Everything You Need To Know About The Italian Lakes

• Natural Splendour: Discover a region where snow-capped Alpine peaks meet the shimmering turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

• Cruise & Stay: Learn how to combine a visit to Lake Como or Garda with your next cruise departing from Venice or Ravenna.

• Seasonal Beauty: Find out the perfect time to visit, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the golden hues of autumn.

Known for its timeless, natural beauty, the Italian Lakes are revered as some of the most magnificent places to visit in Italy, and perhaps even the Mediterranean!

This exquisite region attracts nature lovers and inquisitive travellers every year, drawn specifically to the glamour of Lake Como and the grandeur of Lake Garda.

In this guide, we detail exactly what makes the Italian Lakes so enticing and why you should add them to your travel bucket list.

We also shed light on the top things to see and do, and how easily accessible these destinations are for cruise passengers looking to extend their holiday.

What are the Italian Lakes?

The Italian Lakes consist of five significant bodies of water, formed during the last Ice Age by retreating glaciers.

The main group includes Lake Como, Lake Idro, Lake Iseo, Lake Garda, Lake Lugano, Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Varese.

Lake Garda is the largest at 51.8km in length, followed closely by Lake Maggiore and Lake Como.

Alongside the calm waters - perfect for swimming and sunbathing - the surrounding terrain is a major draw.

Peaks such as Mount San Primo, Mount Crocione, and Mount Baldo offer spectacular backdrops and hiking opportunities for those visiting the area.

Where are the Italian Lakes located?

The lakes are located in Northern Italy, nestled just south of the Alps. While they are primarily Italian, Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano actually straddle the border, sitting partially in Italy and partially in Southern Switzerland.

Where is Lake Como? 

Lake Como is located around 40km north of Milan, in the Lombardy region.

The lake is surrounded by intriguing and gorgeous villages, from the "Pearl of Lake Como," otherwise known as Bellagio, to the superb Tremezzo and the quiet, mesmerising town of Varenna.

Where is Lake Garda?

Lake Garda is located further east, approximately 30km from the romantic city of Verona (famous for Juliet’s Balcony). Like Como, Garda has a number of stunning towns perched on its shores - from the bewitching Garda Town to the historic Sirmione.

How Accessible are the Lakes for Cruise Passengers?

Despite being located inland, the Italian Lakes are highly accessible for cruise passengers, particularly as part of a Cruise & Stay package.

From Venice & Ravenna

There are two cruise ports relatively close to Lake Garda: Port Marghera and Port Fusina, both located on the mainland just off Venice, approximately 2.5 hours away by car.

• Port Marghera typically hosts ships from premium lines such as Silversea and Seabourn, plus family-friendly lines including MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises.

• Port Fusina often hosts Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Regent Seven Seas.

• Ravenna is another popular turnaround port for the Eastern Mediterranean, located about 3.5 hours from the lakes by car.

From Rome (Civitavecchia)

Many travellers also choose to combine the lakes with a cruise departing from Civitavecchia (the port for Rome).

While this is around a 6-hour drive, many guests opt for a multi-centre holiday: flying into Milan to enjoy a few days at Lake Como, before taking a high-speed train south to Rome to board their ship.

This allows you to combine the relaxation of the lakes with a vibrant Mediterranean voyage on lines like P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Marella Cruises.

When is the best time to visit the Italian Lakes? 

Most visitors set their sights on the Italian Lakes in Spring and Autumn, as these changing seasons showcase the region at its most mesmerising.

Spring (March – May)

This is a wonderful time to see natural landscapes bursting with colour and life.

• Temperatures: Highs of 12°C to 20°C in Lake Como, and 14°C to 23°C in Lake Garda.

Autumn (September – October)

For those keen to experience the lakes during quieter periods, early autumn is ideal. The warm weather typically sticks around, but the crowds disperse.

• Temperatures: Highs of 18°C to 25°C by day, dropping to a crisp 9°C to 14°C at night.

• Note: There is a higher chance of rainfall in September, so packing a light waterproof is wise.

Top Things to Do in the Italian Lakes

As well as gazing at the dream-like vistas of the Italian Lakes, there are plenty of fun, engaging, and even thrilling activities to do in and around the Lakes.

Explore the cobblestone streets of Bellagio 

Flanked by towering peaks and azure waters, Bellagio is the ultimate destination for Italian glamour.

Sitting at the point where the lake’s two southern branches meet, it offers perfect views of the surrounding countryside.

A myriad of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars line Bellagio’s signature cobblestone streets.

For the best panorama, head up to the verdant Punta Spartivento Park or the stunning Castello di Vezio.

Learn how to windsurf from Riva del Garda

More adventurous travellers can embark on a truly unique excursion on Lake Garda - windsurfing!

The north of the lake is internationally renowned as a superb spot for windsports, often hosting competitive regattas.

Expert instructors can take everyone from beginners to pros out on the water.

You can book this adrenaline-pumping activity in advance via operators situated in Riva del Garda or Torbole.

See the lakes by boat 

For a special experience, leave the land behind. There are many ways to traverse the water, including private Riva boat tours with knowledgeable guides or full-day explorations visiting the top sites.

You can even rent your own small boat to captain yourself at your own pace!

All these excursions are available via a number of reputable tour operators and even via cruise lines, which can both be booked by your cruise consultant.