For a place that has been famous for its charming cities, rich cultural history, and delectable cuisine; lakes in Italy often get ignored amidst the glamorous places like Milan, Venice, and Rome. Witness some of the most pristine lakeside views surrounded by mountains and green pastures that will take your breath away.
For a tourist place as famous as Italy, there have always been predefined opinions and largely agreed on notions for what all a traveler should explore on his first visit to Italy. However, as the travelers demand something more, something different, there are many Italian lakes that deserve a lot more international tourist footfall than they already get.
Here Are The Best Lakes In Italy
Do not forget to visit these on your next trip to Europe!
1. Lake Como
Must Read: 10 Tourist Places In Italy That Are Sinfully Gorgeous
Situated in the Northern region of Lombardy, Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Since ancient times, this lake has been a vacation retreat for kings, royal folk, and highly regarded scholars. There are have been literary works like A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway and The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni singing praises of this beautiful lake.
An added attraction for people visiting this stunning lake district is the chance to spot some famous movie stars like George Clooney who are known to often stop by for a quick vacation at this scenic freshwater lake.
Places to visit around Lake Como: Como Cathedral, Villa Carlotta, and Castello di Vezio
2. Lake Garda
Lakes in Italy don’t come any larger than Garda. Famous for its crystal clear water and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake Garda is another one of the Italian lakes that are situated in the Northern part of the country. Many travelers consider it the best Italian lake destination because of it being located halfway between Venice and Milan, and Brescia and Verona.
Just like Como, Lake Garda is situated next to a charming village with medieval style houses and the mountains in the backdrop. This serene water body has inspired many a writer to create a masterpiece with words.
Places to visit around Lake Garda: Gardaland Theme Park, Monte Baldo, Vittoriale degli Italiani, and Scaliger Castle
3. Lake Maggiore
Suggested Read: These Best Things To Do In Italy That Are Truly Exclusive
Situated just south of the Switzerland border with Italy, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. The 64-kilometer long lake creates a border with Switzerland that lays a claim of both the countries to Lake Maggiore.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, therefore, the summers are warm and comfortable for sightseeing. Travelers can enjoy an unbelievable view of the lake by going up the mountains via the Mottarone cable car.
Places to visit around Lake Maggiore: Borromean Islands, Isola Madre, Tresa, and Fondotoce Natural Reserve
4. Lake Orta
Often overshadowed by its famous counterparts like Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, Orta is one of the lakes in Italy that have avoided the commercialization boom of tourism in Italy. Upon reaching there, travelers get a view of the lake that has the stunning San Giulio Island right in the middle of it.
The island has a lot of scenic buildings and it is recommended that the travelers take a short boat ride and indulge in some charming sightseeing at San Giulio. The entire island is ramped up with cobblestone and the pedestrian-only spic of land makes for an excellent tourist spot.
Places to visit around Lake Orta: Mottarone, San Giulio, Sacro Monte di Orta, and Giardino Botanico Alpinia
5. Lake Iseo
Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Italy: Full-Fledged Guide To Plan Your Romantic Voyage
If someone wishes to see the best lakes in Italy, then Lombardy is the place to go. Lake Iseo like many others is a jewel in the charming glory of an otherwise industrious Northern Italy. Situated between Bergamo and Brescia, Iseo is famous for its crystal clear water and lush-green surroundings.
To be situated near a vineyard, mountains, and forest land is something out of a dream- an exclamation mark to the unquestioned beauty of Lake Iseo. As it is an offbeat destination, tourists can visit the lake even during peak summer season and not expect long queues and tons of travelers at every street corner.
Places to visit near Lake Iseo: Montecampione, Natural Reserve Sebino, Mado Della Ceriola, and Val trompia
6. Lake Lugano
A lake that stretches from Switzerland to Italy, Lugano is a glacial lake located in the Southern Alps region. The lake is named after the city of the same name at its basin in southern Switzerland.
Travelers going to Lake Lugano can also indulge in fishing as it is known for having a good reserve of Bass fish and Brook Trout. Travelers who seek a sense of adventure will have a great time in hunting fossils behind the southern shore of Lake Lugano. At Monte San Giorgio, fossils as old as 220 million years ago have been found.
Places to visit near Lake Lugano: Monte Bre, Parco Civico-Ciani, and San Lorenzo Cathedral
7. Lake Trasimeno
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Not many lakes make it to our list that aren’t from Northern Italy. Lake Trasimeno is one of those serene saline lake situated in central Italy. Situated in the province of Perugia, Trasimeno is one of the shallower lakes as it only goes as deep as 5 meters.
The lake draws a lot of local and international crowd during the Trasimeno Music Festival that is held in the city of Perugia. The lake contains three islands, out of which only one is inhabited- a small fishing village- Isola Maggiore. Another inescapable attraction for tourists is the fortified castle around its shores.
Places to visit around Lake Trasimeno: Isola Maggiore, Isola Polvese, Rocca del Leone, and Palazzo della Corgna
8. Lake Bolsena
A crater lake located in central Italy, Bolsena is one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe. What makes a visit to that lake so memorable and unforgettable is the view from the mountains that overlook the islands present in the lake.
The formation of the lake is believed to have been done via volcanic activity about 2100 years ago. The Lakeside area will particularly interesting for people who love seafood, as many types fishes brought from the lake add to the delicious cuisine of this area.
Places to visit near Lake Bolsena: Lake Mezzano, Rocca dei Papi, and Monti Volsini
9. Lake Ledro
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An adventurer’s paradise, Ledro has all the makings of a lake that invites a thrilling weekend of canoeing, sailing, and countless other ways a traveler can get a rush adrenaline. Located between Lake Garda and Lake Idro, Ledro’s eye-catching turquoise tinge makes it a good lake to catch some snaps as well.
Thanks it being one of the cleanest lakes in Italy and the lake temperature reaching as high 24 degrees in the summer, tourists can enjoy a dip in the lake without any inhibitions.
Places to visit near Lake Ledro: Museo delle Palafitte del Lago di Ledro, Lago D’Ampola, and Museo Foletto
10. Lake Bracciano
Situated just Northwest of Rome, Lake Bracciano is another one of the lakes in Italy situated in the volcanic zone. The second largest lake after Bolsena, Lake Bracciano was formed as far back as 6,00,000 years ago.
The lake is famous for its water activities such as canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, or windsurfing. Since Lake Bracciano is in close proximity to Rome, it is recommended that travels take a day-trip to this scenic lake.
Places to visit near Lake Bracciano: Castello-Orsini Odescalchi, Italian Air Force Museum, and Bracciano Castle
Further Read: 10 Unique Italy Honeymoon Ideas That Take You To The Most Romantic Spots For Couples
Ditch the easy choice of heading to the beaches for some sun, and bask in the eternal glory of the charming and romantic lakes of Italy for an incredible vacation you will never forget. Book your Europe tour package with TravelTriangle and customize it to suit your exact itinerary requirements!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In Italy
Which is the best lake to be visited by couples in Italy?
Honeymooners must visit Como Lake to enjoy their honeymoon by staying in lakeside resorts and enjoying the lake recreational activities.
Which are the most visited artificial lakes in Italy by tourists?
Lake Idroscalo and Lago di Pontesei are the most visited artificial lakes in Italy by tourists. The latter is a part of a reservoir and dam.
What types of lakes are there to see in Italy?
Lakes in Italy are of Alpine lakes, artificial lakes, glacial lakes, mountain lakes, and natural lakes.
In which lakes of Italy, the spa resorts are more in numbers for the romantic couples and honeymooners?
Lake Garda in Italy has spa resorts that are more in numbers for romantic couples and honeymooners. They are available from premium to luxury couples spa.
Which are the best lakes in Italy to stay and spend holidays?
Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore are the best lake destinations to stay in lakeside resorts, villas, and hotels for a weeklong holiday in Italy.
Which is the best season to visit the lakes in Italy?
The spring season and autumn season is the best time to visit Italian lakes. They are pleasant seasons for lake recreational activities. You must visit the lakes from in-between April to June and September to October.
Do Italian lakes get frozen during the winter season?
Lago d’Endine and Lago di Federa are the best-frozen lakes to visit during the winter season in Italy.
Which lake is having islands in Italy?
You must visit Lake Maggiore to explore twin islands by boat tours in Italy.
Are the Italian lakes safe for swimming?
Yes, you can swim in the permitted lakeshore only once on a Lakes tour in Italy.
Pranav combines his love for languages, storytelling, and traveling to make a life out of it. A travel writer by profession, he believes in traveling with a purpose and sharing unheard stories through the perspective of the people and places he encounters along his way. When he’s not traveling, he likes to spend time watching sports, and binging on Netflix.
