Italy’s breathtaking Lake District stretches across Northern Italy, with major lakes like Lake Garda, Maggiore, Como, Varese, Orta, Lugano and Iseo. Each has its own particular character. The gorgeous landscapes of Italian lakes bring together the fascination of villages lost in time, ancient castles, monasteries, extravagant villas, charming town squares, rich in history and character, and intriguing museums. It offers a wide variety of activities, from paragliding, sailing, windsurfing to mountains climbing, rappelling and olive oil tasting. You’ll see lemon trees and olive groves, palm-fringed lakeside walks with a stunning backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
It is the perfect escape for those looking for a holiday full of relaxation, beauty and culture, amid a stunning natural backdrop. A popular holiday destination for all seasons.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps. Well preserved prehistoric stilt houses built around the Alpine lake.
Lake District
By Thomas Jakobs - Pixabay
Lake Garda
Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, with its 370 km² surface, reaching from the steep alpine foothills to the northern edge of the Po Valley, surrounded by three regions of Italy; Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto. Palms trees, olive trees, citrus and vines dotted the steep rugged slopes, in addition to the picturesque villages, beaches, parks, islands in the middle of the lake, and nature reserves that is known for. Some of these charming villages around the lake are Sirmione, Desenzano , Salo, Peschiera, Garda Island, Malcesine, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, and Torbole ... . Each villages with its own character and appeal.
Desenzano del Garda
Desenzano del Garda, a busy and charming town with a marina basin and the piers where lake steamers and hydrofoils leave for towns all around the lake. With plenty of cafés and restaurants and convenient boat connections, Desenzano is a great base for exploring the lake. The harbour area, the beaches and the views from the castle are the main highlights in Desenzano.
Desenzano del Garda
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Garda Island (Isola del Garda)
The Garda Island, also known as Isola Borghese, is the largest island in Lake Garda, and is located about 200 m from the coast, in the territory of San Felice. It can be reached by boat . Guided tour are available in the charming park and the Villa Ferrari, an admirable example of a Venetian – Gothic style villa on the lake .
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Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is one of the oldest and best preserved towns on Lake Garda. Perching on the hillside above Lake Garda, it’s a hidden gem, and the perfect place to relax and unwind on a laid-back vacation.
Limone is the Italian word for 'lemon' and this area was once renowned for growing lemons and other citrus fruits. The heart of the old town is the little harbour, the Porto Vecchio ('Old Port'), narrow lanes lined with tourist shops. Do not miss the church of San Pietro in Oliveto, built in the 9th century, one of the oldest Romanesque with its original frescoes and the Azzone Visconti Bridge with its arches, built during the Renaissance. The bridge was used to connect Lecco to the Duchy of Milan and still today is the access to the city for those coming from Milan or Garda. There are many restaurants and cafes, with picturesque waterfront terraces, where you can take a break and appreciate the most beautiful glimpses of the lake.
Limone Sul Garda is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to explore at this hidden gem.
Limone sul Garda
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By Hans Braxmeier - Pixabay
Malcesine
Malcesine, a little medieval town on north-east shore of Lake Garda, in the Veneto region. Nestled between Lake and Mount Baldo, is one of the prettiest and most popular towns on the lake. At its top, a 13th-century castle - another Castle of Scaligero - stands on a crag, its ramparts dropping directly to the lake below. The views are, of course, superb!
The other principal sight in Malcesine is Monte Baldo, reaching an altitude of more than 1700 metres. There’s a revolving cable car , that slowly turns as it rises up Monte Baldo, allowing everyone on board to enjoy the views. overlooking Lake Garda. From the harbour in Malcesine you can take a boat trips across Lake Garda to reach Limone Sul Garda to Riva del Garda , a resort at Lake Garda's northern end.
Malcesine
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Malcesine
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Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda, a lakeside village, unique of its kind, situated on the south end of Lake Garda at the mouth of the River Mincio. Peschiera del Garda is an absolutely charming town. From canals, bridges, beautiful churches, historic buildings , enormous fortress walls to its fashionable modern-day shops, there's no shortage of things to see and do.
