Lombardy certainly cannot count among its natural beauties the sea, but it makes up for this lack with the rich presence of lakes-Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda. They are an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
In this article we offer, for each of the 4 lakes, a complete guide to the main tourist locations with tips for trips and visits.
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Lake Maggiore
Also known as Verbano, Lake Maggiore is divided between Piedmont, Lombardy and the district of Locarno (Switzerland) and is the second largest lake in Italy. It is particularly famous for its gardens and the Borromean Islands, shown in photo.
Let's discover them together.
The Borromean Islands as seen from above
Best locations
Locarno
The only municipality on Swiss territory, Locarno is famous for its Mediterranean microclimate, making it the warmest city in Switzerland. The Piazza Grande is the centerpiece of the old town, full of ancient buildings. In addition to its architectural beauty, Locarno is also remembered for hosting the famous film festival each year, which is held right on the Piazza Grande.
Piazza Grande in Locarno
Verbania
Verbania is the largest urban center among those bordering Lake Maggiore. Thanks to the charming presence of numerous parks and villas, it has been nicknamed"The Garden of Lake Maggiore." Among its attractions, the most popular is undoubtedly Villa Taranto, with its splendid botanical gardens enriched by plants and flowers from all over the world.
The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania
Stresa
Stresa is perhaps the most famous resort on Lake Maggiore, not only for its monuments but also for the events it hosts each year. Beautiful are the gardens and parks full of colorful plants and flowers. Main attractions are the Villa Pallavicino and of course the beautiful Borromean Islands, easily reached by ferry from the port of Stresa.
The Park of Villa Pallavicino in Stresa
Arona
Arona is one of the most beautiful towns on the lower lake. An obligatory stop is certainly a visit to the Sancarlone, the colossal statue (height 35.1o m) of St. Charles Borromeo, who was born in this town.
Sancarlone of Arona
Angera
On the Lombard side we find the romantic town of Angera, dominated from above by the Rocca Borromea, by far one of the most beautiful attractions on Lake Maggiore. From the top of this fortification there is a splendid panorama overlooking the waters of the lake and Arona opposite. The interior of the castle is no less impressive either, with its frescoed rooms full of historical relics.
The Borromean Fortress overlooking Angera
Luino
Going up the western shore of the lake, more precisely along the stretch called Costa Fiorita, a few steps from the Swiss border we find Luino, an elegant lakeside town famous for hosting every Wednesday the historic International Market that has been attracting tourists and shoppers from all over for 550 years. Also worthy of attention are the Art Nouveau-style Palazzo Verbania and the splendid lakefront that reaches almost 2 km in length.
Verbania Palace
Recommended trips
1. Visit to the Borromean Islands (by ferry from Stresa)
If you are in Stresa, you cannot miss taking a ferry to the Borromean Islands, comprisingIsola Madre, IsolaBella,Isola dei Pescatori, Isolino di San Giovanni and Scoglio della Malghera. The first three islands can be visited and offer truly enchanting scenery: the respective palaces on Isola Madre and Isola Bella, both of which have an amazing garden, are marvelous; on Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island, on the other hand, it is possible to walk through the picturesque alleys that crisscross its small center.
The enchanting garden of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella
2. Trip toLake Mergozzo
This small lake is a stone's throw from Lake Maggiore, and its clear waters, among the cleanest in the Alps, are a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts. The small town of the same name that is mirrored on its shores is a beautiful hamlet characterized by stone houses leaning against each other. The symbol of the town is the centuries-old elm tree that dominates the central square.
The small village of Mergozzo
3. Trekking on Mottarone (from Stresa)
Still staying in Stresa, another highly recommended destination is Mount Mottarone (1'492 m). Located halfway between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, from its summit you can see a fantastic 360° view that allows you to see the Maritime Alps, the great Alpine peaks such as Monviso and Monte Rosa, the Po Valley and the unparalleled scenery of the Seven Lakes (Orta, Maggiore, Mergozzo, Biandronno, Varese, Monate, Comabbio).
In addition to being an important winter ski center, Mottarone is also perfect for those who love trekking: in fact, there are many trails that can be followed. We also remember the beautiful Alpinia Gardens located in Alpino, a hamlet of Stresa on the slopes of the mountain.
