Italy’s lakes thread through mountains, plains and historic towns, offering a mix of quiet rural shores and lively waterfronts with markets, ferries and walking paths. They reflect Italy’s varied landscapes and long human history, making them easy to visit whether you’re after a day trip or a longer stay.
There are 31 Lakes in Italy, ranging from Lake Albano to Lake Vico. For each lake you’ll find below the Region, Area (km2), Notable features so you can quickly compare location, size and what to expect at each destination.
Which lakes are best for swimming and water sports in Italy?
Look for lower-altitude, warmer lakes with beach access and rental facilities—Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Bolsena are popular choices with wind conditions suited to sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Smaller lakes like Bracciano and Trasimeno also offer public beaches and water-sport providers; always check local rules, water quality updates and seasonal lifeguard coverage before planning activities.
How reliable are the Area (km2) figures and how should I use them?
Area values are typically taken from official surveys and rounded for clarity, but they can vary slightly with water level and measurement methods. Use the Area (km2) column to compare lake sizes at a glance, then rely on Notable features and local sources for depth, accessibility and seasonal conditions when planning a visit.
Lakes in Italy
| Name | Region | Area (km2) | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Garda | Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige | 370 | Italy’s largest lake, famous for windsurfing, lemons, and picturesque towns like Sirmione. |
| Lake Maggiore | Piedmont, Lombardy | 212.5 | Home to the stunning Borromean Islands with their palaces and elaborate gardens. |
| Lake Como | Lombardy | 146 | Iconic Y-shape, surrounded by mountains, known for Bellagio and celebrity villas. |
| Lake Trasimeno | Umbria | 128 | Central Italy’s largest lake; shallow, with three islands and historic battle sites. |
| Lake Bolsena | Lazio | 113.5 | Europe’s largest volcanic crater lake, known for its clear water and two islands. |
| Lake Iseo | Lombardy | 65.3 | Features Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Southern Europe. |
| Lake Varano | Puglia | 60.5 | Italy’s largest coastal lake, a brackish lagoon vital for fishing and birdwatching. |
| Lake Bracciano | Lazio | 56.7 | Pristine volcanic lake that serves as a drinking water reservoir for Rome. |
| Lake Lesina | Puglia | 51.4 | A long, narrow coastal lagoon in Gargano National Park, separated by a dune. |
| Lake Lugano | Lombardy | 48.7 | A scenic glacial lake shared between Italy and Switzerland, surrounded by mountains. |
| Lake Omodeo | Sardinia | 29 | One of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, a key reservoir in central Sardinia. |
| Lake Orta | Piedmont | 18.2 | A romantic and tranquil lake featuring the picturesque island of San Giulio. |
| Lake Varese | Lombardy | 15 | Located at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori, a hub for rowing. |
| Lake Vico | Lazio | 12.93 | A perfectly circular volcanic crater lake set within a lush nature reserve. |
| Lake Idro | Lombardy | 10.9 | A small pre-alpine glacial lake, a quieter spot for water sports and hiking. |
| Lake Santa Croce | Veneto | 7.8 | Known for its reliable winds, making it a premier spot for kitesurfing. |
| Lake Resia | Trentino-Alto Adige | 6.6 | Famous artificial lake with a 14th-century church bell tower emerging from the water. |
| Lake Massaciuccoli | Tuscany | 6.9 | Coastal lake in a natural park, famous as the home of composer Puccini. |
| Lake Albano | Lazio | 6 | A small but deep volcanic crater lake, home to the Pope’s summer residence. |
| Lake Caldonazzo | Trentino-Alto Adige | 5.38 | The largest lake entirely within Trentino, a warm spot for summer swimming. |
| Lake Molveno | Trentino-Alto Adige | 3.3 | Often voted Italy’s most beautiful lake, nestled beneath the Brenta Dolomites. |
| Lake Ledro | Trentino-Alto Adige | 2.19 | Alpine lake famous for its turquoise waters and a UNESCO pile-dwelling museum. |
| Lake Mergozzo | Piedmont | 1.84 | A small, clean lake once part of Lake Maggiore, known for its tranquil villages. |
| Lake Nemi | Lazio | 1.67 | Small volcanic “Mirror of Diana” lake, where Caligula’s giant ceremonial ships were found. |
| Lake Scanno | Abruzzo | 1 | A natural, heart-shaped mountain lake formed by an ancient landslide in the Apennines. |
