The Italian lakes, formed as glacial basins, have been a favourite holiday destination for centuries. Even the ancient Romans had summer villas in the area. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty against a background of Alpine mountains, and surrounded by olive groves and citrus orchards, the lakes enjoy a temperate climate all year round.
The largest of the lakes is Lake Garda, with several delightful resorts on its shores, which are all linked by ferry services as well as by road. Sirmione, on the southern bank, is a medieval town with quaint, narrow streets and a real, fairytale castle, the Rocca Scaligera, as well as the remains of a Roman villa.
Riva, at the northern end of the lake, is a larger town with a museum housed in a ruined fort, pretty public gardens and lots of tourist shops and cafes. Malcesine, on the eastern shore, is another historic town, with a lakeside castle and a cable car up to the top of the Monte Baldo ridge, for stunning views of spectacular scenery. Malcesine is a perfect destination for keen hikers.
Lake Como is a long, narrow lake, not far from the city of Milan. Many millionaires have holiday homes around its beautiful shores. There are numerous resorts to choose from as your holiday base, and it is simple to explore other towns and villages either by local bus service or ferry.
Bellaggio, one of the area’s premier tourist destinations, is situated right on the promontory where Lake Como splits off into two narrow ribbons. It is extremely picturesque, with winding cobbled streets, gardens and lots of shops and eateries; and the Basilica di San Giacomo in the main town square is well worth visiting for its frescoes and statues.
Como is a livelier resort, with two cathedrals, Romanesque churches and a nine-hundred year-old gateway. There is also an excellent art gallery, the Pinacoteca, and a small funicular railway that will take you up into the surrounding hills. Although there is not much to see in Menaggio, it is very popular with holidaymakers because it has stretches of beach along the lake shore for sunbathing, and a lido for those who want to swim or indulge in water sports. Its location makes it ideal for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, and there is also an 18-hole golf course nearby.
Lake Maggiori straddles the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, and extends right into Switzerland. Like Loch Ness, it is reputedly haunted by a “monster”! There are numerous resorts around its shores, but one of the major tourist attractions is a cluster of islets known as the Borromean Islands, in the western arm of the lake. One of the best ways to explore this region is via the narrow gauge Centovalley railway, which will take you on a full day’s scenic journey up into the mountains.
If you cannot decide which of the lakes to visit, a coach touring holiday might be the solution, giving you the opportunity to spend a few days at each of the major lakes.