Italian lakes have something magical and cinematic about them. It's a fact that they attract filmmakers like a magnet and have often served as the setting for famous productions like Star Wars, Ocean's Twelve: Extra Time, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Quantum of Solace.
Get to know the 5 most interesting and beautiful Italian lakes, where it is worth spending your holiday in a good hotel or renting a villa:
1. Lake Como – film scenes and elite hotels
Lake Como in Lombardy is synonymous with elegance, luxury, and refined style. It's one of the most beautiful and expensive lakes in Italy in terms of real estate prices. It's a favorite residence for presidents, athletes, and celebrities, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Madonna. The distinctive inverted "Y" shape encompasses three arms – Como, Varenna, and Colico. The most famous towns are Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," with its luxury boutiques and pastel-colored townhouses, and Varenna – a charming, almost car-free, colorful resort. The travel agency's portfolio includes: CARTER Travelers will find the best hotels on Como, such as the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, perfect for romantic getaways. For film buffs, scenes from "Casino Royale," "Star Wars," and "Ocean's Twelve" are commonplace here. Villa del Balbianello on Como is one of the most frequently used film locations in Europe.
We particularly recommend exclusive hotels for a holiday on Lake Como:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo – a classic of style and elegance on Como
Located in the town of Tremezzo, opposite the renowned Villa Balbianello, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo boasts a century-old tradition, a symbol of luxury and la dolce vita. Its Liberty-style façade, impressive terraced gardens, and three swimming pools—including the famous floating pool on the lake—attract guests from around the world. The interiors captivate with their elegance: gold ornamentation, parquet floors, and marble bathrooms transport guests to the glory days of Italian aristocracy. Guests can enjoy the modern T Spa overlooking the lake, and savor exquisite cuisine in five restaurants and bars—from the casual L'Escale Trattoria to the exclusive La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi. Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the perfect holiday choice for those who want to experience timeless elegance with a touch of glamour; it is an absolute icon of Lake Como and one of the most recognizable hotels in Italy.
Villa d'Este – a legend on Como
This Renaissance palace in Cernobbio, today known as Villa d'Este, is one of the most exclusive holiday hotels in Europe. Since the late 19th century, it has attracted royalty, Hollywood stars, and the international elite, hosting the likes of Greta Garbo, Richard Burton, Princess Diana, and Jennifer Aniston. Renowned writers such as Mark Twain and Gustave Flaubert have also spent their holidays at the Villa D'Este.
Located directly on the shores of Lake Como, surrounded by a 10-hectare park with sculptures and fountains, Villa d'Este is a place where history meets impeccable service and unpretentious luxury. The lake's famous floating pool, eight tennis courts, a golf course, and restaurants with panoramic terraces are just some of its attractions. Villa d'Este Golf Club (officially Circolo Golf Villa d'Este) is one of the most prestigious and historic golf resorts in Italy, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Situated in the hills of Montorfano, south of Lake Como, the club is renowned for its technical par-69 course.
Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa – a historic building with modern amenities
This is another exceptional hotel worth considering when planning your next vacation in northern Italy. It combines Belle Époque elegance with modern design and a luxurious spa, making it an excellent choice for those seeking not only historical charm but also contemporary amenities. In the heart of Menaggio, one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como, lies the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa – a luxurious five-star hotel that combines classic architecture with modern comforts. The restored 19th-century historic building has been expanded with a modern wing and wellness area. The hotel offers spectacular lake and mountain views, a gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and the exclusive ERRE Spa with a swimming pool, saunas, and relaxation area. The proximity of the ferry to Bellagio and Varenna makes it an excellent base for excursions and discovering the charms of Como and the most beautiful corners of northern Italy.
Passalaqua – exclusive holidays in a boutique palace
Passalacqua is a luxury boutique hotel located in Moltrasio on Lake Como, housed in an 18th-century villa restored with meticulous attention to detail. Owned by the De Santis family, owners of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, it is considered one of the most beautiful lakeside residences. In 2023, it was named the best hotel in the world by the ranking The World's 50 Best Hotels and awarded three Michelin Guide keys
2. Lake Iseo – peace, quiet and no mass tourism
This lake should appeal to anyone who enjoys peace and quiet and a no-frills vacation. Iseo is located in the Lombardy Alps.It covers 65 km² and reaches a depth of up to 250 meters. The Oglio River flows through Iseo. Swimming in Lake Iseo is a very pleasant experience, especially during the summer months. The most beautiful towns on Lake Iseo are Sarnico, Lovere, Pisogne, Iseo, and Carzano and Peschiera Maraglio on the island of Monte Isola.
If you're planning a vacation on Lake Iseo or the surrounding area, consider staying a few days or even longer at the charming L'Albereta Relais & Chateaux. Located a short drive from Lake Iseo in the Franciacorta hills, this incredibly cozy hotel boasts elegant interiors, an excellent restaurant, and a professional spa.
3. Lago Maggiore – Borromean Islands and plant gardens
A vacation on Lake Maggiore is the perfect blend of Alpine landscapes, Mediterranean climate, historic hotels, and elegant villas. It's a great place for a relaxing Northern Italian vacation, boat trips, hikes, and sightseeing.. Lake Maggiore is a landscaped blend of deep blue water and lush greenery, more tranquil than Como but equally striking. It's definitely worth a visit, as romantic as Lakes Como and Garda. The biggest attractions are the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella – a Baroque palace and terraced gardens, fountains, and exotic plants; Isola Madre – lush botanical gardens with tropical vegetation; and Isola dei Pescatori – a charming fishing island with traditional architecture. In the town of Stresa, you can stay in atmospheric Belle Époque hotels – artists and aristocrats have been enjoying this charm for centuries.
