The Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy

This guide will transport you to five of Italy's most captivating lakes. Discover the secrets of their shores, the trails that wind through their majestic surroundings, and the perfect moments to embark on your own unforgettable journey. If you're seeking an active experience, consider enhancing your adventure with Italy bike tours, which provide a unique way to explore scenic lakeside routes and picturesque villages. For lovers of alpine landscapes, Dolomites walking tours offer expertly guided treks, unveiling hidden paths and breathtaking viewpoints, particularly around Lago di Braies and Lake Sorapiss. If you long for glamour paired with leisurely exploration, Lake Como tours are your invitation to discover historic villas, charming towns, and tranquil gardens beside these world-renowned waters.

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Varenna, Lake Como (Photo Credit: givaga shuttershock 2404252653)

 

 

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), Dolomitesy

In the heart of South Tyrol, cradled within the Fanes-Sennes-Pragser Nature Park, in the Italian Dolomites, lies the ethereal Lago di Braies. Often called the "Pearl of the Dolomites," its emerald waters mirror the formidable Croda del Becco mountain, creating a scene of such perfect beauty it feels like stepping into a painting. Here, the air is crisp, the silence is profound, and the scenery inspires a sense of pure wonder.

 

Essential Facts

 

• Region: Trentino-Alto Adige (South Tyrol)
• Altitude: 1,496 metres
• Defining Feature: The iconic wooden boathouse and rowboats set against a backdrop of sheer mountain faces.

 

For those charting a relaxing Dolomites Walking Holiday, a visit to Lago di Braies offers a perfect day of serene exploration, making it an ideal addition to your journey. After a day of exploring the Dolomites, unwind in one of our selected luxury Dolomites accommodations for the ultimate relaxation. The most enchanting way to experience its beauty is by walking the path that encircles it. This gentle trail allows you to absorb the landscape from every angle, from wide gravel paths to charming stepped sections on the eastern shore. It's an accessible walk, offering immense rewards for a modest effort.

 

• Trail: Lakeside Loop
• Distance: 3.5 kilometres
• Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

 

For those seeking a greater challenge, Lago di Braies is the starting point for the legendary Alta Via 1, one of the most famous long-distance treks across the Dolomites.

 

 

Lake Iseo, Lombardy

While its neighbours often claim the spotlight, Lake Iseo offers a more intimate and authentic Italian experience. This tranquil gem in Lombardy is home to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in southern Europe. The surrounding area, known for its Franciacorta sparkling wine, exudes a relaxed elegance, inviting you to slow down and savour the quiet beauty of its shores. For the perfect base to explore Lake Iseo, look no further than Laqua By The Lake, a boutique hotel situated right on the shores of the lake and part of multi-Michelin starred Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s prestigious collection. For a more off beaten Northern Italy holiday, discover our Lake Iseo Biking Holiday.

 

Essential Facts

 

• Region: Lombardy
• Highlight: Monte Isola, a car-free island accessible by ferry, where life moves at a gentle pace.
• Atmosphere: Understated, charming, and less crowded than the more famous lakes.

 

Exploring Monte Isola on foot is a truly special experience. A network of paths connects its small fishing villages, but the most rewarding walk is the ascent to the Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola. From this sanctuary at the island's highest point, you are granted a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire lake.

 

 

Lake Sorapiss, Dolomites (Photo Credit: Melinda Nagy shuttershock 2572207085)

 

 

Lake Sorapiss, Dolomites

Hidden high in the mountains near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Sorapiss is a spectacle of nature that must be earned. Its waters possess a surreal, milky-turquoise hue, a result of fine glacial rock dust suspended within. Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, situated in the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, is the perfect base to explore the Dolomites and Lake Sorapiss, offering direct access to the Alta Via trails. Unlike other lakes, Sorapiss cannot be reached by road; it reveals itself only to those who venture on foot, making the first glimpse of its luminous water an unforgettable moment.

 

Essential Facts

 

• Region: Veneto
• Altitude: 1,923 metres
• Origin: Glacial, which gives it its unique colour.
• Note: Swimming is not permitted, preserving the lake's delicate and chilly ecosystem.

 

The journey to Lake Sorapiss is as breathtaking as the destination itself. The main trail, Path 215, begins at Passo Tre Croci and winds through forests before opening up to spectacular mountain vistas. Certain sections are equipped with metal cables for security along narrow ledges, adding a touch of adventure to the trek. As a moderately challenging hike, Lake Sorapiss makes for a perfect addition to your Dolomites hiking holiday, offering stunning views without being overly strenuous.

 

• Trail: Path 215 from Passo Tre Croci
• Distance: 11 kilometres (return)
• Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

 

 

Lake Garda, Lombardy

As Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda presents a magnificent world of contrasts. Its southern shores are soft and rolling, adorned with olive groves and vineyards, while the northern end is a dramatic fjord, hemmed in by towering cliffs. Spanning three regions, it offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes, activities, and microclimates, from Mediterranean warmth to alpine breezes.

 

Essential Facts

 

• Regions: Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige
• Character: A vibrant blend of leisure, history and the thermal spas of Sirmione.

 

The northern tip of the lake provides some of the most spectacular hiking and biking. The Sentiero del Ponale is an iconic trail carved into the cliffside, offering staggering views over the brilliant blue water. Once a vital road, it is now a dedicated path for walkers and cyclists. Discover our Lake Garda Itineraries.

 

 

Lake Como, Lombardy

Lake Como is the embodiment of Italian romance and sophistication. Its distinctive Y-shaped form is lined with opulent villas, lush botanical gardens, and impossibly picturesque villages like Bellagio and Varenna. For centuries, it has been a sanctuary for artists, writers, and discerning travellers, drawn by the dramatic scenery where the Alps meet the deep, mesmerising waters. A Lake Como walking or biking holiday is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its charm, allowing you to discover hidden gems at your own pace. Pair your adventure with our handpicked Lake Como luxury accommodations to make your lakeside holiday truly unforgettable.

 

Essential Facts

 

• Region: Lombardy
• Depth: At 410 metres, it is one of Europe's deepest lakes.
• Transport: A seamless ferry network connects the villages, offering a wonderfully civilised way to explore.

 

While known for its glamour, Lake Como also boasts wonderful walking paths. The Greenway del Lago di Como is a leisurely route that meanders through ancient hamlets, past elegant villa gates, and along serene lakeside promenades, offering a gentler way to immerse yourself in the landscape. Discover our Lake Como walking holidays here.

 

 

The Best Time for Hiking and Walking

To fully experience the magic of these trails, timing is everything.

 

• Late Spring (May to June): This is a glorious time. The weather is warm but not hot, wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the summer crowds have yet to arrive. The gardens of Lake Como are in full, spectacular bloom.
• Summer (July to August): This is the peak season. For high-altitude treks like the one to Lake Sorapiss, this is the safest window when trails are free of snow. To avoid the crowds and the midday heat, plan to start your walks very early in the morning.
• Early Autumn (September to October): Perhaps the most enchanting season of all. The summer heat subsides, the light becomes soft and golden, and the landscape is painted in rich autumnal hues. The temperatures are perfect for hiking, and the trails are blissfully quiet.

 

 

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