Ferries link most lakeside towns and villages, making car-free travel simple.

Which Italian Lake is Best to Visit?

Set against the foothills of the Alps, the Italian Lakes offer a quietly glamorous corner of Italy, where mountain scenery meets elegant lakeside living. Grand villas line the water’s edge, pastel towns spill down to ferry harbours and days drift easily between boat trips, long lunches and gentle outdoor adventures. From the refined beauty of Lake Como to the relaxed pace of Lake Maggiore and the activity-filled shores of Lake Garda, each lake brings its own distinct character.
Our collection of villas with pools in Italy provides an effortless base for exploring the region. Ideal for relaxed, family-friendly escapes, these handpicked villas are chosen by our destination experts for their character, setting and proximity to the lakes, villages and surrounding countryside. It’s a part of Italy that invites you to slow down and savour the view.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our handpicked villas in the Italian Lakes reflect that beautifully. Selected by destination experts who know the region inside out, each home is chosen for its individuality, comfort and setting.
Once you’ve booked, our Concierge Service is on hand to help with the finer details, from pre-arrival shopping and private chefs to housekeeping and tailored local experiences, for a truly extraordinary Italian Lakes escape.

The Italian Lakes have been drawing travellers since Roman times, and it’s easy to see why. Dramatic alpine backdrops frame calm waters, while elegant towns and historic villas give the region a timeless, refined feel. Whether you’re gliding across the lake by ferry, wandering through flower-filled gardens or heading into the hills for fresh air and views, the experience feels both restorative and richly varied.
Each lake offers something slightly different. Lake Como is known for its beauty and architectural elegance, Lake Maggiore for its relaxed atmosphere and botanical gardens, and Lake Garda for its outdoor activities and family appeal. Together, they create a destination that balances scenery, culture and gentle adventure with ease.
Lake Maggiore is the most relaxed of the three lakes and is ideally suited to those who want to take it easy and perhaps do a little sightseeing. It also benefits from good travel links to Switzerland if a day trip across the border takes your fancy.
Lake Como is perhaps the most picturesque of the three lakes and boasts many of the prettiest towns and villages.
Lake Garda is the most family-friendly lake in the region. With theme parks, water sports, hiking, and mountain biking to enjoy, it’s the place to be if you’d like to be a little more adventurous.
Fly into Milan, Verona or Bergamo, depending on which lake you’re visiting.
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