When they say "lakes in Italy", they mean first of all Garda, Lago Maggiore and Como. Experienced travelers and geography experts will also name Varese, Lugano, Iseo, Trasimeno, Omodeo. But in Italy there are over one and a half thousand fresh water bodies. Of these, the lion's share is small mountain lakes. They were formed as a result of the damming of the riverbed by an ancient glacier. But there are lakes of a different origin in Italy. For example, lagoons. They were formed by cutting off a certain area from the sea with spits. An example of a lagoon lake in Italy is the beautiful Lesina. Water bodies also form in the calderas of extinct volcanoes. The most famous lake of this origin is Albano. It is located twenty kilometers from Rome, at the foot of Monte Cavo.
In this article we will talk about the main lakes in Italy. These fresh waters are an alternative to seaside resorts and are well suited for people who cannot stand the heat.
Great Lakes of Italy
Photos of these shiningblue reservoirs adorn all guidebooks in the country. Like a necklace of precious sapphires, they are scattered on the southern slopes of the Alps. The massive mountain system reliably closes Garda, Como and Lago Maggiore from the northern winds, forming a unique Mediterranean climate. Lemons and oranges ripen here, the region is famous for its winemaking and olive oil. In addition to this, medieval castles and baroque palaces, Romanesque churches and incomparable Italian flavor await travelers. The Great Lakes include the country's largest lakes, Garda, Como, Maggiore, Lugano and Iseo. But there are also smaller reservoirs, no less picturesque.
Garda
The largest lake in Italy is located near Verona. Crystal clear water, insanely beautiful landscapes, unique climate attract many travelers from all over the world. Holidays on Lake Garda (Italy) are considered even more prestigious than in seaside resorts. The banks of this reservoir are covered with ancient towns. The most famous of them is Sirmione. It was famous in antiquity for its thermal springs. The town is located on a peninsula far into the water.
Tourist attractions in Sirmione are the ancient villa "Grotto Catullus", the medieval castle of the Scaligers, the churches of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Pietro in Mavino. On the northern shore of the lake is Riva del Garda with excellent beaches. It is worth taking a short trip on a tourist boat with a stop at different resorts - Limone, Torbole, Bardolino, Desenzano, Malcesine andother. And Castelnuovo del Garda should be devoted to the whole day. After all, here is the Gardaland amusement park with an aquarium.
Como
"The standard of a prestigious holiday" - such is the glory of this lake in Italy. In the era of the Roman Empire, Pliny the Younger and the poet Virgil had their villas here, and today George Clooney and other celebrities. Italy's third largest Lake Como is easier to get to from Milan - just forty kilometers due north. The reservoir got its name from the town. But besides the village of Como, the shores of the lake are dotted with other resorts: Lecco, Varenna, Cernobbio, Menaggio, Laglio and others. The climate here is even and mild. The air temperature in the tourist season (May-October) is from +22 to +28 degrees. Como is considered the deepest lake not only in Italy, but throughout Western Europe (up to 410 meters).
But this is not what attracts tourists, but luxurious villas that make up a single whole with no less marvelous landscape. Como has repeatedly become the backdrop for films. But rest here is for hedonists and lovers of a relaxing pastime, unlike Garda, which "specializes" in windsurfing. Como's "must sees" include the following places of interest: the villas of Melzi and Serbelloni in Bellagio, the Basilica of Santa Euphemia and the fort on the island of Comacino, the Castello di Vezio in Varenna, and the seventh-century Peony Abbey.
Lago Maggiore
The name of the second largest body of water simply translates as "Big Lake". It is divided between Italy andSwitzerland. Maggiore is also the border between the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. There are many resorts on the shores of the lake. In Switzerland, these are Locarno and Ascona. The best views are from the western (Piedmontese) shore of the lake in Italy. There are resorts Verbania, Cannobio, Intra, Stresa. In Lombardy, the famous places of Sesto Calende, Besozzo, Angera. The most popular tourist attraction is the Borromeo archipelago, especially Isola Bella. Almost all of its territory is occupied by the luxurious palace of the cardinal, now a museum. Boats from Intra, Pallanza, Laveno and Stresa leave for the archipelago during the tourist season. But there are other islands on Lago Maggiore: rocky Castelli di Cannero and Izulin with an excellent beach. The Mount of the Holy Trinity, towering over Ghiffa, is inscribed on the UNESCO List because of the baroque chapel located here.
Lago Albano
The size of this lake in Italy is small: three and a half kilometers by two. The famous reservoir makes the palace of the Pope Castel Gandolfo. Lacus Albanus enjoyed fame even in ancient times. In 395 BC, the Romans cut a tunnel to regulate the water level in the lake. And in the fifteenth century, Pope Pius II glorified him in his Commentaries.
Lake Albano is of volcanic origin. It is located in two calderas. The easiest way to get there is from Rome. Only twenty-five kilometers separate it from the capital of Italy. Connoisseurs of mountain biking love to relax on Lago Albano, because it has very beautiful beaches. The ancient canal at Castel Gandolfo hosts kayaking competitions andteam rowing.
Lake Braies (Italy)
This reservoir is considered the pearl of the Alto Adige region. This alpine lake lies at an altitude of almost one and a half thousand meters above sea level. On all sides, the water surface is surrounded by rocky cliffs of dolomites. The lake was formed as a result of damming by a landslide. This natural landmark rests at the foot of the Croda del Becco mountain. The lake attracts tourists with its turquoise smooth surface and incomparable alpine nature. Despite the elevated location, in summer you can swim in it. The lake is surrounded by a hiking trail, there is a pier and tourist boats ply. To get to Braies, a lake in Italy, reviews recommend from Bolzano, which is located in the province of South Tyrol. A hundred kilometers separate the reservoir from this city.
