Scenic escapes to idyllic lakeside towns
Trace your finger just south of the Swiss border on a map and you’ll find the glorious Italian lakes, the three most popular are Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. Now if you want to be surrounded by spectacular scenery on your next holiday, you needn’t look any further.
These sparkling lakes are dazzling. The water – which is perfect for boat trips and a bit of wild swimming – glistens under the Italian sunshine. The rolling green hills provide seriously fresh produce, as well as great trails for hiking and biking. Then there are the surrounding mountains, which are snow-capped in the cooler months and make a majestic backdrop for the lakes.
Cast your eyes away from Mother Nature’s handiwork and you’ll find the picturesque towns and villages surrounding the lakes are just as impressive. Spend afternoons wandering along cobbled lanes and dipping into cute boutiques, delicious-smelling cafés and elegant villas. You’ll also find more museums, palaces and gardens than you can shake a stick at, as well as some award-winning restaurants.
Holidays to the Italian Lakes can also take in some of Italy’s most iconic cities, like Milan, Venice and Verona – perfect if you’re torn between a getaway to the lakes and a city break. With cities, lakes, and mountains to explore, the hardest part of a break to Italian Lakes will be deciding where to spend each day.
Explore our map of Italian Lakes
Discover the Italian Lakes
Most visitors to the Italian lakes fill their time by exploring the lakeside towns and villages, popping into the grand villas and botanical gardens by the water, and enjoying good food and drink. You can also take daytrips to nearby cities – like Venice, Milan, or Verona.