Italian Lake Lifestyle

The Lakes

Set among breathtaking scenery and fringed with charming towns, Italian lakes are some of the most beautiful areas of Italy. The area is a microcosm of Italy as it encompasses everything the country has to offer and this is reflected in the lifestyle of the lakes, which ranges from rustic to chic.

The lakes are best enjoyed between May and October, its climate is relatively mild throughout the year, producing a bounty of Mediterranean vegetation and exotic flora that can be viewed in one of the many, beautiful gardens located on its shores.

The Lake lifestyle is complemented by the range of restaurants and bars that reflect the palette of residents and visitors alike.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda has captivated visitors for centuries. Hikers, swimmers, sailing enthusiasts and travellers who simply want to unwind in a beautiful tranquil setting fall in love with this Italian lake. The clean mountain air, striking blue water and charming villages add to Lake Garda’s appeal and make Italy’s largest lake a popular choice.

Covering an area of 143 square miles and with a coastline of over 100 miles, the lake’s northern and southern shores are quite different. The dramatic, scenic north is more mountainous, wild and rugged, and attracts walkers and cyclists, with its section of narrow lake enticing windsurfers and adrenaline addicts. The flatter south is backed by cypress hills, olive groves and vineyards, and resorts here have more of a laid-back, genteel, seaside feel, with pebbled beaches providing easy access to the lake itself.

Lake Maggiore

Straddling both Italy and Switzerland, the majestic Alps provide Lake Maggiore with a staggeringly beautiful backdrop.

Stresa, a stylish Italian location on the southeastern shore of the 35-mile-long lake, has a cobbled-street old town where it’s easy to transport yourself back to a glamorous bygone age. The destination makes a good base for tours of the Italian lakes and faces the stunning Borromean islands, where on Isola Bella you’ll find a jaw-dropping belle-époque villa. A ride up the Monte Mottarone cable car delivers panoramic views.

Villages further north such as Cannobio and Cannero Riviera, close to the Swiss border, are more sedate and near good walking trails. Cannobio has atmospheric narrow streets and a promenade fronted by old fishermen’s houses. Cannero Riviera is renowned for its colourful camellias, rhododendrons and bougainvillaea. It also has a unique annual citrus fruit festival.

Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the biggest lakes with a surface of 145 sq km and the deepest lake in Europe with a depth of 410 m. It is the third largest Italian lake (right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore Its located in the northern region of Italy, 50 miles north of Milan. The lake has a “Y” shape with three extremities: the northern with Colico, the southeast with Lecco and the southwest with Como.

The whole area of Lake Como is well connected with several airports. Most famous places to visit in and around Lake Como are: The city of Como, Varenna, Bellagio, Cernobbio, Tramezzo.

The Italian culture known for its homely nature, exquisite design, culinary delicacies is prominent in this region.

Lake Orta

Lying in the foothills of the Alps near the Swiss border, Lago di Orta (Lake Orta) is located in the North-Eastern corner of Piedmont, next to Lake Maggiore.

Only seven square miles, this small lake is a truly awe-inspiring destination. From the magical lakeside village of Orta San Giulio, with its myriad of lanes, half-timbered shuttered homes and Moorish palace, to the famous fresco-painted houses of Miasino.