It is surrounded by the Venetian fortification wall, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, owned by Venice that overlooked the Adriatic Sea. The defense structures including fortified systems, city- fortresses, isolated forts. Since July 2016 Unesco has protected these ramparts by including them in the Venetian Works of Defence Heritage Sites , which consists of 6 components of defence works spanning more than 1,000 km between the Italy Croatia and Montenegro. It Italy, the components can be found in Lombardy , Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
From the port, it is also possible to embark to visit other beautiful places to visit near Peschiera, such as Riva, Desenzano, Sirmione, Salò and the small and romantic village of Lazise.
Fortress
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By Massimo Telò - . wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda, located on the Northern end of Lake Garda, in the region of Trentino, is one of the main tourists draws. Riva del Garda sits between the mountains and the water, a pleasant combination of medieval old streets and sunny waterside parks and promenades. Poised above the old center is is a Venetian watch-tower, and the Town Hall rebuilt by the Venetians. Another important monument is the Rocca del Riva, another castle of the Scaligeri family, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Inside is the excellent Museo Civico, with prehistoric and later artifacts, well displayed and interpreted.
Riva del Garda
By travelspot -Pixabay
Sirmione
Sirmione, a jewel on Lake Garda, its romantic center enclosed in the peninsula, is renowned for its Roman remains and thermal waters. It had been a Veronese summer resort for the elite since the 1st century BC. The town had grown to become one the most important Roman cities in northeast Italy, Garda had been praised by several artists and poets of the time, including Catullus.
Scaliger Castle is located in the town of Sirmione. The water-surrounded fortress was constructed in the 12th century by the Scaligeri family, lords from Verona who controlled much of the region at that time, as part of their defensive network . The Scaliger Castle is considered one of the finest examples of a medieval fortifications, including a very rare fortified port. There are 150 steps which lead up to the ramparts and the tower is open to public for viewing. From the top of the tower, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Lake Garda.
From the Castle, you can take a tranquil cruise to see the ancient Roman ruins Grotto of Catullus. In fact, Grotto of Catullus, neither belonged to the poet nor is it actually a grotto – it is just the remains of what probably used to be a Roman villa. Still, it’s certainly worth a visit if you want to combine some history with the local nature and indelible charm of the place.
Torbole
Torbole, a historic village facing Lake Garda, with particular beauty. A walk through the beautiful ancient village centre with the narrow alleys should really not be missed! Due to the constant wind and the ban of motor boats, Torbole has become a premier windsurfing and sailing spot. A true paradise for watersports lovers! Lessons and rentals for both sports are available here.
By Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke - Pixabay
By Gianni Crestani da Pixabay
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second lake, bordering both Lombardy and Piedmont regions, boasting spectacular views and a temperate climate, imposing mountains and green hills, a vast historical and artistic heritage of superb villas, castles, monasteries and archaeological sites. The beautiful banks of Lake Maggiore, sprinkled with beautiful and awe-inspiring cities. Some of the popular cities are Stresa, Borromean Islands, Baveno, Pallanza, Intra, Verbania and the monastery of Santa Caterina clinging to the rock. Wherever you are on Lake Maggiore, glamorous natural beauty greets your eyes wherever you gaze.
Stresa and the Borromeo Islands
Stresa and the Borromeo Islands are the jewel of Lake Maggiore.
This peaceful small town is located in North Piedmont in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, not far from Milan. Facing the Borromeo gulf and Borromeo Island around Lake Maggiore, Stresa stands with an engaging and fascinating view.
Stresa offers regular ferries to the beautiful and quirky Borromeo Islands. Another way to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views is to take the cable car from the town of Stresa to the top of Mount Mottarone. These superb views stretch all the way to the distant Alps, and an added highlight of the cable car trip is the opportunity to hop off for a while to tour the alpine gardens at Giardino Alpinia.
Borromeo Islands are made up of the monumental Isola Bella, dominated by exquisite Borromeo villa, along with an extravagant Italian-style garden, the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori, with characteristic markets and a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled stone streets, and Isola Madre, noted for its beautiful Palazzo and botanical garden, rich in rare plants and enormous landscaping.
Baveno
The enchanting little lakeside town of Baveno, next to Stresa, is of Roman origin, and is famous for its mineral water springs and its quarries of pink granite, and as a holiday resort since the 19th century. The fine lakefront promenade offers a superb view of the Borromean Islands, which can be reached by boats leaving from Baveno harbour. The architectural attractions of the town include the Parish Church of Santi Gervasio and Protasio and the Baptistery, which stand in a broad square accessed from Via Monte Grappa.
