Lake Como
Thanks to its stunning natural scenery and rich historical and architectural heritage, Lake Como is considered a true jewel of our peninsula.
For the many northern travellers who since ancient times have crossed the snow-capped Alpine passes to reach Italian territory, the lakes region was a landscape that suddenly became sun-drenched, a glimpse of the Mediterranean. Even today, visitors are delighted to find white mountain peaks as a backdrop to picturesque lakeside roads, framed by flowering mimosas and camellias, citrus groves, gardens and lush meadows.
Lombardy’s lakes are pre-Alpine basins, carved out by the slow and relentless erosive action of glaciers. Long known and appreciated for their splendid landscapes and artistic and cultural heritage, the Lakes of Lombardy are a destination favoured by international tourists for their natural beauty, numerous water sports, thermal spas and distinctive food and wine offerings.
Here you can sunbathe, sail, and enjoy excellent weather all year round. Over the centuries, rulers, nobility, politicians and artists were quick to understand this, building themselves villas on the lake or spending restful periods in the beautiful hotels that today host entertainment stars, cultural figures, as well as scholars and politicians.
Of the five major lakes, only two are entirely in Lombardy: Lake Iseo and Lake Como (also known as Lario). The other three major lakes are Lake Garda, which in addition to Lombardy also extends into the Veneto and Trentino, Lake Maggiore, which also spreads into Piedmont and Switzerland, and Lake Lugano, which is largely in Swiss territory, with only the western shore between Ponte Tresa and Porto Ceresio, the branch with the Valsolda, Porlezza and Campione d’Italia belonging to Italy.
With a surface area of 145 square kilometres, Lake Como (or Lario) is Italy’s third largest lake, as well as the deepest (410 metres between Argegno and Nesso) and probably also the most distinctive, with its elongated shape that winds between the mountains. Formed by the advance of an ancient glacier from the Valtellina and Valle della Mera, Lake Como is enriched by at least 40 watercourses. Called Larius by the ancient Romans and blessed with a very mild climate that made it enjoyable even during winter months, Lake Como was appreciated from ancient times, although it was initially used as a communication route into the Alpine valleys.
The lake’s scenic beauty and mild climate, praised by Pliny the Younger and Paolo Diacono, soon attracted the attention of wealthy local landowners, who began building splendid villas along its shores. In the 19th century the lake became an exclusive international tourist destination; today it has risen to prominence for being chosen as the residence of some famous Hollywood stars. The villas of certain Lake Como locations and the towns themselves that overlook it, Lecco and Como, are treasures of enduring charm.
Of the lake’s three main branches, the Como branch is perhaps the best known and most developed from a tourism perspective, thanks to its unbroken succession of villas and parks lining its shores, overlooked by charming and elegant towns. From Cernobbio, with the famous Villa d’Este, to Moltrasio, with the 18th-century Villa Passalacqua, from Carate Urio to Laglio, passing through Briennio and Argegno, skirting the beautiful Comacina Island, the road winds through splendid landscapes leading, via Lenno and Tremezzo, to the centre of the lake with its world-famous villages of Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna, full of historic villas such as Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa Trivulzio and Villa Monastero.
By contrast, the Lecco branch is more austere and severe, characterised by Alpine natural beauty. Via Abbadia Lariana and Mandello del Lario, it gradually opens out towards the beauties of the lake’s centre, offering visitors the marvels of the Valsassina, with the Grigne mountains and Piani Resinelli.
The lake’s northern branch, finally, from Menaggio to Gravedona on the western shore and from Varenna to Colico on the eastern shore, proceeds with greater width, amid mountain ridges and slopes, between ancient villages, terraced vineyards and paths, right down to the low-lying Piani di Spagna, the access point to the Valtellina.
Inspiring celebrated figures such as Catullus, Dante, Goethe, Byron and Stendhal, Lake Garda (or Benaco) is Italy’s largest and most famous lake. From quiet villages to bustling resorts, from family-friendly beaches to theme parks, from nature reserves to thermal spas (among the most famous those at Sirmione and Lazise), Lake Garda offers something for everyone. Cypress trees, lemon groves, vineyards and olive trees provide the natural setting for the lake’s beautiful landscape.
The Lombardy section of the lake boasts charming towns, palaces and historic residences of considerable artistic value, including the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the residence with its attached park built by Gabriele D’Annunzio, which today presents itself as a series of buildings, squares and gardens that reflect the poet’s extravagance.
