THE ITALIAN LAKES
The Italian Lakes are a masterpiece of nature, where dramatic alpine peaks plunge into crystalline waters. They are a timeless retreat of opulent villas, manicured gardens, and enchanting lakeside towns.
This northern Italian paradise offers a blend of spectacular scenery, world-class dining, and active outdoor pursuits. It’s a land of sublime elegance and tranquil beauty, perfect for a luxurious escape.
Most Popular Attractions
Lake Como (Lago di Como): Grand Villas & Chic Towns
Bellagio (The Pearl of Lake Como): A picturesque town located at the intersection of the lake’s three branches, famous for its cobbled streets and spectacular views.
Villa del Balbianello: A magnificent villa in Lenno, known for its terraced gardens and the setting of several major films.
Villa Carlotta: A neoclassical villa in Tremezzo famous for its botanical gardens, including rhododendrons and azaleas.
Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como): A stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the main city of Como.
Brunate Funicular: A historic funicular railway connecting Como to the hilltop town of Brunate, offering incredible panoramic views.
Varenna: A charming fishing village known for its narrow alleyways, colorful houses, and the romantic Lover’s Walk (Passeggiata degli Innamorati).
Orrido di Nesso: A stunning natural gorge and waterfall where a historic Roman bridge crosses the water, a unique photo spot.
Lake Garda (Lago di Garda): Historic Fortresses & Alpine Access
Sirmione & Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera): A stunning medieval fortress at the entrance to the Sirmione peninsula, with a picturesque harbor.
Grotte di Catullo: The impressive ruins of a grand Roman villa located at the tip of the Sirmione peninsula.
Riva del Garda: The main town on the northern, alpine end of the lake, known for its windsurfing and sailing.
Gardaland: One of Italy’s largest and most popular amusement parks, located on the southeastern shore.
Malcesine & Monte Baldo Cable Car: A beautiful medieval town and the base for a revolving cable car that ascends the massive Monte Baldo mountain for hiking and views.
Limone sul Garda: A charming town famous for its historic lemon groves (limonaie) and steep cliffs.
Isola del Garda: A private island with a magnificent, ornate Venetian neo-Gothic villa and historical gardens.
Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore): Island Gems & Floral Beauty
Isola Bella (Borromean Islands): An island dominated by the Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and its ten-tiered, elaborate Italian gardens.
Isola dei Pescatori (Borromean Islands): A small, atmospheric island known for its traditional fishing village and excellent seafood restaurants.
Isola Madre (Borromean Islands): The largest of the islands, famous for its stunning botanical garden and free-roaming peacocks.
Stresa: The most elegant and popular town on Lake Maggiore, serving as the main launch point for the Borromean Islands.
Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens: Located in Verbania, these are world-renowned gardens featuring thousands of exotic plant species.
Lake Iseo (Lago d’Iseo): Untamed Nature & Culinary Delights
Monte Isola: The largest lake island in Europe, offering tranquil villages, gentle hiking, and no car traffic.
Franciacorta Wine Region: Located just south of Lake Iseo, this area is famous for its production of high-quality, Italian-style sparkling wine.
Iseo Town: A charming medieval town on the southern shore, with a lovely promenade and historic center.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Ferry Cruise: Hop aboard a historic ferry to appreciate the landscape from the water. Cruise Lake Como to see the villas of Bellagio and Varenna, or navigate the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.
Hike the Sentiero del Viandante (Lake Como): Walk a section of this ancient Roman-era trail that runs along the eastern shore, offering spectacular elevated views of the lake and mountains.
Visit the Borromean Islands (Lake Maggiore): Explore the opulent palaces and stunning Italianate gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre, a short boat ride from Stresa.
Explore the Grottoes of Catullus (Lake Garda): Wander through the ruins of a grand Roman villa located on the tip of the Sirmione peninsula, with a fantastic view of the lake.
Take a Cable Car Ride: Ascend Monte Baldo via the revolving cable car from Malcesine (Lake Garda) or take the funicular up to Brunate (Lake Como) for breathtaking panoramic views.
Go Wine Tasting in Franciacorta (Near Lake Iseo): Take a detour to the “Italian Champagne” region just south of Lake Iseo and tour a cellar for sparkling wine tasting.