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By Pierre André -wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0
By Fabio Alessandro Locati - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, Lake Maggiore
Picturesquely located on a sheer cliff above the water, overlooking the Borromeo Gulf, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is certainly one of the most charming sights of Lago Maggiore. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a Roman Catholic Monastery, is one of the most intriguing historical sites on Lake Maggiore. Founded almost 1,000 years ago by Alberto Besozzi of Arolo (Leggiuno), who was shipwrecked in the area and vowed his devotion to St Caterina if he should be saved. In the year 1195, he built this isolated church, clinging to a rock face, overhanging the lake!
Verbania
Verbania, in the Piemont region, is an ideal, relaxed setting on the shores of Lake Maggiore. This lovely lakeside city is known as “the garden on the lake” boasting the renowned 19th century mansions like Villa Taranto, whose botanic gardens are among the best known and most visited in Europe, Villa San Remigio and Villa Giulia .
The Villa Taranto was built by a Scottish captain who installed an elaborate English garden, so it could remind him of his native Scotland, The Villa Taranto itself is not open to the public, but you can visit the garden.
The spectacular botanical garden, covers 16 hectares and has 20,000 species of plants from around the world, create a magical place of blooms and tranquility. Though it’s an English garden, there is no lack of Italian features like statues, fountains, ponds, terraces and waterfalls. There is also a lakefront public park and a museum dedicated to landscapes.
Another charming residence, Villa Giulia was built in 1847 by Bernardino Branca, the inventor of the well-known liqueur Fernet. Bernardino’s son dedicated the residence to his wife Giulia and started works to embellish and expand it. Villa Giulia now belongs to Verbania town council and it is frequently used to host art exhibitions, events of all kinds, conferences and concerts. The garden is open to public.
Lake Braies
No trip to the Dolomites in South Tyrol Italy is complete without a stop at Lake Braies ( Lago di Braies), one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. This so-called “Pearl of the Dolomites” is located in Trentino-Alto Adige region, in the heart of the Dolomites, at an altitude of about 1,500 m above sea level, with beautiful backdrop of Croda del Becco mountain (Seekofel, 2,810 m). This picturesque lake is in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, part of Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Braies is an attraction for recreation seekers, nature lovers and hikers all year round. There is no perfect time to visit the lake. Every season has it’s charm! No matter which season, you’ll be met by stunning scenery.
However, for activities, it’s recommended to go here during the summer to enjoy the most.
During summer, you can rent a handcrafted wooden row boat and row around the photogenic crystal clear turquoise green and emerald-colored waters.
Lake Como
Located in the Lombardy region, third largest lake in Italy, and also the deepest , with an average of 410 metres in depth. This picturesque lake is renowned for the natural beauty of its setting and for the pretty villas on its shores. The gorgeous town of Bellagio, “the pearl of the lake,” is a great spot to visit, with its breath-taking Baroque gardens. Thanks to its alluring landscape has attracted artists, poets and celebrities for centuries.
In all seasons, the relatively small province of Como offers visitors rich treasures and unimaginable experiences, magnificent landscapes and concealed beauty spots, all waiting to be discovered one by one.
Lake Iseo
Idyllic Lake Iseo, sits in the Lombardy region, between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. This lake is relatively unknown to most people, but with so much to see and do year-round, there’s no doubt that it is soon to be discovered. The whole lake is dotted with beautiful towns and smaller villages, all perfectly designed. Three of them not to be missed are Iseo, Sarnico and Lovere, the most beautiful villages on Lake Iseo. Iseo is considered to be the main village on the lake, with its tiny ancient streets, romantic squares and peaceful votive chapels.
Just a few minutes by boat will take you to the real pearl of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, a green mountain dotted with villages in the middle of Lake Iseo. An island with handful of vines, olives gloves and chestnut woods everywhere. An ecological paradise with a vocation for agriculture and handicrafts. The island has earned itself worldwide renown for its handmade fishing-nets and two-bow rowing boats.
Monte Isola
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Lake Iseo
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Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano stretches between two countries, with about two-thirds falling in Switzerland. It is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, including Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural landscape teeming with rare plants and caves is one of the most important paleontological sites for everything from dinosaurs to marine animals and monster insects. Mediterranean flora and enchantingly beautiful villas bedeck the picturesque lakeside villages. You can admire the varied lakefront on a boat trip or navigate the narrow, winding road to Morcote known for its breathtaking views.