Recommended by the office CARTER hotels for stylish holidays and elegant vacations on Lake Maggiore:
Villa e Palazzo Aminta – a stylish sanctuary with frescoes and Venetian chandeliers on Lake Maggiore
Located right on the shores of Lago Maggiore, in the elegant town of Stresa, Villa and Palazzo Aminta It is the quintessence of Italian style and romance. Surrounded by a private park and citrus gardens, the hotel offers views of the Borromean Islands, which can be admired from spacious balconies or terraces. Interiors feature crystal chandeliers, frescoes, and marble bathrooms—all designed with guests who appreciate classic luxury in mind. The I Mori restaurant serves exquisite Italian cuisine, while the private beach and spa overlooking the lake complete the ultimate relaxation experience.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA – aristocratic splendor on Lake Maggiore
Located in the heart of Stresa, on the elegant promenade of Lake Maggiore, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA is synonymous with the Belle Époque in its purest form. Open since 1863, the hotel has welcomed celebrities such as Ernest Hemingway, who described it in "A Farewell to Arms." Interiors feature original frescoes, Murano chandeliers, marble floors, and carved furniture, while windows offer views of the Borromean Islands. Guests can enjoy an exclusive wellness center with an indoor pool, saunas, treatment rooms, and a relaxation area. The hotel's restaurants serve haute cuisine, and the Art Deco bar invites you for afternoon tea or a classic Negroni. It's the perfect option for those seeking to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of bygone aristocracy, surrounded by modern comfort.
4. Lago di Garda – the largest, versatile and clean lake
Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake, with clear waters reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea. Nestled between three regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino, it delights with a variety of activities: Sirmione – a picturesque peninsula with the medieval Scaliger Castle and the ruins of a Roman villa (Grotto di Catullo); Riva del Garda – a mecca for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing; and Malcesine – a town with a castle and a cable car to Monte Baldo, offering views of the Alps and the surrounding area. The mountain range invites hiking (Monte Baldo) and relaxing on the beach. Gardaland amusement park is a hit with families with children. The water in Lake Garda is among the cleanest of all Italian lakes, with a color reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea.
Recommended by CARTER hotels for your holiday on Lake Garda:
Lefay Resort & SPA – a luxurious holistic spa holiday on Lake Garda
Located in Gargnano, on the western shore of Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA This is a modern, five-star property where luxury blends with an ecological philosophy and a commitment to sustainability. The resort was designed to harmoniously blend with the surrounding landscape: panoramic infinity pools, Mediterranean gardens, and terraces overlooking the lake create a unique blend of nature and comfort. The flagship Lefay SPA offers 3,000 square meters of wellness space, providing a holistic approach to regeneration, combining the traditions of Chinese medicine with modern physiotherapy. The restaurant menu is based on local cuisine with vegan options. For the most discerning travelers, we recommend the newest villas with stunning architecture, featuring two bedrooms and breathtaking views of Lake Garda. This is a place for those seeking tranquility, a healthy lifestyle, and contact with nature – all in an elegant, modern setting.
Eden Reserve Hotel & Villas – intimate getaway and absolute privacy
Eden Reserve Hotel & Villas on Lake Garda is the perfect vacation destination for lovers of luxury, peace, and tranquility. Its minimalist architecture, with its expansive glass panels, reflects the blue of the lake and the green of the hills, creating an almost poetic harmony with nature. This is no ordinary hotel—it's an intimate, luxurious retreat for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle, privacy, and beautiful surroundings.
In the hotel itself there is only 9 rooms and apartments, giving it a very exclusive, boutique feel. Each one is spacious, bright, and designed to let in light and views of the lake.
The complex also includes 5 luxury villas– the perfect solution for a vacation with children or a group of friends. Each of the five villas is a masterpiece of architecture, yet offers the homely atmosphere of a private residence.
Grand Hotel Fasano – relaxation on Lake Garda in royal surroundings with Ayurveda
On the Lombardy side of Lake Garda, in the town of Gardone Riviera, lies the Grand Hotel Fasano – once a hunting lodge for the Austrian royal family, now a restored five-star hotel with direct lake access. Elegant 19th-century architecture blends with modern wellness: the AQVA spa center offers treatments inspired by Ayurvedic philosophy, while tropical gardens and terraces attract guests seeking tranquility and panoramic views. The hotel is renowned for its Michelin-starred Il Fagiano restaurant. Its proximity to the Hruska Botanical Gardens and the Vittoriale degli Italiani museum makes it an ideal place for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
5. Lake Lugano on the Italian-Swiss border
Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano) is a glacial body of water connecting Lakes Maggiore and Como. Lake Lugano is located on the border between Italy and Switzerland, in the heart of the Lugano Alps. It is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, surrounded by the steep mountains of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, and a blend of Swiss order and Italian lifestyle. The Swiss side of the lake is definitely more picturesque, thanks to the charming city of Lugano, with its large hill reminiscent of Rio's Sugarloaf. It is a popular destination for sailing, cycling, and sightseeing. Numerous parks around the lake invite strolls – for example, Parco Scherrer in Morcote, where you can admire sculptures and architecture from various periods, as well as beautiful trees such as cedars, Mexican pines, camphor, eucalyptus, azaleas, palms, citrus fruits, and bamboo.
The best hotels on Lake Lugano are located on the Swiss side, in the city of Lugano, and include The View, Villa Castagnola and Prince Leopold Villa.
Travel to Italy with an agency CARTER – the most beautiful hotels, villa rentals and VIP concierge services
As experts in top-quality trips to Italy and Switzerland, we will provide you not only with accommodation in the best hotels on the Italian and Swiss lakes, but also with individual advice and full support before and during your trip.
Contact us and let us create the perfect holiday and sightseeing tour for you on Lake Como, Garda, Lugano or Lake Maggiore.
