Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy: A Guide to Top 20 Lakes

Italy is renowned not only for its architecture, culture, art, and culinary delights but also for its most beautiful lakes.
Join us as we embark on a tour exploring 20 of Italy’s stunning lakes, each a testament to natural beauty, offering serene vistas that enhance the country’s already captivating charm.

1. Lake Bracciano

Located approximately 32 kilometers northwest of Rome, Lake Bracciano is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Its the second-largest lake in its region. Formed from volcanic origins, this scenic body of water serves as a crucial reservoir for Rome. Encircled by picturesque landscapes, the lake is bordered by three charming towns: Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano. These towns add to the cultural richness and allure of the area, enhancing the natural beauty and significance of Lake Bracciano

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lazio, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 1.67 km²
Maximum Depth	About 33 meters (108 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles)
Inflow	Rainfall, underground springs
Outflow	Emissario di Nemi
Elevation	316 meters (1,037 feet) above sea level

How To Reach:

By Train: Take a train from Rome to Nemi, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Nemi from Rome, taking around 45 minutes via the SS7.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Rome to Nemi, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport; drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Nemi.

2. Lake Nemi

Located in Italy’s Lazio region, Nemi Lake is a captivating circular volcanic lake with a history stretching back 36,000 years when it formed in a volcanic crater. The lake reaches a depth of about 110 feet and is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for hiding the intriguing remains of sunken Roman ships. Explore the charm and history of Nemi Lake with us, where the echoes of the past can be discovered beneath its calm waters.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lazio, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 1.67 km²
Maximum Depth	About 33 meters (108 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles)
Inflow	Rainfall, underground springs
Outflow	Emissario di Nemi
Elevation	316 meters (1,037 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train from Rome to Nemi, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Nemi from Rome, taking around 45 minutes via the SS7.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Rome to Nemi, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Nemi.

3. Lake Bolsena

Located in the northern part of the Province of Viterbo, Lake Bolsena stands as the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Spanning a substantial area, the lake boasts an oval shape and reaches an impressive depth of 151 meters. This geological marvel not only holds significance for its size and volcanic origins but also contributes to the scenic beauty and natural richness of the surrounding region. The deep, clear waters of Lake Bolsena make it a captivating destination, attracting visitors with both its geological and aesthetic allure.

Attribute	Value
Location	Lazio and Umbria, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 113.5 km²
Maximum Depth	About 151 meters (495 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 43 kilometers (27 miles)
Inflow	Various small rivers and streams
Outflow	Marta River
Elevation	305 meters (1,001 feet) above sea level

 

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Bolsena from Rome, approximately a 2.5-hour journey..

By Road: Drive to Bolsena from Rome, taking around 1.5 hours via the A1 and SS2..

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Rome to Bolsena, taking about 3 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 2.5 hours to Bolsena

4. Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is gracefully positioned in a picturesque location, straddling the border between Southern Italy and Northern Switzerland. Covering an expansive area of 212.5 square kilometers, it secures its position as the second-largest lake in Italy. Moreover, it is the largest lake in South Switzerland, adding to its prominence in the region. The tranquil beauty and vast expanse of Lake Maggiore make it a captivating destination, offering a serene retreat and showcasing the natural splendor of both Italian and Swiss landscapes.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Italy and Switzerland
Surface Area	Approximately 212.5 km²
Maximum Depth	About 372 meters (1,220 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 170 kilometers (106 miles)
Inflow	Ticino River, Toce River, Maggia River
Outflow	Ticino River
Elevation	193 meters (633 feet) above sea level

 

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Stresa, a popular town on Lake Maggiore, from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.
By Road: Drive to Stresa from Milan, taking around 1 hour via the A8.
By Public Transport: Bus and ferry services connect Milan to Stresa, taking about 1.5 hours
By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 45 minutes to Stresa

5. Lake Garda

Lake Garda has evolved into a favored holiday destination in Northern Italy, acclaimed as the country’s largest lake. Its shoreline is distributed across Brescia, Verona, and Trentino provinces. Notably, the lake reaches a depth of 346 meters, adding to its allure as a prominent natural attraction in the region. Visitors are drawn to Lake Garda’s scenic beauty, diverse landscapes, and the recreational opportunities it offers.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Northern Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 370 km²
Maximum Depth	About 346 meters (1,135 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 158 kilometers (98 miles)
Inflow	Sarca River, Mincio River, and others
Outflow	Mincio River
Elevation	65 meters (213 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Desenzano del Garda from Verona, approximately a 20-minute journey.
By Road: Drive to Desenzano del Garda from Verona, taking around 30 minutes via the A4.
By Public Transport: Bus services connect Verona to Desenzano del Garda, taking about 1 hour.
By Air: The nearest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 30 minutes to Desenzano del Garda.

