Are you looking for the best lakes in Italy to visit? You’ve come to the right place!
Lakes in Italy are some of the world’s best. They are among the many things that make Il Bel Paese such an exceptional country.
People from all over the world love visiting Italy for its awesome culture — from the fabulous Italian cuisine to Italian haute couture to the arts and architecture. And, oh — the many dazzling towns and cities!
Italy has a year-round awesome weather and it’s got some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. The beaches in Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, and Campania are just some of Italy’s best.
Most people belong to the sea-loving group because there’s just something about the seawater that we love. However, there’s also something about Italy that anything Italian makes a lot of people wag their tail like a puppy, lakes included.
Now let’s get to the best lakes in Italy you must visit.
14 Best Lakes in Italy
You’ve most likely heard of an Italian lake called Lake Como (and perhaps Lake Garda, too), but you probably haven’t heard enough.
There are over 1,500 lakes in Italy. You can find these laghi (lakes) all over the country, but the largest ones — and usually among the prettiest — are tucked up north, where the Alps connect Italy with countries farther up.
Typically paired with equally stunning backdrops, the beautiful lakes of Italy have been drawing visitors since Roman times. Figuring out which of Italy’s laghi are the best to visit can be a bit daunting, but let’s get to it.
Here are the best lakes to visit in Italy.
1. Lake Garda
Located north of Verona, Lago di Garda or Lake Garda, also known as the Benaco, is a very old lake — like some 1.5 million years old.
This Italian lake was formed by a glacier that slid to the base of the Dolomites. When the river of ice eventually melted, it created this vast freshwater lake that now attracts 22 million tourists every year.
Lake Garda offers not only views that will blow your mind and fun watersports activities but other fun opportunities as well.
You can dine and shop till you drop — and of course, visit the enchanted hamlets and villages dotting along the sides of the lake. You can even sit in one of the lakeside cafés, just dreaming the day away!
What’s more, this beautiful paradise is just an hour away from Verona.
You’ll never run out of things to do as there’s so much natural beauty and Italian heritage to see. You will need more than a week to just scratch the surface of this beautiful gem in northern Italy.
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2. Lake Como
We’ve seen photos of its panoramic view with the Alps and Bellagio.
We’ve heard about A-list celebrities like George Clooney and Madonna owning villas on this famous destination north of Milan.
Lake Como.
The world’s rich and famous buy vacation homes in this part of Italy for the same reason that inspired Franz Liszt to pen the line, “When you write the story of two happy lovers, set it on the banks of Lake Como.”
Lake Como — Lago di Como, otherwise known as Lario — is famous for its natural beauty and its even more famous residents. It’s nestled at the foot of the Alps, its coast studded with dream-like villages.
With its beautifully manicured gardens, splendid Baroque mansions, and glorious sunshine, you will totally fall in love with this stunning lago.
And if you’re a Star Wars and/or James Bond fan, then you will recognize Villa Balbianello.
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- Also read: 11 Best Restaurants in Lake Como, Italy
3. Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
Known in German as Pragser Wildsee and Lago di Braies in Italian, Lake Braies or Lake Prags is a popular alpine lake in the Prags Valley in South Tyrol. It is the largest natural lake in the Dolomites.
The gorgeous Lake Braies has been attracting so many visitors — mostly travel bloggers and professional photographers — that it earned the monicker “Pearl of the Alps.”
The breathtaking Dolomites that surround the lake are reflected in the water with all their glorious colors. A magical scene out of a fairy tale — truly mind-blowing!
You can walk all the way around Lake Braies. Make sure to take pictures at every viewpoint change as you circuit the lake.
The sunrise makes this Italian lake the most scenic so don’t miss the opportunity for the perfect shots. The boathouse in it adds to the charm of the place.
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4. Lake Maggiore
Located on the south side of the Alps, Lago di Maggiore (Lake Maggiore) borders Switzerland as well as the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake and the largest in southern Switzerland. It is noted for its mild year-round climate, magnificent villas, and beautiful botanical gardens with exotic plants.
The lakeside is great for walks. Historic towns and villages are nestled on Lake Maggiore’s coasts, which are all well worth a trip if you like art and history.
Another attraction is the small Borromean Islands of the lake, the most famous one of which is Isola Bella. It can be reached by boat, so make sure to go.
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5. Lake Ledro
Lago di Ledro (Lake Ledro) is a lake located in Trentino. It’s known for its spectacular landscape as well as archeological finds.
On its bank visitors will see replicas of the pile dwellings said to date back to 5,000 to 500 BC. These prehistoric stilt houses surfaced when the hydroelectric dam was built.
A beautiful lake set amongst the mountains, Lake Ledro is an amazing place to enjoy all the pleasures a crystal-clear, super-clean — Europe’s cleanest! — mountain lake has to offer. It offers fantastic swimming spots and various watersports activities like boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Also perfect for just walking around.
Lake Ledro is about 1.5 hours away from Verona, near Lake Garda. A must-include in your itinerary if you’re visiting the area.
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6. Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano) is a gorgeous lake on the Swiss-Italian border, between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. It offers pristine waters, watersports fun like boat tours and paddleboarding, and pure-holiday atmosphere.
The mountains running down into the aqua blue lake will take your breath away. There’s nothing like it that you’ve seen before!
