The Italian lakes are a perfect destination for all lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Between mountains, forests, and picturesque villages with the only view of the peaceful waters and the boats sailing with the waves.
They have something magical and their striking beauty makes them the ideal place for a restful weekend. Here are our top 10 of the most beautiful Italian lakes and, how to get there quickly and easily by train.
Lake Garda
With a surface area of 368 km2, it is the largest in Italy, home to many towns and villages on its shores. Allow around 10 hours by train from Gare de Lyon in Paris with a stopover in Milan to Desenzano del Garda, on the Lombardy side, or another 1 hour and 20 minutes from Milan Centrale. The Frecciarossa high-speed trains ensure the journey while offering maximum comfort: leather seats, free wifi, electrical outlets, and a dining car. In addition, if you are traveling in Premium class, you will be able to enjoy a drink and a free snack. As soon as you arrive, admire the view of the lake and then set off for a boat ride on its peaceful waters. Finally, the small neighboring village of Sirmione is also of great beauty with its castle and its picturesque little port which are worth the detour.
Lake Maggiore
This Italian-Swiss lake straddles Piedmont, Lombardy, and the canton of Ticino. He has inspired many artists who have fallen under the spell of his romantic and magical landscapes. From Paris, allow 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach Stresa station, located on the shores of the lake, or a 1-hour journey from Milan Porta Garibaldi. The city has many historical monuments such as the Villa Pallavicino with its gardens, or the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, the holiday resort of the writer Hemingway, whose sublime view of the lake was a source of inspiration.
Lake Como
Also in Lombardy, Lake Como is renowned for the beauty of its shores and incredible landscapes with the Alps as a backdrop. Easily accessible in 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Milan Porta Garibaldi station to Como San Giovanni station, the small town of Como is an invitation to explore with its cathedral and its breathtaking view of the lake and the mountains majestic. From there, take the height to reach the small village of Brunate, accessible by cable car from the city.
Lake Trasimeno
The fourth-largest lake in Italy, Lake Trasimeno is located in Umbria about 1 hour and 40 minutes by train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Castiglione del Lago station. A true little natural paradise, the village is home to a very rich flora and fauna. From the top of its rocky promontory, discover its Etruscan tombs but also its medieval castle and ramparts from the same period. A timeless getaway, ideal for combining nature and history.
Lake Orta
Easy to reach in 1 hour and 50 minutes from Milan Central Station to Orta Miasino station located on its shores, Lake Orta is nestled just parallel to its neighbor Lake Maggiore, both separated by amount. From the port and after a crossing of barely 5 minutes, discover the island of San Giulio in the middle of the lake, and visit its basilica which deserves a glance, and whose trace dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries. century. Take the time to savor the tranquility and beauty of the place as you stroll on this island where time seems to have stood still.
Lake Iseo
Located not far from Bergamo, about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train to Iseo, this picturesque and discreet lake is to be discovered as it is home to the largest lake island in Europe: Monte Isola. As soon as you arrive, set off to explore the island and its small villages that stretch over 3 kilometers in length, including Peschiera Maraglio, a typical old fishing village. Its 15th century Rocca Oldofredi castle and church are also worth seeing. The island is relatively unknown to tourists and famous for its tranquility.
Fusine Lakes
These two lakes nestled in a beautiful setting very close to the border with Slovenia are within walking distance from the village of Tarvisio and its train station, which you can reach by train from Venice in around 2 hours and 50 minutes. As soon as you arrive at Tarvisio Città station, take the path that leads to the lake to admire its emerald waters in which the mountains are reflected. A magical break in the heart of nature.
Mergozzo Lake
To discover Lake Mergozzo in Piedmont, a train ride of just 2 hours and 40 minutes from Bergamo is enough. A small neighbor of Lake Maggiore to which it was once connected, Lake Mergozzo is no less charming, and its small village of the same name is worth a detour. Its narrow streets and churches make it a peaceful place, perfect for a timeless break. And then, while passing through the area, do not miss to taste the village specialty, fugascine: delicious cookies with vanilla, lemon, and marsala.
Lake Caldonazzo
It is the largest lake in Trentino, located not far from Lake Garda and accessible from Trento in around 40 minutes by train, or from Desenzano del Garda / Sirmione (Lake Garda) station in a little less of 3 hours. In summer, its warm and calm waters are suitable for swimming, fishing, diving, or even sailing and water skiing. Enough to spend a sporting stay in a unique and magnificent setting.
Lake Lugano
This immense glacial lake has the particularity of being shared between the canton of Ticino in Switzerland and Lombardy on the Italian side. To get as close as possible to it during your stay in Italy, head for the small village of Porto Ceresio, just 1 hour and 15 minutes from Milan by train. Once there, take a walk along the path of over 2 kilometers by the lake and enjoy the magical view of the turquoise waters and mountains. The typical houses of its historic center are also to be seen, as are its pleasant little shops to stroll and find pretty creations.
If you are looking for the great outdoors and nature, the Italian lakes are for you. Their clear and peaceful waters guarded by mountains and forests are a real invitation to serenity and tranquility for rejuvenating vacations, as a couple or as a family. History lovers will also find what they are looking for in the alleys of these villages rocked by the gentle lapping of water on their banks. Ready to explore these majestic Italian lakes for a weekend? Find your ticket without further delay online here.
