by Janis / 6 comments - Orginally published:17th January 2020

Where beauty, style and elegance converge

Oh, where to begin? This region of Italy is stunning, with its glistening opal waters and the icing sugar-topped mountains reaching high beyond.

Our love of the Italian Lakes began in 2015 when we toured Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands. Then onto Lake Como where Gary and I cherished a relaxing day together on a hired motorboat and cruised amongst the mountainside harbours and the elegant, opulent villas.

Then, in 2019, we hit the open roads south, journeying from the UK, and toured the winding lanes and bored-out arched tunnels around Lake Garda.

James Bond “eat your heart out”

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A shot taken from a boat on Lake Como of a villa at the edge of Lake Como with the green mountains acting as a backdrop against a slightly grey and cloudy sky.
The view north over Lake Como
I know there is so much more to see and do around the Italian Lakes; however, this is just our taster of ‘bellissima nord Italia’.

Where are the Italian Lakes?

How to get to the Italian Lakes

- By Car
This has to be the best option, visiting the Italian Lakes is about seeing all those charming towns and villages that line the banks. Those views are simply wonderful.

If you are not fortunate like us to head from home, why not out check Rental Cars for the best possible option to explore the region?

Discovering Lake Como

Italy's deepest lake

Just imagine it: the roof of your car is down, sunglasses are donned, the wind is in your hair, and the dulcet tones of Dean Martin, yes, ‘That’s Amore’. Does it get any better?

This is precisely what we did when we arrived at Lake Como; yes, I know, it sounds a bit cheesy, but it had to be done.

Shot taken from a boat on Lake Como where the light fluffy clouds in a blue sky are reflected in the water of the slightly rippling Lake. The vista is set against the mountainous backdrop and a small town on the right hand side edges into the Lake.
The idyllic Lake Como

There are so many locations around Lake Como; however, we decided to base ourselves in Menaggio. Menaggio is centrally positioned on the western shores of Lake Como.

If you don’t arrive by car, this location gives you the flexibility to hop on a ferry and tour other towns and villages. Bellagio and Varenna are just a short distance across the lake.

One of Menaggio pretty Little squares, lined with restaurants, where all the buildings are painted different shades of ochre.
Menaggio on Lake Como
Menaggio is a charming, picturesque little town; we found it delightful to return to for an evening. Stroll through the colourful lanes, enjoy a promenade along the lake shores and then endure the delicious decision of where to eat your freshly cooked pasta.

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Hiring a boat on Lake Como

Take to the water
I must admit, hiring the motorboat to tour around Lake Como was one of the trip's highlights. It wasn't cheap; however, it was Gary's birthday, and we made a day of it.
A town on the edge of Lake Como with small harbour at the front and the church tower dominating the skyline against the backdrop of mountains under a lightly cloudy sky.
A town on the edge of Lake Como

We took our own Prosecco and packed lunch and just cruised around the lake, soaking up the magnificent scenery and admiring the multi-coloured steeped villages along the way. Take a look at our post 'Splashing about on the Lake'.

Try and hire the boat for as long as possible. You'll be amazed at how quickly the time disappears. Bobbing along without a care in the world, you become overwhelmed by how incredibly beautiful and large Lake Como is, and you just feel like a film star.

Janis at the controls of our hired speed boat on Lake Como, underneath the white shade canopy that provides protection against the sun.
At the controls on Lake Como

Talking of feeling like a film star, you can even play 'spot the star's villa'.

As you can imagine, with the backdrop of the Italian lakes, and the exclusivity and privacy that it bestows, quite a few of these exquisite villas are owned by the rich and famous.

The palatial style Villa del Balbianello in sandy ones with terracotta tiled roofs against the backdrop of the deep blue water and blue skies of Lake Como
The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como
However, any James Bond or Star Wars fan may recognise Villa del Balbianello. This incredible villa was in Casino Royale and Star Wars' Attack of the Clones'. You can even go and take a closer look inside.

Hiring a boat

We hired our boat from AC Boat Rentals in Menaggio. They were very professional; we were able to book online and for the AS 530 ENICA which we hired you didn’t need a licence.

Where to stay in the Italian Lakes

Lake Como: Grand Hotel Menaggio

We stayed 3 nights at Grand Hotel Menaggio and took the option for a lake view room. Our room was spacious, and the view, as expected was stunning.

There was free public parking onsite, in front of the hotel.

Lake Maggiore: Regina Palace Hotel

We had three nights at the Regina Palace Hotel and had a lake-view room. Our classically styled room was spacious, with Venetian light fittings adding an extra elegance.

