Summer is not just about the beaches anymore. With more travelers seeking unique and memorable experiences, less thought of summer destinations are becoming new European hotspots. While the Amalfi Coast and the Riviera are often considered Italy’s summer playgrounds, with that notoriety comes crowds. If tranquility is what you crave without the chaos, a visit to Italy’s enchanting Lake Region is a must. With its unsurpassed natural beauty and ever-present Italian charm, the Lakes will steal your heart.
This northern Italian area is a collection of five glacial lakes located just south of the Swiss border. The most well-known are Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore, with their sparkling waters, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views of the Alps. Whether grand hotels, intimate villas, delicious cuisine, cultural attractions, or outdoor adventures are at the top of your wish list, the Lakes offer it all. While a few larger towns remain bustling year-round, most of the area is seasonal. The region’s mild climate makes it a wonderful place to summer without the oppressive humidity or excessive heat found in other parts of Italy.
Lake Garda is the largest of the Lakes and provides easy access to Switzerland and Germany. It is the most family-friendly and is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering world-class windsurfing, swimming, and sailing. Lake Garda is also home to countless beaches; if relaxation is in order, the lake’s unique, natural, and restorative “termes,” or thermal baths, are a perfect spot to revitalize the mind and body. The village of Sirmione, located on the lake’s southern shore, is a wonderful spot to call home base. This medieval gem is built around one of Italy’s best-preserved castles, Castello Scaligero, making it a noteworthy lakeside village in the region.
For a unique experience, visit Isola dei Conigli, or “rabbit island,” where lush meadows and cypress trees meet crystal clear waters. Grab a lounge chair and unwind or visit the rabbits who still reside on the island. During the summer months, it is possible to walk to the island from the mainland, a popular adventure for adults and children alike.
Charter a boat to visit the lake’s many villages easily. Stop in Limone sul Garda, famous for its lemon groves and colorful houses, or the town of Garda, home to perfectly preserved Venetian villas and a weekly local market offering fresh produce, cheese, and olive oil. Malcesine, an idyllic lakeside town on the east side of the lake, is a perfect spot for lunch with many cozy trattorias to choose from. For unbeatable views, take the cable car from Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo, where you will find vast hiking trails for all levels and even an alpaca experience. Beyond lakeside activities, in 1996, the Garda DOC wine appellation was established, recognizing the region’s unique wine production. For wine lovers, stop by the nearby vineyards to discover this lesser-known appellation.
Lake Como is the most famous of the Italian Lakes. It is a balance of both glitz and understated elegance. Its lush panorama of blooming bushes and branches, cypress and palm trees, grand villas, and azure waters takes you back to those fairy-tale villages you read about as a child. Long a popular vacation spot for upper-class Milanese, it has since become a global destination for people seeking glamorous hotels, exclusive villas, unbeatable dining, and outdoor escapes. Located a short one-hour drive from Milan, it is easily accessed and a perfect stop if your travels take you to Switzerland. The energetic city of Como, situated in the south, is home to fantastic restaurants and several worthwhile museums. It is a year-round destination, offering a more urban experience than the smaller villages in the lake’s northern part. If stopping in Como, take the funicular to the hilltop village of Brunate, where you can stroll its leafy streets and take in the stunning views.
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Venture north, where you will find countless five-star hotels, private villas, and smaller unique properties providing an abundance of accommodation choices for all tastes. Visit the villages of Bellagio and Varenna, where you can find excellent shopping, lovely views, botanical gardens, and a variety of local dining options. For the adventurous, Varenna is the gateway to Castello Di Vezio, a medieval fortress situated above the village with amazing views worth the steep hike.
This area of the lake has no shortage of world-class cultural attractions, such as Villa Carlotta, built at the end of the seventeenth century and home to a noble family. It now serves as a museum and boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Villa Balbianello is a stop not to be missed. Like so many in Lake Como, the villa is steeped in history. First, a Franciscan monastery then expanded and used as a summer villa. In the early nineteen-seventies, it was sold to its last private owner, Count Monzino, who completely redecorated the interior and installed a series of passages for fear of assassination. At the time of his death, the villa was left to the National Trust of Italy and is one of the most visited sites in Italy. Aside from the lovely, terraced gardens, the estate is a favorite in Hollywood and has been used in numerous blockbuster films.
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Sailing, water skiing, and swimming are popular activities, but boating is why you visit this lake. Captain your own motorboat or charter a Riva, where you can indulge in a spritz as the sun dips behind the mountains or travel like a local on a “vaporina” to one of the many outstanding lakeside restaurants. Lake Como is a step back into a bygone era where possibilities are endless.
Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest and cleanest lake, with a portion spanning into nearby Switzerland. It is close to Milan and is often thought of as the most peaceful of the Lakes. Lake Maggiore is a beautiful place to relax and recharge without the celebrity of Lake Como or the family-heavy Lake Garda. While not lacking in charming lakefront villages, botanical gardens, and outdoor activities, Lake Maggiore offers a serenity that is often hard to find. There is a perfect balance of luxury hotel offerings and smaller, family-run options. This region became a popular vacation destination in the Victorian era, resulting in the construction of a few large and lux hotels. Many of them are still operating. Think grand promenades, lunch in the garden, and antique furnishings.
The town of Stresa is a favorite place to stay amongst visitors, with its cobblestone streets, beautiful views, and ample restaurants serving fresh local ingredients, including the catch of the day. It is also home to a handful of preserved Belle Epoque villas whose architecture delights the eye. Situated across from the town center sits the beautiful Borromean Islands, a series of three islands that highlight a visit to Lake Maggiore. The grand dame is Isola Bella, home to a breathtaking Baroque palace, once known to throw extravagant parties hosting the likes of Napoleon, grottos, and stunning botanical gardens.
Aside from the usual outdoor activities, Lake Maggiore’s idyllic villages and cultural sites draw visitors year after year. A stop at Rocca di Angera, a medieval castle perched atop the southern shores of the lake, or the seventeenth-century Villa Taranto, is worthwhile. Both have lovely gardens and vistas. Visit the town of Cannobio, one of the prettiest in the area. Stop by Varese, known as the “garden city,” or enjoy the local markets and traditional architecture of Luino.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food and wine, northern Italy is the perfect destination for a summer vacation you will never forget. Whether looking for tranquility, sharing memories with your family and friends, or a sophisticated escape, northern Italy’s Lake Region has something to offer.
Alexis Doerfler
The Destination Designer – Custom Travel Planning
To learn more about custom travel planning, inquire at www.thedestinationdesigner.com
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