Anfo
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Anfo
Anfo has only a modest hotel offering, with much of the local accommodation consisting of small lakeside residences and B&Bs along the shores of Lake Idro. For established full-service hotels with stronger facilities and a higher volume of guest reviews, the wider area around the lake provides the most reliable choices.
In Idro, Hotel Alpino is a well-regarded option, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere, traditional hospitality and convenient position close to the lakeside (€€). Also nearby, Hotel da Gianni offers a comfortable stay with easy access to the waterfront and local walking routes, earning positive feedback for its friendly service (€€). For guests seeking broader facilities within the region, Blu Hotel Acquaseria in Ponte di Legno provides spa services, spacious communal areas and consistently strong reviews, making it a popular choice for longer alpine stays (€€€).
In Idro, Hotel Alpino is a well-regarded option, appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere, traditional hospitality and convenient position close to the lakeside (€€). Also nearby, Hotel da Gianni offers a comfortable stay with easy access to the waterfront and local walking routes, earning positive feedback for its friendly service (€€). For guests seeking broader facilities within the region, Blu Hotel Acquaseria in Ponte di Legno provides spa services, spacious communal areas and consistently strong reviews, making it a popular choice for longer alpine stays (€€€).
Where is
Where is Anfo?
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The town of Anfo is located within the Brescia Province of Lombardy and is the second most populous around Lake Idro. It's situated towards the lake's southern end on its western side.
The town has a church, a small number of shops and a hotel but its main attraction without doubt is the lake. There are plenty of places to access the lake in the summer and several campsites. |
Geographically-speaking, Lake Idro lies between Lake Garda to the east and Lake Iseo to its west but in practical terms, Lake Garda is much easier to reach by road. This is a much quieter lake than either of the two that flank it, people come here looking for peace and quiet away from the busier towns around Lake Garda in particular.
A car is best if you want to visit Anfo; the nearest train station is down in Desenzano del Garda, around 50 km away. There are bus routes available but the journey times are excessive.
A car is best if you want to visit Anfo; the nearest train station is down in Desenzano del Garda, around 50 km away. There are bus routes available but the journey times are excessive.
Comune di Anfo
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Highlights: Monte Censo, lake views
Close by: Ponte Caffaro, Salò, Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda Nearest train station: Desenzano del Garda (51 km) Fly to: Verona Airport (98 km), Milan Bergamo (99 km) Recommended accommodation: B&B Re' Perone |
What People Ask About Anfo
Where is Anfo located?
Anfo is a picturesque village situated on the western shore of Lake Idro in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It lies within the province of Brescia, nestled in the foothills of the Alps.
What is Anfo known for?
Anfo is renowned for the Rocca d'Anfo, a historic military fortress dating back to the 15th century. The village also offers stunning lake views, outdoor recreational activities, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
How can I reach Anfo?
Anfo can be accessed by car via the SS237 road from Brescia, which is approximately 60 km away. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most convenient method to reach the village.
What activities are available in Anfo?
Visitors can explore the Rocca d'Anfo, enjoy water sports on Lake Idro such as kayaking and sailing, hike in the surrounding mountains, or relax on the lakeside beaches. The area is also suitable for cycling and nature walks.
Is Anfo suitable for a family holiday?
Yes, Anfo offers a family-friendly environment with various outdoor activities, safe swimming areas, and accommodations catering to families. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal destination for a relaxing family getaway.
Related links
Discover
Discover Anfo
Anfo is a village on the western shore of Lake Idro, in the province of Brescia. Nestled between the water and the wooded slopes of the Prealps, the settlement has a compact historic centre with stone houses and narrow alleys leading down to the lakefront. Its setting reflects both its defensive past and its connection to the natural landscape of the upper valleys.
The most prominent landmark is the Rocca d’Anfo, a vast fortress built and extended over several centuries to guard the lake and surrounding routes. The Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo also forms a focal point within the village. The surrounding area is popular for sailing, walking, and cycling, with trails climbing into the nearby mountains. Road connections link Anfo with Idro to the south and Bagolino to the north, as well as with the passes leading into Trentino.
