Famous Holiday Resorts on Italy’s Major Lakes

Italy’s northern lakes are lined with celebrated resort towns:

Lake Garda

• Sirmione: Peninsula tip; Roman ruins (Grotte di Catullo), thermal baths, lakeside promenade.
• Desenzano del Garda: Lively harbor, historic center, water sports hub.
• Riva del Garda: Northern end; mountain backdrop, windsurfing, medieval fortress.

Lake Como

• Bellagio: “Pearl of Lake Como” at the three-branch junction; Villa Melzi, Villa Serbelloni gardens.
• Varenna: Picturesque harbor, Castello di Vezio, romantic promenade.
• Menaggio: Western shore; water sports, hiking, elegant lakeside villas.

Lake Maggiore

• Stresa: Glamorous promenade, luxury hotels, gateway to Borromean Islands.
• Verbania: Botanical gardens (Villa Taranto), historic center, mountain views.
• Cannero Riviera: Eastern shore; beaches, Cannero Castle on offshore islet.

Each offers a distinct blend of scenery, culture, and leisure.