ITALIAN LAKES
Everything to help you get the most from your visit to
Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda and Lake Orta.
Welcome to The Italian Lakes Guide – your ultimate resource with useful information, maps, ferries and more for discovering the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s most iconic lakes: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Orta.
If you’re looking for activites and things to see, the weather in your chosen resort, ferry information, villa entry tickets or a little history, you will find it here.
Also visiting Venice? View our complete Venice guide Love Venice, your complete guide to everything about Venice, Italy
Lake Como
Lake Como has been a one of the popular Italian Lakes since Roman times. Today it’s the location for movies and film stars along with travellers who want to experience this beautiful Lake and its villages and towns.
Lake Maggiore
Stunning Lake Maggiore, nestled beneath the Alps in both Italy and Switzerland, has great places to expore and the beautiful Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a destination for those that love relaxing lakeside days and those that love sports. With luxurious hotels, cycling and mountain bike trails, watersports and beautiful views, Lake Garda has it all.
Lake Orta
A hidden gem of an island, near Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta is a relaxed, authentic Italian Lake with a sense of calm and peace and an island, Isola San Giulio, in the middle.
Most Viewed Lake Attractions
Villa del Balbianello
Featured in Star Wars & James Bond movies, a stunning, luxury villa on Lake Como
Isola Bella
One of the Borromean Islands with gardens full of exotic plants and flowers on Lake Maggiore
Villa Carlotta
Built in the 17th century, a villa with 70,000 sq/m of gardens and museum on Lake Como
Limone & Riva
Two beautiful towns at the northern end of Lake Garda
Island of San Giulio
This tranquil island of San Giulio on Lake Orta with a meditational walk
Bellagio
A popular and beautiful town on Lake Como
Italian Lakes Transport
For information on getting around the lakes by boat and road consult the individual resort/town pages along with the lakes ferry pages which contain links to timetables
Lake Como Ferries | Lake Garda Ferries | Lake Maggiore Ferries | Lake Orta Ferries
Hotels & Apartments
Searching for your ideal hotel or apartment on the Italian Lakes? We partner with some of the biggest hotel and apartment providers so that you can find your ideal lakeside accommodation.
Lake Como Hotels | Lake Garda Hotels | Lake Maggiore Hotels | Lake Orta Hotels
Lake Como Towns
Link to: Cernobbio
Cernobbio
Cernobbio is close to Como city and Villa d’Este
Link to: Menaggio
Menaggio
Mennagio is a lovely town in the mid Lake Como area
Link to: Tremezzo
Tremezzo
Close to Bellagio and home to Villa Carlotta
Link to: Varenna
Varenna
Varenna is home of Villa Monastero
Link to: Como
Como
Gothic Cathedral and main city on Lake Como
Link to: Bellagio
Bellagio
The pearl of Lake Como set in the mid-lake area
Lake Garda Towns
Link to: Limone sul Garda
Limone
Beautiful lemon grove town on Lake Garda
Link to: Torbole
Torbole
The major watersports resort on Lake Garda.
Link to: Malcesine
Malcesine
Popular for relaxation, Monte Baldo and sports
Link to: Sirmione
Sirmione
Scaligero Castle, Grottoes of Catullus and its old town
Link to: Desenzano
Desenzano
Beautiful scenery, historical sites, and outdoor activities.
Link to: Bardolino
Bardolino
Popular, relaxing, holiday town on Lake Garda
Link to: Garda
Garda
One of the most popular towns on Lake Garda
Link to: Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda
Originally a Roman garrison town
Link to: Lazise
Lazise
Thermal spring, piazzas and near Gardaland
Link to: Salo
Salo
A refined lakeside gem on Lake Garda
Link to: Gardone Riviera
Gardone Riviera
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.
Link to: Toscolano Maderno
Toscalano Maderno
Ancient churches, Roman villas, and botanical gardens
Lake Maggiore Towns
Link to: Arona
Arona
History, relaxation and charm on Lake Maggiore
Link to: Baveno
Baveno
A relaxed town close to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
Link to: Cannero Riviera
Cannero Riviera
A small resort town renowned for its Mediterranean climate
Link to: Luino
Luino
History, a weekly market and is close to Lake Lugano
Link to: Stresa
Stresa
The most popular resort on Lake Maggiore near the Borromean Islands
Link to: Verbania
Verbania
Know as the Garden on the Lake with its lush botanical gardens
Link to: Locarno
Locarno (Switzerland)
A sun-soaked town in Switzerland famous for its film festival.
Link to: Ascona
Ascona (Switzerland)
Like a small Italian Riviera town on Lake Maggiore