The Italian Lakes - a guide
Lakes, Luxury, Flavors
The Italian Lakes region pairs dramatic mountain landscapes with idyllic lakeside retreats, making it a must-see for travelers who appreciate scenic beauty but don't want to sacrifice luxury and fine dining. Not only can you relax beside mineral-blue glacial lakes, but you can discover historic villas and wander through charming villages.
You can’t really speak of “The Italian Lakes” as one uniform destination because each lake has its own personality. Lake Como leans into the glamorous, with classic wooden boats and villas that feel like an Italian Gatsby would live there. Over on Lake Garda, it’s a bit more rugged and adventurous, where you can find hiking and biking trails right off the water. And then there’s the hidden gem, Lake Maggiore, stretching toward the Swiss Alps, where Italian elegance meets Swiss precision.
Both lakes are busiest from late spring through early fall, when visitors can enjoy outdoor cafes and comfortable temperatures for water sports. The region's proximity to Milan makes it easy to combine a lake holiday with city exploration or and add-on for another trip, for example Switzerland or Venice — ask me about how to customize an Italian Lakes trip for you.
If you've dreamed of visiting the Italian Lakes, now is the time. Exciting changes are underway, and with the Winter Olympics coming to the region in 2026, it's expected to get even busier!
Need to Know
Currency: Euro (€, EUR) — Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some Euros, especially for tips or small shops.
Languages: Italian (primarily), with German around Lake Garda. English is commonly spoken in popular areas.
Airports: Milan Malpensa (MXP), Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Transportation: Italy’s train system is fantastic for the lakes. You can zip from Milan to Lake Como, or even cross into Switzerland by train for an easy lake-hopping extension. From the train stations, you can arrange a private transfer through hotel concierges. Rideshares and taxis are widely available, though summer traffic can be slow, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit: The lakes are a seasonal destination best visited in late May, September and early October, as well as summer months, when the temperatures are comfortably in the 80s and the lake waters have warmed up. Most lakeside properties close for the season on November 1.
Ideal Length of Stay: Seven days gives a good balance, allowing for relaxation and exploration of Como, Garda, and even a taste of Switzerland.
Where to Stay
Whether choosing the elegance of Lake Como or the grandeur of Lake Garda, you’ll find a variety of stylish hotels on their shores. And if you’re flying internationally, most likely you’ll begin your trip in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. Here are some of the top picks for each destination.Each has its own charm, from sleek modern stays to old-world villas. These choices come with exclusive perks —think food and beverage credits, complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, and flexible check-in/out options to make your stay all the more memorable.
Image courtesy of Passalacqua
Milan
Portrait Milano: A former seminary turned into a luxury retreat by the Ferragamo family, right in Milan’s fashion district. Here you’ll feel the stylish pulse of the city in a gorgeous colonnaded courtyard.
Hotel Principe di Savoia (Milan): Classic luxury with Milanese flair, this iconic hotel offers refined rooms, a rooftop pool, and proximity to major city sights, making it ideal for those looking to immerse in the city’s culture and style.
Viu Hotel Milan: A sleek, modern option with a rooftop pool and bar, Viu offers stunning skyline views. It’s a stylish and eco-friendly choice in the vibrant Porta Volta district.
Galleria Vik (Milan): Art lovers will adore this boutique hotel housed within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Each room features unique art, blending Milan’s heritage with contemporary design.
Grand Hotel et de Milan: A historic 19th-century hotel steps from the Duomo and decorated with period furnishings and modern amenities..
Image courtesy of Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake Como
Gran Hotel: A refined retreat on Lake Como’s shores, this hotel exudes understated luxury with breathtaking lake views, elegant interiors, and impeccable service.
Villa d'Este: This 16th-century royal residence on Lake Como features a floating pool and rooms draped in antique silk. Perfect for history lovers with a taste for lakeside opulence.
il Sereno: A contemporary architectural masterpiece designed by Patricia Urquiola, featuring sleek minimalist suites, a 60-foot lakefront infinity pool and vertical gardens.
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini: A boutique gem in Como town, this 15th-century palazzo features eclectic decor, historic architecture, and personalized service, providing an intimate experience.
Passalacqua: An 18th-century villa transformed into a luxury retreat with terraced gardens, a private dock and just 24 unique suites.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo: This lakeside haven combines Art Nouveau elegance with modern amenities. With panoramic lake views, exquisite dining, and its famous floating pool, it offers a quintessential Lake Como experience.
Lake Garda
Grand Hotel Fasano: For Lake Garda fans, this former hunting lodge of the Austrian imperial family offers a world-class spa and its own private beach.
Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda: Set above Gargnano with panoramic lake views, an eco-conscious wellness resort with a huge spa and infinity pools.
Lido Palace:A Belle Époque wonder in Riva del Garda, where Art Nouveau elegance meets modern design. This hotel has a two-story spa and views that practically demand you relax.
Fora Reserve and Fan Club Perks add another layer of luxury: $100 credits, complimentary meals, upgrades, and extended check-in/check-out options.
Image courtesy of Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda
Where to Eat
Northern Italy doesn’t shy away from rich flavors, but the lakes take it up a notch with lake-to-table cuisine and some quirky regional dishes you won’t find elsewhere. I recommend trying Risotto al Pesce Persico (creamy risotto topped with fried lake perch) or the legendary Tortellini di Valeggio, served in a buttery sage sauce. For a true Italian experience, grab some fresh lake fish at a local trattoria and pair it with crisp white wine from the nearby Lugana vineyards.
If you’re in the mood for something more casual, many lakeside towns offer open-air cafes where you can sip on an Aperol Spritz while taking in the water views. Agriturismos—farm-to-table restaurants—are perfect for tasting traditional, homemade Italian fare, especially around Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Many even offer overnight stays in rustic yet charming settings, which our family loved when our boys were little.