Chargeable onsite private parking was available.

Lake Garda: Casa Albergo Sorriso

We stayed at Casa Albergo Sorriso for 3 nights and could so easily have stayed longer, the location is wonderful. We chose a room with a lake view, and it was stunning.

The hotel has free parking just outside, it is only around a five-minute stroll down into the heart of the old town, although, a few minutes longer back up.

Explore Lake Garda

Italy's largest lake

The northern region of Lake Garda is breathtaking, and the mountainous backdrop is a sight to behold.

We based ourselves in Limone-Sul-Garda on the north-western shores of Lake Garda. Personally, I believe it was one of the prettiest and most picturesque locations around the lake.

Looking back from the very north of Limone Sul Garda to the town and the restaurants that line the lakeside with the church tower dominating the skyline as dusk sets in.
An evening view over Limone-sul-Garda
The narrow lanes were delightful, winding their way down through the old town to the harbour front. As the name suggests, this charming lakeside location had terraces of lemon groves steeped around the bay.
Looking across the tiny harbour of Limone Sul Garda to the Restaurants in gift shops that line the streets of this pretty little town on Lake Garda.
The quaint little harbour of Limone-sul-Garda

Like many of Lake Garda’s waterside towns, the streets are so narrow that they are exclusively for pedestrians, although you may see the odd scooter passing by. Which makes it feel even more unique.

I must admit that Limone-Sul-Garda can get quite busy with visitors during the day, as it has regular tour boats and ferries arriving. However, as evening falls, the quaint fishing harbour and the charming lake-view restaurants ease to a slower pace. This is when you can enjoy your Aperol Spritz.

A selection of baskets outside a gift store in Limone sur Garda with a selection of all things lemony from sweets to soaps to bath bombs and much more
All things Lemony
Gary and I were also surprised at the restaurant prices. You could easily find high-quality homemade pasta and pizzas at around €8 to €10 with a view to die for.

Have you heard of Trento?

If you’re visiting Lake Garda, why not allow an extra day and head north to the city of Trento. It is a beautiful city, not too many visitors have heard of it. It’s overflowing with incredible architecture and some delicious family-run restaurants.
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Jul. 26, 2019

Visiting Trento, in mountainous northern Italy

Touring around Lake Garda

See all it has to offer
Exploring Lake Garda is pretty easy from Limone-Sul-Garda, as you can always catch ferries and head off around the lake. We spent a leisurely afternoon visiting the striking harbour town of Malcesine, just across the lake.
The pretty little lakeside town of Malcesine as seen from the water with boats bombing on the Lake and with its Castle dominating the skyline.
 The town of Malcesine on Lake Garda

However, if you fancy a little adventure of your own, fire up your Quattro, hit the road, and tour the lake under your own steam.

There’s nothing quite like driving through mountainous tunnels that twist and turn with spectacular mountain views ahead.

Our car parked up in front of a cafe on the edge of Lake Garda.
The Audi RS5 parked up beside Lake Garda
We spent a day exploring different towns and viewpoints to soak up this region’s incredible history and architecture. We wish we had more time, as three nights was not enough.
Overlooking a wide canal at Peschiera del Garda. It is linked directly to Lake Garda and on either side of the waterway are moored individual small boats with outboard motors.
Peschiera del Garda
We managed to complete a whole loop of the lake; however, we had to pick and choose which places to stop at. There are so many delightful towns, and you just can’t help but wander off in different directions to discover more.
A cobbled lane that runs through the old centre of Salò. Lined on one side are tall, terraced buildings, with shops and restaurants in the base, and homes in the upper levels.
Strolling through Salò on Lake Garda
Looking through a darkened archway to a covered boat moored at the edge of Lake Garda
A view onto Lake Garda

Driving tip

When driving around the lakes, make sure you travel clockwise. This will ensure you’ll always be hugging the shores of the lake and experience unhindered views.

If you're hooked like us and want to tour around the beautiful Italian Lakes in northern Italy, then take a look at this DK Eyewitness book.

This Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide is invaluable, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.

DK Italian Lakes Cover

A look at Lake Maggiore

And its magnificent islands
During our visit to Lake Maggiore, we based ourselves at Stresa on the lake's western shore. (I’ve just realised we always seem to be located on the west side of the lakes, a bit strange).
Sailing boats anchored on Lake Maggiore in front of a quiet town with its church tower clear on the shoreline.
The quiet Lake Maggiore
I'm not too sure if we were just lucky, but this was another wonderful place to be situated. Not only does it have a picturesque town full of charming eateries, but it also has some beautiful islands in the bay to explore.
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A motor launch on Lake Maggiore

The choice is yours

You have various options when visiting Italy if you’re travelling from the UK. Firstly, you can jump in your car and hop on Le Shuttle, this is our preferred option. We love a road trip, and touring the Italian Lakes gives you so much freedom.

