Great Italian lakes. Rivers and lakes in Italy

Italy is famous not only for its cities, islands and historical sites, but also for its lakes. Some of them are more famous, some less so, but they definitely deserve to take a closer look at them, devoting a separate post to the topic.

…Located in the very north of Italy, not far from Milan, Lake Como- one of the main attractions of these places.

Lake Como

The lake owes its popularity to the extraordinary beauty of the surroundings, thanks to which it was considered prestigious to have a villa here since the time of the Roman Empire. It is no coincidence that Virgil and Pliny the Younger chose these places for themselves, and in our time, no less than famous people modernity, including, for example, George Clooney. Moreover, many of the readers, we are sure, are already familiar with Como in absentia. The lake is often used as a natural location for the filming of Hollywood films: Casino Royale and Ocean's 12 are among them.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is the largest and most visited in Italy. Picturesque villages, medieval castles and developed infrastructure entertainment is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. Surrounding landscape Lake Garda very diverse with beaches along the South Shore and cliffs in the north. The clear waters of Garda allow you to swim, sail, windsurf and even fish without fear. On the lake is the most big park children's entertainment in Italy - Gardaland, an aquarium and a water park, making the destination ideal for couples with children. And if you want variety and shopping, Venice and Milan are relatively close to Garda.

Building a villa on Lake Como was considered prestigious back in ancient Rome.

Lake Maggiore

The north of Italy, rich in natural beauty, is famous for its many beautiful lakes, among which is the pearl of Maggiore. Located just half an hour from international airport Milan and west of Como, Maggiore is included in two Italian provinces- Lombardy and Piedmont, and also enters the territory of neighboring Switzerland. The landscape of the surroundings of the lake - the hills in its southern part and the mountains in the North protect Maggiore from the winds, creating a mild microclimate on its shores. The three islands in the center of Maggiore and the thousand-year-old Angers Castle are popular and visited by visitors.

Lake Bolsena

Located in Central Italy - lake bolsena- located in the caldera extinct volcano and is known as the fifth largest in the country. The city of the same name Bolsena - the main settlement on the lake - is famous for its beautiful medieval center and its strength. There are several islands on the lake, and the surrounding villages are famous for their picturesque nature and excellent cuisine.

Massaciuccoli (Massaciuccoli)

Lake Massaciuccoli is not large, but it is one of the favorite lakes of Italians. Part of the lake is reserved for the reserve, while the other - located closer to the sea - faces small town Torre del Lago, famous for its association with the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. The latter’s villa currently serves as the composer’s museum, and these places are also the center of the famous summer opera festival, held in an open theater overlooking Lake Massaciuccoli.

trasimene lake

Lake Trasimene is the largest in Central Italy, and its area is 128 square kilometers. However, despite its size, the lake is not particularly deep, averaging 6.7 m. trasimene lake entered the annals of history thanks to the June 24, 217 BC held here. battle between the armies of Hannibal and the Romans. The latter, moreover, suffered a crushing defeat. Today, the surroundings of the lake are popular due to a number of picturesque villages and towns, the most interesting of which is Castiglione del Lago with a medieval center and castle. Numerous beaches stretch along the shores of the lake.

Lake Orta

small Lake Orta with an area of ​​​​only 18 square kilometers is located in northern Italy in Piedmont and was once famous as a center of poets and artists. From the charming village of San Giulio, you can take a trip to the island in the middle of the lake or climb sacred mountain, where there are sanctuaries built in 1591 and small chapels dedicated to St. Francis.

Do you think that the most beautiful lakes in Italy it is Lake Garda and Lake Como, then you are unfamiliar with a large number of lesser known Italian lakes, it is quite easy to see them. Don't believe? Just browse through these photos of seven of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. And don't blame us if you want to take the next plane here!

One of the most beautiful small lakes in Italy, Lake Arpi in Valle d'Aosta

No, you can't enjoy this lake from the balcony of a luxury hotel - and that's the beauty of it! Arpi hid under the Alps in Valle - d "Aosta, Autonomous region in the northwestern corner of Italy. The whole area is ideal for hiking or mountain biking, and is also full of many other lovely, small lakes and ponds to explore. And, yes, despite the snowy peaks in the distance, this photo was taken in the summer.