6. Lake Vico

Lake Vico is a volcanic crater lake situated in the northern Lazio region of central Italy. Encircled by the Cimini Hills, this lake falls within the administrative boundaries of the municipalities of Caprarola and Ronciglione.
According to tradition, Lake Vico was formed when Hercules, in a mythological act, flung his club into the ground. This is said to have caused the formation of a depression that eventually filled naturally with water from a nearby stream. The enchanting story enhances Lake Vico’s beauty with the enchantment of old mythology by adding a dash of folklore to the origin story.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lazio, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 12.6 km²
Maximum Depth	About 49 meters (161 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Inflow	Various small streams and springs
Outflow	Rio Vicano
Elevation	510 meters (1,673 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Viterbo from Rome, approximately a 1.5-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Vico from Rome, taking around 1 hour via the SS2.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Rome to Lake Vico, taking about 2 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Vico.

7. Lake Trasimeno

It is situated in the Perugia province within the Umbria region of Italy. Lake Trasimeno holds a storied past, witnessing the pivotal Battle of Lake Trasimeno in 217 BCE during the Second Punic War. Its shores, once inhabited in Etruscan and Roman times, resonate with historical echoes, making it a serene haven today.

Characteristic		Value
Location		Umbria, Italy
Surface Area		Approximately 128 km²
Maximum Depth		About 6 meters (20 feet)
Shoreline Length		Around 45 kilometers (28 miles)
Inflow		Various small rivers and streams
Outflow		None (endorheic basin)
Elevation		258 meters (846 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Terontola-Cortona from Florence, approximately a 1.5-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Trasimeno from Florence, taking around 1 hour via the A1 and SS75.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Florence to Lake Trasimeno, taking about 2 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Florence Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Trasimeno.

8. Lake Albano

Lake Albano, nestled in the picturesque Alban Hills of the Lazio region, is a charming waterbody characterized by its unique formation resulting from the overflow of two volcanic craters. Spanning a length of 3.5 km (2.2 mi) and a width of 2.3 km (1.4 mi), this small lake holds distinctive geological significance. With a depth of 170 meters, Lake Albano stands out as the deepest lake in the Lazio region. The tranquil waters and the surrounding natural beauty make it a notable destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The lake’s geological origins and its scenic setting contribute to its appeal, attracting visitors keen on exploring both its natural and historical facets.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lazio, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 6.6 km²
Maximum Depth	About 170 meters (558 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles)
Inflow	Various small streams and springs
Outflow	Emissario di Albano
Elevation	293 meters (961 feet) above sea level

How TO Reah

By Train: Take a train to Castel Gandolfo from Rome, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Albano from Rome, taking around 40 minutes via the SS7.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Rome to Castel Gandolfo, taking about 45 minutes.

By Air: The nearest airport is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 30 minutes to Lake Albano.

9. Lake Idro

Lake Idro, nestled in Lombardy, Italy, bears a history molded by its glacial roots, extending back to antiquity. Inhabited since the Bronze Age, its serene waters mirror the enduring journey of human civilization, weaving together a harmonious tapestry of natural allure and cultural legacy.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 11 km²
Maximum Depth	About 122 meters (400 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 24 kilometers (15 miles)
Inflow	Chiese River
Outflow	Chiese River
Elevation	368 meters (1,207 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Brescia from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Idro from Milan, taking around 1.5 hours via the A4 and SS237.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Lake Idro, taking about 2 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Bergamo Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Idro

10. Lake Como

Lake Como Nestled in Lombardy, is the third largest and one of the most beaufiful lakes in Italy. and the fifth deepest lake in Europe glistening waters whisper tales of a storied past, with historic villages tracing their roots back to the Roman and Lombard eras. Once coveted for its strategic significance, the lake’s shores now showcase ancient residences, with Villa Carlotta’s grandeur exemplifying their allure. These timeworn jewels stand in a harmonious embrace with the alpine backdrop, weaving a captivating tapestry where rich cultural heritage seamlessly blends with the lake’s timeless natural beauty.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 146 km²
Maximum Depth	About 410 meters (1,345 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 170 kilometers (106 miles)
Inflow	Adda River, Mera River, Breggia River
Outflow	Adda River
Elevation	198 meters (650 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Como from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Como from Milan, taking around 1 hour via the A9.

