Aperitifs with lakeside views and atmosphere

Summertime elegance is reflected in Lombardy’s lakes, far from the hubbub of the city, where you can carve out some magical moments surrounded by music and flavours.

Historic villas, panoramic terraces, and suspended lounge bars, immersed in the natural and architectural beauties of the Lombardy provinces overlooking the lakes.
Aperitifs become a multi-sensory experience, with glasses of wine, live music, and creative finger foods.
Whether you want to enjoy panoramic views while on a romantic date or out for an evening with friends, we can give you five lakeside ideas to rediscover happy hour as a time for pure relaxation, in elegant locations on Lombardy’s lakes.

Panoramic terraces on Lake Como — On warm summer evenings, the terraces overlooking Lake Como become a privileged setting for an intimate sundown aperitif, when the sky is tinged with pink and the peaceful waters of the lake reflect these tones, transporting you into a timeless atmosphere. If you are looking for an elegant panoramic lounge, a roof garden with views and hanging terraces, the towns on the Como and Lecco rivieras offer the stunning sights for which they are known the world over, together with chic locations for exclusive experiences. Often these terraces are part of historic homes or boutique hotels, standing out for scenographic architecture that makes the most of the landscape without ever overpowering it.

Suspended lounge bars on Lake Iseo — The quiet, cosy charm of Lake Iseo makes it the perfect destination for aperitifs with a slower, more contemplative feel. You can accompany your evening with walks in the precious historic villages dotted around the lake, looking out over jetties and panoramic walkways with authentic lounge bars suspended over the water. The summer aperitif is an occasion to establish a more authentic link with the area and even the food and wine opportunities are there with local delights such as Franciacorta wine. A moment that brings together elegance and simplicity, where the natural landscape comes together to create a carefully curated convivial and welcoming private dimension. Lake Iseo offers a discreet and at the same time, memorable experience that is perfect if you’d like to enjoy raising a glass at sunset, in the provinces of Bergamo or Brescia.

Sunset boat ride on Lake Maggiore — If you want more than the usual happy hour experience, then why not choose a boat trip on Lake Maggiore? Sail about with no worries, sipping on elegant cocktails while you enjoy tasty snacks and the views of the marvellous historic villas and luxurious gardens dotted around the shores. This exclusive experience will take you into a romantic atmosphere where the views and the golden rays of sunset dancing over the waters create the perfect setting for a summer aperitif, to be enjoyed with cheese and honey, cured meats, and home-made vegetable pickles. Whether this is a first date, an evening with friends, or a special event, an aperitif aboard a boat on Lake Maggiore is the perfect and original way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the province of Varese.

On the beach at Lake Garda — Summer evenings on Lake Garda are all about aperitifs on the beach, where the view of the lake and the sweet sound of live music come together to create a unique atmosphere. All around, the Prealps of Lombardy frame the crystal-clear waters of the lake, create the perfect holiday feel, even only for an hour. With cocktails at six, Lake Garda is the very essence of summer in all its forms: accessible, authentic luxury, to be experienced barefoot on the beach. With lake fish and local wines, the chic atmosphere of the lounge bars and the slow holiday rhythm provide the ideal combination for enjoying an aperitif with friends, socialising, and getting to know the local area.

Garden bars and historic villas on Lake Como — For those of you who dream of an aperitif all about charm and elegance, then the historic villas looking out on Lake Como offer a totally delightful experience. With modern-inspo furnishings, Italian gardens and panoramic terraces, you can let the elegant, timeless atmosphere surround and surprise you. Romantic refuges with plenty of marble work and statuary, plus historic homes immersed in the green are transformed into ideal settings for aperitifs with lakeside views, glasses of wine, and elegant finger food. On special evenings, some of these villas open their doors to live acoustic sets and gourmet happy hours. Whether it's for an aperitif with delicious local nibbles or a cocktail with live music, you can rediscover the poetry of the lake, with a cinematographic effect.

The Milan of the balconies

The railing houses, a Milan a bit retro but not out of fashion

Lifestyle

Cremona in a weekend

Capital of the violin makers and music. Cradle of the violin, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Discover Cremona in 48 hours

Lifestyle

Historical activities in Lombardy

Between tradition and specialty: discover the stores and historical food and wine realities in the Lombardy region

Lifestyle

Brescia more than just shopping

The streets of the big names. The antiques market. The square for the aperitif. Choose how to spend your free time in Brescia

Lifestyle

Pedü

Hand made by the women in Lanzada, Pedü were by far the most common footwear in Valmalenco until the 1950s.

Lifestyle

Monza in a weekend

From the Treasure of Theodelinda to the thrill of the Autodromo. Discover Monza in 48 hours: a twospeed city. With amazing masterpieces

Lifestyle

Milan, shopping, fashion & design

Fashion Week and Fuorisalone. Shopping, Fashion & Design. Guide to appointments not to be missed in Milan

Lifestyle

SPECIAL OPENING DAYS AT THE VIOLIN'S MUSEUM

Lifestyle

Mantua in a weekend

An unmistakable skyline reflects the history of the city of the Gonzaga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Mantua in 48 hours

Lifestyle

Great ideas for the new year

The new year is a time to be thinking about your well-being, about culture, new flavours and new scenery

Lifestyle

Aperitifs with lakeside views and atmosphere

Five ideas for spending summer evenings on Lombardy’s lakes, in a sensory journey that combines notes and flavours.

Lifestyle

Roaring engines in Lombardy

A visit to Lombardy's museums dedicated to four-wheels

Lifestyle

Street art brings a splash of colour to Lombardy

Discovering the most beautiful urban art in the cities of Lombardy

Lifestyle

Events in Lombardy in October 2025

Autumn in Lombardy is alight with festivals, feasts and fairs that bring together local traditions, cultures and flavours

Lifestyle

Discovering the most beautiful arcades and galleries in Lombardy

A virtual tour of the towns and cities of the Lombardy region, among nineteenth-century urban arcades, elegant arches from Renaissance palaces, and medieval galleries transformed into open-air markets.