▲Often voted one of the most spectacular lakes in the world, Como, also in Lombardy, has drawn discerning tourists since Roman times, such is its magical allure and upmarket veneer.

▲Its shores are marked by plush palaces and stately villas. Many celebs and VIPs have made their homes here, most recently actor George Clooney and his barrister wife, Amal.

▲Lake Garda is a big deal. This is the largest lake in Italy, and it's found in glorious picture-book surroundings in the north of the country, halfway between Brescia and Verona, in Lombardy.

▲Enjoying a superb location squeezed between the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and lying under the shadow of the mighty Alps, Lake Maggiore deserves its reputation as one of Europe's most stunning stretches of inland water.

▲If your idea of an Italian lakeside holiday is to elope to a pleasant waterside destination and embrace romantic views, then this place is for you.

▲Another lake known for its captivating island scene is Orta, located in northern Italy's Piedmont region. Photogenic San Giulio Island (pictured) is home to the historic Basilica di San Giulio.

▲Visitors will be immediately charmed by the little islands moored in the lake, places like Isola di Loreto (pictured). The much larger Monte Isola island is a tourist destination in itself.

▲Bracciano is one of the cleanest lakes in Italy (the use of motorboats is forbidden). It's therefore a no-brainer for anyone into watersport activities or just seeking a leisurely swim.

▲Another lake of volcanic origin and located in Lazio, Bracciano attracts weekenders from Rome and travelers seeking an Italian vacation away from the tourist brochure hordes.

▲Shallow Lake Trasimeno is found in Perugia province, in the Umbria region of Italy.

▲History buffs are in for a treat here. Castles galore embroider the landscape, including several crowning the various islands set in the lake. Base yourself in the old town of Castiglione del Lago to explore the ruins of the Fortress of the Lion.

▲Enclosed by towering mountains, this glacial lake, situated between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, is a well-known tourist destination.

▲This is arguably the most family-friendly of Italy's lakes, and certainly its most sports-orientated: Garda's southern shore is lined with some wonderful beaches.

▲Beautiful Lake Lugano straddles the border of Italy and Switzerland at Ticino in Lombardy.

▲Reputedly one of the cleanest lakes in Trentino, Ledro is a favorite summer vacation destination, with tourists attracted to its sandy beaches and a wealth of outdoor activity options.

▲Fed by glacial waters, this picturesque lake set 655 m (2,148 ft) above sea level is located in Trentino, northern Italy.

▲Set in Viterbo province in the country's Lazio region, Lake Bolsena is of volcanic origin. Actually, it's the largest volcanic lake in Europe, at 43 km (26.5 mi) in circumference.

▲Serene and uncrowded, the lake region is dotted with numerous towns and villages, including medieval Bolsena with its grand old castle that peers over a marina.

▲Wedged into the Camonica Valley in eastern Lombardy, Lake Iseo is blessed with a series of scenic towns and villages that enhance the shoreline of this crystal clear gem.

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Blessed with an appealing microclimate and renowned as a spa destination, Como can also boast wildlife, gastronomy, and its jaw-dropping landscape as reasons to make this your next Italian vacation destination.

▲The lake is fringed with numerous towns, places like Limone sul Garda (pictured) with its ancient streets and houses, onion-topped churches, and plenty of appealing hotels and restaurants.

▲Nature lovers will love Lake Maggiore. The lake is surrounded by parks and nature reserves, and lots of botanical gardens. Castles and villas landmark the verdant environment, and there are plenty of charming towns and villages to explore.

▲Scattered like emeralds across the lake's surface are several islands, perhaps the most sparkling being Isola Bella. A regular ferry service takes passengers to the "Beautiful Island" and the fantastic 17th-century palace found there.

▲The lake and its surrounding area have much to offer visitors. Located around the lake are several towns, the most noteworthy being Orta San Giulio and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacro Monte di Orta.

▲Monte Isola is characterized by lakeside villages, some replete with 15th-century churches. The yesteryear ambiance is tangible and makes Lake Iseo a singular European destination option.

▲Three towns border the lake: Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia (pictured), and Trevignano Romano. Anguillara Sabazia's medieval center and fine beach makes it a popular getaway choice. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

▲An enviable fishing destination, the lake also attracts swimmers in summer seeking to escape the Umbrian heat. Trasimeno is a designated natural park, and one of the most rewarding ways to explore it is to follow the 50-km (31-mi) bicycle path around the lake.

▲Consider staying in Ponte Tresa, located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. You get the best of both worlds, and the lake is always at your doorstep.

▲The lake is known for its collection of reproduction stilt houses set along the shore. In fact, the whole area is of great archaeological significance. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

▲Lake Bolsena is within driving distance of Rome, yet well off the beaten "Tuscany tourist" track. Come here to unwind, recharge, and enjoy the silence.

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Italy is blessed with some fabulous lakes. As scenic as they are idyllic, these lakes are filled with crystal-clear water and fringed with some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in Europe. While some are celebrated for their upmarket luster and A-list allure (think George and Amal Clooney), others lie within an affordable budget, and are equally majestic in their location and go-to appeal.

If you're thinking of Italy as your next lakeside vacation destination, browse this gallery and discover the most beautiful bodies of water in the country.

Scenic lakes in Italy you have to visit

Some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe are found in Italy

07/05/21 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Destinations

If you're thinking of Italy as your next lakeside vacation destination, browse this gallery and discover the most beautiful bodies of water in the country.