When you think of Italy, do you only imagine famous art cities or crowded beaches? Have you ever considered discovering the country through its lakes?
They can be found everywhere: hidden among the Alps, nestled in the hills, just steps away from the sea. Some are famous, others almost unknown, but each tells a unique story.
In this article, you won’t find an endless list, but a selection of the most beautiful places to relax, walk in nature, taste local products, or simply enjoy the panorama.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the usual itinerary, you might find your next destination here. Would you like to discover them with us?
Which lakes are absolute must-visits in Italy?
Choosing the “most beautiful” lakes is always difficult, but in this guide we’ve tried to put together a selection that shows the extraordinary variety Italy offers. You’ll find both very famous names and some lesser-known gems that still deserve a visit.
Let’s see together which lakes, from north to south, are among the most fascinating in Italy.
1. Lake Como, Lombardy
Internationally known for the elegance of its landscape and architecture, Lake Como represents one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Its characteristic inverted Y-shape is framed by mountains and villages that overlook the water, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Como.
This lake is dotted with numerous historic villas, like Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, which not only offer beautiful gardens to visit but have also often been employed as film sets in cinema history.
For visitors, a boat tour is the best way to appreciate the entire context and enjoy the beauty of such a magical place.
2. Lake Orta, Piedmont
More intimate and peaceful than the nearby Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta is often chosen by those seeking a less crowded place.
The highlight is Isola San Giulio (San Giulio Island), reachable in just a few minutes by boat and embellished by an ancient monastery and a Romanesque basilica. Nearby lies the village of Orta San Giulio, a medieval town that, due to its perfect preservation, is truly a gem.
Don’t forget the nearby Sacro Monte (Sacred Mountain), a UNESCO heritage site, which offers a path immersed in nature and panoramic views of the lake.
3. Lake Braies, South Tyrol
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Lake Braies is known for its emerald waters and the mountain landscape that surrounds it.
The peaks overlooking the lake, including Croda del Becco, reflect in the water creating a highly photographed scenery that has also become popular on social media.
Walking around the lake is a simple and accessible route, but for the more adventurous, it’s also possible to rent a boat to explore the area directly from the water.
4. Lake Massaciuccoli, Tuscany
Different in formation and context from the mountain lakes of the North, Lake Massaciuccoli is strategically located between the Tyrrhenian coast of Versilia and the Pisan hills, within the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Regional Park.
This lake environment, primarily marshy, is known for its naturalistic importance and the numerous bird species that inhabit it, making it one of the ideal places in Tuscany for birdwatching.
Beyond its environmental aspect, the lake is closely linked to the figure of Giacomo Puccini, the celebrated Italian composer, who chose Torre del Lago as his permanent residence and drew inspiration from these places for many of his works. His villa, now converted into a museum, can be visited and represents an essential stop for combining a naturalistic and cultural experience in a single excursion.
5. Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in central Italy and fits harmoniously into the Umbrian hilly landscape.
Beyond its natural beauty, it holds important historical value as it was the theater of the famous battle between Romans and Carthaginians led by Hannibal.
Today, the area is appreciated for its tranquility and the variety of activities it offers, including boat trips, walking or cycling paths, and visits to historic villages like Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno.
The three islands (Maggiore, Minore, and Polvese) can be visited by boat and offer experiences in contact with nature and local lake traditions, through trails, gardens, small museums, and traditional dining.
6. Lake Bracciano, Lazio
Less than an hour from Rome, Lake Bracciano represents one of Lazio’s most frequented destinations for day trips, not only thanks to the quality of its waters (among the cleanest in Italy) but also for the presence of a well-preserved natural context, also favored by restrictions on motorboat use.
Of volcanic origin, the lake is dominated by Castello Orsini-Odescalchi (Orsini-Odescalchi Castle), a well-preserved fortress overlooking the village of the same name that can be visited.
Besides Bracciano, the nearby towns of Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano are ideal for lakeside walks or simply spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
7. Lake Cingoli (or Lake Castreccioni), Marche
In the heart of the Marche region, in an area still largely untouched by mass tourism, lies Lake Cingoli (also known as Lake Castreccioni), the largest artificial basin in Central Italy.
