Italian Lakes holidays

The enchanting Italian Lakes region of northern Italy is located on the border with Switzerland in the beautiful pre-alpine foothills of Lombardy. Set between the Alps and the Dolomites, the Lakes are just half an hour from bustling Milan.

Together, the lakes' blue glacial waters, ornamental gardens, ancient villas and backdrop of snow-capped mountains have entranced and inspired visitors for centuries, attracting artists, poets and musicians, from Verdi to Byron, as well as numerous celebrities, including George Clooney and Madonna. The best Lake hotels can be found along the scenic shoreline, or inland in one of the many elegant towns. From gorgeous Lake Garda to historic Lake Como and mountain-framed Lake Maggiore, discover the best of our Italian Lakes holidays below.

Best of the Aosta Valley

10-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,185 pp incl. flights

Special
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Early booking savings at Sina Villa Matilde – Save up to £100pp
Book by: 31 December 2024

Discover the stunning Alpine scenery and rich cultural heritage of Italy’s northwestern corner, with stays in the Piedmont countryside and opportunities to explore Turin on either side.

Italian Lakes holiday ideas

Northern Italy and the Lakes fly-drive

13-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,135 pp incl. flights

Calm blue lakes, snow-crested mountains, grand villas and some of Italy's finest Belle Époque hotels provide the backdrop to this tailor-made driving holiday through beautiful northern Italy. Its bookended by stays among Milan's ultra-fashionable repose and Verona's fabled past.

Verona & Lake Garda in Style

9-day self-drive holiday from £2,180 pp incl. flights

Showcase the splendour of two of Italy's most beautiful attractions, combining the history of ancient Verona with time spent lazing above the shores of the glittering Lake Garda.

Hidden Lakes of Northern Italy

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,800 pp incl. flights

Explore northern Italy without the crowds, stepping a little off the beaten track to discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with stays at four of the region's lesser-known lakes.

Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands

8-day tailor-made holiday from £1,310 pp incl. flights

Showcase the splendour of one of Italy's most beautiful regions with a week of relaxation and exploration on the shores of the glittering Lake Maggiore.

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Places to stay in the Italian Lakes

Grand Hotel Majestic, Lake Maggiore

Guide price from £780 pp

As one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top 50 hotels in Italy, you can expect true lakeside luxury, evidenced across fine dining restaurants, the slice of private beach and delightful rooms.

Villa d’Este, Lake Como

3-night luxury holiday from £1,740 pp incl. flights & transfers

This is your chance to enjoy palatial luxury in a property hailed as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Travel

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

Contemporary hotel

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Como, Italy. The hotel faces directly onto Bellagio, where the two branches of the lake meet, against the backdrop of the Grigne Mountains.

Villa Cortine Palace, Lake Garda

Small & intimate hotel

This late 19th century villa was converted into a hotel in 1953, adding clay tennis court and poolside luxury to its original antique furnishings.

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Where to go in Italian Lakes

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore, named ‘Verbana' after the flowers that bloom in the region by the locals, is regarded as the most scenic of the Italian Lakes; the Lake's translucent quality is attributed to the tears of unrequited lovers and romantic poets.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest of the Italian Lakes and stretches sinuously from the Italian Plains towards the Dolomites.

Lake Como

Lake Como, enclosed by rugged peaks, the sloping foothills of the Alps and cosmopolitan lakeside towns of Varenna, Como, Belaggio and Menaggio, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy.

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When to go to Italian Lakes

Lake Maggiore

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The pull to Italy’s enchanting northern lakes is indisputably stronger during the hot summer months. From May right through to September, endless sunshine paired with cooling dips in crystal clear waters make for an idyllic summer getaway. Alternatively, a trip during spring or autumn brings low season prices, moderate temperatures – perfect for intense sports in the beautiful natural surrounds – and all-round peace and quiet.

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Italian Lakes articles

Italy’s best self-drive holidays

Italy specialist Matthew Grubb has collated this list of Italy’s ultimate driving holidays. And, along with the highlights of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, there are plenty of secrets to discover, too.
Four of the best European road trips

Between the headline acts and lesser-known gems, these are the finest self-drives on the continent.
Top 10 places to visit this autumn

Whether it’s island relaxation in the sun or a Big-Five safari, this is a collection of our finest autumn escapes. There are also plenty of insiders’ tips, including America’s secret ‘fall foliage’.
Italian Lakes in Focus

From the vineyard lined shores of Garda to the glamorous towns of Como, discover why so many are fawning after an Italian Lake getaway this year.