For a day out or just to get away from hectic city life, five small lakes, tiny marvels of nature to see and learn about. 

Lake Idro: where it’s always windy
Ideal for a day spent chilling, for putting everyday life on pause, very close to Lake Garda and the best-known tourist towns of Sirmione, Saló and Desenzano, Lake Idro is a pleasant surprise. Somewhere recommended not just for those who love hiking and spin fishing, but also for windsurfers. Yes, because it's always windy here. For those who prefer to enjoy the scenery, the Rocca d’Anfo is worth a visit on spring and summer weekends, a true jewel set on the banks of Lake Idro. Here, a system of military fortifications that include barracks, armouries, military batteries, and towers, all connected by walkways and steps, take visitors on a journey learning about the main historical facts from Italy's past, from the Venetian Republic to present day. 

Lake Sartirana and its unspoilt scenery
Perfect for a day trip, also for families, Lake Sartirana in Merate, in the heart of Brianza, between Adda Nord and Montevecchia Parks and Valle del Curone, is a very peaceful untamed natural wilderness. Not very well known and quite small, it is ideal for those who love to take walks in nature. A trail of about 2 kilometres goes right round the lake taking in water lilies, rushes, centuries-old trees and plenty of different animals. This short excursion is also suitable for children, who will have plenty to see and learn about the trees and animals that live here, thanks to the many information panels along the way.

Lake Pusiano and Lake Annone and the cycle paths that cross them
In Valle del Lambro Park, between the cities of Como and Lecco, there are two tiny lakes called Pusiano and Annone. The distinguishing features of Lake Pusiano is its island, where some 130 cypress trees grow, some of them centuries old. On the island is a private villa surrounded by well-tended vegetation and all sorts of animals: squirrels, swans, mallards and kangaroos. Visits to the island must be booked and a boat takes you there from the Bosisio jetty. The cycle and pedestrian path around Lake Annone offers plenty of scenic viewpoints, and it is a pleasant walk on the level next to the lake and gently up and down hill through the woods. These routes go right round the lake and can be followed all year, on foot or bike. 

Lake Endine and its animals
In the province of Bergamo, in Val Cavallina, set against a panoramic backdrop of woods and rushes, valleys and mountains, Lake Endine is one of the most popular choices for day trips with those living in and around Bergamo. Chilling, excursions, picnics by the lake with all the family on tiny pretty beaches. Completely safe for swimming, in summer the lake is an excellent way to cool off. The surrounding hills offer a chance for hiking, excursions, paragliding, mountain bike rides and plenty more besides. 

Lake Garlate and Lucia from “The Betrothed”
Nestling between the Lecco arm of Lake Como and Lake Olginate, Lake Garlate is very well known for the famous passage from Manzoni's The Betrothed starring Lucia and her "Farewell to the mountains." Thanks to the cycle and pedestrian path, one of the best loved and most popular for cycling tourism in Lombardy, you can get right round the lake and discover all its wonderful scenery and surrounding nature.  Don’t miss the Abegg Silk Museum on the lakeside, with discoveries, inventions and a big collection of machines that explain the main stages in the production and processing of silk.