Italian Lakes holidays

Which experiences is the Italian Lakes region best for?

Winding down from the mountains, your first glimpse of Lake Maggiore is nothing short of captivating. Shimmering waters in every shade of blue are fringed by lush vegetation. Wiggling roads hug the lakeside and bring you to the lake’s main towns, Stresa and Verbania. Home to myriad artists and writers seduced by the beauty of the place, Stresa has an undeniable air of elegance and decadence. Meanwhile, Verbania is the place to go for a multitude of measured pleasures from sleepy lakeside cafes to scenic boat rides and walking trails. From Verbania, hop across to the Borromean Islands - visit the colourful, flower-filled botanical gardens on Isola Madre, the magnificent baroque palace on Isola Bella and the idyllic white-walled, terracotta-roofed houses on Isola dei Pescatori.

A short and incredibly scenic car journey takes you from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como, another unmissable gem on an Italian Lakes holiday. One of the prettiest villages on the lake is Menaggio, a small town with a big impact. Wander through its quaint cobblestone centre and admire its many exceptional villas including a visit to the grand Villa Carlotta which houses an extensive art collection. Take a trip around the lake and visit the many picturesque towns and villages. Enjoy the old, modest houses of Mezzegra, the pretty pastel architecture of Ossuccio and the magnificent Florence Baptistery in Lenno. Nestled between Maggiore and Como and straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland is Lake Lugano.

Admire the beautiful wood-covered valley of Intelvi and the Romanesque churches of San Fedele and Laino and the pretty village of Osteno.

Who is the Italian Lakes best for?

Italian Lakes holidays are perfect for anyone who likes to travel at their own pace; for those who are after the perfect balance between pristine nature and quaint towns, and for those who have a love of beauty and impossibly blue lakes.

What is the best way to discover the Italian Lakes?

Travel by car to explore every last inch of this stunning lakeside paradise. With our hand-crafted playlist of romantic Italian melodies filling your ears, this will be a road trip to remember. Stay in one of the luxurious lakeside hotels and soak up the grandeur and beauty of this unforgettable region. Take to the back roads or plan a trip out of season to take full advantage of the serenity of this wonderful landscape.

What you can find in the Italian Lakes that you won't find anywhere else?

Many lakeside villas have long since been transformed into luxurious hotels. On the western shores of Lake Como, the most famous of the lakes, is the renowned Villa d'Este, which dates back to the sixteenth century. Slightly further up the lake is the Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace; both properties are set in large private parks, with the Tremezzo bordering on the botanical gardens of the famous Villa Carlotta, and both with floating swimming pools over the lake - an ideal luxury holiday spot.

Moving on to Lake Maggiore, just outside the attractive town of Stresa is the beautifully restored Villa Aminta, which has a wonderful location overlooking the Borromeo Islands. All three of these properties combine the style of a bygone era with excellent restaurants and up-to-date facilities.

To the east of this captivating cluster of lakes lies Lake Garda. Surrounded by three distinct regions - Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige and the Veneto - Garda draws in a cosmopolitan crowd of people who come to enjoy the area's rich cultural diversity. When you're not lazing by the lake, set off to explore the many picturesque villages and sunny vineyards that fan out from its sparkling shores.

What is there to do in the Italian Lakes?

Italian Lakes holidays offer peaceful relaxation in beautiful surroundings, as well as a wide range of activities, from water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing and tennis to long lakeside walks or bicycle rides. There are also several good golf courses in the vicinity, and the hotels all have private docks from where you can catch a boat to explore the lakes. Two excursions not to be missed are to the charming town of Bellagio, set at the tip of a headland where the two arms of the Y-shaped Lake Como divide, and a tour of the Borromeo Islands of Lake Maggiore.