Where to Play: Italian Lakes Edition
The Italian Lakes region is a scenic playground where serene lake life meets vibrant cultural experiences and thrilling outdoor adventures. Whether you’re wandering Milan’s elegant streets, relaxing in the artistic lakeside towns, or seeking alpine excursions, the region offers something extraordinary at every turn.
Milan
In Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, indulge in some high-end shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural marvel housing luxury boutiques and designer stores. A visit to the Duomo di Milano is essential—its soaring Gothic architecture and rooftop views make it one of the world’s most impressive landmarks. Book tickets in advance to see The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, an iconic masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. For a deeper dive into Milan’s past, explore the Sforza Castle, where Renaissance art and history come to life. Wander through Brera District, a creative enclave filled with galleries and stylish cafés, and unwind in Parco Sempione, a green escape dotted with art installations and views of the Arco della Pace.
Lake Como
Lake Como is the epitome of Italian elegance, and there’s no better way to take it all in than from the water. Renting a boat—guided or self-drive—offers up-close views of glamorous villas like Villa Balbianello, made famous by film. Discover Como’s lively dining and nightlife in Bellagio or Como town, and don’t miss the chance for a quick hop across the border to Lugano, Switzerland for a taste of Swiss-Italian fusion. Lake Como is also famous for its silk industry; visit a local silk factory to learn about this intricate craft and shop for a unique keepsake. For active travelers, the Greenway del Lago di Como and other hiking trails wind through villages and forests, providing awe-inspiring views and a peaceful immersion in nature.
Lake Garda
Known for its adventurous spirit, Lake Garda is a playground for outdoor lovers. Towns like Sirmione and Desenzano offer artisan galleries and charming shops, while Malcesine invites visitors to ride a gondola up Monte Baldo for panoramic lake views and mountaintop picnics. Explore the lake’s vineyards and olive groves by e-bike, or join the cyclists who flock to paths around Riva del Garda. Book a private boat tour to discover secluded coves or take on kite surfing for an extra thrill. For a touch of history, visit Vittoriale degli Italiani, poet Gabriele D'Annunzio’s whimsical estate with gardens and an amphitheater, or explore the medieval Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, a fortress that appears to float on the lake’s surface.
The Story of History and Culture
Milan’s Duomo, grand opera houses, and medieval castles around the lakes aren’t just sightseeing points—they’re windows into the storied past of Northern Italy. Start in Milan, where the Duomo took centuries to build, and art reigns supreme at the Santa Maria delle Grazie with Leonardo’s Last Supper. Around Lake Como, you’ll see that art and luxury have always been part of the region's DNA, with villas and gardens that date back to the Renaissance, many open for touring today.
Lake Garda adds a bit of old-world romance with the ancient castle of Sirmione, an island fortress that seems to float on the water. Attend the annual Festa del Nodo d'Amore in Valeggio, where the community gathers to celebrate with a feast served on a mile-long table beside the lake—a taste of Italy’s love for tradition, food, and family gatherings.
Popular Add-Ons to Your Italian Lakes Itinerary
Because the Italian Lakes are nestled in Northern Italy, adding nearby regions is easy and rewarding. Border-crossing adventures into Switzerland or Austria offer a taste of alpine beauty, while iconic Italian cities like Venice and Florence are just a scenic train ride away. Here are some of the most popular options:
Combining with Switzerland: The Italian Lakes are so close to the Swiss border that combining the two is a breeze. From Lake Maggiore, a short train ride or drive brings you into the heart of Swiss lake country. You could hop on a scenic train to Lugano or Locarno for the day and experience how these lakes change in feel as soon as you cross that border. Switzerland offers pristine, turquoise-blue lakes and alpine backdrops that provide a whole new perspective. It’s an easy and enriching addition to any Italian Lakes itinerary. This is one of the trips we took, and our boys absolutely loved the combination of scenic train rides, unexpected summer snow, boat life on the lakes, and endless pasta.
Lake Maggiore
Don’t miss Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands, with their baroque palaces and lavish gardens. The atmosphere here is more low-key, but it has a sophistication that makes it unforgettable. You can even cross into Switzerland by boat or train for a quick visit to Locarno, blending your Italian lakeside experience with Swiss charm.Verona: Less than an hour from Lake Garda, Verona invites you to experience Shakespearean romance in the heart of Italy. Visit Juliet's Balcony and catch an unforgettable opera performance at the ancient Roman Arena. After a day of Verona’s sights, you’ll be back on the lake to savor sunset with a glass of wine.
Venice: Just a 2.5-hour drive from Lake Garda, Venice is a natural addition to your lakes tour. Trade lake views for canal-lined alleys and the ornate beauty of Byzantine architecture. From the Piazza San Marco to gondola rides under charming bridges, Venice offers an unmatched experience within easy reach.
Dolomites: For a dramatic alpine escape, head from Lake Garda to the Dolomite Mountains. Ideal in summer for hiking and winter for skiing, the Dolomites are known for their soaring cliffs and lush valleys. This rugged, alpine region offers a refreshing contrast to the Mediterranean landscapes of the lakes.
Swiss Alps: From Lake Como, venture across the border to the Swiss Alps and dive into the luxury of St. Moritz or Lugano. Experience the Swiss take on alpine elegance, complete with snow-capped peaks and charming towns. This quick Swiss escape adds a dose of mountain adventure to your leisurely lake vacation.
Each of these destinations offers a unique extension to your Northern Italian journey, with seamless travel options by car or train. Embrace the variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences as you explore this stunning part of Europe.
For customized recommendations and expert planning, reach out to me to begin your Italian adventure.
