Italian Lakes (other than Como)
One of the most famous Italian novels, “I Promessi Sposi” starts with a description of a glorious setting and reads: “Quel ramo del lago di Como, che volge a mezzogiorno, tra due catene non interrotte di monti, tutto a seni e a golfi, a seconda dello sporgere e del rientrare di quelli, vien, quasi a un tratto, a ristringersi, e a prender corso e figura, tra un promontorio a destra, e un’ampia costiera dall’altra parte; e il ponte, che ivi congiunge le due rive, par che renda ancor più sensibile all’occhio questa trasformazione, e segni il punto in cui il lago cessa, e l’Adda ricomincia, per ripigliar poi nome di lago dove le rive, allontanandosi di nuovo, lascia l’acqua distendersi e rallentarsi in nuovi golfi e in nuovi seni.”
Click here, for the English translation.
The title might be slightly surprising, but this post focuses on all those wonderful lakes in Italy less famous than King Como. In fact, international celebrities and directors have contributed to the ever-growing fame of the beautiful Lakes, either deciding to set their movies on their shores, or (why not?) buying a beautiful house and moving there.
However, the Italian boot is full of remarkable spots and this is a very humble list of all those breath-taking lakes to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
Lago di Carezza
On the Dolomite mountains, and its magic emerald reflections, with the summits of the mountains as a powerful frame. Only an hour walk to make the most of this wild and untamed gem in the bilingual area of South Tyrol, in Italy.
Lago di Braies
Again in the Dolomites, a real paradise for hikers. You can enjoy one of the many trails in the Parco Naturale and then refresh yourself in the crisp water of the beautiful lake.
Lago di Tovel
Unfairly not as famous, is truly a breath-taker. Hidden by the wild and imponent gorges of the Brenta Massif (Parco Naturale Adamello-Brenta) will shock us with its red colour, due to a chemical reaction between a specific microscopic algae and hot weather.
Lago di Garda
Travelling slightly south and west from the Dolomite, we find Italian’s biggest lake, with a milder climate and a more cosmopolitan appeal. In fact, it is nicely and conveniently surrounded by attractive shops, restaurants, and a very famous theme park for the more adventurous of us!
Lago di Bolsena
The biggest volcanic lake in Europe. Located a couple of hours away from Rome, and almost 300,000 years old, is gracefully boarded by a panoramic route 60 km long, from where you can enjoy the view as well as visit the charming surrounding villages.
Lago Trasimeno
In the underrated (and therefore less expensive) region of Umbria. Not many knows that the Lake was in fact a shallow sea, formed only due to a geological fracture three million years ago. Today, the forth Italian lake for surface area is the beautiful setting for romantic walks and sports with the family. Stay and explore the picturesque Castiglione del Lago, and if you have more time, drive inland to visit the wonderful regional capital: Perugia.
In short, let’s all take this difficult time to stay in our beautiful countries and enjoy the wonders we have just around the corner. Even better, if with a good book packed in our luggage!
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