Ten most beautiful Italian lakes for a summer holiday

While Italy is known for its stunning beaches and exellent city-breaks, it is also an ideal country for a lakeside holiday. In fact, there are so many stunning lakes surrounded by luxury villas, vineyards and picture-perfect towns that it can be hard to choose where to go for your next getaway. To help you decide, here are ten of the most beautiful Italian lakes for a summer holiday:

Lake Como

If you’re looking for glitz and glamour, Lake Como is for you. You might recognise it from the final scene of James Bond’s Casino Royale. George Clooney also owns a villa on the lake’s shores. Go on a boat tour to take in the breathtaking scenery - cliffs teetering from the banks of the lake, while the stunning Alps tower over the northern end. You can see the glamorous Bell Epoque villas on the water’s edge, or head to the “pearl of the lake”, the picturesque town of Bellagio. The town is known for its world-class shopping and dining and Baroque gardens.

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Lake Orta

It might not be as famous as the other lakes, but Lake Orta is perfect for romantic hideaways. It is certainly a unique experience, with a tiny medieval town nestled in its centre on the island of San Giulio. Fall in love with the “picture-perfect peach houses with wrought iron balconies lining the narrow, cobbled and car-free streets”, says Oliver’s Travels. Reach the island by taking a relaxing trip on the ferry. Don’t forget to visit Sacro Monte Di Orta, a sacred mount dedicated to St Francis of Assissi. Its 20 chapels occupy a mount overlooking the late, so prepare for some gorgeous views. Not to mention you reach it by taking a small train from Orta.

Lake Garda

The largest of the Italian lakes, Lake Garda is bordered by three distinct regions: the rolling hills of the Veneto, the Lombard plains and the mountains of Alpine Trentino Alto-Adige. Known for its delicious wine, the island has a handful of vineyards, with all-star names like Valpolicella, Soave and Bardolino. While you’re at it, take a trip to Shakespeare’s Verona, a few minutes away.

Lake Maggiore

Known for its old-world charm, Italy’s second largest lake has “elegant palm-lined promenades and pretty villages”, says Oliver's Travels. Depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re after, you have plenty of options at Lake Maggiore. Restaurants and nightlife flourish at Verbania. If you’d rather opt for something peaceful and quiet, Cannobio is known for its grace and charm. Best of all, Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland - so you can explore both countries on your getaway here.

Lake Iseo

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Lake Iseo has you covered, as it’s known for its exhilarating trekking and mountain bike opportunities. The Via Valeriana, once an ancient trading route, is a “popular hiking route that snakes through olive groves and vineyards, while the village of Zone is home to impressive rocky pyramids topped by granite boulders”, says The Daily Telegraph. Lake Iseo even has Europe’s very own largest lake island, Monte Isola.

Lake Trasimeno

If you’re hoping to be closer to central Italy, Lake Trasimeno is a great option. As historic as it is beautiful, it is the site of the Battle of Lake Trasimene of 217 BC, where Hannibal defeated the Romans with one of the biggest, most successful military ambushes in history. It is also right on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, so it is a perfect base for your travels.

Lake Lugano

Nestled at the bottom of the Alps, Lake Lugano is right on the border of Switzerland. Life in Italy says that “you can enjoy outdoor sports, beautiful villages, gorgeous views, festivals and delicious food in the Lugano area, which draws tons of tourists every year to its shores.”

Lake Bolsena

This lake is located in central Italy and is home to several islands. Experience your own black sand beach at the largest of the islands, Bisentia, where there is also ancient Etruscan ruins and picturesque churches.

Lake Bracciano

If you’re a water-sports enthusiast, this island offers scuba diving, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and swimming. The lake isn’t located too far from Rome, so if you want to end your Italian adventure in the capital, Bracciano is a good first stop. If you are interested in celebrity connections, the Bracciano castle was the wedding venue for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Lake Ledro

Though this lake is less well known, it is home to some of the most beautiful waters in the country. The water is also warm enough to swim in - so take a dip as you take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding forests and mountains.