Lakeside Towns of Italy
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 22 September 2023
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The best lakeside towns of Italy in the guide below, come from an extraordinary number of contenders. Italy's lakes are famous throughout the world and the towns that sit beside them attract a vast number of visitors every year.
To whittle this list down to the prettiest 20 lake resorts in Italy was tricky to say the least and it could easily have stretched into the hundreds. There are some notable omissions and this list will develop over the years with the aim of keeping the best at the top. Italy's largest lakes of the north provide the greatest number of entries but the central region of Lazio also contributes well. |
Riva del Garda, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Varenna
The beautiful town of Varenna just about tops it for me; situated on Lake Como in Lombardy, it lies just off the main road that runs around the lake and if you're not careful you can almost miss it.
Its backdrop of a little cluster of multi-coloured houses against the shallow waters of the lake is quite magical. Around the bay there are several places to sit and enjoy the spectacle while walking away from the water, you can also explore the narrow medieval streets before wandering over to the elegant gardens of Villa Monastero.
Its backdrop of a little cluster of multi-coloured houses against the shallow waters of the lake is quite magical. Around the bay there are several places to sit and enjoy the spectacle while walking away from the water, you can also explore the narrow medieval streets before wandering over to the elegant gardens of Villa Monastero.
Varenna, Lake Como
Situated on the Lombardy region's Lake Como, the lakeside town of Varenna earns top billing on the list due its pretty harbour overlooking the lake and the elegant gardens at nearby Villa Monastero.
Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio is the picture-postcard image of Piedmont. The name partly derives from its location on Lake Orta, one of the smaller, quieter lakes in Italy but no less beautiful. The historic streets are colourful and offer up a range of places to eat or shop, with the centrepiece of the town at the waterfront Piazza Motta. From here, you can take a ferry across to the tiny island of Isola San Giulio or to the other towns around the lake, two of which make this list. There's also the Sacro Monte di Orta sanctuary overlooking the town on a hill.
Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
Orta San Giulio is one of the signature locations in the northern region of Piedmont. From the central medieval square of Piazza Motta you can gaze out on to Lake Orta and the tiny island of Isola San Giulio.
Como
The namesake of and the main town on Lake Como is one of the largest entries on the list. Como is the capital of the eponymous Province and occupies the south-west corner of the lake. It comes with an excellent range of accommodation and the best transport facilities around Lake Como, making it the ideal base from which to explore the area.
Como is the largest town on Lake Como and lies at the point of its south-western spur. The city centre is full of medieval charm with beautiful piazzas, one of Italy's most famous cathedrals and a series of impressive historic monuments.
Bellagio
The next town on the list from Lake Como is the wonderful Bellagio. It sits right in the middle of the upside-down-Y-shaped lake at the point where it forks in two different directions. Bellagio's grand palazzi welcome visitors to the town which gradually rises on a hill away from the water. It's one of the most beautiful places around the lake to take a walk and can also boast the impressive Giardini di Villa Melzi.
Bellagio, Lake Como
Bellagio is one of the most lustrous locations in the whole country, sitting on a promontory in the middle of Lake Como. Everything in the town oozes class from its lakeside walks to its nearby gardens.
Verbania
One of the largest towns on this list, Verbania occupies a position on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Piedmont. It's the capital of the Verbano Cusio Ossola province and home to one of Italy's most beautiful gardens: Villa Taranto. It's easy to visit the other towns on both sides of the lake from here, as well as the pretty Borromean Islands that lie in its centre.
The city of Verbania provides a splash of colour on Lake Maggiore with its attractive town centre split into several parts. Its ferry stop provides easy access to the other towns and attractions around the lake.
Sirmione
The first entry from Italy's biggest lake is Sirmione. Situated at the southern end of Lake Garda, it occupies a narrow isthmus of land, guarded by a castle at the edge of town. The castle, surrounded by a moat gives the first hint of the sense of history in the town whose pedestrianised streets are full of charm and character. The views from the castle down on to the lake showcase its bright azure water.
Sirmione, Lake Garda
The colourful waters of Lake Garda surrounding the town of Sirmione are the first thing that hits you when arriving in the town by ferry. The medieval streets and moated castle continue the sense of awe.
Molveno
The first four towns I've listed are fairly well known throughout the world but Molveno is relatively undiscovered in terms of international travel. It lies on the eponymous Lake Molveno in the Trentino Alto Adige region of northern Italy. The culture is more Germanic here, owing to its close proximity and historic ties with Austria. Down by the lake there's a large park area that's perfect for a swim and sunbathing.