Alternatively, if you are flying in, head direct to Milan and check out the deals on Rental Cars. They cover all budgets.

The Borromean Islands

Adventures on Lake Maggiore

The Borromean Islands consist of three islands and two small islets. During our stay in Stresa, we visited Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Fisherman’s Island).

Trips to these islands run regularly throughout the day. They can get busy, so head out as early as possible.

However, they are truly beautiful to visit.

The small island of Isola Bella as seen from the ferry. This view is over the ornate tiered Italian gardens that are a feature of the island.
Isola Bella from the Lake

Isola Bella was once a tiny fishing village, and then from 1631 to 1671, after the purchase by the Borromeo family, the island was transformed into a magnificent Palazzo with baroque gardens.

The ornate terraced grounds are stunning and planted with such vibrant colours. Be warned you may also be rubbing your knees with a few elegant white peacocks.

Also, head down inside the palazzo caves, which are like grottos.

Overlooking the gardens of Isola Bella from a high viewpoint to the lake beyond, and the town of Stresa on the right bank of the lake.
The gardens of Isola Bella
Isola dei Pescatori is quite a tiny island—it is only 375 metres long and 100 metres wide. As you can imagine, both of these islands can only be navigated on foot, so all their produce arrives via boat.
A few small boats on the fishing island of Isola dei Pescatori
Isola dei Pescatori on Lake Maggoire
If you plan on enjoying lunch here, arrive early, or if like us, you just want to take a stroll around, you can wait until a little later in the day. It has some very quaint buildings along its one cobbled central lane and some beautiful views across the lake.

Lake Orta

The Italian Lakes hidden gem
We headed out and about in our car during one of the days at Lake Maggiore. We explored the beautiful, lush, mountainous countryside before heading to Lake Orta.
A view of Lake Orta from the tree lined path that leads into Orta San Giulio. In the distance you can see Isola San Giulio dwarfed by the hills that surround the lake.
Lake Orta
Lake Orta is a beautiful lake, and even on a busy day, there were plenty of quiet spots to be found. We strolled into Orta San Giulio on the eastern shores of Lake Orta, and it was such a lovely, calming experience.
A historic square in Orta San Giulio, on the edge of Lake Orta, lined with restaurants with al fresco dining areas our front with their parasols keep the sun off the dinners.
Piazza Motta in Orta San Giulio
Cobbled lanes weaved before us and tiny fishing boats were perched along the water’s edge. Then out in the middle of the lake was the eye-catching Isola San Giulio, another small island and full of so much character.
A boat returning from Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta where the convent and church dominate this historic little island. Again the backdrop is green mountains.
Isola San Giulio on Lake Orta

When to go

I would just like to add that Gary and I have only visited the Italian Lakes in either June or September. I fully appreciate that the lakes can get extremely busy during the high season. However, if time permits, these were really pleasant months to travel; not too hot and not too overcrowded.

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  1. Reply

    Sounds like a lovely trip. I think hiring a boat on one of the lakes is definitely money well spent, it gives a very different perspective of the area. #FarawayFiles

    1. Author
      Reply

      Yes, it certainly does and it is so peaceful. If you’re brave enough you can even climb off and go for a swim.

  2. Reply

    Great and dreamy guide to the all the Italian Lakes I so desperately want to visit! I like the idea of renting a boat, but would be quite intimidated with wear to dock it if we wanted to get out and about! #FarawayFiles

    1. Author
      Reply

      It is a beautiful part of Italy to tour around, highly recommend it. If you wanted to get off the boat you can stop at one of the mooring points at the lake-side towns.
      Although if you just fancied a break to admire the scenery, head to an open part of the lake, turn off the engine and drift along, it’s heaven.

  3. Reply

    Gah! Sooo beautiful! It has been a LONG time since I’ve been to Como and my husband and I were on backpacker’s budgets – so it would be amazing to go back and experience it again. We’d love to rent a boat to cruise around, we did that from Kefalonia in Greece, but it’s a great idea here too – such a different perspective of the lake from the water. Great guide of the gorgeous area. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles.

    1. Author
      Reply

      It is a stunning region to tour around on a road trip, you feel like James Bond winding through the lanes around the lakes. Hiring the boat was certainly a highlight and it’s great that you don’t need a licence for one that small.

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