Explore Italian Lakes

The Italian lakes, with their deep Alpine waters and majestic mountains, form one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. Bound in the north by the Dolomites and stretching down towards the Plain of Lombardy, they are all a result of glacial activity. This has created distinctive ‘micro’ landscapes, resulting in each lake having its own special character and charm.

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LAKE COMO
BELLAGIO | MENAGGIO | TREMEZZO | MOLTRASIO

Parts of Lake Como have the air of a bygone era, when holidays were elegant and slow paced. Its location is dramatic, with towering mountains along its edge. Take a steam cruiser for a breathtakingly scenic ride and visit the charming stately gardens. For the sports minded, the small town of Menaggio on the western shore is a popular destination, with an 18-hole golf course close by, various water-sports and some excellent walking and hiking. Wherever you choose to stay you cannot fail to be enchanted by the awesome and spectacular natural beauty of this region.

LAKE MAGGIORE
STRESA | VERBANIA | PALLANZA

The second largest lake, Maggiore is home to the charming town of Stresa, which sits in the shadow of Mottarone. Stresa has a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, with excellent restaurants and cafes, elegant boutiques and fine architecture. Opposite lie the Borreomean islands, visited for their botanical gardens and the Palazzo Borromeo. Cannero is a quiet, picturesque little town, with lovely views from its steep cobbled streets, which lead one down to the waterfront.

 LAKE GARDA
GARDONE RIVIERA | SIRMIONE | GARDA | LIMONE

Garda is the largest of the lakes; its southern shore of rolling hills contrasting dramatically with its northern shore, where the towering Dolomites provide a spectacular backdrop. The scenic towns along its shoreline, with their palm tree lined promenades and elegant villas, have inspired poets and writers for centuries. On its south west shore, charming Gardone is one such town, particularly noted for its profusion of exotic parks, including the famous Hruska Botanical Gardens. Then there is Sirmione, an old Roman spa town, with its cobbled streets and castle of Rocca Scaligera.