Where to Go for a Lake Vacation in Italy
Italy boasts beautiful, romantic lakes that make excellent vacation destinations. Use this guide to Italian lakes to choose your favorite lake, or lago, in Italy.
Lake Como
Address: Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is Italy’s most popular lake and a top romantic destination. With its temperate climate, it is an ideal location year-round. The area is surrounded by stunning villas and charming resort villages, with abundant hiking trails. Visitors often enjoy boat trips, water activities, and photography opportunities. Situated in the northern Italian Lakes District, Lake Como is conveniently located between Milan and Switzerland.
Lake Garda
Address: Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and one of the most visited destinations, renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore picturesque villages, medieval castles, and scenic lakeside promenades along its shores. Its diverse scenery includes sandy beaches to the south and rocky cliffs in the north, making it perfect for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. Additionally, nearby Gardaland offers thrilling amusement and recreational parks, making it a fantastic spot for families. Nestled in northeastern Italy, Lake Garda lies conveniently between Venice and Milan.
Lake Maggiore
Address: Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is another significant and sought-after lake in northern Italy, positioned north of Milan and west of Lake Como. The northern section of Lake Maggiore stretches into Switzerland. Created by glacial activity, it is encircled by hills to the south and mountains to the north, providing a mild climate throughout the year. The lake is adorned with three charming islands that attract numerous visitors.
Lake Bolsena
Address: Lake Bolsena, Province of Viterbo, Italy
Lake Bolsena, the fifth-largest lake in Italy, is located in the Northern Lazio region, between Rome and Tuscany. The lake was formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. Bolsena, the primary town on the lake, features a medieval center with a fortress atop the hill. Scenic photographs of Bolsena and the lake offer a glimpse of this charming locale.
Torre del Lago Puccini on Lake Massaciuccoli
Address: Lago di Massaciuccoli, Province of Lucca, Italy
Lake Massaciuccoli is known for its tranquil ambiance. One side of the lake features a wildlife preserve, while the opposite side is home to Torre del Lago Puccini, the town where composer Giacomo Puccini lived and wrote many operas. Puccini’s villa now serves as a museum, and a summer opera festival takes place in the outdoor theater that overlooks the lake. Located near the Tuscany coast, this area is ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Lake Trasimeno
Address: Lago Trasimeno, Province of Perugia, Italy
Lake Trasimeno, located in Central Italy within the Umbria region near Tuscany, is the largest non-Alpine lake in Italy and is relatively shallow. Historically notable for the battle between Hannibal and Rome, the lake is surrounded by several intriguing historical towns. The large island, Isola Maggiore, is renowned for its lace-making and offers a delightful visit. Among the charming towns, Castiglione del Lago features a medieval center and a castle alongside the lake, providing stunning views and historical significance.
Lake Orta
Address: Lake Orta, Italy
The picturesque Lake Orta, located west of Lake Maggiore in the northern Italian lakes district, was historically a retreat for poets and artists. From the enchanting village of Orta San Giulio, visitors can explore the only island in the lake or trek up to Sacro Monte, or the sacred mountain, which features a sanctuary built in 1591 and small chapels dedicated to Saint Francis.