Surrounded by hills covered with forests and colored in shades that vary from emerald green to deep blue depending on the light, the lake offers numerous leisure opportunities: you can rent canoes and paddle boats, take walks along the shores, or set off on excursions along the surrounding trails.
For those visiting this magical place, a visit to the nearby historic center of Cingoli is also recommended. Nicknamed “the Balcony of the Marche,” it offers a wonderful panoramic view that extends to the Adriatic Sea.
8. Lake Lesina, Puglia
On the northern side of Puglia, along the Gargano promontory, Lake Lesina presents itself as a unique environment: a coastal lagoon separated from the Adriatic Sea only by a thin strip of sand called Bosco Isola.
It’s a complex and delicate ecosystem, essential for the stopover of numerous migratory bird species, making it a privileged destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Fishing activities, particularly eel fishing, remain a central pillar of local culture.
The lake is part of the Gargano National Park and represents a destination where nature and silence coexist harmoniously, far from the more common images of coastal Puglia.
9. Lake Suviana, Emilia-Romagna
Located within the Regional Park of Lakes Suviana and Brasimone in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Lake Suviana is an artificial basin created by a hydroelectric dam.
Immersed in a wooded landscape rich in biodiversity, it’s a particularly popular destination during the summer season, thanks to the presence of picnic areas, small swimmable beaches, canoe rental facilities, and access points for water sports.
The numerous trails that branch out in the surroundings, also suitable for mountain biking, make the area ideal for those who love spending active days outdoors, alternating moments of relaxation with excursions immersed in the Apennine nature.
10. Lake Pergusa, Sicily
Located in the Enna hinterland, Lake Pergusa represents a unique case in the Italian lake landscape, both for its environmental characteristics and for the cultural and mythological value attributed to it.
Besides being the only natural lake in Sicily, it has tectonic origins: being an endorheic basin, it’s not connected to emissary rivers and its waters are slightly brackish.
The area is an important stopover for migratory birds and is recognized for its naturalistic interest, although in the past it has suffered from environmental problems related to human use of the territory.
Adding to the natural charm is the mythological aspect: according to legend, it was here that Hades kidnapped Persephone, giving rise to the myth that connects this place to the underworld.
11. Lake Scanno, Abruzzo
Nestled in the Sagittario Valley, in the heart of Abruzzo, Lake Scanno stands out for its characteristic shape which, when viewed from a specific panoramic point, resembles a heart.
It’s a natural lake, probably formed following a landslide, whose green and blue waters offer a particularly evocative sight.
In addition to the possibility of swimming at equipped areas or renting a pedal boat, the area is perfect for relaxing walks around the perimeter of the lake.
The nearby town of Scanno, among the most beautiful in Italy, is an unmissable stop because it still preserves an authentic atmosphere, with historic shops, goldsmith artisans specialized in filigree, and testimonies of a local culture that is still alive, even in traditional costumes.
12. Lake Garda, Lombardy – Veneto – Trentino-South Tyrol
Stretching across three regions (Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-South Tyrol), Lake Garda is the largest lake basin in Italy.
The northern shore, nestled between the mountains of Trentino, is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, such as sailing and windsurfing, with renowned locations like Riva del Garda and Torbole.
Moving south along the Veneto coast, you encounter historic villages like Malcesine, with its medieval castle and panoramic cable car to Monte Baldo, as well as Garda and Bardolino, the latter famous for its wine production.
The Lombard shore is characterized by hilly landscapes dotted with lemon groves and elegant centers such as Salò, Gardone Riviera (home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani) and Sirmione, known for its thermal baths and the archaeological site of the Grotte di Catullo.
13. Lake Fiastra, Marche
Located within the Sibillini Mountains National Park, in the heart of the Marche Apennines, Lake Fiastra is an artificial basin with turquoise waters that create a wonderful contrast with the intense green of the forests and the rockiness of the surrounding mountains.
Created for hydroelectric purposes, the lake has over time established itself as a reference point for those wanting to engage in outdoor activities. Here you’ll find an equipped beach, canoes and numerous hiking trails that develop in the park territory.