Aerial view of Mottarone and Lake Maggiore
4. Visit to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso (Leggiuno)
Moving on to the Lombard shore, the last recommended trip to Lake Maggiore is a visit to the Hermitageof Santa Caterina del Sasso, in Leggiuno, a pleasant lakeside town in the province of Varese. The hermitage is a monastery raised on a wall of raw rock, and it is precisely this position that makes it an extremely evocative place from which it is possible to enjoy a splendid view of Lake Maggiore.
The hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
How to get there
Finally, some logistical information. For those who want to reach the lake by car, as far as the Piedmontese side is concerned, they can take the A26 highway to Verbania, and then continue with state road 34 that goes as far as Locarno; for the Lombard side to skirt Verbano is provincial road 69, which runs from Sesto Calende to Luino.
Turning instead to train transportation, both banks are well connected: on the western side there is the R23 Domodossola-Arona-Gallarate-Milan line, while on the eastern bank we have the Sesto Calende-Laveno line, the S30 Cadenazzo-Luino-Gallarate line (Luino is then also reachable from Milan via the R21 Luino-Gallarate-Milan line). Finally, one can reach Locarno via the R80 Locarno-Milano Centrale cross-border line.
Lake Como
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the deepest lake in Italy and the third largest in size. The basin is divided into three branches: to the north is the Colico basin, which then intersects into the two famous branches of Como and Lecco. A favorite destination of the rich and noble since Roman times, Lake Como is dotted with numerous prestigious villas that enhance its international fame.
The village of Cernobbio as seen from the waters of Lake Como.
Best locations
Menaggio
Starting from the western branch of the lake, our first stop is Menaggio with its Piazza Garibaldi as its center. But the jewel in the crown of this town is probably its tree-lined lakefront overlooked by numerous stately villas. Another noteworthy attraction is the elegant Villa Mylius Vigoni, host among other things to the German-Italian Center for European Dialogue.
Menaggio view from the lake
Cernobbio
Cernobbio is just a short distance from Como and is most famous for its beautiful villas, among which are Villa Erba, an important conference center, the 16th-century Villa Este, now a luxury hotel, Villa Bernasconi, in Art Nouveau style, and Villa Pizzo. The center, with the beautiful Piazza Risorgimento, and the lakefront are also ideal for weekend strolls.
Villa Erba in Cernobbio
Como
Clearly the most important city on the lake, to which among other things it gives its name, Como could not be missed. So many are the beauties that the city offers: the cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful monuments in northern Italy, Palazzo Broletto, the Tempio Voltiano, the nearby Villa Olmo, therationalist architecture, and the beautiful lakefront are just the main points of interest in the city. Also not to be forgotten is nearby Brunate, which can be reached from Como by funicular railway.
Como with its lakefront and imposing cathedral
Bellagio
Bellagio has always been one of the most beloved Larian resorts, even internationally. Set right on the offshoot of Lake Como (an offshoot that can be admired from the vantage point called Punta Spartivento), Bellagio boasts a splendid historic center characterized by romantic little alleys and a lakefront adorned with flowering plants. Worth seeing in Bellagio are the beautiful Villa Serbelloni, currently the site of prestigious conventions, and Villa Melzi, equipped with a splendid garden.
The village of Bellagio
Varenna
Varenna is on the eastern shore of the lake, on the Lecco side. This beautiful village, characterized by narrow alleys and steep stairways, is famous first and foremost for the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, a romantic pedestrian path practically suspended over the water that leads from the pier to the center of town. Another important tourist destination is the wonderful historic villas and their botanical gardens, such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi.
The village of Varenna
Lecco
Another large city besides Como, Lecco lies at the tip of the eastern branch of the Lario and its name is inextricably linked to Manzoni's celebrated work, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed). Surrounded by rocky mountains, including the famous Resegone, Lecco offers visitors a delightful lakefront and a pleasant center. Definitely on the bucket list is a tour of the city's various Manzonian sites, such as Lucia's house in Olate and the village of Pescarenico.
The center of Lecco
Recommended trips
1. Walk or bike on the Lake Como Greenway.
For those who love walking, the Greenway is an excellent solution for those who want to admire immersed in nature all the splendor of Lake Como: this route of about 10 km will take you through some of the beauty of the western shore of the Lario. The Greenway starts from Colonno and goes as far as Griante and touches the towns of Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra and Tremezzo.