Lago di Garda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy

Most big lake in Italy, Lake Garda is also one of the most famous. It is an extremely popular place for tourists, especially in summer time, and one of the best lakes to visit if you are looking for luxury. It is also home to beautiful castle Scaliger, as well as the ruins of an ancient villa called the Grotto of Catullus.

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Separating Switzerland and Italy, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. It is home to several islands, including Isola Bella, which has been entirely occupied since the 17th century by the Palazzo Borromeo.

Trasimene, a beautiful lake in Umbria

If you are looking for a place to have a great holiday in central Italy, Lake Trasimeno is probably your the best choice. The largest lake on the Italian peninsula south of the Po River, Trasimeno is calm and beautiful, located right on the border of Umbria and Tuscany, just half an hour from Cortona. It's also quite historical place: At the Battle of Lake Trasimene in 217 BC, Hannibal defeated the Romans in one of the largest and most successful military ambushes in history.

Lake Como

The third largest lake in Italy, Lake Como is Italy's VIP destination, and has been since ancient Roman times. Expensive villas and their gardens, like Villa Monastero above the lake line, while modern celebrities such as Madonna, Gianni Versace and George Clooney have homes along the shores of Lake Como.

Lake Dorta, next to the more famous Lake Maggiore

Less well-known and smaller than its famous neighbor, Lake Maggiore, Lago d'Orta has long been a destination for artists and writers. This is where Nietzsche met Salome; other notable guests who have visited the lake include Balzac, Robert Browning and Henry Bordeaux.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, Lake Lugano, separates Switzerland and Italy

On the border of Switzerland and Italy, Lake Lugano is another of the magnificent lakes in the foothills of the Alps.

Note: These lakes are beautiful and worth a visit, but first look around and ask local residents before swimming in them! Many, including Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, are heavily polluted; Lake Lugano is said to be the worst. Resist the temptation to dive into this seemingly carbonated water, and be careful of the seafood fished out of the lakes.

In Italy there is not only a world famous cities, outstanding architecture and incredibly delicious food, but also beautiful, romantic lakes.

Many tourists, especially those who come to Italy for the first time, limit their stay in the country to visiting Rome, Florence and Venice. Traveling to the shores of the Italian lake region is a chance to see a completely different Italy.

There are many lakes in the northern part of the country. Some of them are larger and more attractive for tourists, especially during the summer months. Others can't brag large area, but are distinguished by the beauty of landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Haven't decided which lake to visit yet? Perhaps the TOP 5 best Italian lakes will help you decide on the choice of destination.

1. Lake Garda

2. Lake Como and Villa Balbianello

3. Lago Maggiore (Lago Maggiore, literally: "Big Lake")

4. Lake Orta

5. Lake Trasimeno (or Lake Trasimeno)

The lakes of Italy are diverse - from the purest mountain to shallow lagoon reservoirs. In total, there are about 1.5 thousand lakes in the country. Resting on the lake coasts of Italy, you can enjoy the magnificent natural landscapes, conquer mountains, go in for water sports, sunbathe, swim in the clearest waters and admire countless architectural monuments.

Alpine lakes

In the northern part of Italy, not far from and are the largest and most beautiful alpine lakes. Mountains, clear water, a variety of flora and fauna and excellent tourist infrastructure attract tourists from all over the world to the lakes.

(Lago di Garda) is the largest lake in Italy with an area of ​​370 km². It is located between and Milan and unites three areas: (Lombardia), (Trentino) and (Veneto). The Alps protect the lake from the winds, the climate here is warm and mild. An amazing phenomenon can be observed on the lake - seiches, standing waves that can occur even in calm weather and last from several minutes to two hours. The shores of Lake Garda are full of resort towns and villages in which monuments of art and architecture have been preserved.

Holidays on Lake Garda will appeal to lovers of water sports, mountain walks, horseback riding or cycling. Those who are seduced night life pubs, bars, clubs, discos and fireworks at night await. For family vacation amusement parks, zoos and water parks, diving centers and other tourist infrastructure are equipped on the lake. The surroundings of the lake are famous for their olive groves, vineyards and orchards - you can try and buy wine from the best wineries, natural olive oil, cheeses and other delicacies.

On the lake, you can visit the city of Sirmione, which is famous for the Scaligeri Castle (Castello dei Scaligeri) - a fort built in the 13th century to protect the city from the lake, one of the towers of which is an observation deck for tourists at a height of 47 meters. The Fonte Boiola thermal spring and the Grotto of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo) are also located here - the ruins of the once huge luxurious villa of the ancient Roman poet, dated to the 1st century BC. e.

