Lake Como
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Bellagio | The pearl of the lake: stepped stone lanes and gardens on the point dividing the lake's two arms. | By ferry from Varenna or Menaggio |
| Varenna and the lovers' walk | A colourful village on the water and a small lakeside promenade. | About an hour by train from Milan |
| Villa Carlotta | A lakeside palace with gardens where azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in spring. | Tremezzo, spring to autumn |
| Villa del Balbianello | A villa on a green headland in the lake, seen in international films, with terraced gardens. | Lenno, by boat or on foot |
Lake Garda
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Sirmione and its castle | A town on a spit in the lake, with a moated castle and the ruins of a Roman villa. | South of the lake |
| The Monte Baldo cable car | A cabin that rotates as it climbs to a summit overlooking the whole lake. | From Malcesine |
| Gardaland | Italy's best-known theme park, on the shores of Lake Garda. | Near Verona |
Lake Maggiore
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Borromean Islands | Isola Bella with its palace and terraced gardens, and the Fishermen's Island with its lanes. | By boat from Stresa, spring to autumn |
| Stresa | A lakeside town with a long promenade and old villas, and a cable car up the Mottarone. | About an hour from Milan |
Tips before you go
- April to June is the loveliest time for the gardens; summer for the ferries and villages.
- A day ferry pass on Lake Como saves money hopping between villages.
- You need a Schengen visa to visit Italy.
Hotels in the Italian lakes
Flights to Milan
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top sights on the Italian lakes?
Bellagio, Varenna and Villa Carlotta on Lake Como; Sirmione, the Monte Baldo cable car and Gardaland on Lake Garda; and the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.
How far is Lake Como from Milan?
About an hour by train.
Which lake is best for families?
Lake Garda, with Gardaland, beaches and quiet towns.
Planning your trip to Italy? Read Travel to Italy from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.