Lakeside Towns of Italy
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. I've selected 22 of the prettiest lakeside locations below but this list could easily have stretched into the hundreds and there are some notable omissions which I've detailed at the bottom of the page. So without further ado, let's have a look at the top two.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Varenna
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.
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Orta San Giulio
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bellagio
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.
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Sirmione
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.
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Molveno
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.
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Trevignano Romano
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Desenzano del Garda
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.
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Passignano sul Trasimeno
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.
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Castel Gandolfo
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.
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Riva del Garda
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.
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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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
Mergozzo
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.
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Mandello del Lario
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.
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Omegna
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.
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Malcesine
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.
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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.
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.
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.
The Lazio region can boast a number of lakes and we've already seen a few towns from Lake Bracciano above. There's another significant lake in the region further to the north and close the the city of Viterbo. Bolsena is the main town on the eponymous lake and has a pretty medieval centre to match. From the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara fortress you can see nearby lakeside towns Marta and Capodimonte.
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.
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.
The Lazio region can boast a number of lakes and we've already seen a few towns from Lake Bracciano above. There's another significant lake in the region further to the north and close the the city of Viterbo. Bolsena is the main town on the eponymous lake and has a pretty medieval centre to match. From the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara fortress you can see nearby lakeside towns Marta and Capodimonte.
Anguillara Sabazia
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.
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Iseo
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.
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Salo
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.
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Bolsena
Bolsena, Lake Bolsena
Occupying the north-eastern shores of Lake Bolsena in the Lazio region, the town of Bolsena offers a mixture of medieval buildings and lakeside views. There are also dozens of nearby towns to discover close by.
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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.
Laveno-Mombello is situated on the eastern, Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore. This is one of the most laid-back locations around an already laid back lake area. From the pretty town centre you can take a walk along the promenade between yachts on one side and a series of restaurants on the other. It's also one of the most important travel hubs on the lake with a train station and a ferry port.
Also on Lake Maggiore, the town of Stresa is one of the most popular bases for exploration of the area. The town was little known until the twentieth century and started to boom when international rail travel opened up and the Orient Express decided to make the town one of its stops. Its waterfront is dominated by grandiose Liberty-style buildings while just a short walk away are the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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.
Laveno-Mombello is situated on the eastern, Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore. This is one of the most laid-back locations around an already laid back lake area. From the pretty town centre you can take a walk along the promenade between yachts on one side and a series of restaurants on the other. It's also one of the most important travel hubs on the lake with a train station and a ferry port.
Also on Lake Maggiore, the town of Stresa is one of the most popular bases for exploration of the area. The town was little known until the twentieth century and started to boom when international rail travel opened up and the Orient Express decided to make the town one of its stops. Its waterfront is dominated by grandiose Liberty-style buildings while just a short walk away are the gardens of Villa Pallavicino.
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.
Limone sul Garda
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.
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Laveno Mombello
Laveno-Mombello, Lake Maggiore
Laveno-Mombello lies on the eastern shores of Lake Maggiore within the region of Lombardy. The sleepy town offers bucolic views and is also one of the best places for a base on the lake due to its transport links.
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Stresa
Stresa, Lake Maggiore
Stresa is one of the most famous lakeside towns in Italy, lying on the Piedmont, western shore of Lake Maggiore. Grandiose Liberty-style buildings converge with an immaculate lakeside promenade here.
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Pella
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.
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The cities of Como and Verbania could justifiably expect to be at the top of this list don't make it, purely because they're featured elsewhere on the website, in the Beautiful Italian Cities section. With 22 towns already on the list I had to find spurious reasons to omit many other worthy candidates and there are dozens of towns that I've had to reject for equally flimsy reasons as those goiven for the omission of Como and Verbania.
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.
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.
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