An Insider’s Guide to the Italian Lakes
Curious about the Italian Lakes? Join us as Sonia, our Europe Head of Product and Fulfillment shares her expertise. Discover all there is to know about this breathtaking destination with her insider insights.
ACCESSING THE ITALIAN LAKES
Villa Monastero, Lake Como Lombardy, Italy
What’s the best time to visit the Italian Lakes?
The ideal time to explore the Italian Lakes is from Easter through to the end of October. During this period, everything is open and lively. From November to mid-March, many hotels close, making it a quieter time with fewer amenities.
Can you explore the lakes without a car, or is renting one a must?
While it’s possible to access the lakes without a car, I wouldn’t recommend driving. The roads are narrow and often crowded with coaches, creating bottlenecks. A private driver is a more comfortable and stress-free option.
What’s the best way to get around the lakes?
A private driver is your best bet for getting around. For day trips, Lake Garda is a great option from Verona, while Lake Como, Maggiore, and Orta can be done from Milan, though these might feel a bit intense for just one day. View our Verona & Lake Garda Itinerary here.
How many days should you dedicate to exploring the lakes?
Each lake deserves at least two days. To fully embrace the “La Dolce Vita” lifestyle, I’d recommend adding some leisure days to your itinerary.
Italian Lakes for families
Punta Spartivento Park, Bellagio, Italy
Which lake is most suitable for families?
The lakes aren’t typically family-centric destinations, but if I had to pick, I’d suggest staying in Verona and visiting Lake Garda. It’s close to amusement parks that families will enjoy. In terms of stroller-friendly areas, Lake Maggiore and Orta are easier to navigate than Como. View our Lake Maggiore Itinerary here.
About the Italian Lakes
Villa Carlotta’s magnificent park with fountains, statues & flower beds.
Is it better to stay at Lake Como or just do a day trip from Milan or Venice?
I’d recommend staying in Lake Como. The atmosphere and beauty deserve more than just a few hours. View our Lake Como Itinerary here.
How do the lakes differ from one another?
Lake Como, with its glacial origins, is deep and surrounded by high mountains, creating dramatic light effects. The villas, gardens, and celebrity presence add to its allure. Lake Maggiore is famous for the Borromean Islands and its exquisite palaces and gardens. Being in Piedmont, it’s also a haven for food and wine lovers. Lake Orta is a smaller, tranquil gem near the Swiss border, perfect for a scenic train ride on the Centovalli. Lake Garda, the largest of the lakes, is culturally diverse and surrounded by renowned wine regions.
What regions would you recommend visiting while staying at the lakes?
From Lake Maggiore and Orta, explore the Ticino region in Switzerland and the Gattinara Wine Region. Lake Como pairs well with a visit to Lugano and Mount Generoso in Switzerland, or Milan. From Lake Garda, venture into Trentino, the Lake Caldaro wine roads, Verona, Mantua, and the romantic village of Borghetto sul Mincio.
What are your favourite activities and photo spots around the lakes?
On Lake Como, take a private cruise and visit the stunning villas and gardens. The Orrido di Nesso is a fantastic photo spot. On Lake Maggiore and Orta, I recommend visiting a cheesemonger, tasting local cheeses and wines, and taking the scenic train ride to Locarno. The Sacro Monte di Orta is a unique UNESCO site, and the best photo spot is Isola Bella with its white peacocks. On Lake Garda, visit Sirmione and the Valpolicella Wine Region; the sunset at Sirmione is breathtaking. View our Lake Orta Itinerary here.
Valuable Tips
Panoramic view of the beautiful Lake Garda.
Is it worth booking a tour or creating your own itinerary?
Booking a tour is highly recommended. The best experiences are insider secrets that aren’t easily found online. We recommend our Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains Small Group Journey – the best Italian Lakes tour on the market. You can view our itinerary here.
Should you book ferry and train tickets in advance?
Absolutely. It’s highly recommended to book in advance, although it’s worth noting that Lake Como ferry tickets aren’t always available for pre-purchase. We can do all this for you – speak to our amazing Europe Team now
Are there other valuable tips you could share with travellers?
Go beyond the romanticized image of the lakes and seek out your own unique experiences. Avoid the overly touristic spots and enjoy the true essence of these beautiful destinations.
Tags: Italy, travel tips, Lake Orta, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Isola Bella, Bellagio, family travel, itinerary, italian lakes