Try Your Hand at Sailing or Windsurfing: Lake Garda, with its reliable winds (like the Ora and Peler), is a mecca for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing, especially in towns like Riva del Garda and Torbole.
Cycle the Path around Lake Iseo: Rent a bike and ride the scenic, largely flat path that rings the lake, offering up-close views of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe.
Tour Historic Lakeside Villas: Visit iconic villas such as Villa del Balbianello (Lake Como, famous for movies) or Villa Carlotta (Lake Como) with its renowned botanical garden.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or SUP and explore the quieter coves and shores of any of the lakes, offering a peaceful, water-level perspective.
Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare Risotto al Pesce Persico (Perch Risotto) or other regional specialties using fresh ingredients from the lake and mountains.
Local Tips & Transport
Ferry Travel is Essential: The public ferry services are not just for tourists—they are a crucial mode of transportation and the best way to see the lakes. They connect all the major towns and villas. Purchase a one-day or multi-day pass for the best value.
Train Access:
Lake Como: Excellent train service runs along the eastern shore to Varenna and Bellano (from Milan), and a separate line runs to Como town.
Lake Garda: The closest train stations are on the southern end (Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano del Garda) and on the northern end (Rovereto and Riva del Garda) with bus connections.
Lake Maggiore: Stresa, Verbania, and other towns are easily reached by train from Milan.
Driving: A car offers maximum flexibility, particularly for reaching smaller towns or Lake Iseo and the Franciacorta area. However, be prepared for narrow, winding roads (especially on the western side of Lake Como) and difficult parking, which is often limited and expensive in the lakeside villages, especially in high season.
Buses: Local bus services connect the train stations to the lakeside towns, particularly around Lake Garda (e.g., from Desenzano or Peschiera) and Lake Como (e.g., the C30 bus from Como to Bellagio).
Embrace the Water: The culture of the Lakes revolves around the water. Look for restaurants (Trattoria or Ristorante) that specialize in lake fish—like whitefish (lavarello), perch (persico), or trout—which are regional delicacies and an essential culinary experience.
High Season Crowds: July and August are the peak season, meaning ferries, villas, and roads can be very crowded. Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for pleasant weather, lower prices, and far fewer crowds.
Aperitivo Culture: Adopt the Italian tradition of Aperitivo—a pre-dinner drink (often a Spritz) usually enjoyed between 6 PM and 8 PM, accompanied by small, complimentary snacks. This is a perfect way to relax and people-watch on a lakeside piazza.
The “Two-Sided” Lakes: Remember that the western and eastern shores of the lakes often have very different vibes. For example, the eastern side of Lake Como is generally quieter and easier to access by train, while the western side is home to the most famous, grand villas. Plan your stay accordingly.
Hidden Gems:
Isola Superiore dei Pescatori (Lake Maggiore): The smallest of the Borromean Islands, this island is still a working fishing village with narrow, charming streets and excellent, authentic seafood restaurants.
Monte Isola (Lake Iseo): Take the ferry across and hike or cycle the circumference of this quiet, car-free island. It offers a truly tranquil contrast to the busier Como and Garda.
Rocca Scaligera (Lake Garda): This stunning 13th-century fortress in Sirmione is completely surrounded by the lake, making it one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval castles and a fantastic photo opportunity.
Orrido di Bellano (Lake Como): A dramatic natural gorge and waterfall near Bellano, accessible via a series of fixed walkways. It’s a wonderful, slightly off-the-beaten-path natural wonder.
Top Restaurants
Osteria del Vapore [$30-$50] – Located in a historic building in Lake Como’s Cernobbio, this charming osteria offers traditional Larian cuisine (Lake Como) in a cozy, intimate setting.
Trattoria del Gallo [$30-$50] – Tucked away in Lake Como’s Como city, this spot is highly favored by locals for its authentic dishes like Pizzoccheri and Polenta Uncia.
Antica Trattoria La Garzetta [$25-$45] – A rustic, no-frills restaurant near Lake Garda (in Sirmione area) focusing on traditional regional cuisine, especially grilled meats and lake fish.
Agriturismo Le Sorgive [$30-$50] – Near Lake Garda (in the Desenzano area), this agriturismo offers genuine farm-to-table cuisine with house-made pasta and meats from their own farm.