The most prominent landmark is the Rocca d’Anfo, a vast fortress built and extended over several centuries to guard the lake and surrounding routes. The Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo also forms a focal point within the village. The surrounding area is popular for sailing, walking, and cycling, with trails climbing into the nearby mountains. Road connections link Anfo with Idro to the south and Bagolino to the north, as well as with the passes leading into Trentino.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Anfo
- Lago d’Idro Waterfront: The lakeside area of Anfo offers peaceful views over Lake Idro, a smaller and quieter lake compared to its more famous neighbours. The waterfront includes walking paths, small beaches, and picnic areas, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing beside the water. The surrounding mountains reflect beautifully in the lake, especially in the early morning and evening light.
- Forte di Cima Ora: High above the town stands this Austro-Hungarian military fort, built in the 19th century as part of a defence line along the Italian border. Accessible by hiking trail, the Forte di Cima Ora offers panoramic views of the lake and valley. Though partly in ruins, the structure is a dramatic reminder of the area's strategic importance.
- Forte di Anfo: One of the most significant military fortifications in northern Italy, the Forte di Anfo stretches across the mountainside above the town. Originally built in the Napoleonic era and expanded by the Austrians, the complex can be visited on guided tours, which include barracks, gun emplacements, and staircases cut into the rock.
- Mountain and Forest Trails: The hills and peaks surrounding Anfo offer numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. Routes vary in difficulty and include shaded forest paths, ridge walks, and scenic climbs with views over the lake and neighbouring valleys. Wildlife is often spotted along the trails, including birds of prey and alpine mammals.
- Day Trip to Bagolino: A 30-minute drive inland leads to Bagolino, a medieval mountain village with stone houses, steep alleys, and traditional cheese-making. The local Bagòss cheese is still produced using wood-fired copper cauldrons. The village also has a unique carnival tradition and offers a strong contrast to Anfo’s lakeside setting.
Tours and Activities
Anfo Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Anfo Photo Gallery
Lombardy Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Lombardy
1. Lake Como
2. Milan
3. Lake Garda
4. Mantua
5. Lake Maggiore
6. Cremona
7. Lake Iseo
8. Lake Lugano
9. Pavia
10. San Pellegrino Terme
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy
1. Lake Como
2. Milan
3. Lake Garda
4. Mantua
5. Lake Maggiore
6. Cremona
7. Lake Iseo
8. Lake Lugano
9. Pavia
10. San Pellegrino Terme
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Anfo
By Rail: Anfo does not have its own train station. The nearest stations are in Rovereto and Brescia, both of which connect to the wider Trenitalia network. From Brescia, trains take about 1 hour to reach the northern shore of Lake Idro by way of Desenzano or Lonato, after which Anfo can be reached in around 1 hour by car or local bus.
By Road: Anfo is located on the western shore of Lake Idro. From Brescia, the distance is approximately 50 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car via the SP237 road. From Verona, the journey is around 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are car parks near the lakeside and within the village.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Anfo is located on the western shore of Lake Idro. From Brescia, the distance is approximately 50 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car via the SP237 road. From Verona, the journey is around 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are car parks near the lakeside and within the village.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Situated about 95 kilometres from Anfo, with a drive of around 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is the most practical airport, with both domestic and international flights.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio): Around 110 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours by car. A good option with a wide range of low-cost and international routes.
- Milan Linate Airport: Approximately 135 kilometres from Anfo, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Suitable for European connections.
Private Transfers
Anfo Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient way to travel to or from Anfo, providing a direct service without the need to navigate bus timetables or drive along the winding lakeside roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
From Anfo, the nearest hub is Brescia city centre, which can be reached in about 1 hour (approx. 55 kilometres). Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes away (approx. 95 kilometres), while Milan Linate Airport can be reached in about 2 hours (approx. 135 kilometres). A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 160 kilometres). For destinations on Lake Garda, the journey to Desenzano del Garda takes about 50 minutes (approx. 45 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Anfo, the nearest hub is Brescia city centre, which can be reached in about 1 hour (approx. 55 kilometres). Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes away (approx. 95 kilometres), while Milan Linate Airport can be reached in about 2 hours (approx. 135 kilometres). A transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 160 kilometres). For destinations on Lake Garda, the journey to Desenzano del Garda takes about 50 minutes (approx. 45 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

