The Italian Lakes?

[Michael.]

Better start by introducing ourselves, I'm Mike and my partner is Sophie, we have been caravaners for years but have decided to take a career break, buy a motorhome and tour Europe, our 1st trip will be to Italy in May and the boss wants to spend a couple of nights next to a lake, Como or Garda preferably, not to concerned about the cost (this time ) but we want it be special. Looking for recommendations, cheers

 

[Ridgeway]

Como is overall higher end vs Garda, plenty of rich and famous have homes there. Garda is still very nice though, Sirmione in particular is very nice as is Peschiera (lots of nice resto’s there)

 

[PaulOH]

Echoing the comments for Garda and Sirmione - visit the Spa - not that expensive and you can see the sulphur in the water its that volcanic!

Lake como is also very well worth a visit. The posh side is where you'll find George Clooney and Villa d'Este, Chernobbio and various gorgeous lakeside villages - mind your width as some of the roads are very narrow and the inclines off the main road may be unmanageable for the lower powered amongst us.

I thoroughly recommend taking a boat trip to Isla Comachina which is an artists' retreat and really gorgeous. Bellagio on the other side is also really, stereotypically Italian lovely. The funicular to the top of the mountain at Como is also great!

The lower class end is on the Lario side - the lake's southern tip terminates to the west at Como and to the east at Lario, which is altogether less glamourous but more affordable - indeed they don't even refer to it as the lago di Como, calling it Il Lario.

You are also very close to Switzerland there, which is where the border dwellers go for petrol and diesel. Lugano is also extremely pretty and quite classy - they accept €uro there as well. There is an Italian enclave close by called Campione d'Italia which has a massive casino - have never been but if you fancy a spin on a roulette table....

 

[EuroTrotters]

Try Annecy en-route or if you want tranquility,

Aiguebelette-le-Lac - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[royandsharont]

We like camping Bella Italia on the shore at Peschiera within easy cycle or bus ride to Sirmione, which is a must visit. Also easy bus to Verona, beautiful place to visit of Romeo & Juliet fame. Easy shopping from site & town is delightful

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[cyberyacht]

Not sure about Garda being the 'cheap seats'. Saw a lot of Ferrari's burbling around. Lac du Bourget is another alternative. Nicer than Annecy IMHO. Camping Isle de Cygnes at the southern end also has a pleasant aire adjacent.

 

[Mike23]

We prefer Lake Garda and have stayed between Bardolino and Garda a few times, there is a walking and cycling path North and South next to the lake. Also bus journeys both directions although everything is busy during July/August. It is best to book a campsite during these times.

 

[Ditcha]

Don't forget Lake Maggiore also worth a go.

Conca d'Oro Camping & Lodge | Relax e divertimento sul Lago Maggiore

Conca D'Oro è il tuo Camping al Lago Maggiore! Nel cuore della riserva e direttamente sul lago, tanti servizi per i nostri ospiti

www.concadoro.it

 

[Otter Spotter]

Malcesine is a great village on the shores of Lake Garda, good food and nice bars

 

[Stevil74]

I love Lake Orta, got married there 13 years ago and return regularly. It's smaller than the big 2, no crowds of tourists, has lovely medieval towns, monastery on an island in the lake, beautiful mountain views etc.

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[SpeedyDux]

Our favourite for relaxation is Lake Iseo, which is an easy drive from the north of Lake Garda.

Apparently, due to the drought last year, the water level in Lake Garda is at a 30 year low and tourists have been walking to one of the islands. The authorities are considering dredging the harbours to keep the boat services going.

If you can, you should try one of the 2 paddle steamers on Lake Garda. Proper time machines, very nostalgic, with opulent panelled interiors.

 

[Falcon 269]

Another vote for Lake Maggiore. Be sure to visit the Borromean islands - fantastic!

Also, take the scenic train ride through the mountains to Locano and return by boat.

Lake Iseo, as mentioned, is lovely and well worth a visit.

 

[Parrot Face]

All of the big lakes like Como, Garda and Maggiore are fine but i prefer the smaller ones which are more beautiful and dont get the crowds. Isseo . Orta and Caldonnazzo are fabulous places.

 

[DDJC]

Don't forget Lake Maggiore also worth a go.

Conca d'Oro Camping & Lodge | Relax e divertimento sul Lago Maggiore

Conca D'Oro è il tuo Camping al Lago Maggiore! Nel cuore della riserva e direttamente sul lago, tanti servizi per i nostri ospiti

www.concadoro.it

Another vote for Lake Maggiore. Be sure to visit the Borromean islands - fantastic!

Also, take the scenic train ride through the mountains to Locano and return by boat.

Lake Iseo, as mentioned, is lovely and well worth a visit.

Third vote for Lago Maggiore, and also for Conca d'Oro.

Went to one of the smaller lakes, Lago di Monate. Unimpressed.

 

[Jewellbags]

A little off piste but if you are south of Garda then drop into Mantua - town with its own lakes , unesco site which is unspoilt by tourism , beautiful , the Citadel IMO has frescos any bit as good as the Vatican and Palace Te (with motorhome parking and a cheeky overnight) is superb . There’s a half decent sosta just north of the town (otherwise of the lake )

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[Diabalo]

Another nice one is Lake Ledro, it's small and just north west of lake Garda,

 

[Bailey58]

Interesting from my Euro news travel feed.