The Italian Lakes are a truly special part of the country, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and fascinating history. Often overlooked in favor of the bustling cities, these glacial lakes, particularly Como, Maggiore, and Garda, are incredibly diverse and cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic mountain backdrops, charming lakeside villages, or the chance for outdoor adventures, you’ll find something to love here. It’s a region that really invites you to slow down and savor the moments, something Michael and I always appreciate when we travel with the kids.
Best Time to Visit Italian Lakes
Summer, from June to September, is the most popular time to visit the Italian Lakes. The weather is warm, days are long, and there are many festivals and events happening. However, this peak season also means larger crowds, higher prices for accommodation and flights, and more traffic on the roads. It can be quite challenging to navigate the smaller villages with young children during these months.
For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather perfect for outdoor activities, consider visiting in May or October. You’ll encounter fewer tourists and enjoy comfortable temperatures. Winter sees significantly fewer visitors, and some establishments close for the season. Yet, with careful planning, winter can offer a magical experience, especially if you’re traveling with family. The lakeshores can be quite festive in December, with holiday lights and Christmas markets in towns like Cernobbio on Lake Como and Riva del Garda on Lake Garda, adding a special sparkle that kids might find delightful.
If you plan to visit during the busy July and August period, especially to popular towns like Bellagio or Sirmione, booking accommodation at least six months in advance is highly recommended. This is especially true if you want to secure family-friendly options.
How Long to Spend
Trying to see all the Italian Lakes in a short trip would be a mistake. Each lake is substantial, and the attractions along their shores are numerous. It’s better to plan a more focused itinerary rather than attempting to cram everything in.
For a weekend trip, it’s best to choose just one lake. You could spend a few days enjoying activities around Riva del Garda, or explore the picturesque villages of Bellagio and Varenna on Lake Como on foot. Alternatively, you might focus on the islands and villas near Stresa and Verbania on Lake Maggiore.
If you have a week, you can combine visits to two lakes or explore one lake more thoroughly. It’s even possible to include a neighboring country, as the northern end of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano extend into Switzerland.
Which Italian Lake is Right for You
The choice of which Italian Lake to visit often depends on your interests and desired activities. Each offers a distinct character and range of experiences for families.
Lake Como
Italy’s most famous and busiest lake, Lake Como, attracts a glamorous crowd. It offers a wide array of adventures, from kayaking to mountain climbing. For less active pursuits, explore the beautiful gardens and villas, followed by excellent dining. It’s easily accessible from Milan, making it a convenient choice for a family visit.
If you’re basing yourself in Como or Varenna, you can easily explore the lakeside towns. The “Kilometer of Knowledge” promenade in Como is a lovely walk, passing several photogenic villas. Climbing up to Brunate via the funicular offers breathtaking views, and there are many hiking trails nearby for a more active exploration.
Lake Garda
The largest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda, is often considered the best for families. It’s easily reached from Verona, a city with its own romantic appeal. Here, you can enjoy thermal springs, explore ancient Roman ruins, visit charming waterfront villages, and partake in numerous outdoor adventures. Towns like Sirmione and Bardolino in the south are particularly family-friendly.
Sirmione, located on a peninsula, boasts significant Roman and medieval sites, including the Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa, and the remarkably preserved Castello Scaligero. A visit to the Terme di Sirmione Aquaria Thermal Spa is a relaxing way to end the day.
Lake Maggiore
Slightly smaller than Como but larger than Garda, Lake Maggiore offers a wonderful balance for many visitors. It’s framed by mountains and features beautiful island palaces and lush botanical gardens. Activities abound on both land and water, from boating to funicular rides. Budget-friendly accommodation options are more readily available here, with towns like Stresa and Verbania being good bases.
The islands of Lake Maggiore are a highlight. Isola Bella is home to the stunning 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo and its elaborate Baroque gardens. Isola Pescatori offers charming lakeside restaurants for a meal, and Isola Madre features another palatial home with exotic gardens.
Less Busy Lakes
For a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, consider the smaller Italian Lakes. Lake Iseo, easily reachable from Bergamo, and Lake Orta, west of Lake Maggiore, offer stunning scenery with less developed infrastructure, which can be appealing for a quieter family holiday away from the main tourist trails.
Getting to the Italian Lakes
Your arrival point will depend on which lake you decide to visit. Milan serves as the main international air hub for Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. For Lake Garda, Verona has the closest airport. Traveling by train is an excellent eco-friendly option, avoiding the need for a car.
From Milan, you can reach Como town in about an hour by train. Lake Maggiore’s gateway towns like Laveno Mombello are about 1.5 hours away. Similarly, Desenzano del Garda on Lake Garda is approximately 1.5 hours from Milan. If you fly into Verona, Desenzano del Garda is just a 30-minute train ride away. Booking train tickets in advance through the Trenitalia website is advisable, especially for longer journeys.
Getting Around the Italian Lakes
Once you arrive, a good ferry system connects many of the key towns on the lakes, especially on Lake Como, linking places like Bellagio and Varenna. These public ferries offer scenic and practical transportation during the day, particularly in summer. Be aware that ferry schedules are reduced in winter, and some routes may not operate.
Local buses also serve towns along the lakeshores. If you plan to explore the mountainous areas above the lakes, a car can offer more freedom. However, be prepared for narrow roads and challenging parking, especially during peak season. Adhering to speed limits is crucial, as speed traps are common.
In some towns, such as Como, there are restricted driving zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) where non-residents may be banned at certain times. It’s often easiest to park outside these zones and use public transport or walk to explore the sights.
