Trace your finger just south of the Swiss border and you’ll hit the jackpot – the glorious Italian Lakes. Garda, Como, Maggiore… three names that basically scream “holiday mode ON.” If you want jaw-dropping scenery, a hint of glamour, and more gelato than you can handle, stop scrolling now. This is it.
These lakes don’t just sparkle, they dazzle. The water is made for boat trips, lazy swims, or just staring at from a café while pretending you’re in a film. Rolling green hills dish out the freshest food, and the surrounding mountains bring the drama – snow-capped in winter, sun-kissed in summer.
Beyond the landscapes, you’ve got towns that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a postcard. Cobblestones? Check. Chic boutiques? Check. Cafés that smell like heaven and pastries that taste even better? Double check. Throw in palaces, gardens, museums, and a few fancy restaurants, and you’ve basically got the perfect getaway.
And if you can’t decide between lakeside lounging or city sightseeing – good news. Milan, Venice, Verona… all within easy reach. City break or nature escape? Why not both.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore Holidays, EasyJet
Lake Maggiore is basically a supermodel of a lake – photogenic from every angle. You’ve got pretty towns hugging the shores, plus three little stars in the middle: Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola Pescatori. Hop on a boat and tick off palaces, gardens bursting with colour, and restaurants worth writing home about.
Families can hop between pretty lakeside towns and picnic in gardens. Couples can escape to romantic island hideaways. Friends will love the chilled boat trips and lakeside aperitifs. Adults after culture can dive into palaces, markets, and museums. Maggiore’s a bit quieter than Garda and Como – perfect if you like beauty without the bustle.
Lake Maggiore is elegance and charm rolled into one. Start with the Borromean Islands – Isola Bella for its ornate palace and gardens, Isola Madre for lush botanical wonders, and Isola dei Pescatori for fresh lake fish. Stresa is your base for browsing boutiques and sipping wine with mountain views, or take the Mottarone cable car for panoramas over both Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Explore Villa Taranto’s famous gardens, go kayaking in the calm waters, or hop over the Swiss border to Locarno for a day trip. Evenings are best spent wandering lakeside promenades, gelato in hand, with the Alps glowing pink in the distance.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the big boss – the largest of the three, with 15 lakeside towns to explore. Olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, and even some beaches down south. Whether you’re sipping wine, wandering medieval streets, or paddling your toes, Garda delivers.
Families will love the mix of beaches, boat trips, and fun parks like Gardaland. Kids get gelato stops in every town. Couples? You’ve got candlelit lakefront dinners in Sirmione. Friends can hop between wine tastings and lake cruises. Adults chasing culture can explore castles and Roman ruins. Garda’s your all-rounder – sunshine, scenery, and something for everyone, all wrapped up in proper Italian charm.
Lake Garda is the ultimate holiday buffet. Start with Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle, a fairytale fortress surrounded by water. Take a boat trip to soak up the mountain views, then unwind at Aquaria Thermal Spa. Families can spend a whole day at Gardaland or Caneva Aquapark, while wine lovers can sip Bardolino wines straight from the source. Hike Monte Baldo for jaw-dropping panoramas, or hop on a ferry to explore Garda’s 15 lakefront towns. Don’t miss Malcesine’s cable car – it takes you from lake level to Alpine heights in minutes. Oh, and sunset in Desenzano? Pure magic.
Lake Como
Lake Como is the glam one – the A-lister of the lakes. Snow-capped Alps in the background, luxury villas in the foreground, and a history of being the go-to spot for the rich and famous since Roman times. Expect cobbled lanes, lush gardens, and more “wow” moments than your phone’s camera roll can take.
Couples will swoon over Como’s dreamy villas and sunset cruises. Friends can party it up in trendy lakefront bars or go waterskiing. Families can enjoy gentle walks, boat rides, and tasty pizza pit stops. Adults who like a bit of glitz will feel right at home in celebrity-favourite Bellagio. Como’s got elegance with a side of adventure.
Lake Como is all about living your best Italian movie fantasy. Cruise past grand villas like Villa del Balbianello (yes, the Bond one), explore Bellagio’s picture-perfect streets, and sip Aperol on a sunny terrace. Take the funicular from Como town up to Brunate for views that’ll make your camera explode. Hike the Greenway del Lago for a scenic, slow-paced wander, or splash out on a private boat tour to feel like George Clooney for the day. Don’t miss Varenna’s romantic lakeside promenade, and if you’re feeling fancy, pop into Villa Carlotta for stunning art and gardens. Whether you’re sightseeing, eating, or just staring at the water, Como delivers the wow-factor on tap.
The Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Book easyJet, they have got your back from take-off to touchdown. Low deposits from £60pp, flexible changes, refund guarantees, best-price promise, and ABTA & ATOL protection. Spread the cost, swap your dates, or bag a bargain knowing they will beat any cheaper deal. Stress-free holidays, the easy way.
Italian Lakes Holidays with EasyJet
If you’re booking activities for your Italian Lakes adventure, Viator and GetYourGuide are your go-to wingmen. They’ve got stacks of tried-and-tested tours, easy booking, real reviews, and proper customer support. No dodgy “mystery” trips here – just reliable, unforgettable experiences you can book with total confidence.
| Lake | Best For | Vibe | Top Things to Do | Extra Wow Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Garda | Families, couples, friends, everyone | Sunny, fun, packed with variety | Scaliger Castle in Sirmione, Gardaland, Monte Baldo cable car, wine tasting in Bardolino | 15 towns to explore + mix of beaches, mountains, and vineyards |
| Lake Como | Couples, friends, luxury seekers | Glamorous, romantic, cinematic | Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio, Greenway del Lago hike, private boat tours | Snow-capped Alps backdrop + Clooney-level glamour |
| Lake Maggiore | Couples, adults, peaceful family trips | Elegant, relaxed, less touristy | Borromean Islands, Stresa, Villa Taranto gardens, Mottarone cable car | Italy–Switzerland crossover trips + postcard-perfect promenades |
Top Tips for Italian Lakes Holidays
Warmest swimming? July & August.
Garden lovers: come from March onwards.
Milan, Verona & Venice make perfect city add-ons.
Explore lakeside towns – they’re all different.
Pop into grand villas & botanical gardens.
Eat. And then eat some more.
Take boat trips – they’re the best way to see it all.
Daytrip to Milan for shopping or Venice for canals.
So, there you have it – three lakes, each with their own sparkle, all showing off like they’re auditioning for the next Bond movie. Whether you’re after family fun, a couples’ escape, a glam getaway with the girls, or just a solo recharge surrounded by ridiculous scenery, the Italian Lakes have got you covered. Pack your sunnies, leave your diet at home, and get ready to fall head over heels for Italy’s most dazzling playgrounds.
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