Its shores are overlooked by evocative towns such as Sirmione, with its Scaligero Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus, Desenzano, Salò, Gardone Riviera with its Art Nouveau atmosphere, Bogliaco, Campione and Limone.
The impressive Villa Scipione Borghese sits on Lake Garda’s island, the largest of the Benaco islands. Built in the 20th century in neoclassical style on the ruins of an ancient convent, it is set amid lush vegetation with magnificent Italian gardens.
The Scaligero castle of Malcesine, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, boasts one of the most dramatic settings, with Monte Baldo (1700 metres) rising behind it.
At Riva del Garda, the ancient medieval Apponale tower, standing 34 metres high, was once used as a control tower for the port and city: climbing its 165 steps to the top rewards you with a beautiful panorama of the town and lake.
North of Riva del Garda are the Varone waterfalls, set within a complex of caves where you can view the falls both from the base and from above.
One of the most beautiful places is the small medieval village of Canale, perched on a hillside between Garda and the Alps. A timeless place, abandoned after the war, Canale was reborn from the 1960s onwards, becoming a centre for artistic and cultural activities and still today hosting artists from across Europe.
Just minutes from the lake, near Peschiera, are Gardaland, Italy’s largest amusement park, and, very close by, Movieland, the park that recreates the sets of major Hollywood productions.
Of glacial origin, Lake Maggiore (or Verbano) is the second largest after Lake Garda, with a depth of about 175 metres and a total surface area of over 200 square kilometres. Surrounded by the Piedmont and Lombardy Pre-Alps, its western shore belongs to Piedmont whilst the eastern shore belongs to Lombardy, while the northernmost stretch extends into Swiss territory.
Appreciated for its natural beauty and mild climate, which favours Mediterranean-type vegetation, such that tropical plant parks have sprung up along its shores, Lake Maggiore is home to, along the eastern coast, the beautiful gulfs of Luino and Laveno, the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, perched dramatically over the water, and the imposing Angera fortress, which dominates the lower lake landscape. There are also numerous beaches, some with bathing facilities and many with established amenities.
The Borromean Archipelago is a splendid lake setting where the famous and much-visited Bella Island stands out, as do Mother Island and the Fishermen’s Island.
The Fishermen’s Island captures the charm of an ancient village, with its characteristic higgledy-piggledy arrangement of little houses huddled together, narrow winding lanes and fishing boats moored along the shore.
Mother Island, the ancient Island of San Vittore, is now a large botanical garden, rich in exotic flowers and rare plants from warm climates, famous for its displays of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. The Borromeo family made it a residence, beginning in the 16th century the construction of a palace intended to house period room reconstructions and prestigious collections.
Bella Island is renowned for housing the baroque jewel of Palazzo Borromeo, commissioned in 1632 by Carlo III Borromeo. The palace is monumentally proportioned and behind it rises the famous garden with ten superimposed terraces, supported by balustrades and decorated with a series of 19th-century statues, elevated above the lake by a succession of arches flanked by polygonal turrets. In the original design, the palace was meant to resemble a ship moored in the gulf, but the work remained incomplete for a long time, so that the palace’s grand salon, its focal point, was only completed between 1948 and 1959, faithfully following the original designs.
The palace’s Music Room hosted the Stresa Conference in 1935. The empire-style bedroom instead hosted Napoleon in 1797. From the Ballroom, a staircase descends to six artificial grottoes developed in succession at a level close to that of the lake; the interiors are entirely covered with mosaics evoking the atmosphere of underwater settings. The spiral staircase is of remarkable impact, with cantilevered steps leading back up to the upper floor, from where a corridor of mirrors accesses the chapel’s anteroom, which houses works by Tiepolo among others. Finally there is the Tapestry Gallery, which houses an art collection.
Outside the palace stands a tiny hamlet: among various buildings, the Dolphin Hotel was chosen by Antonio Fogazzaro as the setting for his novel Piccolo Mondo Antico.
Lake Maggiore is a perfect spot for sailing, while its golf courses attract many golf enthusiasts.
The smallest of Lombardy’s major lakes, Lake Iseo (or Sebino) is situated between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. It has steep shores on the western and northern sections, whilst the southern coast has a more gentle aspect. It is home to some of Italy’s most famous lake islands, such as Monte Isola (at 600 metres, Italy’s largest and highest lake island) and the small islands of Loreto and San Paolo.
The lake became famous a few years ago thanks to artist Christo’s work, The Floating Piers.
The towns and villages overlooking Lake Iseo are part of its charm. Lovere is the ideal spot for a romantic waterfront stroll, with the peaks of Mount Adamello as a backdrop. The town is dotted with medieval towers: the Alghisi Tower, the Civic Tower in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Truncated Tower.
