What are the underrated Italian lakes?

Big is beautiful when it comes to the Italian Lakes. But small is perhaps even more beautiful, and certainly more intimate and less visited. So forgo the major lakes – the famous trio of Como, Maggiore and Garda – and consider instead the largely unsung quartet of Idro, Iseo, Varese and Orta.



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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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Stay in less-touristy towns and villages Argegno is a village on the western shores of the lake. It's a quiet place with only a few amenities, making it a great choice for those seeking a different side to Lake Como. Here, you can amble down the cobbled alleyways without bumping into big people left and right.

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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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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 the most famous of all the lakes in Italy is Lake Como, put on the international radar thanks to its A-list guest list and opulent features. Travel just one hour from Milan Airport to reach the Lombardy region, twisting through forested roads that lead through stunning villages on the way to Como's shore.

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Lake Como is more touristy than Lake Maggiore and has a slightly more mature and advanced tourism infrastructure. Known for its silk all over the world, Lake Como counts some of the most well-known celebrities as the connoisseur of its beauty and silk.

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Lake Garda and Lake Como – two supremely beautiful locations, flanked by gloriously ornate homes and hotels. Check in to one of these, and you'll be living the Italian highlife in no time.

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Lake Como is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of Northern Italy's Lombardy region. With its stunning natural beauty, this is the ultimate picture-perfect destination.

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Little Lake Orta is by far the smallest of all the great Italian Lakes, which is what gives it its charm. A hidden gem of a lake – easily explored in the shortest of short breaks.

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11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the United States
  • Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming.
  • Lake Superior, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • Flathead Lake, Montana.
  • Crater Lake, Oregon.
  • Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada.
  • Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana.
  • Mono Lake, California.
  • Echo Lake, New Hampshire.


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Cala di Volpe, Sardinia Cala di Volpe is located on Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, one of the most beautiful (and expensive) stretches of coastline in all of Italy. The beach is famous for its Bermuda-blue water and the glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe resort behind it, though you don't need to be a guest to swim there.

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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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If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como. There's more opportunity for hiking near Varenna, and that's the more scenic part of the lake, but you can get there by boat. Touristy doesn't begin to describe Bellagio and Varenna. If you want any kind of night life at all, stay in Como.

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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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Villa Balbianello – Lake Como, Italy Its most famous on-screen moment was certainly Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker's secret wedding in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. While the creators digitally altered the villa's exteriors for the film, you can easily spot the balcony where Padmé and Anakin kiss.

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