Italian Lakes

Found in the heart of northern Italy with Milan, Venice and Bologna almost an equal distance away, Lake Garda is also Italy’s most popular and largest lake. At 143 square miles in size, peppered with islands and bordered by mountains and postcard-perfect villages, Lake Garda is a feast for the eyes. Enjoying a mild climate, the Lake Garda region is characterised by olive and lemon trees, striking mountains and brilliant blue waters.

With 90 miles of coastline, there’s a huge variety of life to be found on the edges of Lake Garda. There are 15 towns and yet more smaller villages, each with a history and character of its own. Given its size, there’s a noticeable difference between the north and south of Lake Garda. The north has taller mountains with a narrower stretch of lake sitting in between, making the scenery more vivid and activities more adventure-oriented, from mountaineering to water sports. The southern part of Lake Garda is relatively open and flat, with a smattering of pebbled beaches leading directly into the water and a number of vineyards in the surrounding area, famous for producing Bardolino, Soave and Valpolicella wines.

Towns and accommodation choices around Lake Garda offer a great diversity of experiences. In the south of Lake Garda, coastal towns such as Bardolino, Desenzano and Sirmione are iconic of the region.

Bardolino

Bardolino is surrounded by vineyards, so locally produced wines can be found in abundance here. As in many Lake Garda settlements, archaeological findings show Bardolino has been inhabited since prehistoric times. With 12^th century city walls and numerous churches, Bardolino is a romantic place to wander around, while the Zeni Wine Museum celebrates the wine history of the region. The Aqualux Hotel Spa Suite & Terme is a top option for accommodation, priding itself on its eco-sustainability credentials.

Desenzano

Desenzano is a favourite former holiday spot for the elite of Verona. Nowadays, it has a pretty harbour, three large beaches and a thriving nightlife scene, with music bars and laid-back open-air cafés. The Villarosa Hotel is a superb option for accommodation here, with elegant rooms and fabulous lake views, ideal for viewing with a cocktail in hand.

Sirmione

Sirmione is widely recognised for its peninsula, just a couple of hundred yards wide, which extends for about two miles into the lake. The town itself sits right at the spit’s tip, offering almost 360° views of the lake. Visitors are spoiled for choice with romantic hotel options in Sirmione, such as the Palace Hotel Villa Cortine and the Hotel Olivi Thermae & Natural Spa, just moments from the old town and the 13^th century castle.

In the more mountainous north and western shores of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda, Gargnano and the Gardone Riviera are some of the best localities to spend some time.

Riva del Garda

Given the stronger winds in Riva del Garda, this is a place for windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts. The grand mountains are also perfect for outdoor adventure fans, with climbing, canyoning and hiking all on offer, depending on just how intrepid visitors are. A medieval fortress, city gates built by the Venetians and glamourous squares complete the picture for culture and activity filled holidays. Look no further than the Lido Palace Hotel as a place to stay, found in a stately 19^th century building.

Gargnano & Gardone Riviera

On Lake Garda’s western shore, Gargnano offers the best of all worlds with beach life, water sports and mountain activities. The magnificent Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda has immense views from its hillside location. Slightly further south, the Gardone Riviera is a small lakeside resort full of parks and gardens.

For more information and inspiration, take a look at our decicated post on things to do in Lake Garda.

Only 50 miles north of Milan, but a million miles away from city life, is the romantic Lake Como. A destination favoured by the rich and famous, it’s easy to see why it’s so attractive to visitors. Indeed, the likes of Richard Branson, George Clooney and Madonna have all owned holiday homes around the 56 square mile lake. Pretty small villages are scattered around the lake – which stretches for around 20 miles from top to bottom – offering a high-end but traditional taste of Italian lakeside life. Completing the idyllic picture, the lake has a stunning backdrop of pine covered mountains.

Lake Como splits into two branches in its southern half, and it’s in the western branch where some of the most romantic and enchanting villages can be found.

Bellagio

Bellagio sits in a commanding position at the tip of the fork in the lake. A fascinating history is depicted through centuries-old churches, cobbled lanes and grand villas. Surrounded by green mountains, this region has also become popular with cycling enthusiasts, as Bellagio marks the beginning of the climb to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo – the patron saint of cyclists. One of the best places to stay in Bellagio is the palatial Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, inside one of the original Bellagio villas dating back to 1873.

Tremezzina

Across the lake from Bellagio is Tremezzina, a small village perfect for relaxing holidays and soaking up some of the most magnificent views of Lake Como. Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a superior accommodation option. In a building dating back to the early 1900s, the hotel features an innovative floating swimming pool set within the lake itself.

Cernobbio

Approaching the most south-westerly tip of Lake Como are the towns of Cernobbio and Como itself. Cernobbio is home to some of the grandest villas of Lake Como, while day-to-day life is a peaceful affair, with casual strolling and enjoying natural vistas popular pastimes. Villa d’Este is an exclusive accommodation choice, decorated with Como silk furnishings and set within a 25-acre park.

Como

Como is a more bustling town, characterised by its lakeside promenade and funicular railway offering unparalleled views of the lake. The Palace Hotel Como is a remarkable place to stay, located inside a 19^th century Art Nouveau building.