Italo’s guide to the 10 most beautiful lakes in Italy

If you are looking for a holiday destination, or just to get away and be surrounded by nature, set off with Italo to start discovering the 10 most beautiful lakes in Italy. Immerse yourself in the splendid, picturesque landscapes that surround magical villages suspended in time and do not miss our advice on nature trails and itineraries regarding the lakes that Italy has to offer. With this guide, however, we’ll give you our top recommendations for the most beautiful Italian lakes and explain how to easily reach them with Italo high-speed train.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Italy?

1. Lake Garda
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Lake Como
4. Lake Braies
5. Lake Resia
6. The Fusine Lakes
7. Lake Iseo
8. Lake Bolsena
9. Lake Albano
10. Lake Lesina and Varano

1. Lake Garda – Lombardy – Veneto – Trentino-Alto Adige

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, is also one of the most beautiful in the country. Its shores spread across Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. If you’re looking for a nice holiday escape or mini break, there is so much that Lake Garda has to offer.

Set out with Italo and arrive in Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda where panoramas, nature walks, shopping, and many lakeside activities await you! Due to its size, Lake Garda seems like a sea centered amongst the Alps and the Po Valley. It boasts a mild climate, so you can make it your destination at any time of the year.

While touring the lake, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the quaint towns that surround it such as Riva del Garda on the shores of Trentino, Malcesine in Veneto, or Sirmione in the province of Brescia. You can even book a bike tour from Peschiera del Garda to Bardolino.

Don’t miss our guide to trips on Lake Garda, so you can decide which suits you better, Peschiera or Desenzano? Maybe both! If you’re planning your summer holidays, check out our guide to the most beautiful beaches around Lake Garda.

2. Lake Maggiore – Piedmont – Lombardy

For a weekend surrounded by nature, we’d recommend the second largest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore, because of its spectacular scenery and landscapes. Traveling by Italo’s high-speed trains, you can arrive in Milan, the most beautiful sights of the city. Then head to the most highly prized spots on Lake Maggiore, such as Arona, Stresa, Pallanza with their pristine waters and inimitable atmospheres, or visit the wonderful Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella. You can also rent canoes, pedal or power boats to explore the whole lake. For venturing out into the surrounding natural landscapes, there are numerous paths around the lake either for both cycling or walking.

You can also get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Maggiore thanks to the unique and intimate cable cars that set out from Laveno and arrive at the top of Sasso del Ferro, 1062 meters above sea level. It’s breathtaking view of the Alps and the lake.

In short, Lake Maggiore is an ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday with all your family or friends.

3. Lake Como – Lombardy

For a relaxing trip, we recommend the third largest lake on the Italian peninsula, and one of the deepest in Europe, Lake Como. Cited in the opening of the classic Italian novel The Betrothed, a literary masterpiece by Alessandro Manzoni, with Italo you can see for yourself just why Como is so inspirational, with its impressive landscape and breathtaking villas. One of the most beautiful stretches of water in Italy awaits you! Immerse yourself in this place that combines a pre-Alpine environment with a Mediterranean atmosphere to offer you an unparalleled array of sights. Visit and admire the historic villas that surround the lake together with the luxurious residences in this dream location. Lake Como is the place for a perfect holiday!

4. Lake Braies – Trentino

Another enchanted place that we wholeheartedly propose is Lake Braies, nestled in the Dolomites in South Tyrol, it is by far one of the most beautiful places in the Puster Valley, a few kilometers from Brunico. Situated 1,496 meters above sea level within the Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park, Lake Braies is unique among the alpine lakes because of its incredible charm, emerald-green waters, and imposing scenery of the Dolomite mountains. Here you can take a walk around the lake, take countless photos, go fishing or rent one of its famous row boats. It’s so beautiful it naturally looks picture-perfect!

Both summer and winter are great times to visit and it’s always worth it! Set out with Italo and organize your excursion to this fantastic lake. Find out how to get there by train on our site, and don’t miss our guide to what to eat in Bolzano: the 10 tastiest dishes.

5. Lake Resia – South Tyrol

The fifth lake that we recommend for a visit is also in South Tyrol. Lake Resia is in the province of Bolzano and is among the most beautiful lakes in Italy because here it seems time has really stopped. The magical feature of this lake is the bell tower of the Romanesque church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, dating back to 1357 which emerges out of the lake itself. Lake Resia mixes both history and legends. It is actually an artificial basin in the municipality of Curon Venosta, in the province of Bolzano which has been drained, causing the remains of the original buildings of the town to re-emerge. The town was flooded in the 1950s after the construction of a large dam to produce electricity, uniting the two natural basins of Lake Resia and Curon.

There is also a legend surrounding that bell tower claiming that when the lake freezes in winter, and the bell tower of Curon can be reached on foot, you can still hear the bells ringing.

For more ways to take in the natural pleasures of South Tyrol, discover Bolzano through excursions and aperitifs and check out our guide to a relaxing weekend in Bolzano: escape from the city to regenerate.