Other popular places around the lake are the town of Limone sul Garda, which is famous for its lemon and olive groves, as well as the World Cup in windsurfing among professionals.

On the island of Garda (Isola di Garda) you will find Villa Ferrari- a luxurious example of the Venetian neo-Gothic style, in the city of Malcesine (Malcesine) excellent conditions for windsurfing, parachuting and sailing.

(Gardaland) in Castelnuovo del Garda, in the province of Verona - perfect place for holidays with children. This is the third largest amusement park in Europe, where several dozen attractions for children and adults are open.

Como

The lake (Lago di Como) is one of the Alpine lakes, 40 minutes drive from Milan International Airport. The lake has 3 branches - the northern one is called Colico, the southeastern one is Lecco and the southwestern one is Como. Luxurious villas along the coast different centuries, which now houses museums and hotels with luxurious gardens and parks. Everywhere thickets of fruit-bearing olives, vineyards, pomegranates and cypresses. Festivals are held on the lake, including the annual festival of exclusive cars, and Lake Como is also the birthplace of Italian silk. Once the poet Virgil and rested here. Now on the shores of the lake there are villas of world celebrities. Local landscapes can be seen in the films "Ocean's Twelve", "Casino Royale", " star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones.

Wool and silk were produced in the city of Como in the Middle Ages. One of the attractions Cathedral Como (Duomo di Como), a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with Gothic elements, which was built from the 14th to the 17th century. In the same city is the Basilica of St. Abbondio (Basilica di Sant'Abbondio) with rustic cladding and Romanesque bas-reliefs. For five centuries, the church served as the residence of the highest church dignitaries and the burial place of bishops. It is worth visiting the medieval castle of Baradello (Castel Baradello), from where an unimaginable panorama of the city and lake landscapes opens from a 400-meter height.

North of the lake in the mountains is located ski resort(Madesimo). Tourists are offered 48 kilometers of trails, the highest point at an altitude of 2948 meters, an ice rink, a sports center and a hiking trail along the border with Switzerland.

The city of Lecco is located on the shores of the southeastern arm of the lake. Here you will enjoy a spa holiday, sights such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Basilica-di-San-Nicolò-a-Lecco) of the XVIII century with a bell tower of about 100 meters, palaces and bridges. From the city, you can take a funicular to the mountains to ski, climb rocks or relax on other winter attractions.

At the junction of the three branches of the lake there is a resort (Bellagio). The local mild climate and vibrant landscapes once inspired Goethe, Byron, Verdi, Rossini and other talented people. The city is dotted with rich estates of aristocrats and magnificent gardens. You can indulge in an atmosphere of luxury by renting a room at Villa Serbelloni, now a 5-star hotel.

Comacina Island is the only one on Lake Como, and after which the asteroid (489) Comacina is named. From 1919 to 1920, the island was an enclave of Belgium and was returned to Italian administration on the condition that an artists' community be created here. On June 24, the island celebrates the day of John the Baptist - the lake is illuminated by lights, and a mass is held in honor of the saint on the ruins of the church.

(Lago Maggiore) - the second largest lake in Italy, located 90 km from Milan International Airport. The lake is decorated with high shores and island archipelagos. Tourist season lasts from the beginning of May to the end of October, although there are periods of rain in spring and autumn. Holidays on the lake will be remembered as the purest clear water, natural parks and gardens, monuments of architecture and art from different eras, ancient castles and picturesque landscapes.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go windsurfing, cycling or horseback riding, sailing or go on excursions to historical places.

by the most popular resorts in the vicinity of the lake are the cities of Verbania (Verbania), Stresa (Stresa), Intra (Intra), Baveno (Baveno), Arona (Arona).

On the islands of the archipelago (Isole Borromee) you will be met beautiful palaces and gardens. At an altitude of 800 meters above the city of Stresa, the Alpine Botanical Garden(Giardino Botanico Alpino), from where you can climb to the top of Mount Mottarone.

On east coast lake there is a monastery in the rock of the XIII century - Santa Caterina del Sasso (Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso).

Iseo

The lake (Lago d'Iseo) is located between the provinces of Brescia (Brescia) and (Bergamo) and is the smallest of the great Italian lakes.

