LAKES OF ITALY
ten of the biggest and most beautiful lakes across the country
Photo: Lago di Fusine Superiore, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Lakes of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Away from the seaside towns and the major cities, it's the Lakes of Italy that provide some of the country's most spectacular scenery and welcoming holiday resorts.
The most famous lakes are the three in the north of Italy between the Alps and the River Po. In terms of size, Lake Garda is the biggest by far, covering an area of 370 km² and encompassing the three regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige/South Tyrol. Around the edges of the Lake are some of Italy's most prestigious resorts such as Sirmione, Limone, Riva and Malcesine to name but a few. |
Lake Braies, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Although Lake Como at 146 km² can't quite match the size of Lake Garda, it can make a very good case for being the most aesthetically attractive. Completely contained within the region of Lombardy and a short distance north of Milan, Lake Como can boast the likes of Bellagio, Varenna and the city of Como itself around its shores.
Completing the trio of "Great Lakes of the North" is the beautiful expanse of Lake Maggiore which covers an area of 146 km² with its western shore in Piedmont, the opposite side in Lombardy and its northern reaches entering Switzerland. Lake Maggiore is surrounded by a similar number of lakeside resorts as the other two main lakes but can also boast the beautiful Borromean Islands at its centre.
There are dozens of other beautiful lakes in northern Italy with the very best of those detailed further down this page. However, if we continue the trail in terms of size, we must head south to the central region of Umbria where we find Lake Trasimeno. Here there's a distinct change of atmosphere away from the swish resorts of the north, Lake Trasimeno is a much quieter affair with resorts to match.
Completing the trio of "Great Lakes of the North" is the beautiful expanse of Lake Maggiore which covers an area of 146 km² with its western shore in Piedmont, the opposite side in Lombardy and its northern reaches entering Switzerland. Lake Maggiore is surrounded by a similar number of lakeside resorts as the other two main lakes but can also boast the beautiful Borromean Islands at its centre.
There are dozens of other beautiful lakes in northern Italy with the very best of those detailed further down this page. However, if we continue the trail in terms of size, we must head south to the central region of Umbria where we find Lake Trasimeno. Here there's a distinct change of atmosphere away from the swish resorts of the north, Lake Trasimeno is a much quieter affair with resorts to match.
Lake Garda
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Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, is located in northern Italy, spanning the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Stretching about 52 kilometres in length, it is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain backdrops, and Mediterranean climate.
The lake’s shoreline is dotted with charming towns such as Sirmione, known for its Scaliger Castle and thermal baths, and Malcesine, with its medieval castle and access to Monte Baldo via cable car. Other highlights include the historic town of Riva del Garda and the olive groves and vineyards producing local delicacies. |
Limone sul Garda
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Lake Como
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Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, is a breathtaking destination known for its dramatic scenery, elegant villas, and charming towns.
Surrounded by the Alps, the Y-shaped lake features crystal-clear waters and lush hillsides. Its shores are dotted with picturesque villages like Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of the Lake,” and Varenna, known for its romantic alleys and gardens. Historic villas, such as Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, showcase stunning architecture and botanical gardens. Lake Como has been a retreat since Roman times. |
Varenna, Lake Como
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Lake Maggiore
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Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest and most picturesque lakes, lies in the northern regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, extending into Switzerland.
Surrounded by the Alps, the lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and mild climate, creating a stunning setting. Its most famous attractions are the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella with its baroque palace and gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village. The lakeside towns of Stresa and Verbania offer historic villas, botanical gardens, and cultural charm. |
Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore
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Lake Trasimeno
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Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in central Italy, is located in the Umbria region, near the border with Tuscany. Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque villages, it is a serene destination rich in natural beauty and history.
The lake features three islands: Isola Maggiore, Isola Minore, and Isola Polvese, all accessible by boat. Visitors can also explore medieval towns like Castiglione del Lago. Historically significant, the area was the site of the famous Battle of Lake Trasimeno in 217 BCE, where Hannibal defeated the Roman army during the Second Punic War. |
Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
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Lake Bracciano
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Lake Bracciano is a picturesque volcanic lake located in the Lazio region of central Italy, about 30 kilometres north of Rome.
Spanning 56 square kilometres, it is one of the largest lakes in the region, surrounded by lush hills and charming towns such as Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, and Anguillara Sabazia. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Historically, Lake Bracciano has been an important source of freshwater for Rome. The area is rich in history, with the imposing Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, perched on the lake’s shore a notable landmark. |
Anguillara Sabazia, Lake Bracciano
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Lake Orta
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Lake Orta is a serene, picturesque lake located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, near the Swiss border and approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Lake Maggiore.
Surrounded by lush hills and charming towns, the lake is known for its tranquility and natural beauty. The small island of San Giulio, with its medieval monastery, is a notable feature, and visitors can take boat trips to explore it. The town of Orta San Giulio, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, adds to the lake's charm. |
Pella, Lake Orta
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Lake Iseo
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Lake Iseo is a stunning freshwater lake located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, nestled between the cities of Brescia and Bergamo.
It is one of the smaller Italian lakes but is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. The lake features picturesque towns such as Iseo and Sarnico, along with the unique Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy. Historically, Lake Iseo has been important for trade and agriculture, particularly for fishing and the cultivation of vineyards. |
Lake Iseo, Lombardy
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Lake Lugano
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Lake Lugano is a stunning glacial lake located in the southern part of Switzerland, extending into northern Italy. The lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains, including Mount Brè and Monte San Salvatore, offering breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities.
Its serene waters and charming lakeside towns, such as Lugano and Melide, are known for their Mediterranean-like atmosphere. The area has a rich history, with the lake serving as an important trade route since Roman times. It became a popular destination for the aristocracy in the 19th century, and today, it remains a hub for tourism, leisure, and cultural events. |
Lake Lugano, Lombardy
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Lake Tenno
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Lake Tenno is a small, picturesque lake located in the Trentino Alto Adige/South Tyrol region of northern Italy, near the town of Riva del Garda, at the foot of the Alps. Known for its stunning turquoise waters, the lake is surrounded by lush forests and dramatic mountains.
It is a glacial lake, formed thousands of years ago, and has been a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and photography. The nearby medieval village of Tenno, perched on a hill, adds to the area’s historical charm. Lake Tenno is also an important ecological site, home to various species of fish and plant life. |
Lake Tenno, Trentino Alto-Adige
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Lakes of Fusine
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The Lakes of Fusine are located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, near the town of Tarvisio and the Austrian border.
Nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, the two glacial lakes—Lago Superiore and Lago Inferiore—are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery. Surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, the lakes are popular for hiking, fishing, and photography. The area is part of the larger Fusine Forest, which has been protected since the 19th century. |
Lakes of Fusine, Friuli Venezia Giulia
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Italian Lakes by Size
1. Lake Garda (Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige/South Tyrol)- 370 km²
2. Lake Maggiore (Lombardy, Piedmont)- 210 km²
3. Lake Como (Lombardy) - 146 km²
4. Lake Trasimeno (Umbria) - 124 km²
5. Lake Bolsena (Lazio) - 114 km²
6. Lake Iseo (Lombardy) - 65 km²
7. Lake Bracciano (Lazio) - 57 km²
8. Lake Lesina (Puglia) - 51 km²
9. Lake Lugano (Lombardy) - 49 km²
10. Lake Orta (Piedmont) - 18 km²
There are two large artificial lakes in Sardinia which aren't included in the above list for that reason. If they were included, Lake Omodeo at 29 km² would be in 10th place and Lake Coghinas at 17.8 km² would be just outside the top ten in 11th place.