| Lake Barcis | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | 0.98 | An artificial lake with incredible emerald-green waters, located in the Valcellina valley. |
| Lake Alleghe | Veneto | 0.5 | A charming Dolomite lake formed by a landslide, with the village on its shore. |
| Lake Braies | Trentino-Alto Adige | 0.31 | The “Pearl of the Dolomites”; an iconic emerald lake with a famous boathouse. |
| Lake Tenno | Trentino-Alto Adige | 0.19 | A small, intensely turquoise mountain lake, considered one of Trentino’s clearest. |
| Lake Misurina | Veneto | 0.14 | Set 1,754 meters high in the Dolomites with stunning views of Tre Cime. |
| Lake Carezza | Trentino-Alto Adige | 0.03 | Known as “Rainbow Lake” for its incredible colors, reflecting the surrounding peaks. |
Images and Descriptions
Lake Garda
Lake Garda sits in northern Italy between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. It is the largest Italian lake and a major travel hub. It offers beaches, wind sports, hilltop towns and ferry links. Visit in spring to autumn for boating and hiking.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore lies on the border with Switzerland and Italy in Piedmont and Lombardy. It is a deep glacial lake with islands and elegant villas. It attracts gardens, historic towns and boat tours. Visit in spring for gardens and mild weather.
Lake Como
Lake Como nestles in Lombardy and has a dramatic Y shape with steep shores. It is a deep glacial lake known for grand villas and lakeside towns. It offers boating, hiking and scenic train access. Visit in late spring to enjoy mild temperatures and gardens.
Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno sits in Umbria and is one of Italy’s largest shallow lakes. It has islands, birdlife and rural villages. It is important for birdwatching and gentle boat trips. Visit in late spring or early autumn for wildlife and fewer crowds.
Lake Bolsena
Lake Bolsena lies in Lazio and fills an ancient volcanic caldera. It is shallow with clear waters and historic lakeside towns. It ranks among Europe’s larger volcanic lakes. Visit in summer for swimming and lakeside dining.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo sits in Lombardy and is smaller than the big northern lakes but scenic. It features Monte Isola, a large inhabited lake island. It offers quiet towns, cycling and boat excursions. Visit from spring to early autumn for calm weather and island visits.
Lake Varano
Lake Varano lies on the Gargano coast in Apulia and is a coastal lagoon. It supports fishing, wetlands and migratory birds. It suits nature lovers and local seafood towns. Visit in spring and autumn for birdwatching and mild weather.
Lake Bracciano
Lake Bracciano sits northwest of Rome in Lazio and fills a volcanic basin. It is a protected lake with clear water and historic towns like Anguillara. It allows limited motor traffic and offers sailing and swimming. Visit in summer for water sports and day trips from Rome.
Lake Lesina
Lake Lesina lies on the Puglia coast and is a long coastal lagoon. It supports traditional fishing and salt-tolerant plants. It attracts local anglers and birdwatchers. Visit in spring and autumn for quieter landscapes and wildlife.
Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano straddles the Swiss-Italian border in Lombardy and Lombardy-like Ticino culture. It is a deep glacial lake with steep shores and elegant towns. It offers cross-border travel, hiking and boat tours. Visit in late spring for pleasant weather and lake cruises.
Lake Omodeo
Lake Omodeo sits in central Sardinia and is a large artificial reservoir. It serves irrigation and local recreation. It draws anglers, windsurfers and quiet shoreline routes. Visit in spring and autumn for birdlife and milder temperatures.
Lake Orta
Lake Orta lies in Piedmont near Lake Maggiore and is small and peaceful. It features Orta San Giulio and a quiet island. It draws visitors seeking a calm, romantic setting. Visit in late spring through early autumn for walks and boat rides.
Lake Varese
Lake Varese sits in Lombardy near the pre-Alps and is known for birdlife and cycling paths. It is a modest lowland lake with easy access from Milan. It offers rowing, walking and nature reserves. Visit in spring and summer for outdoor activities.
Lake Vico
Lake Vico lies in Lazio inside a volcanic crater and sits at higher elevation. It is surrounded by chestnut woods and a protected park. It suits nature walks, birdwatching and quiet stays. Visit in late spring and early autumn for cool weather and forest trails.