Summer holidays in its vicinity are good for those who cannot stand the scorching heat, because the climate on the mountain lake is temperate. Landscapes around the reservoir are very diverse - from rocks growing out of the water to small bays with olive and chestnut groves.

Along the banks there are many resort villages and towns, each of which has something to boast of - churches, castles or villas. The island-mountain of Monte Isola (Monte isola) rises 600 meters above the lake level and impresses with its beauty. Unfortunately, the island is privately owned and closed to tourists. You can relax on the island of Loreto (Isola di Loreto), in the cities of Lovere (Lovere), Pisogne (Pisogne), Marone (Marone), Sulzano (Sulzano), Iseo (Iseo).

Horta

The lake (Lago d'Orta) with an area of ​​​​about 18 km² is located in the northeast. In the center is the island of San Giulio (Isola di San Giulio), according to legend, it was once inhabited by snakes and dragons, which St. Julius drove away. Almost the entire island is occupied by a convent, where hermits, who have taken a vow of silence, restore ancient works of art. The island is very quiet and calm - perfect place for walking and meditation. The city of Horta seems to have left the picture - silence, streets and houses, as if from a fairy tale, are conducive to romantic walks.

Bries

Lake Braies (Lago di Braies) is located 97 km from (Bolzano), in Dolomites South Tyrol, at an altitude of 1496 meters. Clear emerald-colored waters and breathtaking views of mountains and forests make for an ideal scenery for a boat trip. Along the shores there special places for picnics and games with children, trails for hiking are equipped.

Lugano

Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano), divided between Italy and Switzerland, formed on the site of a glacier about 100 centuries ago. There are many around the lake viewing platforms, which can be reached by cable cars and funiculars, and see all the lake surroundings. IN summer season the water temperature reaches +22-24°C, which makes it possible to engage in water sports. There are many bike paths along the banks so that you can explore the lake landscapes and sights in detail.

Volcanic lakes

The volcanic lakes of Italy were formed in the calderas of extinct volcanoes. Most of these reservoirs are located near the capital on the Apennine Peninsula.

Lake Albano (Lago Albano) was formed on the site of two merged craters of an extinct volcano, and is located 40 minutes from . Among the calm mountain scenery on the shore is the residence of the Pope - the city (Castel Gandolfo). People come to the lake to ride mountain bikes, catamarans and canoes.

Bracciano

The volcanic lake of Bracciano (Lago di Bracciano) is located 32 km from Rome, and is connected to the Trajan Aqueduct. Big interest the lake represents for archaeologists - traces of settlements of the Bronze and Iron Ages were found at the bottom.

Motorized floating transport is prohibited on the reservoir and waste dumping is a source of drinking water for cities, including Rome.

Here you can go in for yachting, relax on black volcanic beaches, swim in the purest water, go fishing or ride along the coast, watching nature. On the lake stands the town of Bracciano, where the medieval castle of Orsini Odescalchi (Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano) has been preserved. Agrotourism is also developed on the shores of the lake, where tourists are offered to try and buy local wines, meat products and gifts of the lake.

• We recommend visiting:

Bolsena

Lake (Lago di Bolsena) - the largest volcanic lake in Europe, located between Rome and. On the shore of the lake stands the city of Bolsena with the same name. old mansions, fountains, fortresses and churches. You can visit the Isola Bisentina and Isola Martana islands, the cities of Montefiascone, Capodimonte or Gradoli - each has its own history, architectural monuments and magnificent nature.

In addition to all kinds of entertainment typical for recreation on the lake, the waters of Bolsena are a great place for fishing. Pike, carp, tench and eels are found here, and on July 2, a fish festival is held in the city of Bolsena for those who want to compete in fishing skills. Lake resorts are equipped with everything you need for good rest and there are also a lot of bird species.

Nemi

Lake Nemi (Lago di Nemi) is another volcanic lake, separated from Albany by Mount Cavo (Monte Cavo). The villa of Caligula stood on the shore of the lake, and according to legend, the ships of the famous emperor were found at the bottom - the floating temple of Diana of Arricia and the floating palace. However, there is no exact data on the ownership of the ships, and their last remains burned down during the Second World War. On the east bank are the ruins of the temple of Diana., the goddess of flora and fauna, and the lake itself in ancient times was called the "Mirror of Diana". The coastal town of Nemi - small, quiet and cozy, will delight you with delicious strawberries.

