• Lakes

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

The lakes of Lombardy are especially stunning between the end of summer and start of autumn. Here are five tips for an unforgettable day out: from Gardone Riviera to Comacina island on Lake Como, whose shores are ideal for cyclists.

 

1. CASA D’ANNUNZIO IN GARDONE RIVIERA
Stroll along the lake side among palms and orange trees. Linger in an open-air cafe to admire the landscape of Monte Baldo. A few hours in the Hellen – Hruska botanical gardens with plants from five continents, Cryptomeria japonica offers shade to Tibet primroses and the sculptures are by great artists such as Roy Lichtenstein.. At the end of the season, when the temperature drops, wandering around Gardone Riviera is more pleasant than ever. Cross the threshold of the Vittoriale, final home of Gabriele D'Annunzio, to be catapulted headlong into a parallel universe. Prepare to be welcomed by 10,000 objects and 33,000 books – and this is just one of the wonders of this citadel state.
For other recommendations see the destination Lake Garda

 

2. LAKE ISEO BY BIKE
The fittest cyclists pedal round the entire lake, but you needn't toil for 65 km to have fun on a bike at Lake Iseo. There are cycle paths for all fitness levels and you can hire bikes of all kinds at Iseo: city bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and electric MTBs, even for children. Once in the saddle, you can take the Panoramic road to the Paratico Brescia cycle path and head for the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve, stopping off near S. Pietro in Lamosa monastery. Here you can park your bike and enter the wetlands on foot using footpaths and wooden bridges. The Franciacorta Brut Green Route starting in Paratico and passing through villages and vineyards is three times longer. Another option is to board a ferry for Monte Isola, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Cars are banned here. Bicycles, however, are highly recommended. 
More tips for experiencing Lombardy by bike

 

3. IN VAL DI MELLO, LOMBARDY’S ANSWER TO YOSEMITE 
Rivers, streams, woodlands, the greenest meadows and pure air. Val di Mello, renowned as the Lombard version of Yosemite is a tributary valley of Val Masino in the province of Sondrio and a perfect destination for a day out to recharge your batteries. Park your car in the San Martino car park and continue on foot along the flat path alongside the stream. You will soon arrive at the lake, a small emerald green patch of water reflecting trees and mountains. Next step is the Rasega refuge. A dish of polenta will fortify you on your way down to admire the waterfall. On your return, take the footpath on the south- east slope to see the valley from another angle.
All Active & Green destinations in Lombardy 

 

4. ON LAGO MAGGIORE, AT ROCCA DI ANGERA
Rocca di Angera is built on a rocky spur overlooking the southern shores of Lake Maggiore and offers stupendous views. You can also visit its Historical Rooms with their fresco cycle and a 2000 square metre Mediaeval Garden that will transport you back in time. The Rocca is owned by the Borromeo family, which bought it in 1449. It houses the largest doll and toy museum in Europe. This year, a new exhibition space devoted to contemporary art was opened in the Scaligera Wing. The first exhibition project, Continuum, showcases the work of seven leading artists, from Vanessa Beecroft to Daniel Buren.
Discover more on Lake Maggiore

 

5. COMACINA ISLAND ON LAKE COMO
The only island on Lake Como is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in northern Italy. It extends for approximately 600 m and is only 200 m wide. It is covered by a dense vegetation of olive trees, limes, laurels, mulberries and hornbeams. It can be reached in taxi boat from Ossuccio. Once on the island, you can admire the Basilica di S. Eufemia, a marble colonnade under the floor of the church of S. Giovanni Battista and other finds. The three houses in Rationalist style, built in 1940 to a design by Pietro Lingeri, provide residences for artists seeking inspiration in the silence of the island. Other sites worth seeing on the mainland include the Antiquarian Museum and the Sacred Mountain di Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For other experiences on Lake Como

-

Photo Isola Comacina – Lago di Como / AdobeStock

On the same topic

Lago di Como: charmingly seductive

Described by Stendhal as ‘voluptuous’, the south-western branch of Lake Como charms with its gardens, villas and breath-taking views.
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: sedotti e affascinati

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

5 consigli per una giornata indimenticabile: da Gardone Riviera all’Isola Comacina, alle sponde perfette per chi ama la bici
  • Lakes
Laghi in Lombardia autunno

Lake Garda Photo Gallery

Photo exhibition to tell the beauty of this territory.
  • Lakes
Discovering Lake Garda with pictures, from A to Z

Summer in Lombardy

The best places to see, the most beautiful excursions and lots of ideas for your holiday: discover the territory of Lombardy!
  • Lakes
Live Summer in Lombardy to the fullest

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore
  • Lakes
Vivere il Lago Maggiore

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

The perfect place for your outdoor holiday on Lake Como
  • Lakes
colico cose da fare

The loveliest island in the Lakes

Visit the islands of the Lombard lakes: a dip in little enchanted worlds.
  • Lakes
The loveliest island in the lakes: Montisola, Isola Comacina, Isola del Garda

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

An amazing place for your active holiday on Lake Como
  • Lakes
domaso cose fare

Lago di Iseo: the pleasant isle

Cars are not allowed on Monte Isola island, where visitors must walk or cycle as they explore the delightfully silent, narrow streets in its villages
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo: l'amena Monte Isola

Botanical garden and lakeside of gardone riviera

Splendid village of Lake Garda, an exceptional place, among botanical gardens and memories linked to Gabriele D'Annunzio.
  • Lakes
Botanical garden and lakeside of Gardone Riviera

Flying Over Lake Como

Bellagio and Varenna. The profiles of historic houses. Flying over Lake Como, departing from the historic Aero Club.
  • Lakes
@inLombardia - Lago di Como

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes
  • Lakes
 Immersioni sui laghi lombardia @inlombardia - istockphoto

Lago di Garda: castles and legacy

A land of pleasure and invasions, the lower Garda area has a wealth of historic sites, with roots dating back as far as the Bronze age
  • Lakes
Lago di Garda Tra castelli e vestigia

Rabbit Island in Lake Garda

A very suggestive island, a small lake paradise.
  • Lakes
Discover San Biagio, the Rabbit Island in Lake Garda

Angling

If you like fishing, in Lombardy you will be spoiled for choice on where to launch the hook.
  • Lakes
Angling

Weekend on Lake Garda

  • Lakes
Weekend sul Lago di Garda

5 thing-to-do in Como

Discover Como, its lake and what makes this place so special
  • Lakes
como cose da fare

Lago Maggiore Artist’s brushstrokes

Trompe l’oeil frescos, five centuries of pictorial cycles, spontaneous and organised murals: colour is everywhere in and around Laveno Mombello
  • Lakes
Lago Maggiore Pennellate d'artista

Lago di Iseo: prehistory and bubbles

The Valle Camonica rock engravings are as famous worldwide as the wine made in Franciacorta. On a journey of discover what else this area has to offer
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo Preistoria e bollicine

Lago di Garda: the shadow of D’Annunzio

From the Vittoriale degli Italiani to the fifteenth-century Cathedral in Salò, via the Valle delle Cartiere valley in Toscolano Maderno: all the spectacular sights around Gardone Riviera
  • Lakes
Lago di Garda, lungolago Zanardelli