One of the gorgeous houses of European civilizations for centuries, Italy also houses the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Those natural beauties in the Lake District offer mountain vistas from Italian front Alp and the rich cultures of its historic and charming towns. While searching Italian lakes, I remember Charles Dickens these words, “… nothing in the world that ever you have heard of Venice, is equal to the magnificent and stupendous reality.” Indeed, I am sure that we can adapt Dickens’ these words to Italian lakes which are more beautiful than the other. Here are these five natural beauties that you can add your travel plans nowadays.
Lake Como
Located in the north of Italy and the south of Switzerland’s for-Alpine foothills, Lake Como is a natural wonder and one of the most famous lakes in the world studded with more than 10 towns. As much as natural beauty of the lake, Como also houses towns with charming little streets. If you want to see Lake Como in a less crowded season, spring is the best time to visit. Nowadays you can add Lake Como to your list for this spring and take long walks and bike tours around the lake, and if you like water sports, you can choose canoe and pedalo tours. And the most popular towns of the region are Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, with their charming buildings and villas of many famous names such as George Clooney, Madonna and Sylvester Stallone. Furthermore, let’s remember that Lake Como is one of the rare real locations used as a set for Star Wars.
Lake Maggiore
Another glacial lake located in the north of Italy is Lake Maggiore, which is also the second largest lake in Italy. Since the 15th century, there have been many castles, manors, and old buildings around it thanks to the aristocratic families that lived there those times. Known for its islands, Maggiore also houses gardens like Madere, Bella, Villa Taranto and Alpina botanical gardens.
Lake Garda
Here is another natural beauty with majestic mountains and lush green plains, Lake Garda is largest lake of the country. Located between Verona and Brescia, Lake Garda is in a destination that offers many alternatives with an impressive scenery as well as its rich gastronomy and wine. Having mild climate and warm water temperature, Garda seems like a piece of sea between the Alps and Northern Italy. Built at the end of the 12th century, Sirmione Castle is one of the historical monuments to be seen around Lake Garda.
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano is a glacial lake located on the borders of Switzerland and Italy. One of the first names given to the lake was “Cerasus”, Latin for cherry, inspired by the charming cherry trees around it. In addition to the lake, Mount Bré and Monte Generoso mountains are some of the tourist destinations that attract attention. Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located to the south of the lake. Located on the border of two countries, the lake is one of the addresses waiting to be seen in Italy with its enchanted view surrounded by mountains.
Lake Iseo
As one of Italy’s favorite lakes with its wonderful nature is Lake Iseo, located next to the Alps. The lake has a magical view of nature with its clear waters and the lush green mountain landscape around it. Monte Isola Island in the middle of the lake can also be visited with the ferries that run regularly. Here you can see the many medieval churches and a few ancient ruins in the neighboring towns, as well as the Gianni Bellini Painting Gallery or the 16th -century Civic Tower.
