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.

Local markets papiniano fauche etc

If you are looking for something, be it food, clothing or antiques, you can find it at the market!

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to...

Fashion, design, food, lakes… a few suggestions for your stay in Lombardy

Lifestyle

The fountains and pools of Lombardy's cities

Reflections and plays of water in the fountains of Lombardy, works of art signed by famous architects and sculptors from every age

Lifestyle

At the Monza ENI Circuit with Chiltren

Experience the fun and educational activities for children and teenagers at the Monza Autodromo.

Lifestyle

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale

Lifestyle

10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

Piazza Vecchia, the most beautiful square. The lakes and the mountains. Discover 10 good reasons to visit Bergamo

Lifestyle

10 Good reasons to visit Monza

Lifestyle

Milan from the Top

With its skyscrapers to challenge the dizzy heights of the Duomo and the surrounding mountains ...

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to Visit Cremona

Lifestyle

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes

Lifestyle

Trams in milan

Take a seat on its wooden benches and enjoy a journey through the old days in Milanese history and tradition

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

Halloween in Lombardy

Ghostly villages and palaces, haunted by the spirits of tormented souls, beckon only the bravest to explore their surreal environments.

Lifestyle

November 2025 Events in Lombardy

The light mists and soft light make November in Lombardy the perfect time to rediscover villages, museums, and seasonal flavours

Lifestyle

Insider Milan

From the Montagnetta di San Siro to Porta Romana. Seven suggestions for a Milan to be explored from a new point of view.

Lifestyle

Milan: six trend-setting neighbourhoods

Art and architecture. But also sports and good food. Discover six neighbourhoods with us where Milan sets the trend.

Lifestyle

Corso vercelli

Shopping in relax ... a few steps from the center of Milan

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

inLombardia 杂志

Lifestyle

Brera district

The artistic heart and the bohemian soul of the city

Lifestyle