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Lagoon lakes

Lagoon lakes are generally shallow and separated from the sea by reefs or sandbars. Around such lakes there is always a rich flora and fauna, rare species of birds, fish and animals are often found.

Lezina

Lake Lesina (Lago di Lesina) is located in the northern part (Puglia) and is separated by a sand dune from Adriatic Sea. There is little precipitation in the edge of this salty lake, in summer the temperature fluctuates from +28°С to +38°С, and in winter within 6-16°С above zero.

Along the banks there are ancient forests with valuable representatives of the animal world, especially a lot of rare birds, and eels, crayfish, sea bass and mullet are found in the lake itself. East End the lake is a nature reserve and is included in national park Gargano (Parco Nazionale del Gargano). In the lakeside town of Lesina, it is worth seeing the Bishop's Palace (Palazzo vescovile), the Abbey of St. Mary (Abbazia di S. Maria di Ripalta) and the volcanic rocks of the Triassic period. Apricena town attracts tourists marble caves, and in the towns of Serracapriola (Serracapriola) and Poggio Imperiale (Poggio Imperiale) you can see various monasteries and sanctuaries.

There are only four of them - Como, Garda, Iseo and Maggiore. Fantastic Four. If you look at the geographical map, then Como, Garda, Iseo and Maggiore will not differ much from each other. But in fact they are all different - with different characters, shores

There are only four of them - Como, Garda, Iseo and Maggiore. Fantastic Four. If you look at the geographical map, then Como, Garda, Iseo and Maggiore will not differ much from each other. But in fact, they are all different - with different characters, shores and water. Explore their secrets more interesting than the beach, even the ocean.

Each lake from the great Italian four has its own flavor. And this is not just a metaphor. The water in Garda, for example, will taste different from the water in Iseo. Try it. Just scoop with your palm. In Lake Garda, the water will be more salty, tart and almost already marine in taste, while in Iseo it is more "watery", more transparent, more flowing, although Iseo is not a river, but a lake. The water in Como always seems warm and slightly sweet, like a little champagne, while the water in Maggiore is always cold.

And the thing is that there are many strong thermal springs in Lake Garda, which the ancient Romans knew about and which they used for healing purposes. These thermal springs they make themselves felt with an extremely sharp smell of hydrogen sulfide and a strange dense haze that almost never leaves the surface of the water. Such haze in aristocratic Tuscany is usually called fumana. This haze appears on the Tuscan hills at exactly five in the morning and disappears only by noon.

Lake Garda, from which we propose to begin this May journey, is deservedly considered the most solemn lake of the whole four. Garda is considered the most majestic, the most eternal and the most state-owned lake. On the banks and waters of the Garda, history has been made many times in all its breaks, bends, brilliant victories and complete outrages. Here, many Roman Augusts and patricians, noted in the Annals by Tacitus himself, perished in battles forgotten by modern history textbooks. This is evidenced by the numerous busts of the ancient Romans that have survived to this day, these formidable shaved heads with empty eye sockets and bangs carefully poured onto a bald marble skull. Of the latest historical events on the Garda, we can recall 1943. For example, on the shores of Lake Garda there is the city of Salo, where the once theatrical, noisy, like a monkey, Benito Mussolini, in silent despair, lived out his days before execution, and scary tale his downfall was marked by Pasolini's film.

Even on the banks of the Garda stands the luxurious villa of Gabriele D'Annunzio - a mediocre poet, a terrible writer, an unfaithful husband of great actresses, a good aviator and the greatest Italian adventurer since the time of Casanova, who embodied in his life and, perhaps, in the life of Europe in 1919, Nietzsche's dream of superman. Let us recall that in September 1919 this writer, sadly singing Moonlight, withered roses, love to the grave and other symbolist poetic rubbish, took and captured with the help of his "commandos" the northern Italian port of Fiume (or Rijeka, speaking in Croatian). The unfortunate writer not only managed to conquer the port, but also remained its powerful commandant until 1921, which caused the envy of Mussolini himself for many years to come.

Lake Garda gives a majestic cast of history. The cast will be exactly like the bust of a Roman, which, for example, is in the large lakeside park of the town of Sirmione, the most aristocratic town of Garda, shady from palms and cypresses.