Trattoria Cascina Costano [$25-$45] – A traditional cascina (farmhouse) near Lake Iseo known for its local Lombard dishes, particularly the Manzo all’olio (beef cooked in olive oil).
Ristorante Bellavista [$30-$55] – Located in the hills above Lake Maggiore (in Stresa/Baveno area), this restaurant provides stunning views and classic Piedmontese/Lombard cuisine.
Osteria Al Cantinì [$30-$50] – A small, authentic osteria in Lake Como (Varenna) known for its commitment to local ingredients and traditional lake fish preparations.
Trattoria da Luigi [$30-$50] – A Lake Garda (in Gargnano) favorite, famous for its simple, high-quality seafood, including lake fish and excellent fried calamari.
Ristorante Gambero [$35-$55] – Near Lake Iseo, this spot has a long history and is celebrated for its meticulously prepared lake fish dishes, using only the freshest catch.
Trattoria della Stella [$30-$50] – A truly local spot in Lake Maggiore (in Arona) that serves classic Italian comfort food with a focus on local ingredients and generous portions.
Osteria da Giusy [$25-$40] – A simple and friendly osteria in the Lake Garda region (in Bardolino) known for its homemade pasta and a robust selection of local wines.
Crotto Valchiavenna [$35-$55] – A traditional crotto (a natural cave restaurant) near Lake Como (in the Sondrio area) offering cured meats, cheeses, and Polenta Taragna.
Osteria dell’Oss Büs [$30-$50] – A characteristic spot near Lake Maggiore (in Verbania) serving traditional, hearty mountain and lake cuisine in a rustic environment.
Ristorante La Ruga [$30-$50] – Located near Lake Iseo, this restaurant is valued for its traditional menu and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere popular with locals.
Trattoria San Giacomo [$35-$55] – A hidden gem in Lake Garda’s Malcesine known for its classic regional recipes and a spectacular view from its terrace.
I Tigli in Theoria [$60-$100] – A highly-regarded, modern restaurant in Como (Lake Como) that offers a creative, contemporary take on Lombard cuisine in an elegant setting.
Acquolina [$50-$80] – Situated on the waterfront in Lake Garda’s Desenzano, this restaurant offers a refined and modern menu with a focus on creative seafood dishes.
Capriccio [$45-$75] – Near Lake Iseo (in Adro), this spot offers a modern and innovative menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a sophisticated presentation.
Atelier Restaurant [$50-$90] – A modern bistro in Lake Maggiore (Stresa) that blends local flavors with international techniques in a casual yet elegant setting.
Feel Como [$50-$90] – Located in Como, this restaurant focuses on modern cuisine, emphasizing slow food and high-quality, local produce in inventive dishes.
L’Osteria H2O [$45-$75] – A contemporary osteria in Lake Garda’s Moniga del Garda, known for its creative menu that highlights local ingredients with an original touch.
Dispensa Franciacorta [$40-$60] – Near Lake Iseo, specializing in creative dishes designed to pair with the region’s famous Franciacorta sparkling wine.
Crotto dei Platani [$55-$90] – While a historic structure on Lake Como, its cuisine is modern and refined, offering a beautiful fusion of traditional Larian flavors with contemporary flair.
Locanda San Vigilio [$50-$80] – A stunning, historic location on a peninsula in Lake Garda (Garda), serving a refined menu of both regional and creative dishes with an unbeatable view.
Ristorante Pizzeria L’Isola [$40-$65] – Located on Isola Pescatori in Lake Maggiore, this offers a surprisingly creative menu beyond the standard fare, focusing on inventive fish dishes.
Materia [$80-$130] – A modern, minimalist restaurant in Cernobbio (Lake Como) with a Michelin star, offering an avant-garde tasting menu deeply connected to the local territory.
Ristorante Lido 84 [$100-$180] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on Lake Garda (Gardone Riviera), renowned for its visionary cuisine by Chef Riccardo Camanini, focusing on lake fish and local produce.
D’O by Davide Oldani [$100-$160] – Located slightly inland near Lake Maggiore (in San Pietro all’Olmo), this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers “Cucina Pop,” high-quality, accessible gastronomy with brilliant technique.