Popular attractions surround Lake Lugano, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio in the southern part of the lake. Definitely one of the prettiest lakes in Italy’s north, don’t miss it when you visit!
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7. Lake Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)
Toblacher See is one of the many stunning lakes in the Dolomites. It is located in Toblach, South Tyrol.
Although not as popular as the nearby Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies), Toblacher See is a favorite for campers.
This beautiful alpine lake with spectacular mountain views is perfect for those who cannot or do not want to hike. It’s also very kid-friendly as the lake is small and shallow.
The surrounding green forests and the majestic Dolomites, and of course, the picturesque turquoise waters will blow your mind! This gorgeous Italian lake is absolutely worth a stop.
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8. Lake Blu (Lac Bleu)
This small Italian lake in Valtournenche Lago, Aosta Valley, is a great spot for enjoying the fantastic view of the Matterhorn, which makes for a perfect photo op!
Lake Blu is easily accessible, no long walks required as it’s just alongside the road leading to the ski resort town of Breuil Cervinia from Valtournenche. You can rest on one of the few benches there while you enjoy the incredible landscape.
Lake Blu is absolutely stunning from whatever position you look at it. It’s as if it was created to give you the best possible views of the Matterhorn. You will be delighted to just sit there and practically worship the glorious mountain for hours. This is definitely one of the best views Europe can possibly offer you.
Pack some snack when going; it’s pan opportunity for the perfect picnic you will ever experience!
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9. Lake Iseo
An offbeat destination for those who do not want the crowd that’s ever present in the nearby Lake Como, Lago d’Iseo (Lake Iseo) is an easy day trip from the lovely cities of Brescia and Bergamo. Milan is also just an hour away, Verona 1.5 hours, and 2 hours from the popular ski destination of Ponte di Legno.
Lake Iseo offers a lot of fun activities like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, or simply enjoying the splendid view of the lake. The breathtaking wine routes close by also warrant an exploration.
Also consider visiting one of the medieval towns that surround the lake, such as Sarnico and the town of Iseo.
Ride a ferry to the truly unique Monte Isola, Italy’s largest lacustrine island, in the middle of the lake. The island is a nice place for walking around. You’ll have fun exploring its winding streets. Don’t forget to visit the chapel that crowns the island.
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10. Lake Lecco
Lying at the southeastern tip of the famous Lake Como, near the charming town of Bellagio — which is a popular shooting location of several Hollywood movies.
Although less frequented by visitors compared to Lake Como, Lake Lecco (Lago di Lecco) is spectacular on its own. Its pristine clear waters reflect the colors and landscapes that surround it. It offers beaches and shores for relaxing while taking in the incredible views of the rocky cliff mountains of the Northern Italian region of Lombardy.
When visiting the lake, stop by the town of Lecco for a culture trip. This alpine town is known for being the setting of the great Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni’s magnum opus, The Betrothed.
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11. Lake Bolsena
The largest volcanic lake in Europe, this is Central Italy’s answer to its alpine brothers in the north.
Lake Bolsena (Lago di Bolsena) is surrounded by tons of historic sites and tourist establishments such as agrotourism, bed and breakfasts, and camp sites. It’s in the northern part of the Lazio region, some 77 miles north of Rome.
The water is crystal-clear and just warm enough for swimming. For the best view of the lake, climb up the nearby castle. The climb is a little steep so wear the right shoes.
A visit to the beautiful town of Bolsena, just above the hill, is also recommended.
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12. Lake Scanno
Another contender from central Italy, Lake Scanno hails from the Abruzzese Apennines. It is the largest natural lake in the region of Abruzzo.
A beautiful mountain lake with a lovely shade of bright blue-green that shimmers in the sunlight, Lake Scanno (Lago di Scanno) is a great place for walks and picnics as there’s lots of space to do these.
Lake Scanno is known for its curious shape that resembles a heart, making it one of the most interesting lakes of Italy. To see it from the top, head to the trail leading to a quaint little church that overlooks the lake. This church is built right into the rockface – a must-visit when in Lake Scanno.
After descending from your little hike, rent a nice paddle boat to enjoy the most of this Italian lake.
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13. Lake Barrea
Lake Barrea (Lago di Barrea) is an artificial lake also in Abruzzo. It is small but the spectacular views of the mountains and the town of Barrea compensate for the size.
You can enjoy various activities from swimming to paddle boats, sunbathing, and horseback-riding at Lake Barrea, after which you can enjoy authentic Italian snack or meal at the lakeside restaurant.
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14. Alcantara Gurne
Going far south for the final lake on the list, Alcantara Gurne (Le Gurne dell’Alcantara) in Messina, Sicily, are small lakes that formed straight in the cavities of the volcanic rock through 8,000 years of erosion.
Located in the Alcantara River Park, itself steeped in rich history, a leisurely hike through the winding paths on the fringes of these tiny lakes allows for immersion with nature, history, and traditions.
The breathtaking sights of the beautiful waterfalls and volcanic rocks featured in the park, combined with castle ruins and archeological excavations, are something you will not often see in your lifetime.
Best recommended for those who love hiking and trekking, as well as rafting and canyoning. There are also nice spots for picnics.
Reward yourself with a dip in the clear — albeit cold! — water at the end of your walk.
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