The Italian Lakes have long been a 'must' for holidaymakers, inspired by their dramatic beauty. These great expanses of water, bound to the north by high mountains and stretching down towards the Lombardy Plain, all resulted from glacial activity. This has created distinctive 'micro' landscapes, whereby each lake retains its own character and special aura. While the term 'Italian Lakes' generally refers to Maggiore, Lugano, Como and Garda, there are many other, smaller lakes, some of which we have included on our tours and walks.
Maggiore is the longest of the lakes, and although no dramatic peaks rise from its shoreline, the Val Grande National Park, Italy's most extensive wilderness area, is within easy reach. The three Borromean Islands crown the serene beauty of Maggiore, where only the bustling ferries disturb the tranquillity.
The most romantic of the lakes must be Como, an amazing wishbone shape surrounded by rugged limestone mountains, which contrast with the many fine villas and gardens around its shores. Since Roman times this area has enthralled countless generations, and today it is still the busiest of all the lakes, with the most sophisticated amenities.
Although 60 per cent of Lake Lugano lies in Switzerland, we have included this area, which is easily reached from lakes Maggiore and Como. With fewer resorts than its neighbours, this strangely shaped narrow band of water is remarkably appealing.
Lying apart from the others, Lake Garda is the largest. It stretches from the Lombardy Plain to the foot of the Trentino Dolomites in the north, where mountains rise straight from the shoreline. The lakeside roads here were not built until the 1930s, so tourism arrived much later than at the other lakes. Today it is a sportsman's paradise, the water bright with dancing windsurfers and sailboats.
The superb scenery around each lake offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. You can gain huge satisfaction from exploring the countryside, where you can discover discover timeless hill villages, ancient mule tracks and panoramic mountain viewpoints.
Walking is best in April, May, June and September.
Where to Stay: there are numerous places throughout the region to choose from, though most people booking a package holiday will be staying at a resort decided by the tour operator. For example, visitors to Lake Garda will possibly be staying at Riva del Garda, Limone, Sirmione or one of the many other villages that border the lake. A hire car is recommended as it will enable easy access to a good selection of walks from any of the resorts. Public transport (buses, trains, lake steamers, cable cars etc.) is detailed for each walk where available, but it should be noted that there are a number of walks in this book which are only accessible by car. However, each walk in the book indicates where the nearest accommodation to that walk is to be found.
5 car tours, 38 walks plus many alternative and shorter variations, 21 picnics.
136 pages + touring/walking map
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