Molveno, Lake Molveno
Situated in the foothills of the Italian Alps, the town of Molveno flies under the radar for many International tourists but its lakeside lawns and shallow waters make it a magnet for locals and Italians.
Trevignano Romano
Trevignano Romano is a small town situated on Lake Bracciano in the Lazio region of which Rome is the capital. It's a popular spot at the weekends as Romans head away from the city for some fresh air and open spaces. It's also renowned for its excellent cuisine with an amazing number of restaurants considering its size. During the summer it's a popular spot with campers with plenty of campsites available.
Trevignano Romano, Lake Bracciano
The quiet town of Trevignano Romano comes alive at the weekends when Romans flee from the nearby city for a spot of lakeside R & R. The promenade at the side of Lake Bracciano is teeming with restaurants.
Desenzano del Garda
Desenzano del Garda is one of the biggest towns on Lake Garda and one of the most attractive. The beautiful Piazza Malvezzi marks the town centre where an array of restaurants are huddled around a pretty marina. There's also a great sense of history here with the Castello di Desenzano fortress to discover along with an important archeological site, the Villa Romana.
Desenzano, Lake Garda
One of the largest towns on the western shores of Lake Garda, Desenzano del Garda's charm is underscored by its seafront piazza and a number of historical sights such as a fortress and a Roman villa.
Passignano sul Trasimeno
Although it's one of Italy's biggest lakes, not everyone knows about Lake Trasimeno in the central region of Umbria. During the summer you can take ferries to the various towns around the lake, the pick of which is Passignano sul Trasimeno. From the town's main square Piazza Garibaldi you can make your way up to the castle known as La Rocca, from where you can enjoy remarkable views of the lake.
Passignano, Lake Trasimeno
Central Italy's Lake Trasimeno is one of the largest lakes in the country with a series of lakeside towns and islands to discover. Umbria's elegant Passignano sul Trasimeno is the pick of those towns.
Castel Gandolfo
Another town from central Italy, this time from the Lazio region is Castel Gandolfo. Among the headlines you can make about the town is that it's the summer residence of the Pope and it has a charming historic centre to match. It's not situated right next to the water, but at the end of the road down to the adjacent Lake Albano you find yourself in almost a separate town, completely given over to lakeside pursuits.
Castel Gandolfo, Lake Albano
Castel Gandolfo is famous for being the Pope's summer residence but it's also one of the largest lake resorts in Italy. It lies next to the shores of Lake Albano in the Castelli Romani area just south of Rome.
Riva del Garda
Lake Garda's next representative on the list is the town of Riva del Garda. It's situated at the northern end of the lake in the Trentino Alto Adige region. Just west of the town is the gargantuan Monte Rocchetta which you can reach via a funicular railway to enjoy views of the town and the lake. Within the town itself the highlights include another La Rocca castle and a number of pretty squares.
Riva, Lake Garda
Hogging the attention at the northern end of Lake Garda is the imperious town of Riva del Garda. Shades of history are everywhere in the town from its city gates to its lakeside castle in Trentino Province.
Mergozzo
Situated just a short distance west of Lake Maggiore, the lakeside town of Mergozzo sits on the eponymous lake. This is one of the most unheralded spots on this list but such a lovely surprise on arrival. It has everything you'd want from a lakeside town: an historic town centre with beautiful buildings and a lake front with bars, restaurants and cafes. This is one of the Piedmont region's hidden gems.
Mergozzo, Lake Mergozzo
Both Mergozzo and Lake Mergozzo which it sits on lay in the shadows of more illustrious neighbours but there are few towns that can rival this one for its combination of lake views and laid-back atmosphere.
Mandello del Lario
Lake Como's Mandello del Lario provides a splash of colour with its pretty Porto di Riva Grande but this is just one small part of the town's overall attraction. If arriving via the Lake Como ferry the first place you see is the main square of Piazza Italia. The elegant square is a popular spot for dining and is just across from the stylish imbarcadero, the ferry quay. The town's historic streets also merit exploration.
Mandello del Lario, Lake Como
Colourful Mandello del Lario is one of the unsung joys of Lake Como. Lying on the lake's western shores its medieval streets are full of intrigue while it's beautiful main square boasts envious views.