The Greenway trail in Colonno
2. Visit to Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello
We have already seen how Lake Como is rich in enchanting noble residences. Of these, Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello are certainly among the best known. The former, which by the way can be admired along the Greenway route, is located in Tremezzina and, in addition to being an architectural jewel, also houses a museum and a wonderful botanical garden inside.
Villa Carlotta
Another enchanting mansion, Villa Balbianello is located in Lenno and is owned by the FAI. Shrouded in dense vegetation and located on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula, the complex enjoys an extremely scenic view to such an extent that it has become a particularly sought-after location in the world of cinema.
The wonderful Villa del Balbianello in Lenno
3. Visit to the Castle of Vezio
If you are in Varenna you can, with a walk of about 30 min, reach the above village of Vezio and its castle of medieval origin, from which you can enjoy a splendid view. In addition to this, the fortress also houses a raptor training center thanks to which you can watch exhibitions on the ancient art of falconry.
The ruins of the Vezio Castle
4. Walk and visit to the Orrido di Bellano and Orrido di Nesso.
If you are looking for natural beauty, the shores of Lake Como are full of it. Among the most original and interesting are two orridi (i.e., rocky gorges carved by rivers and streams): that of Bellano and that of Nesso.
If in Nesso you can only admire from afar the cleft in the rock from a pretty little bridge, in Bellano, on the other hand, there is a real path that through footbridges and bridges will lead you inside the rocky ravine: from here it is possible to admire the work of erosion conducted by the waters of the Pioverna stream over millions of years.
The footbridges that cross the Orrido di Bellano
5. Trekking on the Sentiero del Viandante
We conclude our trip to Lake Como with the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), a long hiking trail (it takes two or more days to walk it all) suitable for trekking lovers. It is divided into four stages: the route starts from Abbadia Lariana and goes to Piantedo via Lierna, Varenna, Dervio and Colico for a total length of about 40 km and allows the traveler to see places of rare beauty, both naturally and culturally.
Suggestive panorama from the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path)
How to get there
The main road connections leading to Lake Como are the A9 highway, which passes through Como, the SS 340, which covers the entire western shore from Como to the Swiss border, the symmetrical SS 36, which covers the entire eastern shore, and finally the SP 583, which covers the coast of the Larian Triangle (the strip of land between the Lecco and Como branches).
As for rail connections there are several lines that touch the cities of Lecco and Como (S7, S8 and R7, for Lecco, S11, RE7, R17 for Como, the R18 connects both cities), while only the eastern shore is covered by two rail lines, the RE8 and R13.
Lake Iseo
Divided between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, although less well known than the other 3 Lakes of Lombardy, Lake Iseo, also known as Sebino, could not be missed. This basin located at the bottom of the Camonica Valley is, moreover, the sixth largest lake in Italy and is rich in places worthy of interest.
Aerial view of Lovere
Best locations
Lovere
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy since 2003, Lovere is located at the northern tip of the Bergamo side of the Sebino River. There are many places of interest in this important lakeside town: the lakefront, theTadini Academy, full of important works including some masterpieces by Canova, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with the Civic Tower, the Sanctuary of Saints Gerosa and Capitanio, and the church of Santa Maria in Valvendra.
The historic center of Lovere
Sarnico
Staying in the province of Bergamo, Sarnico is another of Lake Iseo's most popular resorts and has even been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. If you are in town, a pleasant walk through the small streets of the center is a must; you may also be interested in a visit to the Gianni Bellini Art Gallery and the Art Nouveau buildings of architect Sommaruga. Finally, Sarnico is also famous for its lidos, among them Lido Nettuno.
The lakefront of Sarnico
Iseo
Moving to the Brescia side of Sebino, Iseo is the main town. This town has kept intact the conformation of the ancient medieval village. To visit it, one cannot fail to walk along the pleasant lakefront and see Piazza Garibaldi, the central hub of the town. Largo Zanardelli, where the town's port is located, is also a very characteristic place. Other monuments not to be forgotten are the Oldofredi Castle, the Pieve di Sant'Andrea, and the Arsenal building.
Aerial view of Largo Zanardelli in Iseo
Monte Isola
Also included in the list of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Monte Isola holds the record as Europe's most inhabited lake island and Italy's largest lake island. Made world-famous in 2016 for Christo and Jeanne-Claude's The Floating Piers art installation, Monte Isola is well connected to all the major centers of Lake Iseo and is an excellent destination for spending a day immersed in the calm and tranquility of Sebino.
