Tips for exploring the stunning Italian Lakes

Italy is a country of great variety. Its historic cities and culture and glamorous coastlines attracted 74.7 million international visitors in 2022. But its lake-dotted landscapes are deservedly popular too, drawing crowds with a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities and pretty towns.

You can reach the lakes via some of Italy’s finest cities, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds if you have time. Fashionable Milan and romantic Verona are just short drives or train rides away, and both have airports that you can reach from the UK!

There are lots of options for activities once you arrive at the lakes too. They’re great settings for walking holidays in Italy, with countryside views to admire and restaurants and wineries to sample along the way.

However you plan to travel, here are some of the biggest highlights to squeeze in!

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore straddles Italy and Switzerland, with the Alps providing a towering, beautiful backdrop. It’s perhaps the least known of Italy’s three major lakes - but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it!

Verbania is its biggest town and makes a great base for hiking, catching ferries around the lake or sitting back and people watching.

Lake Como

Lake Como sits 50 miles from fashion hotspot Milan and offers a similar but stately glamour which appeals to the rich and famous. Its setting only adds to the drama, with the snow-dusted Alps to the north and palm trees and ornate villas lining the lakeshore.

You may even spot George Clooney enjoying a coffee outside of his lakeside villa!  

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is arguably the most famous Italian lake and for good reason, having captivated visitors for centuries. It’s also the largest of Italy’s lakes, spanning an impressive 52km long and 17km wide.

It’s an ideal spot for windsurfing or sailing if you fancy getting on the water. Or if you’d prefer to kick back, pay a visit to the striking spa destination of Sirmione.

Verona

The city of Verona is famous for its Shakespeare associations, having been the setting of his romantic comedy starring Romeo and Juliet.

Its culture doesn’t stop there though, with a 1st-century amphitheatre hosting an annual opera festival, and pretty piazzas hosting restaurants serving regional wines and food.  

Milan

In contrast, Milan is known for mixing the old with the new. As well as an incredible gothic cathedral, you’ll find up-and-coming artists and designers and innovative cuisine.

You’ll want to fit in some shopping while you’re here of course. Milan is home to huge brands and one of the big four fashion weeks, which earned massive social media attention in 2023.  

Are the Italian lakes at the top of your travel bucket list?