Among these, highly appreciated is the trail leading to the Lame Rosse, a geological formation of erosive origin with particular shapes and pinkish color, which in some ways resembles a small canyon.
14. Lake Varano, Puglia
On the northern coast of Gargano, Lake Varano constitutes Italy’s largest coastal lagoon, as well as the largest lake in the South.
Separated from the Adriatic Sea by a thin strip of sandy land (the Island of Varano, about ten kilometers long), the lake is connected to the sea by two artificial channels and presents a brackish ecosystem (i.e., with mixed salinity), particularly important for biodiversity, especially for avifauna.
Beyond its naturalistic value, the lake plays a fundamental role in the local economy thanks to fishing and aquaculture. An iconic element is the Crucifix of Varano, which emerges from the water near a small sanctuary.
The lake is a gateway to explore the more wild areas of the Gargano National Park and represents an interesting stop for those wishing to discover a lesser-known side of Puglia.
15. Lake Bolsena, Lazio
Located in the northern part of Lazio, Lake Bolsena is Europe’s largest volcanic lake and one of the most relevant lake destinations in the region.
Its waters host two islands: Bisentina, which can be visited through organized tours and is rich in vegetation, churches, and historical artifacts; and Martana, which is more wild and linked to medieval legends, such as that of the Lombard queen Amalasunta.
The shores of the lake are dotted with characteristic villages like Bolsena, known for the Eucharistic miracle of Corpus Domini, Marta with its picturesque small port, and Capodimonte dominated by Rocca Farnese.
16. Lake Brasimone, Emilia-Romagna
Located a short distance from Lake Suviana, within the Regional Park of Lakes Suviana and Brasimone, Lake Brasimone is an artificial basin immersed in a tranquil, vegetation-rich mountain setting.
Characterized by an ideal environment to escape the summer heat and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and walks in the woods, it represents a valid alternative to more frequented destinations.
A distinctive element of this area is the presence of the ENEA Research Center, an important national hub dedicated to the study and development of advanced energy technologies.
17. Lake Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily
In the hilly territory at the gates of Palermo lies Lake Piana degli Albanesi, an artificial basin that stands out for the cultural uniqueness of the context in which it is inserted.
The lake is located in the namesake municipality, considered the main center of the Arbëreshë community in Sicily, whose inhabitants are descendants of Albanians who arrived on the island in the 15th century. This community has preserved its language, Byzantine rite, and numerous folkloric traditions over time, making a visit to the town a very interesting experience.
The lake, surrounded by reliefs, was created for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes, but today also represents a panoramic point with certain effect for excursions and moments of relaxation in nature.
18. Lake Campotosto, Abruzzo
Within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Lake Campotosto is the largest artificial basin in Abruzzo and is located at about 1,300 meters above sea level.
Surrounded by high mountain landscapes and extensive wooded areas, the lake offers fantastic panoramas made even more breathtaking by the peaks of the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga.
The cool climate even in summer, and the extensive network of roads and trails, make it a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists, and nature photography enthusiasts.
Swimming is not recommended due to the water temperature, but the pristine environment and numerous possibilities for outdoor activities make Campotosto the ideal place for those seeking direct and sincere contact with nature.
19. Lake Pilato, Marche
Located at over 1,900 meters altitude, at the foot of Mount Vettore in the Sibillini Mountains National Park, Lake Pilato is one of the very few glacial lakes in the central Apennines.
Accessible only on foot via excursions of medium or high difficulty, the lake often appears divided into two connected basins, a conformation that has earned it the nickname “lake with glasses“.
Beyond its landscape charm, the site is known for the presence of an endemic species, the Chirocephalus marchesonii, a small red crustacean that survives only in these waters.
20. Alimini Lakes, Puglia
A few kilometers from Otranto, along the Adriatic coast of Salento, lie the Alimini Lakes, two separate but connected basins that form a natural area of great value.
Alimini Grande, closer to the sea, has brackish waters and is directly influenced by the tides, while Alimini Piccolo, fed by freshwater springs, is distinguished by its greater tranquility and biodiversity.
