Lakes in Italy: description and photo. Northern route in Italy: the most beautiful lakes in the country

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On the outskirts of Lombardy, just a 1.5-hour drive from Milan, one of the natural attractions of Italy is located - Lake Garda (Italian: Lago di Garda). blue waters of this reservoir are surrounded by lush greenery of Italian nature and mighty slopes Alpine mountains. Garda is the most big lake country, its length is 52 km, width - 17 km, the area of ​​​​the water surface - 370 km 2. The lake and surrounding areas are perfect place for recreation, both in summer and in autumn time. Mild and warm climate, magnificent views and many options for leisure activities.

The shape of the lake, when viewed from the height of heaven, resembles a Neanderthal hatchet. The reservoir has a pronounced long narrow "pole" with a wide "head" at the end. Glaciers descending from the peaks of the Alps gave such an interesting shape to the valley in time immemorial. Garda is fed by the Aril River, as well as powerful deep springs. In the very deep place the bottom of the lake is removed from the surface of the water by almost 350 meters. The unique microclimate creates a jagged ridge of the Alps. It looks like a warm scarf, tied around a picturesque length by caring mother nature. Peaks of impressive height, going into the sky for a kilometer, or even as much as two, provide excellent calm weather in the lake district.

lake name

So beautiful corner Italy at one time was very fond of the governors of the Roman Empire. They loved to spend their time on the shores of Benaco (lat. Benacus lacus) - "blessed lake". Later it received the Italian name Garda. As for the name "Garda", there are two versions. According to one of them, the word comes from a distortion of the German "Warda", which means "guard post" in translation. According to another version, the lake was named after a city located nearby in the Veneto region.

Nature and landscapes

On the map of Italy, Lake Garda connects three neighboring regions: (Italian: Veneto), (Italian: Lombardia) and (Italian: Trentino-Alto Adige). The eastern shore of the lake, which fell to the lot of Verona, has a second name - olive riviera. The gentle Mediterranean type of climate makes it possible to grow olive trees in the valley. The Lombard part of the lake was named Riviera of lemons. Enterprising Italians arranged lemon gardens in the form of stepped terraces on the gentle slope of the mountains. The region is famous for its winemaking, cuisine and olive oil production.

Along the entire perimeter, the lake is surrounded by a dozen small towns that simply bathe in the fragrance of nature and the golden rays of the sun. The purest waters of Garda smoothly turn into a broken line mountain landscape. Terracotta roofs of houses are surrounded by lush greenery of vineyards, orchards and natural groves. During the flowering period of grasses and trees, the lake valley is filled with incredible colors. Cocktail of the purest mountain air and the divine aroma of flowers tones up and turns your head a little!

Great European writers and artists were regulars at this amazing place. Names such as: Johann Goethe, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce appeared in the registration books of inns at Lake Garda. And David Herbert Lawrence mentioned in his memoirs that Lake Garda is beautiful as the source of creation.

Attractions

The city of Sirmione (Italian: Sirmione), located on the western shore of the lake, is a center of tourism. The initially modest size of the city (pop. 6,000) has grown as the region has become popular with tourists. Sirmione has several interesting attractions and.

The huge fort protecting the city from the side of the lake is the most imposing building in Sirmione. Its name, the Castle of the Scaligers, gives off an unshakable will and the thunder of discharging guns. The fort was built in the 13th century and served to protect the port. The battlements that guard the castle are made of gray stone.

Previously, the only entrance inside was a drawbridge. IN modern time the bridge-veteran surrendered his powers to a stationary colleague. The impenetrable walls of the castle hide a museum dedicated to the history of the city and the fort. Another urban harbor equipped with such dense protection cannot be found in Italy. The Scaliger castle looks especially interesting at night, illuminated by the light of lanterns.