We recommend the route that leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, one of the most scenic spots in the entire area.
The picturesque lakefront of Monte Isola
Recommended trips
1. Trekking to Monte Guglielmo
Near the municipality of Zone and Pisogne, Mount Guglielmo is an excellent destination for trekkers near Lake Iseo. At 1,957 meters high, there are many routes to reach this peak and the Almici refuge below (1,861 m), including one that starts in Zone and passes through the characteristic Bosco degli Gnomi (Gnome Forest). In addition, in winter and spring, Mount Guglielmo is also a popular place for ski mountaineering(here is our guide to this discipline).
The snow-covered Mount Guglielmo
2. Walk to the Pyramids of Zone
Also in Zone, another naturalistic attraction not to be missed is the famous Pyramids of Zone Nature Reserve. The Pyramids, also called Fairy Chimneys or Rock Fairies, are peculiar rock columns with a unique shape, up to 30 m high. To admire this unique wonder there is a circular trail of medium difficulty, with the autumn season being the most suitable time for a visit.
The very strange shape of the Pyramids of Zone
3. Walk in the Sebino peat bogs
Another nature reserve near Lake Iseo is the Torbiere del Sebino. This reserve covers about 360 hectares near Iseo and is characterized by marshy and swampy terrain. Declared a Wetland of International Importance, the Sebino Peat Bogs are a 'priority area for biodiversity in the Lombardy Po Valley. The reserve can be visited through trails open to visitors.
A route through the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve.
4. Walk and swim in Lake Moro
Just north of Lake Iseo, between the municipalities of Darfo Boario Terme and Angolo Terme is Lake Moro, a small but delightful body of water located between the hills of Sorline and Rodino and the slopes of Mount Pora and Altissimo. An excellent idea to visit this pond is to walk the 3.5-kilometer-long loop that surrounds it entirely and passes through the village of Capo di Lago.
The small Moro Lake immersed in nature
How to get there
Sarnico and Iseo are not too far from the A4 highway and are connected to it via SP469 and SP510, respectively; the latter then runs along the entire eastern shore of the lake. The Bergamo side of the Sebino, on the other hand, is bordered by SP469, which connects Lovere to Sarnico. As far as rail transport is concerned, however, only the western side is provided by the RE3 Brescia-Iseo-Edolo, R3 Brescia-Iseo-Breno, and the R9 Rovato-Bornato-Iseo lines.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda or Benaco is the largest lake in Italy. Divided between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, this immense basin is characterized by a mild climate that makes it seem almost like a sea positioned between the Alps and the Po Valley. Let us therefore discover its main attractions.
Sirmione and its Scaliger castle
Best locations
Sirmione
Lying on a thin strip of land stretching into the lake and surrounded almost entirely by the waters of the Benaco, Sirmione is undoubtedly one of the most renowned lake resorts.
The unique geographical position, the sulphurous thermal waters, the beautiful historic center dotted with narrow streets and alleys, the amazing Scaliger Castle immersed in the waters, the impressive archaeological complex of the Catullus Caves, and finally its shores and beaches are the main reasons why Sirmione is a must for anyone who wants to discover the beauty of this area.
The archaeological site of the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione
Desenzano del Garda
Very close to Sirmione we find Desenzano sul Garda, which with its nearly 30,000 inhabitants is the most populous center on the lake.
Sights to see include the charming and quaint Porto Vecchio, Piazza Malvezzi, the heart of the historic center, the important archaeological site of the Roman villa, the cathedral named after Santa Maria Maddalena, and the medieval castle that dominates the village from above and offers a splendid view of the Benaco.
The characteristic Porto Vecchio of Desenzano
Salò
Moving up the Brescian shore, we next encounter Salò, sadly known for its role in the final phase of World War II. Salò, however, is not only famous for historical facts; it is also a very beautiful town that has much to offer its visitors.
The Zanardelli lakeside promenade with a striking view of the gulf that welcomes the town leads to the central Piazza della Vittoria and the palaces of the Magnifica Patria and Podestà. Also worth seeing is the cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata.
The lakeside promenade of Salò on Lake Garda
Limone sul Garda
The northernmost municipality among those on the Brescia shore, Limone is famous for its cultivation of citrus fruits, a rather unusual fact at this latitude. Precisely for this reason, one of Limone's special features are its lemon houses, structures made of wood and stone that once served as greenhouses.
