Italian Lakes holidays

Less than an hour from Milan, between the Alps and the Dolomites, the Italian 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 countless celebrities. From deep-blue waters to coastlines dotted with grand villas and sprawling vineyards, this is a region of sublime beauty - a perfect counterpoint to the postcard coastlines of the country's Mediterranean south.

The best hotels can be found along the scenic shoreline, or inland in one of the many charming mountain towns. From gorgeous Lake Garda to historic Lake Como and mountain-framed Lake Maggiore, discover the best of our Italian Lakes holidays below.

Northern Italy and the Lakes fly-drive

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

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.

Villa Sostaga, Gargagno, Lake Garda, Italy

Verona & Lake Garda in Style

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

Showcase the splendour of Northern Italy as you combine the history of ancient Verona with time spent exploring and relaxing on the glittering shores of 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 £2,770 pp incl. flights

Following an overnight stay amid the culture and fashion of Milan, head north to the heart of the beautiful Italian Lakes for a stay at a converted palazzo on the shores of 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

Guide price from £1,690 pp incl. flights

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

Italian Lakes in focus

From the vineyard-lined shores of Garda to the glamorous villas of Como, Wexas expert Adam Lowe shows you why the Italian Lakes should be at the top of your holiday wishlist for 2025.
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’.