Omegna
Omegna is the second town on this list from Piedmont's Lake Orta. It lies at the northern end of the lake where a small bridge separates it from a river. On one side of the bridge you can enjoy the beautiful views along the sprawling river while from the other side you look out across lovely Lake Orta. Omegna is also the home to two iconic Italian brands: Bialetti (coffee makers) and Alessi (funky kitchenware).
Omegna, Lake Orta
Omegna is the largest town on Lake Orta and one of the most beautiful of its kind in the country. It offers an unusual mixture of economic dynamism with a laid-back waterside lifestyle.
Malcesine
The lakeside town of Malcesine is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Garda within the region of Veneto. This is one of the major destinations around the lake with its idyllic scenery provided in part by the Castello Scaligero. You can take a cable car from the town up to the imposing Monte Baldo which soars to a height of 2,218 metres above sea level with some scenic walking trails to discover on arrival.
Malcesine, Lake Garda
Large numbers of previous visitors to Malcesine will put the town at the top of this list and with some justification. Its picture-postcard views are created by a cluster of pastel shade buildings and a castle.
Anguillara Sabazia
Anguillara Sabazia is the second town on this list from Lazio's Lake Bracciano. Just like the aforementioned Trevignano Romano, it's a favourite weekend bolthole for Romans and provides a peaceful holiday base for campers during the summer. It provides one of the most stunning views in the area with its centro storico looking out across the lake and a number of places to dine beside the water.
Anguillara Sabazia, Lake Bracciano
Anguillara Sabazia lies just across the water from the towns of Bracciano and Trevignano Romano on Lazio's Lake Bracciano. The sight of its magical historic centre overlooking the lake is unforgettable.
Iseo
Lying on the shores of the eponymous Lake Iseo, the town of Iseo is a popular base from which to explore the local area. The town is situated close to the bucolic vineyard area of Franciacorta with its rolling hills studded with grapevines. The lake itself is just as beautiful with a number of places to explore including the pretty Monte Isola and smaller towns such as Sulzano and Lovere reachable by ferry.
Iseo, Lake Iseo
The southern end of Lake Iseo in Lombardy is dominated by the main town in the area: Iseo. The approach to the town comes via some dramatic vineyard landscapes which are matched on arrival at the lake.
Salo
Despite its appearance as a regular lakeside town, Salò has been at the centre of Italian and even world politics several times throughout its colourful history. Nowadays it's one of the prettiest towns on the Lombardy section of Lake Garda's western shores with the longest promenade anywhere on the lake. It was once though, the capital of Italy during a three year period of turmoil in World War Two.
Salò, Lake Garda
It's astonishing to think that a town the size of Salò could be the capital of Italy but that was the case not so long ago during the Second World War. These days it's a peaceful waterside location with a story to tell.
Limone sul Garda
For many people, the town of Limone sul Garda is the prettiest on Lake Garda and it's easy to understand why. The name translates as Lemon on Garda and whilst it's true that lemons were once cultivated heavily here and there are lemon groves around the town still, it wasn't named because of that. The name refers to the Latin word for frontier and relates to its border position next to Trentino Alto Adige.
Limone, Lake Garda
Pretty Limone sul Garda has one of the nicest names of any town in Italy and somehow manages to match the name with its own beauty. Lying on the western shores of Lake Garda it's a popular tourist spot.
Pella
For whatever reason, the small town of Pella has so far escaped the attention of most guide books and therefore remains a haven of peace while nearby towns such as Orta San Giulio lap up the attention. Pella sits directly opposite the pretty Isola San Giulio on the western shore of Lake Orta in Piedmont. The attractive town centre is characterised by aquamarine lake waters and pastel coloured buildings.
Pella, Lake Orta
So far Pella has escaped the attention of mass-tourism but how long can that last? The cleanliness and the colour of the water make it one of the best places to swim on Lake Orta with plenty to see close by.
As for those that missed out on this list of 20, something just had to give. There are around 40 towns around Lake Como alone featured on this website, any of which could have made this list and it's a similar situation with two more of Italy's grand lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. As much as was possible I've tried to spread the list around the country, around its different regions and a number of different lakes, with hopefully the odd surprise as well.
Whichever of the lakeside towns above you choose to visit, you're sure to have a fabulous time and in doing so enjoy some of the best scenery Italy has to offer.
Whichever of the lakeside towns above you choose to visit, you're sure to have a fabulous time and in doing so enjoy some of the best scenery Italy has to offer.
