratic life. Outside, the garden has ten terraces that form a truncated pyramid, decorated with statues, obelisks and fountains, and white peacocks roam freely, their snowy plumage striking against the backdrop of the blue lake.
Life on Lake Maggiore revolves around its elegant lakeside towns. Stresa is the main hub and has a cheerful holiday atmosphere, with a grand waterfront promenade lined with luxury hotels, cafes and piazzas. Make your way through the enchanting streets, then enjoy an aperitivo while gazing out at the islands.
Verbania lies to the north. Often referred to as ‘the garden on the lake’, it has a more relaxed pace and is known for its botanic gardens. The town is a haven for plant lovers, with thousands of species of tulips, azaleas and rhododendrons thriving in the mild microclimate.
Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy, is just a short distance away. The rugged terrain has challenging hiking trails through abandoned pastures and dense forests – a noticeable contrast to the manicured gardens of the lakeside.
If you’d rather enjoy the views without the strenuous climb, journey up Mount Mottarone by cable car or funicular ride from the lakeside at Stresa. From the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of seven lakes and the majestic Monte Rosa massif.
Back down by the water, you can rent canoes and paddle boats to explore the shoreline, or venture onto the network of cycle lanes if you’d rather travel around on two wheels.
Experience a quieter, more intimate magic at Lake Orta, which is just to the west of Lake Maggiore. Time slows down here. The lake is surrounded by thick woodlands and watched over by the distant Alps, creating a calm-yet-captivating atmosphere.
Lake Orta is known for its light and the sunsets here are legendary. As evening approaches, the sun dips behind the hills, casting a warm violet glow across the water. The buildings turn shades of burnt orange and pink, and the lights begin to twinkle, reflecting on the lake’s dark surface.
Image by marcophoto81/Adobe Stock
At the centre of your experience is the main town: Orta San Giulio. Situated at the tip of a small peninsula, this pedestrianised piece of heaven seems to turn back time. Your soundtrack is leisurely footsteps over the cobbled streets and conversations between friends and family. Head to Piazza Motta, the lakeside square and community hub. It’s enclosed by pastel-coloured buildings on three sides, but the fourth opens to Lake Orta, making it the perfect spot to sit with a coffee or gelato. If you visit on a Wednesday, you’ll see the piazza transform. The weekly market takes over, filling the square with stalls selling local cheeses, cured meats, clothes and flowers.
Despite its small size, Orta San Giulio punches well above its weight when it comes to gastronomy. It’s become a magnet for food lovers, offering a diverse range of dining experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Piedmont region.
For those seeking fine dining, the area is home to renowned Michelin-starred establishments where chefs transform local ingredients into masterpieces. However, the true soul of Lake Orta’s food scene is found in its local, family-run restaurants. In these trattorias, tucked away down narrow side streets, you can enjoy robust, authentic dishes. Think rich risottos, fresh lake fish and handmade pasta, served with a warmth that makes you feel at home.
Journey upwards for the best views of the lake. Sacro Monte di Orta (Sacred Mountain of Orta) is perched on a hill over the town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology and animals, and provides panoramic views of Lake Orta and the island resting in its centre.
The site has 20 chapels set among pine, beech and lime trees, and each chapel depicts a different scene from the life of St Francis. You can reach the summit by taking a quaint tourist land train up the winding hill, or, if you want a workout, there’s a pleasant (albeit steep) walk from the town centre.
The best time to visit the Italian lakes is in summer (June-August), when the weather is dry and sunny – perfect for lakeside walks. Temperatures can reach the mid-to-late twenties at this time of year.
Unsurprisingly, it’s busy throughout the season, so spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) might be the better option if you’d like a more tranquil getaway. Some places may be closed in these shoulder seasons, so check before booking if there’s something particular you’d like to see. Or, speak to our specialists who can advise you.
Image by Lucy Laucht
Ideally, you’d be able to spend more than a month exploring the Italian lakes. But we know that’s sadly not possible for most people! No matter how long you have to spare, plan a schedule where activities are spaced out. You can appreciate it all the more if you slow down.
The closest airport to the Italian Lakes is in Milan. From there, you can hire a car, but it’s easy to reach the lakes by public transport. Milan has train services from multiple stations, including Milano Centrale, Stazione Ferrovie Nord Milano and Porta Garibaldi.
Image by Pia Riverola
Yes, it’s easy to get around, even if you don’t have a car. A ferry travels between the different destinations and there are also land-based taxi and bus services between the towns.
If you do decide to drive, you’ll be able to explore the nearby mountains with relative ease, although bear in mind that the roads are narrow.
The clothes people wear in the lakes are relaxed, functional and effortless, not flashy. Keep it casual during the day, then dress up a bit more in the evening if you’re going to a restaurant with a dress code.
In summer, the pleasant Mediterranean climate means light breathable clothes in cotton and linen work best (and also leave more room in your suitcase should you decide to bring any souvenirs home). A thin jumper or jacket will keep you comfortable when the evenings get cooler. Rain is a possibility, so take a thin waterproof with you, just in case – but hopefully you won’t need it. We advise layers for spring and autumn, as the conditions can change but the sun can still be warm.
Other essentials for an Italian Lakes trip include:
Key dates for your diary:
Image by Buena Vista Images
Whether you’re drawn to the cinematic glamour of Lake Como, the adventure of Lake Garda, or the tranquillity of Lakes Orta, Iseo and Maggiore, the Italian lakes region offers something special for every traveller. The mountains and the water are waiting for you…
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