When people think of Italian lakes, Lake Como or Lake Garda usually come to mind. In reality, from north to south, Italy is home to dozens of stunning lakes surrounded by mountains, rolling hills, charming villages and protected natural areas.
For those who love travelling by motorhome, campervan or caravan, lakes make an ideal destination. You can combine scenic walks, cultural visits, outdoor adventures and relaxing moments by the water. Travelling with a motorhome also gives you the freedom to create a flexible itinerary and stop wherever the landscape inspires you most.
In this itinerary, we will travel through Italy from north to south, discovering some of the country’s most beautiful lakes, with ideas on what to see, which trails to explore and which local specialities to taste along the way.
Northern Italy lakes
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most captivating lake destinations. Its shores stretch across the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, offering ever-changing scenery of mountains, historic villas and picturesque lakeside towns.
One of the highlights is Stresa, an elegant town famous for its views of the Borromean Islands. From here, you can visit Isola Bella, home to the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its terraced gardens, or Isola dei Pescatori, known for its narrow streets and authentic atmosphere.
If you enjoy hiking, head up to Mount Mottarone. From the summit, you can admire one of the most spectacular views in the Alps, with seven lakes visible on clear days.
Local specialities include perch, whitefish and the traditional Piedmontese dish known as tapulone.
Lake Orta
Smaller and generally quieter than nearby Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta charms visitors with its romantic atmosphere.
At the heart of the lake lies Orta San Giulio, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you will discover elegant squares, panoramic viewpoints and historic buildings.
From the village centre, you can take a boat to San Giulio Island, dominated by its ancient basilica. Another must-see is the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Orta, which can be reached via a short scenic walk.
Local culinary highlights include Toma cheese from Piedmont and traditional mountain cheeses.
Lake Como
Lake Como is probably the most famous Italian lake internationally.
One of its most picturesque towns is Varenna, known for its colourful waterfront and the famous Lovers’ Walk. From here, you can visit Villa Monastero, a beautiful lakeside villa surrounded by botanical gardens.
Hiking enthusiasts should not miss the Sentiero del Viandante, one of Lombardy’s most scenic walking routes. The trail passes through ancient villages and offers uninterrupted views over the lake.
Located on the promontory where Lake Como’s three branches converge, Bellagio is another of the lake’s most iconic destinations. Its steep alleyways, elegant villas and panoramic terraces provide stunning views in every direction.
Traditional dishes include missoltini, polenta uncia and perch risotto.
Lake Iseo
Quieter than Lombardy’s larger lakes, Lake Iseo is perfect for travellers seeking authenticity.
Its main attraction is Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe. Here, life moves at a slower pace. You can explore the villages of Peschiera Maraglio and Sensole or hike up to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola.
The charming town of Lovere, often listed among Italy’s most beautiful villages, is also worth a visit.
Local specialities include dried sardines from Monte Isola and manzo all’olio, a traditional beef dish.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and a favourite destination among European motorhome travellers.
In the northern part of the lake, visit Riva del Garda and climb to the Bastion for spectacular views over the water.
In Malcesine, explore the impressive Scaliger Castle and take the panoramic cable car to Monte Baldo.
On the western shore, Limone sul Garda is famous for its lemon groves and its breathtaking suspended cycling path overlooking the lake.
Further south, Sirmione offers two of the area’s most famous landmarks: Scaliger Castle and the Grottoes of Catullus, one of northern Italy’s most important archaeological sites.
Local delicacies include extra virgin olive oil and the famous tortellini from Valeggio sul Mincio.
Central Italy lakes
Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is one of Umbria’s defining landscapes.
Its most famous town is Castiglione del Lago, dominated by the Rocca del Leone fortress and Palazzo della Corgna. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views across the entire lake.
Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno are also worth visiting, particularly for their connection to the historic battle between Hannibal and the Roman army.
A boat trip to Isola Maggiore allows visitors to discover a small island rich in history and tradition.
Cyclists can explore much of the shoreline thanks to the Trasimeno cycle route.
One of the area’s best-known dishes is tegamaccio, a traditional fish stew prepared with several varieties of lake fish.
Lake Scanno
Nestled in the heart of Abruzzo, Lake Scanno is one of Italy’s most photographed lakes.
It is famous for its heart-shaped outline, best appreciated from the panoramic Sentiero del Cuore, or Heart Trail.