6. The Fusine Lakes – Friuli Venezia Giulia

For the sixth destination for a dream vacation lakeside, travel to Friuli Venezia Giulia with Italo high speed trains and discover 10 evocative, must-see places including the famous Fusine glacial lakes.

You can reach the Fusine Lakes, called Lago Superiore and Lago Inferiore, via beautiful trails at the foot of Mount Mangart. Carved into limestone, the lake basins are surrounded by very high peaks and situated in a luscious green landscape that creates a truly magical atmosphere. Here you can go trekking until you reach the splendid Zacchi Refuge.

If you visit the lakes in winter, the lakes freeze over, and the surrounding landscape is completely transformed. It’s completely worth it to visit the lakes in both summer and winter to discover the scenic charm that the different seasons can offer.

7. Lake Iseo – Lombardy

The sixth lake on our list is the must-see Lake Iseo between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, and one of the three major lakes in Brescia which boasts the largest natural Italian lake island and the highest in Europe: Monte Isola. Set out with Italo and arrive in Brescia where mountains, lakes, and sparkling bubbles await you!

On Lake Iseo discover the charming town of Lovere and if you love contemporary art, here’s a fun fact for you, the famous work of art by Chirsto and Jeanne-Claude, The Floating Piers, was installed on the lake for 16 days, from 18 June to 3 July 2016.

If you’re passionate about birdwatching, you can easily reach the Torbiere del Sebino reserve.

Be sure not to miss the historic villas, an exploration of Monte Isola, a visit to the markets of the nearby villages for local cuisine and check out our guide to Bergamo and Brescia, the 2023 Italian Capitals of Culture, what to do and see.

8. Lake Bolsena – Lazio

Our eighth recommend is Lake Bolsena, the fifth largest in Italy. This lake is located in the Lazio region, near Viterbo, along the volcanic rocks of the Vulsini Mountains and it’s the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Travel by Italo and reach Viterbo through our vast connections! At Lake Bolsena, a holiday filled with nature and charm awaits you thanks also to the quaint towns along the lake’s shores such as Montefiascone, which offers a picturesque view of the entire lake, Bolsena, Marta or Capodimonte.

A visit to Martana Island where legend has it that the ghost of the queen of the Goths, Amalasunta, roams, is worth your while!

Lake Bolsena is the ideal for a kayaking trip, or if you want to dive down to the lake floor which is reminiscent of a lunar landscape, or even if you want to start paragliding. There are other classic activities available to you such as fishing, horse riding, and archery. If you’re ready to discover Lazio, check out our guides on where to go and what to see around Rome.

9. Lake Albano – Lazio

Ninth on our list is Lake Albano, which is great for a day trip from Rome. Also called the Lake of Castel Gandolf, it’s a volcanic lake in the Castelli Romani, on the Colli Albani in the province of Rome. Set out with Italo and discover great sights to see around the capital before reaching this enchanting lake. It’s the fourth largest volcanic basin in Lazio and the deepest at 168 meters. Here, in addition to quaint, nature-rich panoramas, you can visit both prehistoric and Roman archaeological sites, such as the Villaggio delle Macine and the nymphaeum of Bergantino which is part of the larger complex of the Villa di Domiziano. If you love the fresh air, there are many sporting activities both around Lake Albano and on its waters, such as canoeing, pedal boating, jogging, mountain biking, or a relaxing walk through the surrounding woods.

Visit the towns bordering its shores, such as Albano Laziale and Castel Gandolfo, for a spectacular view of the whole lake. Check out our advice on what to eat in Lazio from breakfast to dinner.

10. Lake Lesina and Lake Varano – Puglia

Our tenth and final recommendation regards the two closely situated lakes Lesina and Varano, in Puglia which lie between Tavoliere and the Gargano Promontory. Set out with Italo for a weekend in Puglia and reach these brackish waters that span over twenty kilometers. Lake Lesina and Varano are separated from the Adriatic Sea by a sandy dune, called Bosco Isola and reach the sea through the mouths of three rivers. If you love fishing, the abundant waters of both these lakes are full of eels. If you love taking long walks, these lakes are ideal for a day of peaceful excursions and in the summer for taking in the sun.

Don’t miss out on visiting Cagnano, a town characterized by white houses that contrast beautifully with the blue waters. Also check out our guides on what to eat in Foggia and what to see in Vico del Gargano, both low-cost destinations for a fun-filled summer.

Reach the Italian Lakes with Italo

What’s the easiest and fastest way to move around Italy? Italo high-speed trains! Get on board, make yourself comfortable and we’ll take care of the rest. Buy your modifiable low-cost ticket now and discover all the various destinations and train timetables to reach our recommendations for the most beautiful Italian lakes thanks to Italo’s connections.

Remember to always log in to your account to also take advantage of Italo Più offers and rates dedicated to members only. If you haven’t already done so, you can register for free in the Italo Più Loyalty Program and immediately get a 5% discount on your first trip and accumulate points with your consecutive trips to earn free reward tickets.