Lake Como- a completely different story. The shores of Como are dynamic, mountainous and covered with cozy fluffy green forests (and not a single bald spot!). The landscape here is cheerful, almost sporty. But gyms in famous hotels, alas, are always empty. No one even thinks to turn the pedals. Como is a sport, but please, from a distance. Or tomorrow morning, definitely, definitely. We will come. Yes Yes! Early in the morning!

But in the morning on Lake Como, for some reason, you always want to drink champagne and ride a white boat, but forget about the simulators. Because on Como no one goes to bed before morning. And on Como, you need to wear silk shirts and silk pajamas (silk is an ancient craft on this particular lake; needless to say, here silk ties are among the best in the world).

Many Hollywood stars have married Como, and this is a tradition. Gianni Versace lived in Como, and before him the Visconti dynasty, and for about a year since 1260.

In Como, you must certainly be able to dance the tango, even in silk pajamas, but even better without them at all. Como is a lake of idle aristocrats, splendid revelers and all kinds of lovers and couples in the world. Here, in the local parks, it seems that chestnut trees always bloom, dropping their small flowers on the heads of travelers. The baroque towers of tiny towns and fertile villages chime with the life-affirming chime of old clocks beyond any timetable. Small helicopters and white-winged hang gliders soar cheerfully over Como, carefully skirting the mountains. And most importantly, it seems that in any weather it is summer in Como. Especially if you are sitting on the terrace of the Villa d`Este hotel in the company of its famous director, the highly respected European hotelier Jacques Drule, a lover of lake nature, " swan lake"performed by the Mariinsky Theatre, 12-year-old Scotch whisky, Argentine tango and vintage British cars. Monsieur Droulet takes a sip, waves his hand, and his musicians begin to tango. Piazzolla, of course.

Lake Iseo- this is the most homely of the magnificent four lakes. The Italians themselves rest here, so there are few visitors on the banks of the Iseo. Many birds nest on the waters of Iseo, great Riva boats are built here, a lot of large and small fish live here, which sooner or later end up in the kitchens of popular fish restaurants. There, in the ancient fish osteria, a foreigner is offered the most expensive, rarest meal - a piece of veal. But you insistently ask for fish. The Italians will be very surprised by such a request, because they believe that only they themselves are familiar with this famous local fish.

"Fish?! Our signora wants our fish? Mario! Mario! Yes, rather, rash the rudd in the pan!" According to our data, the rudd from Iseo cannot even be compared with the legendary rudd from Lake Le Mans (in restaurants in Geneva, this fish is affectionately called "rouge"). Rudd from Iseo is a hundred times fatter. By the way, carp and trout, spotted, fried in small peppercorns, are also highly recommended by us.

Even on Iseo, a rare foreigner in these parts, that is, you, will definitely be offered the most expensive thing - wine. For example, the great Tuscan. Wine from Umbria, Piedmont or from the province of Veneto. But you insistently ask only for a franciacorta. The Franciacorta area - and these are the best Italian sparkling wines - is located right here, on one of the banks of the Iseo. Plateaus of vineyards descend almost to the very water, brown grape hooks stick out of the ground, like some kind of tops of wormholes. And what are the cheeses here! Tasting pieces of local cheeses - soft and hard, with a greasy yellow crust (this is a separate local dessert) - you can cover our Red Square.

And finally, the turn has come Lake Maggiore. This is a coda, a triumph, this is the last chord of the lake journey. Maggiore is a ghost lake with the most complex architecture of the banks. This is the deepest lake of the entire great four. Here is the most cold water, even in summer it has some kind of icy aftertaste.

The strongly elongated Maggiore is a lake-theatre, full of shadows and highlights, playing on the water in the morning and evening. This lake wandered more than once, passed from hand to hand, changed state borders. Maggiore was located in different countries, it was conquered, subjugated, then returned again, subjugated again. Now Maggiore is located in the very north of Italy.

The most baroque, otherworldly, the most mystical. Its shores are cut by steep unstable cliffs, to which fishermen's villages, restaurants and the houses of charming local flower girls have stuck. On Maggiore, there are islands with neglected baroque villas (many of them, however, are excellent romantic hotels, in whose rooms ghosts hover), surrounded by fragrant lemon gardens, in which you don’t even want to smoke (and in others, special people directly prohibit smoking).

These same lemons are used to make "Limoncello" and "Limoncino", the most famous Italian dessert liqueurs, which are said to prolong life. Maggiore is a great end to a trip along the shores of the great Italian lakes.