The nearby village of Scanno preserves centuries-old traditions, beautiful historic buildings and charming narrow streets.
The surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities within the Abruzzo Apennines.
Local specialities include arrosticini, pecorino cheese and the traditional Pan dell’Orso cake.
Lake San Domenico
A short drive from Lake Scanno lies the enchanting Lake San Domenico, one of Abruzzo’s hidden gems. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters are framed by steep limestone cliffs, creating a landscape that feels almost untouched by time.
The lake takes its name from the nearby Eremo di San Domenico, a fascinating sanctuary partially carved into the rock face and connected to centuries of local legends and religious traditions. The site attracts both pilgrims and travellers seeking one of the most atmospheric locations in the region.
The surrounding Sagittario Valley Nature Reserve offers excellent opportunities for hiking and photography, with panoramic viewpoints overlooking dramatic gorges, mountain slopes and pristine natural scenery.
Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena is Europe’s largest volcanic lake and one of the most beautiful destinations in central Italy. Formed thousands of years ago inside the crater of an extinct volcano, it combines crystal-clear waters, historic villages and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it particularly appealing for slow travel.
The medieval town of Bolsena is famous for its charming historic centre, lakeside promenade and the Basilica of Saint Christina, an important pilgrimage destination linked to the Miracle of Bolsena. Along the shoreline, the villages of Marta and Capodimonte offer picturesque harbours, panoramic viewpoints and pleasant waterfront walks.
Nature lovers can explore volcanic beaches, wetlands and the two islands located within the lake, while cyclists can enjoy scenic roads winding through olive groves and rolling countryside. The lake is also popular for kayaking, sailing and swimming during the warmer months.
Local specialities include whitefish, eel, acquacotta and many traditional recipes based on freshwater fish.
Lake Bracciano
Located less than an hour from Rome, Lake Bracciano is the perfect destination for travellers looking to combine nature, history and culture.
The lake’s most famous landmark is Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, one of Italy’s finest Renaissance fortresses. Dominating the surrounding landscape, the castle offers impressive interiors, historic collections and panoramic views over the lake.
The charming lakeside towns of Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano invite visitors to stroll through narrow streets, relax along the waterfront and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Thanks to strict environmental protections, Lake Bracciano remains remarkably clean and natural.
The area is ideal for cycling, hiking, kayaking, sailing and birdwatching, making it one of the most versatile lake destinations in central Italy.
Southern Italy lakes
Lake Varano
Located in the Gargano peninsula, Lake Varano is Italy’s largest coastal lake. Separated from the Adriatic Sea by a narrow strip of land covered with pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation, it creates a unique landscape unlike any other lake in the country.
The lake plays an important role in the ecosystem of Gargano National Park and provides a habitat for numerous bird species, making it a favourite destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Nearby, the villages of Cagnano Varano and Ischitella preserve a traditional atmosphere and offer beautiful views over the lake and surrounding countryside. The area is also known for its eel-based dishes and other local seafood specialities.
Lake Lesina
Also located within Gargano National Park, Lake Lesina is renowned for its rich biodiversity and extensive wetland habitats. The lake forms part of one of southern Italy’s most important ecological areas and serves as a stopover point for many migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa.
Visitors can explore nature trails, observation points and protected areas where herons, flamingos and numerous other bird species can often be spotted.
The town of Lesina itself offers a pleasant historic centre and a lakeside setting that reflects the slower pace of life typical of this part of Puglia.
Lake Arvo
Nestled in the heart of the Sila Grande plateau in Calabria, Lake Arvo is surrounded by vast pine forests and rolling mountain landscapes that make it one of southern Italy’s most scenic freshwater destinations.
The village of Lorica serves as the main gateway to the lake and offers access to numerous outdoor activities throughout the year. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and cycling along forest trails, while winter often brings snow-covered scenery and a completely different atmosphere.
The surrounding Sila National Park is home to diverse wildlife and some of the oldest forests in Italy, making the area particularly attractive for nature lovers.
Local specialities include Calabrian cured meats, Sila mushrooms, the famous Sila potato and traditional mountain cheeses produced in the surrounding highlands.
Conclusion
From the Alps to the forests of Calabria, passing through the landscapes of Lazio and the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy’s lakes offer endless opportunities for unforgettable motorhome adventures.
Whether you travel by motorhome, campervan or caravan, every lake tells a different story and offers authentic experiences immersed in nature.
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