| 7 mins read
By Jennifer Mullen
When planning a holiday to northern Italy, why not take five minutes to indulge in a small fantasy? You are hurtling along narrow winding roads out of Switzerland, James Bond style, gripping the wheel of a luxury car, perhaps an Aston Martin or a Jaguar. The mountain tunnels are coming and going so quickly you almost feel like you are inside a giant flickering zoetrope. Suddenly the Alps end and all you can see for miles is the sun reflecting off a magnificent lake, framed with olive trees. You screech to a halt, skidding on the gravel outside a white palatial villa and a butler greets you with an expectant bow. The car and the villa may be just an indulgent dream, but a trip to the Italian Lake District will almost make you feel like you are on a movie set.
The lakes
Popular due to its spectacular scenery and agreeable climate, the Italian Lake District stretches across northern Italy, nestled next to the foot of the Alps in the north and then flattening out as one heads south, on the River Po plain. A Italian Lakes tour guide will advise you that this part of Europe is the height of sophistication, and therefore can be expensive; however a few good tips from your guide will ensure this holiday does not make you bankrupt! (in fact the word bankrupt is thought to have come from the Italian banca rotta, meaning "broken bench", when a moneychanger's bench or counter would be broken, to announce his insolvency).
Lake Garda – the outdoor playground
Lake Garda, with a length of 50km, is the largest of the Italian lakes. The climate lends itself well to water sports, such as windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming and sailing, due to the breezes which roll off the Dolomite Mountains. Hiking, climbing, paragliding, canyoning and mountain biking, will keep outdoor sports enthusiasts busy for days. The lake is fringed by olive trees, lemon groves and serene vineyards, making it a popular destination for foodies in search of award winning olive oils and renowned locally produced wines, such as Bardolino and Valpolicella.
Set on an attractive peninsula, Sirmione is a firm favourite destination for Italians, with attractions such as the Roman archaeological site Grotte di Catullo and the 13th century Scaliger castle, with its moat and drawbridges. Sirmione also has some notable churches, such as Sant’Anna della Rocca, San Pietro in Mavino and Santa Maria Maggiore. History enthusiasts should also not miss out on seeing the prehistoric settlement at Lugana Vecchia, which is UNESCO protected.
Riva del Garda was for centuries a key strategic stronghold, but now is a haven for armies of tourists. With its quaint old town and very typically Italian piazza, one can sit at sunset, watching the world go by over a gelato. For the best views in town, climb up to the Bastion, which does have seats on the way up for the less energetic, then if you still have the energy, the Old Panole Road Path will give you some amazing photo opportunities.
Lake Maggiore – sophisticated yet untamed
Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second largest lake and hosts a sharp contrast between the opulent art nouveau hotels on the western shore and the wilder, green woodlands that characterise the eastern shore in Lombardi. The mild climate means this area is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and a vast array of exotic plants. The village of Stresa, with its stunning lakeside location, is a shopper’s delight, with smart boutiques and artisanal stores. As a resort, it has been popular since the 19th century due to its sophisticated atmosphere and glitterati clientele. From Stresa take a daytrip to the three Borromean Islands, named after the aristocratic Borromean family who set about building luxurious residences on the islands of Bella and Madre. Not far from the Swiss border, the pleasant town of Cannobio has a lakefront piazza and an impressive 12th century bridge, which serves as the perfect picnic spot. If it is hot, take a dip in the lake, confident in knowing that the beaches here have a European Union Blue Flag for their cleanliness.
Lake Orta – ssshhh don’t tell anyone!
For a lake that feels much more secluded, try Lake Orta, a short drive from Maggiore's south-western shores. Italians joke that there is a code of silence surrounding this lake, to keep it protected from mass tourism. The Milanese even go as far as nicknaming it La Cenerentola (Cinderella), because they think of it as the secretly superior sister to the larger, wealth-tainted lakes of Como and Maggiore! The lake has a very cultured feel and was popular with many 19th century writers, such as Lord Byron, Friedrich Nietzsche, Honoré de Balzac and Robert Browning. The San Giulio Island is said to be the Piedmont region's prettiest lakeside town, thanks to its labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes, draped in flowers hanging from balconies, and the terracotta roofs contrasting with the blue waters.
Lake Como – the Monaco of the north
If you are lucky, your Lake Como tour guide will point out where Hollywood A-listers, such as George Clooney, own lakeside properties. Travellers on a tight budget will, however, be pleased to know that there are still ample attractions in the picturesque city centre of Como, which are either free or moderately priced. Your knowledgeable Italian tour guide will also be able to help you understand how the architecture reflects the rich and varied history of a region. For example, Como’s cathedral took 350 years to build and is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, gothic, renaissance and baroque styles.
If you wish to tour the area, there is a reliable and cost effective ferry service round the lake. The town of Lenno is famous for its olive oil and at the 11th century church of San Stefano, one can see a crypt and ancient frescoes. For those who love the white knuckle feeling of winding roads, the twisty narrow route between Como and Bellagio will give you your fair share of thrills. Bellagio has a harbour front with houses the colour of peach, cream and strawberry gelato. One of the best activities in Bellagio is exploring the old stairways, which run up and down the town. Some of these are quiet and the only sound you will hear is your own footsteps; others are filled with the bubbling noise of visitors and locals.
Varenna is another pretty port of call on Lake Como and the lakeside path will give you unparalleled views of not only the lake, but also the Alps which stretch up in the distance. For explosions of colour, take a walk through the gardens of the Villa Monastero, which are a botanists dream, housing species of palm trees, yuccas, dracaenas, cypresses and oleanders. The 13th century Castle of Vezio is also an interesting place to visit for bird lovers, as it has a centre dedicated to breeding and training birds of prey, such as falcons.
So whether you are in the mood for millionaires or just plain and simple meandering, the Italian Lake District is a place well worth exploring. Shame that Aston Martin isn’t readily available!
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/9iPCZa (Jane drumsara, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/3kNtYy (Slack12, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/8qUdvZ (Thomas Kohler, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/qXLtWS (Jacqueline Poggi, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/vUru8 (Renata F. Oliveira, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/bdye2B (Roger, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/538h7H (seligr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/eEMQoW (Luca Casartelli, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/8WwtKy (Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/bUuaTK (Matus Kalisky, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)