Italy is a tourist enclave that is in the mind of every good traveler, a combination of history, character, gastronomy, heritage and a wide variety of landscapes. From well-known cities like Rome, to the small towns of the Amalfi Coast, Italy is a destination that attracts thousands of tourists year after year.
And not only its monuments and cities are impressive, it has wonderful natural landscapes that leave you breathless. Its lakes are especially well known , more than 1500 are distributed throughout its territory, spaces in which to spend a quiet vacation, enjoying the sun and the gastronomy of its localities. Here we show you six of the best.
Lake Como
The villa of Bellagio on Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is located in the Lombardy region , between the provinces of Como and Lecco. It is located at 199 meters of altitude and has an area of ​​146 km2 , which makes it the third largest, it is also the deepest with 410 meters. The tranquility of its waters contrasts with the abrupt landscape that surrounds it, but the images it leaves at dawn are incredible.
And from both banks you can enjoy a splendid view full of wonderful aristocratic villas, picturesque towns and lush gardens. And the best way to get around and get to know places like: Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Menaggio or Como is through the ferries that constantly cross the lake.
Lake Garda
Limone village on Lake Garda, Italy
In the north of Italy, between the Alps and the Padana plain, is Lake Garda. Surrounded by cypresses, cedars, oleanders, olive trees and in some places vines, it is one of the most popular and touristic . Culture and history are crowded in the towns on the shores of the lake that bathe three regions: Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto.
The small town of Sirmione stands out, which is located on a small peninsula and is dominated by the 13th century castle of Rocca Scaligera. And among the many islands that make it up, the Isola del Garda stands out, where there is a spectacular monastery built during the 13th century at the request of Saint Francis of Assisi.
To be able to contemplate the majesty of the lake, it is advisable to take the San Michele cable car. It leaves the town of Malcesine and ends at Mount Baldo, offering exceptional views.
Lake Maggiore
Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore, Italy
Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful in the country. Of glacial origin, its shores touch Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. It is the second Italian lake by extension with 212 km ², only surpassed by Garda. It is surrounded by forests, imposing mountains and green hills, and among the wonders of this lake are its islands, no less than eleven, among which the Borromean Islands stand out , their name comes from the Borromeo family, who acquired them at the beginning from the 16th century, and still today it has the Isla Bella, the Isla Madre, to which must be added the Isla de Pescadores, the only inhabited one and which does not belong to the family.
Between exotic gardens, such as the Ticino Valley Natural Park, and the villas and palaces, among which the Borromeo Palace stands out, where Napoleon stayed in 1797, make this place an obligatory stop.
Lake Orta
Island of San Giulio, Lake Orta, Italy
Intimate but beautiful. This is how Lake Orta can be defined, a small wonder located in the north of the country, it is parallel to Lake Maggiore and is separated from the latter by Mount Mottarone. In the southern part of the lake is the beautiful town of Orta San Giulio , the main tourist destination, it has a medieval quarter full of cobbled alleys flanked by old stone walls of its ancient buildings.
In front of the wonderful Island of San Julio, and at the top, the Sacro Monte de Orta , a World Heritage Site, which allows you to visit 20 chapels built between the 16th and 17th centuries, showing the Italian devotion to San Francisco
Lake Bolsena
Capodimonte, Lake Bolsena, Italy
In the Lazio region, between Rome and Tuscany, the Bolsena Lake of volcanic origin is born, which was formed approximately 300,000 years ago. Two islands emerged within the product of two submarine eruptions around 104 BC, Bisentina and Martana.
Its shape is oval, typical of volcanic lakes, and it is surrounded by charming towns such as Marta, Tuscania, Viterbo Valentano or Bolsena, presided over by its medieval castle. Most of them are fishing villages that follow the tradition of fishing standing up, which is why the gastronomy is excellent.
Lake Trasimene
Castiglione Del Lago, Lake Trasimeno, Italy
Beautiful and flirty . This is Lake Trasimeno, located in the Umbria region. Between wooded hills that alternate fields of sunflowers, vineyards and olive plantations with cities such as Castiglione del Lago, where you can see: its Ducal Palace and Rocca del Leone, one of the most important forts in the region; or the Cittá della Pieve which houses the narrowest alley in Italy.
Formed by three islands: La Maggiore, Isla Polvese and La Minore, and it is a mandatory stop for lovers of gastronomy. The eel, the perch and the oil delight all who come. In addition, the lake is a perfect space to unwind and enjoy the natural attractions.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo, Italy
It is located in the north of the country, in the Val Camonica, close to the cities of Brescia and Bergamo . A quiet and peaceful place , perhaps because it is less known than the neighboring lakes. In the center is the island of Monte Isola , the largest lake island in southern Europe, 4.5 kilometers long, on which you can see the Rocca Martinengo, a castle from the 14th century.
The surrounding towns can be visited in almost a day by ferry: Iseo, Sulzano, Sale Marasino, Marone Bagnadore, Pisogne, Lovere, Castro, Riva di Solfo, Tavernola Bergamasca, Predore, Sarnico, Clusane, Monte Isola.
