Italian Lakes: Boats, Gelato and Bellagio Dreams
We’ve been to the Italian lakes a few times now and each trip has had a different feel. Some days were all swimming and gelato, others were boat rides and roller coasters. It’s an easy part of Italy to return to because nothing about it feels complicated.
The region sits in northern Italy near the Alps and includes Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Each lake has its own pace. Some are busy, some are quiet, but they all have clear water and towns you can wander without much planning.
Here’s what we’ve done so far and what’s still on our list.
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Lake Garda
Lake Garda has always been our easiest lake to visit. We swam, walked through small towns and rented one of those paddle boats with a slide that kept us in the water most of the afternoon. We also spent a day at Gardaland, because Dylan decided we needed roller coasters after a full day in the water.
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and stretches between the Dolomites and the Veneto plains. The towns around it are known for easy swimming spots, ferries, and long waterfront promenades that make it one of the most family-friendly lakes in the country.
Lake Como
Lake Como is exactly as dramatic as everyone says. We rented a small boat and spent the day cruising past villas, swimming off the back, and stopping whenever the water looked too good to ignore. We floated past George Clooney’s villa like it was totally normal. It wasn’t, but we pretended it was.
Bellagio was worth the stop. Stone streets, flower boxes everywhere, and gelato shops on every corner. It’s the kind of place where you can wander for an hour, sit by the water, and feel like you’re in the right place doing absolutely nothing.
Lake Como is one of Italy’s deepest lakes, surrounded by steep mountains and towns built right on the shoreline. It’s known for villas, gardens and exploring by ferry or private boat.
Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta
We haven’t made it to Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta yet but they’re high on our list. Maggiore is known for its villas and gardens. Orta is the quieter sister. When we get back to the lakes these are the next two we’ll check off.
Lake Maggiore stretches across Italy and Switzerland and is known for its islands, botanical gardens and historic lakeside villas. Lake Orta is smaller and quieter with a medieval village that feels untouched compared to the bigger lakes.
Why We Keep Coming Back
The Italian lakes are easy. You can swim, take a ferry, eat outside and end the day without ever feeling like you had to plan anything. The towns are the right size and the water always looks good in the late afternoon. It’s the kind of region that keeps pulling us back without trying very hard.
Know Before You Go
When to visit: Late spring through early fall. July and August are busy but still great for swimming.
How to get around: Ferries connect most towns. A car helps if you want to hop between lakes.
Where to stay: Each lake has small towns with waterfront hotels and family run inns. Pick based on the lake you want to explore most.
What to pack: Swimsuits, light layers, comfortable shoes and anything that survives being splashed by paddle boats.
Planning More Travel
Looking for more Italy posts?
Puglia – beach towns, road trips and easy summer days
Liguria – swimming, biking tunnels and small coastal towns
Sicily – gelato, beach days and the towns we loved exploring