The Italian Lakes

The elegant lakes of northern Italy are among the most beautiful of Italy’s natural attractions. They are dramatic and are surrounded by beautiful gardens, elegant villas and lakeshore terraces. Most of the lakes are also within easy reach of the excellent cities of Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia.

Lake Maggiore:

Italy’s second largest lake winds majestically between Piemonte and Lombardia. There are a number of lovely resorts along the lake, such as Stresa, Verbania, Ghiffa and Baveno, which have breathtaking views and are surrounded by lush gardens and tree lined roads. With the opening of a new road, most of these resorts are now within 45 minutes of Milan and there are increasing numbers of Milanese buying second homes. Prices are not cheap and property is in high demand but the area offers outstanding beauty, excellent communications, access to skiing and good rental potential both in summer and winter.

Lake Como:

The third largest of the lakes, Como is outstandingly beautiful with the blue-green waters of the lake contrasting with the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. It is laden with fairy-tale waterside villages and enchanting towns such as Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Bellagio and has inspired artists, composers and poets over the centuries. Similar to Lake Maggiore, prices have always been on the high side especially as the area has become increasingly popular with the jet set in recent years. However, prices are more reasonable in the hills around the lake and there is an excellent choice of properties available.

How to get there

Air
The Lakes can be reached by Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Bergamo, Brescia and Verona airports.

Car
The A9 runs from north to south past Lake Como and connects to the A8 to Milan. Lake Maggiore connect to the A8 to Milan from the south of the Lake, and the A2 runs from the north of the lake into Switzerland.

See our links page for useful web addresses and telephone numbers.