Bellagio
Nicknamed the pearl of Lake Como, this peninsula brings together cobbled lanes, historic villa gardens and views over the lake's three branches.
The Northern Lakes
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda rank among Italy's most elegant landscapes. Historic villas, lush gardens and colorful villages line their shores, offering a peaceful setting between hiking, water sports and Italian lifestyle, just a few hours from Milan.
Why visit Northern Italy's lakes?
Northern Italy's lakes bring together Lake Como, known for its historic villas, Lake Maggiore, famous for the Borromean Islands and their gardens, and Lake Garda, the largest, surrounded by vineyards and contrasting landscapes. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, they offer an exceptional setting between architectural heritage, water sports and hiking.
What to discover in Northern Italy's lakes?
Lake Como, the most elegant of the three, is lined with villages such as Bellagio, nicknamed the pearl of the lake, and Varenna, reachable by boat and lined with historic villas and lush gardens. Lake Maggiore, further west, is renowned for the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella and its baroque palace surrounded by terraced gardens, while Stresa, on the Piedmont shore, serves as an ideal base for visiting the archipelago.
Further east, Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, combines beaches, colorful villages such as Sirmione and Limone sul Garda, and contrasting landscapes, with a Mediterranean feel to the south and alpine cliffs to the north, ideal for climbing and water sports. These three lakes, linked by scenic roads and train connections from Milan, suit both a contemplative lakeside stay and active mountain excursions, all within a few hours of the Lombard capital.
Cities to visit in Northern Italy Lakes
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Northern Italy Lakes in pictures
Must-Sees
The Northern Lakes combine elegant villas, garden islands and picturesque villages.
Borromean Islands
On Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella and its baroque palace surrounded by terraced gardens rank among the region's most visited sites.
Sirmione
On Lake Garda, this fortified peninsula holds a medieval castle and natural thermal baths right on the water.
Varenna
This colorful Lake Como village, less crowded than Bellagio, offers picturesque lanes and botanical gardens along the shore.
Lake Garda's Villages
Limone sul Garda and Malcesine combine colorful facades, citrus groves and direct access to water sports on Italy's largest lake.
Alpine Hiking
The mountains surrounding the three lakes offer numerous hiking trails, from Monte Baldo above Lake Garda to the hills around Como.
Practical Information
- Region
- Lombardy (Como and Garda), Piedmont (Maggiore)
- Area
- About 370 km² combined for the three lakes
- Population
- Several hundred thousand across the lakeside towns
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (Central European Time)
- Climate
- Tempered by the lakes, mild summers, cool and mild winters
- Best season
- Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Lakes
When is the best time to visit Northern Italy's lakes?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and ideal light for enjoying the shores without the heavy crowds of summer, the hottest and busiest season.
How much time should I plan for the Northern Lakes?
A week allows for exploring all three lakes at a relaxed pace; a three- to four-day stay is enough to focus on a single lake, such as Como or Garda.
How do you get to the lakes from Milan?
The train efficiently connects Milan to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in under ninety minutes, while Lake Garda is reached by train followed by bus or car.
How do you get between the lakeside villages?
Regular ferries serve the main villages of each lake, a pleasant alternative to driving on often narrow, winding roads.
Which lake should I choose between Como, Maggiore and Garda?
Lake Como charms with its elegant villas, Lake Maggiore with its garden islands, and Lake Garda with its size, beaches and sports activities.
Can you swim in the Northern Lakes?
Yes, all three lakes have designated beaches and swimming areas, with Lake Garda offering the warmest waters in summer.
Plan your trip to Northern Italy Lakes
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