La Filanda [$70-$120] – A Michelin-recommended restaurant near Lake Como (in Lezzeno) that focuses on sophisticated, modern Italian cuisine in a stunning lakeside setting.
Due Colombe [$90-$150] – Located near Lake Iseo (in Borgonato), this Michelin-starred restaurant is housed in a renovated monastery and offers innovative, gourmet dishes from the Franciacorta area.
Il Porticciolo [$70-$120] – A sophisticated restaurant on Lake Maggiore (Laveno-Mombello) known for its refined seafood menu and stunning lake views, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Gambero Rosso [$60-$100] – A highly-regarded restaurant near Lake Garda (in Riva del Garda) that offers a meticulous, elegant dining experience with a focus on refined regional cuisine.
Ristorante Berton al Lago [$90-$150] – Located within the Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como (Blevio), this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a highly technical and contemporary menu focused on lake-side ingredients.
Il Saraceno [$60-$100] – High in the hills above Lake Iseo (in Sarnico), this refined restaurant offers a panoramic view and an elegant menu of traditional dishes with a contemporary touch.
Piccolo Lago [$120-$200] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on Lake Mergozzo, just west of Lake Maggiore (in Verbania area), celebrated for its chef Marco Sacco’s innovative interpretation of lake and mountain cuisine.
Mercato Coperto Como [$15-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a vibrant covered market in Como (Lake Como) with various stalls selling local foods, perfect for a casual, authentic lunch of cheese, cured meats, and local street food.
La Cantina Fratta [$20-$40] – A popular enoteca (wine bar/shop) near Lake Garda (in Sirmione) that offers an excellent selection of local wines and high-quality cold cuts and cheeses.
Osteria dell’Orologio [$30-$50] – Near Lake Iseo (in Erbusco), this charming spot offers a rustic, traditional setting and is known for its excellent casoncelli (stuffed pasta) and local wine pairings.
Enoteca Regionale della Serra [$25-$45] – Located in a small town near Lake Maggiore (in Gattinara), this is a regional wine cellar that also serves simple, traditional dishes paired perfectly with local wines.
Gelateria La Romana [$10-$20] – While a chain, the locations near the Lakes (e.g., Como, Brescia) are essential for experiencing high-quality, traditional Italian gelato and crêpes.
Osteria del Becco [$30-$50] – A true local tavern in Lake Como (Gravedona) that serves simple, hearty meals like stews and polenta, beloved for its authentic, non-touristy atmosphere.
Trattoria Il Melograno [$35-$55] – Near Lake Garda (in Lazise), this family-run trattoria is known for its commitment to using only high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on a short, changing menu.
La Locanda del Pittore [$40-$70] – A charming, art-filled restaurant near Lake Iseo (in Grone) that offers a unique dining experience and a creative menu focused on regional flavors.
Al 26 [$30-$50] – A bustling, modern but unpretentious spot in Como (Lake Como) known for its high-quality ingredients, excellent wines, and lively local crowd.
Ristorante Pizzeria L’Approdo [$30-$50] – On the shores of Lake Maggiore (in Pallanza), this spot offers both reliable, excellent pizza and solid traditional Italian dishes with a beautiful view.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Il Molo (Varenna, Lake Como): Located on the waterfront in Varenna, this lively café offers an elegant terrace with beautiful lake views, especially at sunset, and serves a variety of classic Italian aperitifs and cocktails.
Fresco Cocktail Shop (Como City, Lake Como): Situated in the heart of Como city, this bar is known for its high-quality, creative mixology, pushing the boundaries of innovative cocktails in a stylish setting.
Hemingway Cocktail Bar (Como City, Lake Como): A landmark cocktail bar in the historic center of Como, recently revived to capture the spirit of an 80s icon while focusing on expertly crafted drinks.
Theoria (Como City, Lake Como): Located near the Duomo, this elegant and modern bar on the 5th floor offers a spectacular view of the historic city center, ideal for a refined evening aperitivo.
Harry’s Bar (Cernobbio, Lake Como): A trendy restaurant and bar in Cernobbio’s main square, featuring an elegant atmosphere and a nice veranda in the summer perfect for enjoying lake views with a drink.