By Public Transport: Bus and ferry services connect Milan to Como, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Como

11. Lake Varese

Versace Lake is a lake of Gallic origin located in Lombardy, North Italy.
Formed around 15,000 years ago, it was sculpted by retreating glaciers, becoming a gem nestled in the Lombardy hills. Originally part of a more extensive glacial basin that included neighboring lakes, this ancient waterbody, shaped by the formidable Verbano glacier, carries a legacy of tranquil beauty and a submerged realm that echoes the tales of its icy origins.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 14 km²
Maximum Depth	About 23 meters (75 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 25 kilometers (16 miles)
Inflow	Margorabbia River
Outflow	Vellone River
Elevation	238 meters (781 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Varese from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Varese from Milan, taking around 45 minutes via the A8 and SS394.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Varese, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 30 minutes to Lake Varese.

12. Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is a glacier lake located between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore on the border of Italy and Switzerland. It takes its name from the city of Lugano.

The shores of Lake Lugano showcase a dynamic historical mural, featuring ancient settlements and medieval conflicts. From Stone Age relics to Etruscan artifacts and Celtic treasures, remnants speak of long-forgotten empires. Once a prized strategic locale, the lake witnessed clashes between Milan and Como for Alpine trade routes before becoming part of the Duchy of Milan and later Switzerland. Grand villas like Montebello stand proudly, narrating tales of nobility and intrigue as sentinels of its illustrious past.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Italy and Switzerland
Surface Area	Approximately 49 km²
Maximum Depth	About 279 meters (915 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 63 kilometers (39 miles)
Inflow	Tresa River
Outflow	Tresa River
Elevation	271 meters (889 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Lugano from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Lugano from Milan, taking around 1 hour via the A9.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Lugano, taking about 1.5 hours.By Air: The nearest airport is Lugano Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 15 minutes to Lake Lugano

13. Lake Orta

Lake Orta is located in the northern part of Italy, specifically in the Piedmont region. It is a picturesque lake surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Italian Alps. This lake was formerly known as Lago di San Giulio, named after Saint Julius from the 4th century. The first European Rowing Championships were held here in 1893.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Piedmont, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 18.2 km²
Maximum Depth	About 143 meters (469 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 33 kilometers (21 miles)
Inflow	Nigoglia River
Outflow	Nigoglia River
Elevation	290 meters (951 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Orta-Miasino from Novara, approximately a 1.5-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Orta from Novara, taking around 1 hour via the SS229.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Novara to Orta-Miasino, taking about 2 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Orta

14. Lake Iseo

Lake Rizzo is situated in Lombardy, in northern Italy.
Surrounded by lush green mountains, this lake in the province of Bergamo and Brescia is almost aquatic.
This lake is close to medieval cities like Bressa and Bergamo.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 65 km²
Maximum Depth	About 251 meters (823 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 65 kilometers (40 miles)
Inflow	Oglio River
Outflow	Oglio River
Elevation	185 meters (607 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Iseo from Brescia, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Iseo from Brescia, taking around 30 minutes via the SS510.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Brescia to Iseo, taking about 45 minutes.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Bergamo Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Lake Iseo

15. Lake Ledro

Lake Ledro is situated in the city of Trentino in northern Italy.

This lake is known as one of the cleanest lakes of Trentino. In summer the temperature here reaches 24 °C due to which many tourists come to this lake during this season.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Trentino, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 2.2 km²
Maximum Depth	About 47 meters (154 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
Inflow	Assat River
Outflow	Assat River
Elevation	655 meters (2,149 feet) above sea level

 

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Rovereto from Verona, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Ledro from Verona, taking around 40 minutes via the SS240.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Verona to Riva del Garda, and then take a local bus to Lake Ledro, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 40 minutes to Lake Ledro.