Lake Lugano
By Makalu - Pixabay
Lake Mergozzo
Lake Mergozzo is a small sub-alpine lake just to the west of Lago Maggiore. The lake is fed by the waters of a number of clean mountain streams, is one of the least polluted in Italy. Another pearl that makes this environment unique.
Lake Mergozzo
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Lake Mergozzo
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Lago d’Orta
Lake Orta located in the southern Alps, just west of Lake Maggiore, in the Piemonte region. A tranquil and serene small lake, surrounded by woods and hills, with a picturesque setting of Island of San Giulio sitting in the middle of it.
It is recommended to visit the charming village of Orta San Giulio, and a boat trip across to Island of San Giulio.
Orta San Giulio is the medieval village, with an attractive historical centre bearing witness to a wealthy past.
Island of San Giulio, romantically sited in the middle of the lake and easily reached by boats frequently leave from the central plaza in Orta San Giulio. The main attraction is 12th century Basilica of San Giulio and its remarkable frescoes .
Stroll along the waterfront , indulge in the picturesque scenery, follow the path that circles the island, every corner of holds a pleasant surprise for the eyes.
The northern bank of Lake Orta is another histrocal village Omegna, where the coffee maker and the pressure cooker were invented in the last century, is also a town worth seeing.
Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps
The well preserved prehistoric Alpine stilt houses are part of 111 human dwellings scattered all over the heart of Europe, included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites list. These Pile Dwellings are distributed in six different countries.
56 are located in Switzerland, 19 in Italy, 18 in Germany, 11 in France, 5 in Austria, and 2 in Slovenia. In Italy, the nineteen Pile Dwellings are located in five different regions, Lombardy (10), Veneto (4), Piedmont (2), Friuli Venezia (1), and
Trentino Alto Adige (2). Lombardy boasts the oldest pile dwellings so far discovered.
Lake Varese Pile Dwelling Museum (Lombardy)
Lake Varese has plenty of things to offer to visitors, from ancient castles to beautiful natural views to quaint towns and villages. The area, a short drive from Milan, is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday spent basking in history and nature’s glory. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and to the south, the roads lead to ponds and marsh area. The tiny Island of Virginia, located near the western shoreline, is where oldest piles dwellings of a 5000 B.C.village was discovered. It can be seen near a museum showcasing at the archaeological excavation spots. Visitors can admire the unique characteristics of settlements of primitive men, and learn about daily life habits of the first farmers in central Europe during prehistoric, neolithic and bronze ages.
Lake Varese has a long history which is depicted by the many castles located along the shores of the lake. These ancient castles tell the legends of many noble families and the battles fought over the years in the area. Visitors to the area can also see the glories of Casale Litta and Castle Azzate, among other beautiful structures.
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By Sat123 -wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0
By CTHOE-CTH -wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Lake Ledro Pile dwelling Museum
(Trentino Alto Adige)
The pile-dwellings of Ledro, Trentino Alto Adige region, is one of the most important pile-dwelling sites in Europe. The village, which dates back to about 4,000 years ago, can now be visited together with the rooms of the museum, which houses perfectly preserved artefacts and tools from the Bronze Age.
In autumn 1929, the water level of Lake Ledro was lowered to facilitate the building of the hydroelectric plant in Riva del Garda: this led to the discovery of an extensive area with more than 10,000 piles. The Pile-dwellings of Ledro were discovered after thousands of years and aroused the interest of the international archaelogical community.
Fiavè Pile dwelling Museum (Trentino Alto Adige)
Fiavé’s Lake Carera, of glacial origin, man has been living at least from the Mesolithic era 7000 B.C. to the end of the Bronze Age. Between the 4000 to 2000 B.C. there were pile-dwelling villages here, still visible today in the archaeological area. the ancient stilt houses were discovered in the mid 1800s.
Remains of the Fiavé stilt houses
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By ArcheoTrentino - wikimedia.org, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Azeglio and Viverone Pile Dwellings (Piemont)
Lake Azeglio (Province of Turin) and Lake Viverone (Province of Biella), are home to prehistoric pile dwelling settlements, important archaeological sites where villages made up of stilt houses were present here in the Bronze Age
(2000–1000 B.C)
Lake Azeglio
By Alessandro Actis-wikimedia.org, CC BY 3.0
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