Take a Dip in Italy’s Lakes

Lake Garda is the largest of all the Italian lakes and sits between Venice and Milan. Due to its proximity to Milan, it is also heralded as an influential player in the world of fashion and is a popular hang out for trendy celebrities. Whilst the north is surrounded by the towering Dolomites, the southern part of the lake is scattered with the terracotta hued houses typical of the region and its gentle hills are awash with greenery enjoying the climate around the great lake. There is also the ancient town of Sirmione by the southern part of the lake with thermal springs, a fortified castle and the historic Villa of Catullus.

An area of outstanding natural beauty, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe. Well known for the plethora of stunning villas that are scattered around its shores, Lake Como is no stranger to the silver screen and has been used as a back drop in many films. The stunning Villa del Balbianello was used in the Star Wars trilogy during the wedding between Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker whilst the surrounding area was used for some of the shots of the surface of Naboo. Lake Como and Villa del Balbianello were also used in the Bond flick, Casino Royale, and the George Clooney movie, Ocean's 12.

Lake Maggiore is both Italian and Swiss with the uppermost part of the lake surrounded by stunning alpine scenery near Ticino. The lower regions in Italy are home to mild temperatures where both tropical and sub-tropical vegetation flourishes. There is also the Sacred Mountain of Ghiffa which overlooks Lake Maggiore and is one of the nine Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, included in UNESCO World Heritage list. A handful of islands are scattered across the water, some are entirely taken up by palazzos and gardens whilst others harbour tiny communities.

There is also the stunning Lake Trasimeno whose edges are cluttered with vineyards, olive groves and fishing villages. Lake Bolsena, formed from the collapsed centre of a volcano, now a very popular tourist destination for campers. Lake Iseo is home to the largest island of any lake in southern Europe and its town of Monte Isola.

Whether you're after Mediterranean sun, a little light fishing, camping or want to follow in the footsteps of some very famous celebrities, enjoy Italian Holidays on one the country's stunning lakes.