Top tips for visiting the Italian Lakes
When it comes to the Italian Lakes, there are six main holiday lakes, all of which are quite different in character: Orta, Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda (from west to east).
German-orientated Lake Garda is the largest of the lakes and receives the most tourist visitors, and its beaches, theme parks, sports and nightlife attract a younger crowd as well as families. Lake Maggiore – famous for its jewel-like Borromean Islands and mountain-girt northern shores – is the second-largest lake, with its northern section lying in the Swiss canton of Ticino. Lovely little Lake Orta lies to the west, and is noted for its spiritual air and excellent small hotels, while romantic Lake Como, north of Milan, offers dramatic scenery, quaint ports and belle époque villas. Meanwhile, captivating and tranquil Lake Iseo, between lakes Como and Garda, is the region’s best-kept secret.
Speak to a local expert arranging a tailor-made trip to the Italian Lakes, or check out our existing Enchanting Italian Lakes itinerary.
Here are our top tips for making the most out of the lakes!
Lunch with a view, looking out over Lake Orta. Photo: Shutterstock
Trentino logo
When in Trentino, keep an eye out for the "Osteria Tipica Trentina" signs, indicating restaurants that only serve seasonal local cuisine. These have to offer at least five Trentino cheeses, as well as local wines, grappa and mineral water.
Activities on Como
To take the effort out of arranging your own sports on Lake Como, contact the Cavalcario Outdoor Club, which organises mountain-biking tours, trekking, paragliding and horse-riding in the mountains around Bellagio.
Tickets
Note that you can buy a combined entry ticket for both Isola Bella and Isola Madre from either Borromean island; it is cheaper than paying separately to visit each one.
Reserving for lunch
Restaurants in the region typically tend to be very busy, especially at lunchtime. To avoid having to queue and, at worst, the disappointment of having to miss out altogether (especially if you have your heart set on eating at a particular restaurant), it’s recommended to book a table in advance. To dine at one of the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants, be sure to book very well in advance. Note that Milan is a business city, so many of its restaurants close all day Saturday and at Sunday lunchtime. If in doubt, check before setting out.
Catching the ferry/ ferry timetables
It may sound obvious, but when you consult ferry timetables, do make sure you pick the right ferry for the right day. Unless you are familiar with the leaflets, the differentiation between weekday and Sunday/holiday travel is not immediately obvious – especially on lakes Como and Iseo. To see timetables online in advance of travel, visit www.navigazionelaghi.it for Maggiore, Como and Garda, and www.navigazionelagoiseo.it for Iseo.
Mountain biking near Lake Garda. Photo: Shutterstock
On your bike!
Monte Isola is inundated with visitors in summer and at weekends, but is a delight off-season. You can walk or cycle around the entire island on the lakeshore path (9km/ 5 miles), or hike up to the island’s summit, which commands wonderful lake views. Bikes can be rented from Peschiera Maraglio or Carzano.
Restorative waters
The Italian medical profession insists that the lake climate is beneficial for "the stressed and neurotic, the arthritic and the asthmatic, the elderly and young children." As a result, the spas in the region are highly valued, especially those in Sirmione.
Dress appropriately
Remember to dress respectfully if you are visiting churches or other holy places. In some places, this might mean no shorts, mini-skirts or skimpy vest tops.
Lake Lugano, on the Swiss-Italian border. Photo: Shutterstock
This blog was originally published on April 21, 2016
Planing your trip to the Italian Lakes
Speak to a local expert about arranging the trip of a lifetime to the Italian Lakes here, or browse our fully customisable Enchanting Italian Lakes itinerary here. If you'd like to read more, visit our online guide or check out our top attractions. We also have a guide to exploring Lake Garda by ferry, boat or dinghy, the Italian Lakes for kids, the most romantic locations, and a guide to the region's finest wines, and the Lakes on a budget...
Read more:
Best places to go in June, July, August
Best places to go in September, October, November
Things to do in the Italian Lakes this summer
