What are the 3 largest lakes in Italy?

The three largest are all well over 100 km2, they are: Lake Garda (largest in Italy), Lake Maggiore (largest in southern Switzerland) and Lake Como.



Italy's landscape is dotted with stunning bodies of water, but the three largest—all located in the northern regions—are Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como. Lake Garda is the largest, spanning approximately 370 square kilometers. It is a diverse destination, with its southern shores featuring rolling vineyards and the northern end characterized by dramatic, fjord-like cliffs. Lake Maggiore is the second largest, covering about 212 square kilometers; it is unique for being shared between Italy (Lombardy and Piedmont) and Switzerland. It is famous for the Borromean Islands and its grand, Belle Époque villas. Lake Como, the third largest at 146 square kilometers, is perhaps the most famous internationally due to its dramatic Y-shape and its reputation as a haven for the global elite. Each of these lakes plays a vital role in local tourism and ecology, providing microclimates that allow for the growth of Mediterranean plants like lemons and olives in the shadow of the Alps. In 2026, these lakes continue to be primary draws for international travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and refined Italian lifestyle.

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Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. But Lake Como? It's the third-largest. So both have plenty of opportunity for boating and windsurfing, and, from the shore, biking, hiking, and paragliding.

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Lago di Molveno in Italy is not only one of the best lakes for swimming, it is also the cleanest lake of all. The water in this crystal clear lake comes directly from the Presena gletsjer and is wonderfully refreshing. It is not a coincidence that the Molveno lake is also called 'pearl of the Dolomites'.

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Perhaps more importantly, Lake Garda is also an exceptional beach destination. There may be no ocean, but the lake itself offers some wonderful beaches for swimming and sunbathing in the Italian summer sunshine.

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The group is composed of (from west to east): Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Garda. The three largest are all well over 100 km2, they are: Lake Garda (largest in Italy), Lake Maggiore (largest in southern Switzerland) and Lake Como.

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Set in the wonderful, evocative waters of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands have fascinated visitors for centuries.

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Lake Como is a little more elegant and expensive While accommodation and meals at either lake is pricey, particularly in the high season, Lake Como also tends to be a little bit more expensive, too.

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One of the most beautiful, most famous, and most visited towns of Lake Garda is certainly Limone del Garda, on the Brescian coast, 35km from the town of Salò and 9.5km from Riva del Garda, built along the 45 bis Western Gardesana Highway.

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It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.

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On the beach, on the hills or in the mountains, during summer or winter, at Lake Garda you can walk everywhere, just choose the route you want to do. If you like to walk on the flat, there are plenty of kilometers of beaches and cycle lanes.

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The lake is wonderful to swim in with crystal clear water and average water temperatures in the peak Summer months between 21 and 26 degrees. In most parts of the lake, the water slopes gently away from the shore, making it safe for even younger children.

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Bellagio. Probably the most renowned destination on Lake Como, Bellagio is another pretty town that you really cannot miss when visiting the area. Located right in the middle of the lake, Bellagio has the most unique setting that distinguishes it from any other town on Lake Como.

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Further north, one of the most beautiful areas to live on Lake Maggiore is the village of Cannero Riviera. The village is famous and appreciated for its particularly mild microclimate, which favours the flourishing of luxuriant Mediterranean scrub.

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Italy Among the quietest but most picturesque is Lake Iseo, surrounded by mountains, with the Camonica valley to the north and Franciacorta wine country to the south.

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Sicily is known as the warmest place in Italy, and it really offers 12 months of lovely weather.

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Italy's sunniest city is Catania in Sicily, which gets an average of 347 hours of sunshine per month and enjoys an annual average temperature of 18 degrees celsius. This beautiful city is the second largest in Sicily behind Palermo and has plenty to see all year round under the glorious sunshine.

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