Top Things to Do
Explore Lake Maggiore’s Islands
A boat trip to the islands of Lake Maggiore is a must. Isola Bella is famous for its 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, filled with impressive artwork, and its spectacular Baroque gardens where peacocks roam. For a delightful lunch, take the ferry to Isola Pescatori and enjoy Italian cuisine at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Don’t miss Isola Madre, another island featuring a stately home and beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing exotic plant species. The combination of grand architecture and lush greenery makes for a memorable family outing.
Tour Lake Garda’s Ruins and Springs
Lake Garda offers a journey through history with its significant Roman and medieval sites. The town of Sirmione is particularly rich in history. At the Grotte di Catullo, you can explore the remains of a vast Roman villa, imagining its past splendor from its hillside perch.
The Castello Scaligero, a well-preserved 14th-century castle, offers a chance to walk along its battlements for panoramic views of the surrounding water. For relaxation, the Terme di Sirmione Aquaria Thermal Spa provides warm outdoor pools with lovely lake views, a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, perhaps with the kids enjoying the warm waters.
Take in Views of Lake Como
Starting in the town of Como, a walk along the “Kilometer of Knowledge” is a pleasant introduction. This lakeside path winds through gardens and offers views of three notable villas: Villa Olmo, Villa del Grumello, and Villa Sucota.
Within Como itself, you can visit the grand cathedral and several medieval churches. Wandering through the cobblestone lanes reveals charming shops, wine bars, and cafes. For an unforgettable perspective, take the funicular from Como up to Brunate. The views across the mountains and the lake are stunning, and it’s also a starting point for numerous hiking trails.
Swim in Sparkling Waters
Both Lake Garda and Lake Como have lovely shingle and pebble beaches that are popular in the summer. Varenna on Lake Como has a well-loved beach, with other appealing spots in Bellagio and Menaggio. Water resorts, known as lidos, in Varenna and Bellagio offer organized beach experiences.
On Lake Garda, Jamaica Beach in Sirmione is a popular choice, as are the pebble beaches around Riva del Garda and Lazise. For safety, it’s always best to swim in designated areas with lifeguards and consider wearing water shoes due to the pebbles.
Hop Between Como’s Prettiest Villages
Experiencing Lake Como’s charm is best done by taking the ferry between its picturesque villages. Varenna is a delightful starting point with its pastel-colored houses and narrow lanes. A walk up to Castello di Vezio offers splendid views over the lake.
A short ferry ride takes you to Bellagio, known for its hilly pedestrian streets filled with galleries and flower-decked restaurants. For a different perspective, join a kayaking tour. Round off your day in Menaggio on the western shore, with its welcoming piazza perfect for an evening aperitivo.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Riva del Garda is a fantastic spot for mountain biking. The Via Ponale (Strada del Ponale) is a well-known route, a 10km dirt road clinging to cliff faces and passing through tunnels, offering increasingly dramatic lake views. It’s well-signposted, with places to stop for refreshments.
An early start allows you to cycle up to Lago di Ledro for a refreshing swim. Modern e-bikes make these journeys more accessible, taking the strain out of the steeper climbs. Rental shops in Riva del Garda offer quality e-bikes, making it a feasible option for a family adventure, though perhaps Michael would tackle the tougher climbs while I kept the kids entertained closer to the lake.
How Much Money is Needed
The Italian Lakes can be quite an expensive destination, particularly during the peak summer months of June to September when hotel prices are at their highest. To manage costs, consider foregoing a rental car and opting for hostels or simple guesthouses. Renting an Airbnb apartment and self-catering some meals can also help reduce expenses.
You can economize on dining by visiting local markets or simpler cafes rather than always opting for multi-course meals. Making lunch the main meal of the day is a good strategy, as lunch deals are common. A typical hostel room might cost around €48 per night, while a basic double room starts from €140. Self-catering apartments can be found from €110. Ferry tickets, like the one from Varenna to Bellagio, are around €4.60, and a train ticket from Milan to Como is about €5.20. A cappuccino is typically €2.50, a pizza from €12, and dinner for two with wine can start from €100. A Spritz or cocktail usually costs around €8.
What Are the Beaches Like
While popular for swimming, the beaches around the Italian Lakes are predominantly stony, featuring small to medium-sized pebbles or shingle. It’s a good idea to bring water shoes for comfort when enjoying the water. Some of these beaches are backed by grassy areas, which are perfect for picnicking and relaxing.
What Are the Best Festivals
Spring and summer are the best times to experience the festivals in the Italian Lakes region. Carnival celebrations occur from January through March, bringing music and festivities to Lake Garda and Lake Como. A significant event is the Sagra di San Giovanni in June, featuring boat flotillas and fireworks.
The Stresa Festival, dedicated to classical music and other genres, takes place on the shores of Lake Maggiore from July to September. In August, the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio in Como celebrates its patron saint with a weeklong festival. These events offer a wonderful glimpse into local culture and traditions.
Is Overtourism a Problem
Lake Garda and Lake Como can experience significant visitor numbers in the summer, when many travelers drive from other parts of Europe, placing a strain on local infrastructure. If you’re seeking a more peaceful break, visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) or choosing to stay in smaller, less-known villages is advisable. By venturing off the most popular routes, you can still find tranquility while enjoying the lakes’ beauty.
Exploring the Italian Lakes offers a truly rewarding travel experience, blending natural splendor with rich culture and history. It’s a destination that provides endless opportunities for discovery and relaxation for every member of the family.