The northern lakes of Italy are among the country’s most captivating destinations, offering postcard landscapes, rich culinary traditions, and a slower rhythm of life that invites you to breathe deeply and truly connect with the surroundings. While Lake Como is known worldwide for its glamour, the entire region offers an array of experiences for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authenticity. Here’s how to explore Lake Orta, Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore through the lens of nature, food, and slow travel.
Lake Orta: Italy’s Most Romantic Hidden Lake
What Makes It Magical
Often described as the most romantic of Italy’s lakes, Lake Orta remains blissfully under the radar. The charming town of Orta San Giulio is a pedestrian-only haven of cobbled streets, pastel houses, and lakeside cafes. Don’t miss the short boat trip to San Giulio Island, where time seems to pause amid ancient churches and whispering cloisters. The island’s ethereal atmosphere and quiet lanes create a spiritual, almost mystical experience.
Back on shore, wander through artisan shops selling handmade ceramics, textiles, and gourmet treats. Then, take your time walking the scenic lakeside promenade or get lost among Orta’s hidden alleys. The overall mood is slower, softer, and more contemplative than the larger lakes, which makes it perfect for travelers seeking a soulful retreat.
Soft Adventures in Nature
Nature here is peaceful and intimate. You can enjoy leisurely lakeside walks, rent a kayak for a quiet paddle, or hike up to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering serene chapels and panoramic views. The combination of art, nature, and spirituality in this small area is profound. You don’t need to go far, every path invites reflection, every turn reveals a postcard-perfect vista.
Flavors of the Lake
The cuisine is rustic and seasonal. Try local specialties like tapulon (minced donkey meat slow-cooked in red wine), trout from the lake, and Toma cheese from nearby valleys. Dine at cozy spots like Locanda di Orta, where modern presentations meet local flavors. Pair it all with a glass of Ghemme or Nebbiolo wine from the Alto Piemonte region. If you’re visiting in autumn, look for dishes with wild mushrooms and chestnuts, highlighting the forest flavors that surround the lake.
Lake Como: Chic Charm and Natural Drama
While Bellagio and Varenna are popular for good reason, Lake Como has many hidden gems. Explore the hillside village of Brunate via funicular from Como city, or visit Villa del Balbianello for both cinematic beauty and quiet gardens overlooking the water. For a slower pace, stay in less-touristy towns like Lenno or Torno.
Lake Como’s landscape is dramatic—steep mountains plunge into deep blue water. Adventurers can hike the Greenway del Lago di Como, take the Sentiero del Viandante trail above Varenna, or sail across the lake’s shimmering surface. Boat rentals, bike rides, and lakeside yoga are all part of the Como experience. The scenery here makes even the most relaxed walk feel cinematic.
Food in Como blends alpine and lake traditions. Try risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch), a creamy dish showcasing lake fish, or pizzoccheri, a rich buckwheat pasta from nearby Valtellina made with cabbage and cheese. For something casual, enjoy lakeside dining at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, one of the lake’s only island restaurants, or head to Trattoria del Glicine in Cernobbio for elegant local cuisine in a lush garden setting. Finish with sciatt, crispy cheese fritters, and a glass of Domasino white wine, locally produced on the lake’s northern shores.
Lake Garda: Italy’s Outdoor Escape for the Senses
Scenery That Stretches from Mountains to Mediterranean
Italy’s largest lake spans multiple landscapes—from the dramatic cliffs of the north to the olive groves and lemon trees of the south. Visit Malcesine and take the cable car up Monte Baldo for sweeping views across alpine peaks and blue water. Explore ancient Roman ruins in Sirmione, or take a scenic drive along the Gardesana Occidentale, one of the most picturesque lake roads in Europe.
Adventure and Wellness in Nature
Lake Garda is ideal for both adrenaline and relaxation. In the north, try windsurfing or sailing in Torbole, rock climbing in Arco, or hiking the Strada del Ponale with views that seem plucked from a painting. For wellness seekers, indulge in the thermal spas of Sirmione, take a meditative walk among vineyards in Valtenesi, or join a lakeside yoga session at sunrise. Whether you’re thrill-seeking or slowing down, the lake adapts to your rhythm.
Culinary Surprises from the Shoreline to the Hills
Lake Garda offers a delicious blend of mountain and Mediterranean cuisines. Start with carpione (freshwater fish marinated in vinegar and herbs), and don’t miss polenta with braised meats, a staple in the northern villages. Olive oil lovers should taste the region’s award-winning extra virgin olive oil DOP, often paired with local bread or drizzled over lake fish. For dessert, try a slice of lemon torta made with Garda’s famous citrus.
In Sirmione, enjoy sunset dining at La Speranzina, an elegant lakeside restaurant with stunning views and a celebrated wine cellar. For a more rustic experience, explore inland agriturismi near Bardolino, where family-run kitchens serve homemade pasta and wines like Lugana and Chiaretto rosé, made just a few kilometers from your table.
Lake Maggiore: Heritage, Wilderness, and the Art of Quiet
Islands and Villas with a View
Lake Maggiore stretches across Lombardy, Piedmont, and into Switzerland. The elegant town of Stresa makes a perfect base for exploring the Borromean Islands, each with its own unique charm. From the grandeur of Isola Bella’s baroque palace to the botanical wonders of Isola Madre, these islands combine noble history with natural beauty. Don’t miss the romantic vibe of Isola dei Pescatori, where fishing boats and seafood restaurants hug the shoreline.
Where Nature Slows You Down
This is the lake for contemplative travelers. Ferry rides between quaint lakeside villages allow you to absorb the rhythm of the water. Hike quiet trails near Cannobio or venture into the nearby Val Grande National Park, one of Europe’s wildest and least inhabited natural areas. Whether birdwatching at the Fondotoce Nature Reserve or enjoying a dip in crystal-clear waters, Lake Maggiore offers space to unplug and reconnect with the essentials.
The Table of Piedmont
Cuisine here reflects Piedmont’s deep agricultural roots. Start with paniscia, a rich risotto made with beans, pork, and seasonal vegetables. Try formaggetta, a soft mountain cheese, and mortadella di fegato, a local liver sausage. In Stresa, dine at Il Borromeo inside the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées for classic elegance, or explore hilltop trattorias above Verbania for hearty meals served with a view. Sip on robust Boca or Ghemme red wines and treat yourself to margheritine di Stresa, a delicate butter cookie said to be favored by royalty.
Travel the Lakes with Maestro Discover Italy
The lakes of northern Italy offer far more than pretty views. They are living landscapes where nature, cuisine, and culture flow together in perfect harmony. At Maestro Discover Italy, we help you experience these magical places through slow, thoughtful travel.
Whether you’re hiking above Lake Como, savoring trout by Lake Orta, or soaking in the lemon-scented air of Lake Garda, we design journeys that immerse you in the local soul of every destination.
Let us guide you to the quiet moments and authentic flavors that make Italy unforgettable. Start your northern lake adventure today.
