There are five major lakes in the Italian lake district – from west to east: Lakes Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda – and each has its own particular character.
The Italian Lakes offer a bit of everything; pretty towns and villages perched on the water’s edge, a backdrop of mountains, fine buildings and, of course, stunning scenery.
Embraced by green wooded escarpments and backed by the snow-capped Alps, Lake Como is the most dramatic of the lakes under an hour from Milan. Como is a thriving town best known for its silk production; you can take a ferry from its pier to reach Bellagio, a jewel of a town sitting at the spot where Lake Como divides into three parts.
The westernmost lake, Lake Maggiore, has a special attraction: Isola Bella the most romantic of the three islands, famous for their palaces and gardens.
Lake Garda, Italy’s largest and easternmost lake, is surrounded by rolling green hills and gardens, vineyards, lemon trees and olive groves. Sirmione is Garda’s most popular resort.
Lago D’Iseo is not very popular but not less interesting. It’s amazing nature and views are really outstanding.