At Peschiera Maraglio, fishing is the most important traditional activity. There is also a museum that tells its story, along with numerous fish-based dishes using lake fish served by local restaurants. A walk along a coastal path leads to Sensole, a charming village overlooking the tiny island of San Paolo.
Sulzano is another picturesque village on the lake, with traditional narrow alleys and moorings for fishing boats, and also boasts a beach on a stretch of bathing lake. Here the main activities are relaxation and sailing trips.
Those preferring a more active holiday can try rock climbing on the cliff faces which offer beautiful views. In the Predore area there are rocks suitable for all levels of experience.
Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the Valle del Freddo in the Bergamo area, particularly the Val Cavallina, at Solto Collina, where you can admire plants and flowers typical of high mountains, such as edelweiss.
The lake borders the Torbiere Sabine nature reserve, where an ecosystem of water pools and reed beds provides ideal nesting habitat for numerous species of migratory birds, a destination appreciated by birdwatching enthusiasts.
Lombardy is dotted with numerous smaller lakes which, despite their modest size, represent an important landscape and natural heritage.
The largest of the smaller lakes is Lake Idro, or Eridio, which holds the distinction of being the highest lake among Lombardy’s pre-Alpine lakes. Of glacial origin, formed by the waters of the River Chiese, Lake Idro is located in the province of Brescia on the border with the autonomous province of Trento. Its elongated shape, surrounded by towering mountains, makes it highly popular with sports enthusiasts keen on sailing and windsurfing.
What makes the 5 lakes of Brianza unique – Lake Annone6, Lake Pusiano7, Lake Alserio8, Lake Montorfano9 and Lake Segrino10 – is the presence of woodlands, heathland and reed marshes.
Lake Èndine, situated in Val Cavallina, has exceptional environmental significance owing to its rich wildlife, particularly birds: it was the first Italian lake where motor navigation was banned.
Lake Varese is the principal and best-known of the 6 lakes in the Varese area (Monate, Comabbio, Biandronno, Ghirla, Ganna, Delio), probably because of its proximity to the city of Varese, making it perfect for a day trip. It’s surrounded by hills and features a cycle path that allows you to explore the entire lake on foot or by bicycle.
Nestled between the Lecco branch of Lake Como and Lake Olginate, Lake Garlate is famous thanks to “The Betrothed” (I Promessi Sposi): this is the setting for Lucia’s renowned “Farewell to the Mountains” scene. On the lake shore stand the villages where Manzoni placed the homes of Renzo and Lucia and the convent of Father Cristoforo.
Lake Olginate is located a little further south and is formed by a widening of the River Adda, which flows out of Lake Como. A natural continuation of Lake Garlate, which in turn extends Lake Como, Lake Olginate is the natural habitat of numerous migratory birds.
North of Lake Como lies Lake Novate Mezzola: it actually comprises two lakes now connected by the River Mera, which once formed a single basin. Lake Novate Mezzola is situated north of Lake Como and is linked to it via the River Mera. This is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts: the nature reserve here offers a unique setting.
Also noteworthy are the three Lakes of Mantua – Lake Superiore, Lake di Mezzo and Lake Inferiore – which surround the city: in summer you can admire the spectacular lotus flowers here. However, these are not natural lakes but basins formed by artificial dams along the course of the River Mincio.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
In Lombardy, there are finally dozens of small alpine lakes.
These tiny sheets of water are situated in isolated basins and their small size is more than compensated for by crystal-clear waters that offer hikers at high altitude veritable oases on the peaks of the Lombard Alps and pre-Alps.
The Bergamo area is rich in rivers and lakes, including some enchanting sheets of water on the peaks of the Orobie that create a colourful landscape to admire.
Enveloped by beautiful mountains that frame them beautifully, the Gemelli Lakes are the starting point for numerous hikes, some of which are mountaineering expeditions. A circuit of the lakes requiring minimal effort allows you to visit the lesser-known Lago Colombo, Lago Marcio, Lago del Becco and Lago Piano delle Casere; five basins are all of artificial origin and, often overshadowed by the more famous and prestigious Gemelli, they actually hide charming corners and wonderful views of the mountains of the upper Val Brembana.
A circular walk allows you to tour the 9 Lakes of Valgoglio (five of which are artificial and part of the Valgoglio/Aviasco hydroelectric power complex), within the Orobie Regional Park. Nestled between the peaks of Mount Valrossa, Cabianca and Madonnino, they straddle the Valle Brembana and Seriana.