Lake Idro
Lake Idro lies on the border of Lombardy and Trentino and sits in a narrow alpine valley. It is a clear mountain lake popular for sailing and windsurfing. It has hiking trails and mountain views. Visit in summer for water sports and warm weather.
Lake Santa Croce
Lake Santa Croce sits in Veneto and is an artificial basin set among hills. It is a wind sport center and has camping and cycling routes. It draws kite surfers and families. Visit in late spring to early autumn for strong breezes and outdoor fun.
Lake Resia
Lake Resia (Reschensee) lies in South Tyrol near the Austrian border and is a reservoir. It is famous for a submerged church tower that rises from the water. It attracts photographers, hikers and winter sports on its frozen surface. Visit in winter for the dramatic frozen scene and in summer for cycling.
Lake Massaciuccoli
Lake Massaciuccoli sits near Viareggio in Tuscany and borders a marshy wetland. It links to Puccini’s history and supports rich birdlife. It offers nature trails, canoeing and rural cottages. Visit in spring and autumn for birdwatching and calm boat trips.
Lake Albano
Lake Albano lies in Lazio near Castel Gandolfo and fills a volcanic crater close to Rome. It has royal gardens, historic villas and walking paths. It is small but scenic and popular for day trips. Visit in spring and early summer for mild weather and views.
Lake Caldonazzo
Lake Caldonazzo sits in Trentino and is a warm lowland alpine lake. It is family-friendly with beaches, water sports and campsites. It offers sailing, swimming and lakeside cafes. Visit in summer for bathing and outdoor activities.
Lake Molveno
Lake Molveno lies in Trentino below the Brenta Dolomites and shows dramatic mountain reflections. It is clear, well managed and known for trout fishing. It offers hiking, boating and alpine scenery. Visit in summer for swimming and mountain trails.
Lake Ledro
Lake Ledro sits near Lake Garda in Trentino and is a peaceful alpine lake. It houses prehistoric pile-dwelling archaeological sites. It offers hiking, mountain biking and paddle sports. Visit in summer for warm water and cultural sites.
Lake Mergozzo
Lake Mergozzo lies beside Lake Maggiore in Piedmont and is small and very clean. It is protected from heavy boat traffic and has good water quality. It suits swimming, kayaking and quiet relaxation. Visit in summer for clear water and family beaches.
Lake Nemi
Lake Nemi sits in Lazio in a volcanic crater south of Rome. It is small and famous for Roman ship remnants and wild strawberries. It offers peaceful walks and village views. Visit in late spring and early summer for fruit season and mild weather.
Lake Scanno
Lake Scanno lies in Abruzzo and has a heart-like shape embraced by mountains. It is a mountain lake with a traditional village on its shore. It attracts photographers, hikers and local festivals. Visit in summer and autumn for warm days and autumn colors.
Lake Barcis
Lake Barcis sits in Friuli Venezia Giulia and is a small reservoir in a narrow valley. It has emerald water and a relaxed village. It offers canoeing, walking and mountain views. Visit in summer for calm waters and short hikes.
Lake Alleghe
Lake Alleghe lies in the Veneto Dolomites below Monte Civetta. It formed after a historic landslide and now frames alpine scenery. It offers winter skating, summer walks and rock-climbing access. Visit in summer for alpine hikes and in winter for snow activities.
Lake Braies
Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) sits in the South Tyrol Dolomites and shows bright turquoise water. It is an iconic alpine lake with wooden boats and a mountain backdrop. It attracts many visitors and photographers. Visit early morning in summer for fewer crowds.
Lake Tenno
Lake Tenno lies near Riva del Garda in Trentino and has clear turquoise water. It is small and surrounded by forests and a medieval village. It offers short walks and swimming in warm months. Visit in late spring and summer for warm water and peace.
Lake Misurina
Lake Misurina sits in the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo at high altitude. It offers alpine views, calm waters and easy walks. It is close to mountain passes and outdoor activities. Visit in summer for hiking and in winter for snow sports.
Lake Carezza
Lake Carezza (Karersee) lies in South Tyrol beneath the Latemar massif. It is a small mountain lake known for changing water colors and reflections. It sits near short trails and a fairy-tale forest. Visit in late spring to autumn for clear reflections and light.
