If Northern Italy is on your wish list but you are not sure which lake deserves a spot on your itinerary, this post is for you. After five days in the Italian Lake District, I am sharing my honest take on the best Italian lakes to visit, and why smaller gems like Lake Iseo and Lake Orta might just win you over faster than famous Lake Como and Lake Garda.
From Turkey to the Italian Lake District
In my last blog post, I talked about my 10 days in Turkey. If you missed it, you can read it here. From Turkey, I flew to Milan for a night and then transferred to Lake Iseo for a conference. Over 5 days, I had 1:1 meetings with 26 vendors, ranging from hoteliers to tour companies to wineries, all primarily from the Italian Lake district. I also got to network with dozens of travel professionals from around the world… more than 30 countries were represented.
Those five days gave me a rare back-to-back look at the region’s lakes, and a few of them genuinely surprised me.
The Best Italian Lakes to Visit Aren’t Always the Famous Ones
What surprised me most during these five days was how much I enjoyed the smaller lakes compared to the ones travelers hear about constantly. Everyone knows Lake Como and Lake Garda, and yes, they are beautiful. But places like Lake Iseo, Lake Orta, and even parts of Lake Maggiore felt calmer, more authentic, and far less crowded.
Lake Iseo and a Boat Tour Around Monte Isola
Lake Iseo especially stood out to me. The atmosphere felt relaxed and local, with charming waterfront towns, quiet promenades, and beautiful lake views without the nonstop crowds and traffic you often find around the larger lakes. One afternoon we explored the town of Iseo before taking a boat tour around Monte Isola and the tiny surrounding islands. It felt peaceful in a way that can be hard to find in Italy, during busy travel seasons.
Of course, the lakes themselves are only part of the story. The flavors of the region left just as strong an impression.
Food and Wine Experiences in Northern Italy
One really interesting experience was visiting the rice fields near Novara and learning more about rice production in northern Italy. Risotto is everywhere in this region, but I had never really thought much about where the rice itself comes from. Visiting a local producer gave me a much deeper appreciation for how connected the cuisine is to the landscape, agriculture, and traditions of northern Italy.
Alto Piemonte Wine Tastings and Aperitivo by the Water
The food and wine experiences throughout the trip were also exceptional. From local wine tastings in Alto Piemonte to aperitivo dinners overlooking the water, every experience felt deeply connected to the region itself rather than designed purely for tourism.
With all of that in mind, here is the question I hear most often: should you still book Lake Como?
Lake Como vs. Italy’s Smaller Lakes: Which Is Right for You?
I think clients often assume they need to stay on Lake Como because it is the name they recognize. But after spending time in several lake regions back-to-back, I can honestly say some of the smaller lakes may offer an even better overall experience depending on the type of trip you want. They are ideal for travelers looking for scenic beauty, incredible food and wine, boutique hotels, and a more relaxed pace without sacrificing the elegance northern Italy is known for.
Ready to Explore the Best Italian Lakes to Visit?
From the quiet charm of Lake Iseo and Lake Orta to the timeless appeal of Lake Como and Lake Garda, the best Italian lakes to visit are the ones that match your travel style. Whether you picture a boat tour around Monte Isola, Alto Piemonte wine tastings, or a boutique hotel on Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy has a lake with your name on it. If you’re considering northern Italy and want help deciding which lake region best fits your travel style, book a consultation. I work with clients planning trips like this every day.
And for more Italian travel advice, be sure to check out my other articles: A Traveler’s Guide to Italian Coffee Culture & How to Eat Like a Local in Italy.
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