The circuit around Lake del Diavolo, within the Orobie park, has always held a special fascination that encompasses natural pearls of rare beauty. The route develops entirely over dirt roads and paths that wind through high altitude terrain.
The natural lakes beneath the slopes of Mount Toro are Lago delle Trote, nestled beneath the western crest in a sunny and peaceful position, the tiny Laghetto Basso delle Foppe (2,183 m), which until a few years ago was surrounded by some small “satellite pools”, now dried up due to increasingly scarce rainfall, Lago delle Foppe Alto, not far away and slightly larger than its smaller sibling. There are also the Laghetti di Montebello and the beautiful Lago Moro, nestled between the walls of Corno Stella and Mount Toro.
A small pocket of relaxation just minutes from Lombardy’s main urban centres is found in Val Stabina, a lateral valley of the upper Brembo: it’s Lago di Cassiglio, a small artificial lake created by a small Enel dam, very busy on summer weekends and beyond.
In Upper Val Brembana, at the foot of the highest peaks of the Orobie chain, Laghetto di Carona is created by an Enel dam at an altitude of 1,110 metres, a small retreat near Lombardy’s metropolises, easily accessible.
In Upper Val Seriana, at the foot of the highest peaks of the Orobie chain, dominated by the rocky spires of Pizzo di Coca, Recastello, Monte Gleno and Pizzo Torena, stretch 5 lakes: the artificial Lake Barbellino, the natural Lake Barbellino, the small lake at Cima al Passo di Caronella, Lake Gelt (the highest and probably the most beautiful in the Orobie) and Lake Malgina.
The circuit of the 3 Lakes of Carona, within the Orobie Regional Park, allows you to visit three small lakes of rare beauty with extreme ease: Laghetto del Prato, the artificial lake Fregabolgia and Lago Rotondo, frequented by numerous anglers and bikers during the summer season.
The alpine lakes in Brescia number 173 and are part natural and part artificial. The majority are found in Valcamonica and heading north the most significant are on the Adamello.
The Valbione basin is among the most popular destinations in the Ponte di Legno area on the Adamello Park side. You can walk the path that runs alongside the ski slopes or the road that connects the village to Valbione. The Laghetto di Valbione offers a spectacular panorama both in summer and winter.
Lago della Vacca is a natural lake in the upper Caffaro valley that was transformed in the early twentieth century into a splendid artificial basin situated at 2,358 metres and is considered the most popular lake on the Adamello. It owes its name to a curious rock formation nearby.
Val d’Avio, in the heart of Adamello Park, is characterised by five alpine lakes, some of artificial origin, belonging to the important Avio hydroelectric system: in order along the path are Laghetto d’Avio, Lago d’Avio, Lago Benedetto, Lago Venerocolo and Lago Pantano d’Avio.
Sondrio province also boasts numerous interesting alpine lakes, particularly in upper Valtellina, in Valmalenco and in Val Chiavenna.
From Lake Cancano, in upper Valtellina, you descend to the spectacular dam that overlooks the gorge of the Fraele Valley and, in a panoramic position, you can admire breathtaking views of some small beaches below and the mountains surrounding the large sheet of water.
A real gem of the Lombard Alps is Lake Livigno or Lake del Gallo, an artificial basin on the border between Italy and Switzerland, located within the Stelvio National Park.
A classic destination in Valmalenco, easily accessible, is Lake Palù, situated at approximately 1,950 m altitude, one of the largest lakes in Valtellina, set in a beautiful landscape and nature area, surrounded by coniferous forests and the peaks of the Valmalenco Alps, particularly the slopes of Sasso Nero.
The lake “the Countess’s Bidet” is located in Valle di Mello. Starting from San Martino, the valley gradually unfolds, revealing surprises made of streams, crystal-clear lakes, spectacular waterfalls, vertiginous walls, meadows, verdant woods and villages straight out of fairy tales.
Lago di Motta, better known as Lago Azzurro, is situated at 1,853 metres at Motta Alta in the municipality of Campodolcino in Val Chiavenna. Completely immersed among coniferous forests and mountains, including Mount Mater, Lago Azzurro is naturally fed by an underground spring.
The artificial basins of Alpe Gera and Campo Moro are located in Valmalenco, in the municipality of Lanzada. The first artificial basin encountered on the road, Lake Campo Moro, affords fantastic views of the valley below. Lake Gera is an artificial basin of considerable scenic interest.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts