The Ultimate Italian Lakes Travel Guide

Aside from being incredibly easy on the eye, the lake-dotted landscape also lends itself to some pretty special outdoor adventures including hikes, cruises and water sports – making this a destination for all. Combine the thrills with good weather all year round and you’re onto a winner. All that’s left is to pick from our jaw-dropping villas in the Italian Lakes.

Why Visit?

Connecting the lakes themselves are some of Italy’s finest cities, including stylish Milan and romantic Verona. Saffron-infused risottos, fresh-from-the-net lake fish and cheese-topped polenta are the stars of menus everywhere from Michelin-starred eateries to humble trattorias. And the wine regions produce a wealth of crisp whites, hearty reds and a world-famous fizz. So, why visit the Italian Lakes? The real question is, why wouldn’t you?

When to Visit

Tourist season on the lakes runs from Easter to October, but these beauty spots make for lovely viewing all year long. If you can pick any month to go, make it June or September; when the weather is hot, the water is warming up and the crowds are small. September is also harvest time, making it a great month to hit the wineries.

Crowds peak in July and August when the cities and lake resorts are all seriously toasty. Italians living in the cities tend to take the majority of August as holiday, which can mean a number of restaurants and shops shut up shop for a few weeks. Visitor numbers drop off rapidly from November, and from then until March, the shores of the lakes become crowd-free, misty and snow-flecked.

Getting Around

Airports: Most flights to the Italian Lakes touch down in Milan, where there is a pair of airports: Malpensa, which is 50 kilometres from the centre of town, or handy Linate, which is just seven kilometres away. Bergamo and Verona also receive flights from the UK.
By train: You can reach the Italian Lakes via a scenic 11-hour train ride from the UK. Once you get there, all the key cities in the region can be easily reached on the rail network.
By boat: Ferries cover the main lakes of the region: Maggiore, Como and Garda. Tickets for one-day unlimited travel are a popular option.
By bus: Buses allow those without their own transport to access some (though not all) of the smaller towns beyond the shores of the lakes.
By bike: The Italians in these parts are big on motorbikes and bicycles, so if you want to explore on two wheels, you’ll be in good company. Cycling is also a great way to explore remote, off-the-beaten-track corners.
By car: Hiring a car is the best way to reach all the nooks and crannies of the Italian Lakes. The roads can get busy but are generally in good condition, and motorways stretch the full length of the region.

Highlights

Lake Como – Sail the calm waters of Italy’s prettiest lake.
Lake Lugano – Split your time between the Swiss and Italian sides.
Verona –See an opera at the iconic Roman arena in Romeo and Juliet’s city.
Lake Garda – Try your hand at kitesurfing on the northern lake shores.
Franciacorta – Quaff some of the finest bubbly in Italy on a tour of this prestigious wine region.
Bergamo – Wander cobblestone streets and admire masterpieces of medieval architecture.
Milan – Gaze up at the Duomo and marvel at da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Lake Maggiore – Hop between picturesque islands on one of Italy’s largest lakes.