Both lakes are immersed in a setting of Mediterranean scrub and pine forests and represent a precious habitat for numerous species of water birds.
The area is suitable for nature walks, canoe excursions, and moments of wildlife observation, and is perfect for those who want an alternative to the classic day at the beach.
21. Lake Albano, Lazio
Let’s return to the Castelli Romani, a short distance from Rome. Lake Albano is another splendid volcanic lake, the deepest of its kind in Italy.
It’s famous for its intensely blue waters and for the picturesque village of Castel Gandolfo that peeks from above, known for being the summer residence of the Popes (part of the Pontifical Palace can be visited).
The lakefront is perfect for walking, running, or cycling, while its waters invite swimming, pedal boating, or kayaking.
It’s a place rich in history, linked to the origins of Rome (the ancient Alba Longa was located here) and still preserves an impressive work of Roman hydraulic engineering, the Emissary.
22. Gurne dell’Alcantara, Sicily
Rather than a single lake, the Gurne dell’Alcantara are a series of enchanting small lakes (indeed, “gurne”) formed by the Alcantara River in its course among volcanic rocks. They are located in the Alcantara Valley, between Etna and Taormina.
The true wonder of the place are the geological formations, because over the centuries the river has carved ancient lava flows, creating spectacular gorges with perfectly geometric columnar basalt walls (the famous Alcantara Gorges, not far away).
Exploring the gurne, perhaps with short walks, and taking a dip in their icy waters (truly icy!) is a unique experience.
23. Lake Barrea, Abruzzo
Lake Barrea is another splendid example of an artificial basin in Lazio.
Created by damming the Sangro River, the basin is surrounded by majestic mountains and ancient forests, an ideal habitat for the rich fauna of the park (it’s not rare to spot deer along its shores, and with a bit of luck even more elusive animals).
The village of Barrea, perched on a rocky spur, offers a magnificent view of the lake. It’s an ideal starting point for excursions in the park, for practicing canoeing, or simply for enjoying the peace and sounds of unspoiled nature.
24. Lake Chiusi, Tuscany
On the border between Tuscany and Umbria, Lake Chiusi is what remains of ancient marshes that once covered the Val di Chiana.
It’s a shallow lake with shores rich in reeds, very important from a naturalistic point of view, especially for birdlife.
But it’s also a place loaded with history and legends, linked to the ancient Etruscan city of Chiusi located a short distance away.
It’s a quiet lake, less touristy than many others, ideal for those who want to go birdwatching or enjoy pleasant bicycle rides in the surrounding flat landscape, perhaps combining the visit with the Etruscan Museum and the tombs of Chiusi.
25. Lake Montepulciano, Tuscany
Very close to Lake Chiusi, and similar in environmental characteristics, we find Lake Montepulciano.
This is also a remnant of the ancient marshes of Val di Chiana, but it stands out for being a very well-organized protected Natural Reserve. There’s a Visitor Center that offers information and organizes activities, hides for birdwatching, wooden walkways that penetrate the reed beds, and even the possibility of taking boat trips.
It’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts and for those who want to immerse themselves in a marsh ecosystem rich with life. Although it bears the name of the famous wine city, Montepulciano is located on a hill several kilometers away, but a combined visit is a must for all wine enthusiasts who might want to combine the lake with a wine and food tour.
Set Off on a Tour of Italy’s Most Famous Lakes
At the beginning of this journey, we said that Italy is not just about the sea and art cities. The lakes confirm this: they tell the story of a less known but surprising Italy, made of diverse landscapes, quiet villages, and many opportunities for discovery, often just a short distance from the most frequented destinations.
To truly appreciate these places, however, a quick visit is not enough. It takes time, freedom of movement, and a comfortable base to start from. A villa with a swimming pool is the ideal solution: it’s located away from the crowds, offers privacy and relaxation, and allows you to easily move between different locations.
Anita Villas offers a selection of exclusive properties in strategic locations, perfect for exploring the lakes and cities described in this article. Each villa is carefully chosen to ensure high standards of comfort and to offer a stay in unique settings, designed for those who want to experience the territory in an authentic and relaxed way.