16. Lake Viverone

Lake Viverone is located in Viverone, northern Italy.

The southern and western part of this lake is rich in vegetation and its northern part has campsites, hotels, beaches, etc. In the Bronze Age, there were villages made of stilt houses near this lake, hence it is also a very important archaeological site.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Piedmont, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 5.9 km²
Maximum Depth	About 70 meters (230 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Inflow	Serra River
Outflow	Serra River
Elevation	230 meters (755 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Ivrea from Turin, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Viverone from Turin, taking around 1 hour via the A4.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Turin to Viverone, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Turin Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Lake Viverone

17. Lake Pusiano

Lake Pusiano is situated between Como and Lecco Province.
It is also known as Casletto or Eupili.
There is an island in Lake Pusiano known as Isola dei Cipressi (Island of the Cypresses). The island is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for boat trips.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 4.4 km²
Maximum Depth	About 23 meters (75 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Inflow	Lambro River
Outflow	Lambro River
Elevation	316 meters (1,037 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Como from Milan, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Pusiano from Milan, taking around 40 minutes via the SS36.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Pusiano, taking about 1 hour.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1 hour to Lake Pusiano

18. Lake Mergozzo

Lake Mergozzo is a small sub-alpine lake in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of northern Italy.

The water of this lake comes from clean mountain streams such as Rio Bracchio and Rio Rescina. This lake has become a popular tourist spot, especially for tourists from Germany and the Netherlands

Characteristic	Value
Location	Piedmont, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 2.3 km²
Maximum Depth	About 71 meters (233 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Inflow	Talloro River
Outflow	Talloro River
Elevation	194 meters (636 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Verbania from Milan, approximately a 2-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Mergozzo from Milan, taking around 1.5 hours via the A8 and SS33.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Mergozzo, taking about 2.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 1.5 hours to Lake Mergozzo

19. Lake Candia

Lake Candia, situated in the town of Candia within the Turin province, is a diminutive and shallow lake. Its formation is believed to be a result of glacial activity that occurred during the final stages of the Ice Age. This picturesque body of water is encompassed by significant wetlands and was designated as a protected nature reserve in 1995, recognized as the “Lago di Candia Nature Park

Characteristic	Value
Location	Piedmont, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 1.5 km²
Maximum Depth	About 3 meters (10 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
Inflow	Various small streams
Outflow	Various small streams
Elevation	266 meters (873 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Castelletto sopra Ticino from Milan, approximately a 30-minute journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Candia from Milan, taking around 40 minutes via the SS32.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Castelletto sopra Ticino, taking about 45 minutes.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 30 minutes to Lake Candia.

20. Lake Monate

Lake Monte is a lake located in Lombardy, in the province of Versace.

Located to the east of Lake Maggiore, this lake is surrounded by meadows and forests. It is renowned for having some of the purest water among Italian lakes.

Characteristic	Value
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Surface Area	Approximately 2.6 km²
Maximum Depth	About 23 meters (75 feet)
Shoreline Length	Around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles)
Inflow	Rio Freddo
Outflow	Canale Monate
Elevation	238 meters (781 feet) above sea level

How To Reach

By Train: Take a train to Cadrezzate from Milan, approximately a 1-hour journey.

By Road: Drive to Lake Monate from Milan, taking around 45 minutes via the SS33.

By Public Transport: Bus services connect Milan to Cadrezzate, taking about 1.5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport; from there, drive or take a train, approximately 30 minutes to Lake Monate.

FAQs on Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy

1) What is the best time to visit the lakes?

Ans: The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, from April to September, for pleasant weather and exploration of the lake and its surroundings.

2) What outdoor activities are popular around the lakes?

Ans: Scuba diving, Hiking and Nature Walks, Water Sports, Cultural Exploration,
Exploring Gardens and Villas, Bird Watching

3) What types of wildlife can be observed around the lakes?

Ans: The lakes of Italy boast diverse wildlife, including various bird species such as herons, swans, and ducks. Additionally, one can observe fish like trout and perch, amphibians, and occasionally spot mammals like foxes and deer in the surrounding woodlands. 4)

4) What types of stay options are available near the lakes?

Ans: Tourists can choose from a range of accommodations such as hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast establishments, vacation rentals, hostels, and boutique guesthouses.