Lo Scalo Craft Drinks By The Lake (Cremia, Lake Como): This small, dedicated cocktail bar overlooks the pier in the small village of Cremia on Alto Lario, focusing on craft drinks in a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Bar Giuliani (Lenno, Lake Como): Combines elegance with everyday live music and offers a menu of cutting-edge cocktails in the picturesque town of Lenno.
Lido di Moltrasio (Moltrasio, Lake Como): A chic beach club and bar right on the shores of Lake Como in Moltrasio, popular for its vibrant beach atmosphere and refreshing cocktails.
Bar Enoteca “Le Scalì” (Piovere/Tignale, Lake Garda): Perched in the village of Piovere, which overlooks the entire Lake Garda, offering excellent wine tastings and aperitifs with stunning, high-altitude views.
Barracuda (Sirmione, Lake Garda): A spot on the Sirmione peninsula perfect for an aperitif, with drinks and cocktails crafted with creativity, best enjoyed from their pier as the sunset reflects on the water.
Rivabar (Riva del Garda, Lake Garda): Known for its extensive cocktail selection, this bar is housed in a beautiful Liberty-style villa on the lakeside of Riva del Garda, featuring a splendid terrace.
Zanoni Bottega & Cucina (Desenzano, Lake Garda): One of the most popular venues in Desenzano, offering a wide selection of fine wines and cocktails paired with high-quality, plentiful local appetizers.
Damm’Atrà (Sirmione, Lake Garda): Located in Sirmione, this spot caters to sophisticated palates, offering a variety of carefully selected wines and champagnes, and cocktails that showcase the best in mixology.
Hotel Molina Lario Rooftop Bar (Moltrasio, Lake Como): An exclusive hotel rooftop in Moltrasio, offering a sophisticated location to enjoy classic and signature cocktails with panoramic views of the lake.
Terrazza 1841 (Iseo, Lake Iseo): The bistrot and lounge bar within the historic Araba Fenice Hotel in Iseo, offering cocktails and a unique lakeside experience with views of the lake and the hotel’s infinity pool.
MEMENTO – Restaurant & Cocktail Boutique (Iseo, Lake Iseo): Found right on the Lungolago in Iseo, this establishment blends restaurant dining with a dedicated cocktail boutique experience.
Miralago Lounge Bar (Baveno, Lake Maggiore): Part of the Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno, this lounge bar offers incredible panoramic views of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands, and the surrounding mountains, perfect for a refined cocktail.
Beach Club Meina (Meina, Lake Maggiore): Meina’s trendiest bar, designed by architect Gae Aulenti, offering a fashionable place to enjoy drinks with a modern flair by the water.
MADE Club (Como City, Lake Como): A popular and modern nightclub located in Como city, known for its high-energy atmosphere and diverse music, often hosting top DJs.
Lido di Bellagio (Bellagio, Lake Como): Situated on the beautiful shores of Bellagio, this is a multi-purpose venue featuring a restaurant, lounge, and a discotheque, offering a glamorous night out right on the lake.
Lido di Lenno (Lenno, Lake Como): Directly on the lake in the northern bay of Lenno, offering a unique Caribbean flair, this spot functions as a beach club, restaurant, and summer disco with numerous live events.
Orsa Maggiore (Lecco, Lake Como): Located in Lecco, this is a popular, larger discotheque right on the lake, often featuring a lido (beach) area, restaurant, and a fantastic lake view, hosting dance nights.
Discoteca Andén (Como City, Lake Como): A large, well-known club in Como city, close to the main train station, featuring multiple halls and bars, offering a mix of music genres.
Lido Beach Club Baveno (Baveno, Lake Maggiore): Situated on the shore of Lake Maggiore, this beach club transforms into an outdoor disco for a night of dancing, often under the stars during the summer season.
Sesto Senso (Lonato del Garda, Lake Garda): A high-profile and fashionable nightclub near Lake Garda, known for its elegant design, large dance floor, and attracting a chic crowd for house and commercial music events.
Discoteca Hollywood Dance Club (Bardolino, Lake Garda): One of the most famous clubs on Lake Garda, located in Bardolino, known for its long history, various music genres, and popular summer parties.