But Limone also boasts a wonderful historic center, not to mention the lakefront and the churches of San Benedetto and San Rocco.
A glimpse of Limone sul Garda
Riva del Garda
The only town on our list to be located on the Trentino side of Benaco, Riva del Garda is situated on the northern tip of the lake, not far from the Brenta Dolomites. The beautiful village has its center in Piazza 3 Novembre, where you can admire the famous Apponale Tower and the Town Hall and Praetorian buildings.
Other attractions not to be missed are the Rocca, the MAG (Upper Garda Museum), the "Morocco" quarter, and the Church of the Inviolata. In addition to all this, Riva is a favorite place for water sports such as windsurfing and sailing (book your experience here ).
Night view of Riva del Garda
Malcesine
Moving on now to the Veronese side of the lake, descending from Riva del Garda we find Malcesine, an enchanting little village with a romantic atmosphere given above all by the beautiful Scaliger Castle that towers over the whole town and the mass of Mount Baldo.
After a tour of the center of Malcesine, a trip to the nearby hamlet of Cassone is also recommended to see the Aril River, whose course is the shortest in Italy.
The romantic village of Malcesine
Lazise
Lazise is a village with a clear medieval imprint, as evidenced by the imposing Scaliger Castle, the town's symbol along with the Old Customs House, restored to its former glory in the early 2000s. Like any self-respecting lakeside resort, Lazise also boasts a wonderful lakefront that has the small port as its pride and joy. Finally, we would like to point out the town hall square characterized by a unique pavement with checkerboard patterns.
The picturesque harbor of Lazise
Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera's history is inextricably linked to its strategic and military role during Venetian rule: precisely for this reason it has been included byUNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in the transnational serial site Venetian Defense Works between the 16th and 17th centuries: State from Land-State from Western Sea. So don't miss the town's fortress and defense system, including the water moat known as Fossa Reale, as well as the historic center and lakefront.
Recommended trips
1. Boat tour of Garda Island
Off the coast of the municipality of San Felice del Benaco, emerges between the waters of the Gulf of Salò and the Emerald Bay theIsola del Garda, an enchanted place belonging to the Cavazza family on which stands the marvelous Villa de Ferrari, designed by architect Luigi Rovelli in neo-Gothic style. Visitable only by reservation and through special boat transfers, the island is then covered with lush and luxuriant Italian and English gardens.
Garda Island and Villa de Ferrari
2. Sport and relaxation at Lake Ledro
If you are near Riva del Garda, you could take a trip to Lake Ledro, a basin with clear turquoise waters located at 650 m above sea level. Because it is swimmable, the lake is perfect for many water sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking and wakeboarding (book your experience here ).
Not only that. Lake Ledro is an excellent starting point for trails and paths including the one leading to the Gorg d'Abiss waterfall and the one leading to the summit of Monte Corno.
The beautiful waters of Lake Ledro
3. Hiking and trekking at Monte Baldo
We have already mentioned Mount Baldo in talking about the village of Malcesine. This mountain massif in the Gardesane Pre-Alps is 2,218 m high and is a destination for both skiers and hikers.
As far as the hiking aspect is concerned, the mountain is in fact entirely covered by a mountaineering route and is easily reached from various locations either through paths, such as the one that starts from Avio, or through a number of cable cars, the most famous of which is the one that starts right from Malcesine.
The cable car that connects Malcesine to Mount Baldo
4. Visit Il Vittoriale
It is impossible not to mention the Vittoriale degli Italiani, a monumental complex commissioned by Gabriele d'Annunzio near the beautiful town of Gardone Riviera with the intention of creating a place-memorial celebrating both the poet-soldier's life and the exploits of Italian soldiers during World War I.
The Vittoriale escapes any classification: inside it are buildings, gardens, streets, squares, waterways, an amphitheater and much more. Therefore, the visitor has only to admire the uniqueness and majesty of this place.
The monumental complex of the Vittoriale degli Italiani
How to get there
Lake Garda is supplied to the south by the A4 highway and on the east shore by the A22. Then the SP39, the SS45 bis (called the Gardesana Occidentale) and the SR259 (called the Gardesana Orientale) literally skirt the lake.
More problematic to reach Lake Garda by train since only Desenzano and Peschiera are connected to the rail system.
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