Italy’s got a list of lakes so long that even longtime locals haven’t visited them all.
But the ones that locals and tourists alike visit without fail? The leisurely laghi in the Italian Lakes region.
The Italian Lakes region is the go-to vacation destination for those who want to trade the Renaissance museums and Roman ruins for some quality R&R on a lakeside.
Familiar with Lake Como, the Northern Italian playground for the rich and famous? Then you already know what splendor to expect when planning a weekend in the Italian Lakes.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy.
Your guide to the Italian Lakes Region
A quick bit of info about the famous lakes in Northern Italy.
What is the Italian Lakes region?
The Italian Lakes region is a collection of lakes in Northern Italy near the border with Switzerland. Celebs and backpackers alike come for the seclusion and scenery, the medieval sites and stunning mountain backdrops.
How close is the Italian Lakes region to Milan?
The Italian Lakes District is very close to Milan, so much so that you can easily take a day-trip from Milan to Lake Como by train and hardly feel like you’ve made an effort.
Can I get to the Italian Lakes by train from Venice?
You can totally get to the best lakes in Italy from Venice. Visiting the Italian Lakes by train from Venice is convenient, especially if you’ve got your eyes set on Lake Garda. The trip from Venezia Santa Lucia to Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione has a 90-minute direct train.
How many days do I need in the Italian Lakes region?
You need as much time as you can spare in the Italian Lakes. An Italian Lakes itinerary by train could be anywhere from a day or two traveling from Bologna to Lake Iseo or a week-long-plus adventure trekking from Turin across half-a-dozen lakes to Verona.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Maleo Photography. Image Location: Lake Maggiore, Italy.
The best Italian lakes (and how to visit by train)
A train ride to the lakeside.
Lake Maggiore
Convenient train station: Arona F.S.
Lake Maggiore is a fantastic starting point for a trip to the Italian Lakes region. No fewer than six train stations run north-and-south along the western shore of the lake, letting you easily explore the Piedmonte side’s small towns. A popular activity is taking a boat out to the Borromeo Islands where small museums await.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Emya Photography. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy.
Lake Garda
Convenient train station: Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione
Over on the east side of the Italian Lakes, you’ll find Lake Garda. It’s the largest lake in Italy, featuring everything from the dazzling Scaliger Caster to the thrilling Gardaland Resort amusement park. You’ll need a bus to get around after arriving at the main train station in the south. And if your Italian Lakes itinerary by train has a little wiggle room, we suggest pairing your Italian Lakes journey with a quick trip to the nearby Dolomites.
Lake Orta
Convenient train station: Orta-Miasino
The westernmost lake in the area, Orta doesn’t have the size of its neighbor Lake Maggiore, but its own charming island, Isola San Giulio. See the lakes in a new way with the zip-line adventure in the north or stay south and splash at the popular beach, Spiaggia Miami. A few train stations line the eastern shoreline for easy access.
Image Credit: Getty Images, LianeM. Image Location: Lake Lugano, Italy.
Lake Lugano
Convenient train station: Porto Ceresio
No, you’re not misremembering. Lake Lugano is absolutely in Switzerland—except for the little bit of shoreline that flows into Italy. You can certainly have a fine time on the Italian side of Lugano with lakeside dining and selfie stopping. Don’t be afraid to cross the border; Swiss trains will take you around the majority of the lake.
Lake Iseo
Convenient train station: Iseo
Sitting between Lake Como and Lake Garda, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you should skip the quieter Lake Iseo. That is, until you see photos of the sleepy little town of Lovere. Lake Iseo has all of the views with less of the crowds, perfect for anyone who wants a chill getaway.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Daniele Mezzadri. Image Location: Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
Lake Como
Convenient train station: Como San Giovanni
What can we say about Lake Como that a photograph can’t convey? It’s one of the best lakes in Italy—one of the best in Europe, really—and the star of the Italian Lakes map. Golfing and gourmet eating. Hiking and historic squares. Hotels with spas, skiing, and stunning scenery right outside your suite’s window.
Ready to explore the Italian Lakes by train? We’re ready to help. Download the Trainline app and we’ll help you find the cheapest train tickets to these six dreamy lakes in Northern Italy.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, David C Tomlinson. Image Location: Lake Garda, Italy.