Italian lakes

A village on Lake Como has decided to help young people stay and live there through funding allocated via a public call to people who choose to establish their official residence in Bellano and build a life there. Called “Abitare Bellano”, the initiative is a trial measure set up by the local Comune — municipal council — for 2026. It has a total fund of €100,000 and addresses an issue shared by many small Italian towns. On Lake Como, it takes on a particular form: a picturesque area that is increasingly unaffordable for the people who would genuinely like to make their home there.

It's hot, the seaside beaches are crowded, but there's an alternative: real beaches, at high altitude, where the water remains clear and the air is lighter. In Italy and Europe, you'll find sandy lakes, mountain beaches, meadows, and full-service amenities, ideal even for just a weekend getaway.

Stone lanes, a lakeside castle and the steep slopes of Monte Baldo give Malcesine a distinctly cinematic setting on Lake Garda’s eastern shore.

On Lake Como, there is a place where the sound of motorboats fades away, and only the water remains. The steep slopes shape the scene: houses clinging to the rock, narrow lanes, old mule tracks and a gorge where two streams meet before plunging towards the lake. The result is a striking orrido – a steep, narrow ravine – with a waterfall dropping for more than 200 metres and a stone bridge reached via a long staircase. It is a break along the road between Como and Bellagio, with a lesser-known extra just above the village: Onzanigo and the Val de Tuf.

A beach without stifling heat, set among forests and peaks, really does exist. In many cases, it’s just a few hours by car, with clear water to dive into and meadows where you can stretch out in the shade. The new “cool” summer destinations aren’t by the sea but at altitude: Alpine lakes and valleys with proper lidos, equipped or completely natural, suited to swimming, picnics and sport.

The four 2026 Blue Flags—Gozzano, Cannobio, Verbania, and Cannero Riviera—confirm the Piedmont lakes' position among Northern Italy's top-quality seaside destinations. The recognition is not limited to water cleanliness, but also to a complex system of environmental management, services, and sustainability.

When the cities start to bake in July, there’s another side to Italy that feels surprisingly liveable.

Tucked into the mountains of central Italy, Lago di Scanno is the famous heart-shaped lake in Abruzzo that tends to pop up in travel photos without much explanation. Where is the heart-shaped lake in Italy?Sitting at around 930 metres above sea level, the heart-shaped lake in Italy is located i

Is it really possible to walk along iron stairways suspended above the water and pause on natural terraces that open out across the whole of Lake Garda? It is, and these aren’t fantasy routes dreamt up for Instagram.

When people think of Northern Italy, they picture Lake Como, Venice canals and Milanese fashion week.

Italy’s luxury real estate market is strengthening, with requests for properties over €3 million having risen by 11.23% compared to 2024.

An Italian spa has been ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world, and it’s not based on gushy reviews or glossy brochures.

Life around the lake moves at its own pace, shaped by ferry timetables, mountain light and long lunches that drift into the afternoon.

Many make a move for a lifestyle change, and the natural beauty of Italy makes it one of the most desirable places to settle.

Italy works well for romantic getaways for couples because it lends itself to slowing down.

Not everyone dreams of living on Lake Como with superyachts and five‑star hotels in the background.

Italy has more than 1,500 lakes, from tiny Alpine pools to wide basins surrounded by vineyards and medieval villages. Many are swimmable and popular for holidays, weekend escapes and even second homes.

Italy’s lakes are famous for big‑name spots like Como and Garda, but the quiet corners are where things get interesting.

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, stretches between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino‑Alto Adige in the north.

Clear blue water, mountain backdrops and grand villas make the Italian lakes some of the most romantic landscapes in Europe.

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful destinations in Lombardy, with steep mountains dropping straight into the water and villages tucked along the shore.

Northern Italy’s lakefronts continue to shine in the luxury property market. Prestigious residences along the shores of Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and Lake Iseo are attracting discerning international buyers, while interest from Italian clients remains robust. What draws them?

Lombardy is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful lakes – perfect for an autumn getaway. Beyond the famous Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore, the region offers lesser-known lakes rich in natural beauty and cultural treasures.

Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), also known as the Pragser Wildsee in German, is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites and a must-see destination in northern Italy. With its turquoise waters framed by forests and the UNESCO-listed Braies Dolomites, this Alpine lake attracts visitors in every season.

When it comes to visiting Italy's lakes, most people head straight for Como or Garda. But there's a quieter and arguably even more magical spot: Lake Orta. Tucked away in Piedmont, it's a pre-alpine lake with a serene atmosphere and a collection of sleepy, olde-worlde villages.