Grotto of Catullus

The remains of the estate of the Roman Gaius Valerius Catullus (lat. Gaius Valerius Catullus) are known to modern vacationers as the Grotto of Catullus (Grotte Catullo). The poet who sang of greatness lived in the 1st century BC. picturesque views on the mountains and the lake valley nourished his muse. Thanks to this, Catullus built his villa on the shores of the then Benak Lake. The ruins of the once luxurious house were rediscovered only in the 15th century. At that time, they were poorly cleared and were water grottoes.

Adjacent to the estate big park filled with olive trees and darkened fragments of a large villa. Walking in such scenery is akin to a short walk into the past.

The healing spring of Boyola

The healing spring of Boiola (Italian: Fonte Boiola) is famous for its waters that heal many unpleasant diseases. Seething streams of water saturated with iodine, sulfur and bromine break out of the bowels of the earth at a temperature of 70 0 C!

Treatments at the Baths of Boyola help people get rid of skin diseases, relieve rheumatism and chronic inflammation of the ear. However, visit thermal source located on the territory of Hotel Fonte Boiola well-healthy and contented travelers are welcome. The complex of SPA-procedures, as well as events extremely useful for maintaining beauty and health, will satisfy the desires of even the most capricious client.

Salo

The town of Desenzano del Garda (Italian: Desenzano del Garda) enchants with its views of the lake. Walking along the streets of this city, you can endlessly enjoy the smooth, mirror-like waters of Garda.

Art lovers will be interested in visiting the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene. Desenzano del Garda is well developed tourism infrastructure. You can practice sailing, surfing and scuba diving. And when night falls on the city, young and energetic people will find something to do, numerous clubs and discos hospitably open their doors.

A small town with a citrus name Limone sul Garda (Italian: Limone sul Garda) also belongs to the Lemon Riviera. The western shore of Lake Garda is the most north point in which citrus trees bear fruit and ripen.

The inhabitants of the city are big fans of the fruits they produce. Is this really their record longevity? Small city not subject to hustle and bustle, it will offer its guests delicious home-cooked meals, leisurely walks and almost rural pastoral. Limone sul Garda is great for families, especially those traveling with children.

Malcesine

On east coast lake is the city of Malcesine (Italian Malcesine). He is not only amazingly handsome, but also closely connected with the life of the German poet Johann Goethe. Travelers will be able to visit city museums, climb to the top of Mount Baldo with the help of a funicular. And in the evenings hilly terrain Malcesine opens beautiful view where weddings are often played.

By the way, the air currents descending along the slopes of the mountains allow fans of windsurfing and parachuting to turn around perfectly.

Gardone Riviera (Italian Gardone Riviera) is a kind of place for elite vacation in the valley of Lake Garda. Luxurious villas, fragrant nature, huge Botanical Garden named after André Heller, create an indescribable atmosphere. At times tsarist Russia, rich and powerful people often looked at this resort.

Bardolino

Another historical curiosity of Lake Garda is the castle of Arco (Italian: Castello di Arco). According to some information, the castle was built somewhere around 1000 AD.

high towers buildings, towering like candles, on a steep mountain slope in the Trentino region. Erected by wealthy residents of the province, Arko Castle managed to be in the hands of many noble families, including the Scaliger family. The careful restoration of this ancient fort made it possible to put in order numerous frescoes dating from the Middle Ages.

Riva del Garda

The main attraction of the city (Riva del Garda) are ducks, which can rightfully be called the real owners of local beaches. The beaches themselves are a lawn with a very narrow strip of pebbles. This place is ideal for a measured calm family vacation with kids

How to get to Lake Garda

The most convenient way is to get Alitalia airlines to Milan or Venice. In these cities, you can use the services railway to get to Trieste (Italian Trieste) or Treviso (Italian Treviso). Treviso is a little closer to the lake. You can get to Garda in a couple of hours. If you get from Trieste, then the road will take about three hours.

If you choose Verona as the starting point, you can comfortably travel by train to the south coast of Garda to the city of Desenzano del Garda. Passengers will be able to board the train at the central railway station Verona. The train will be on the way for 15-20 minutes, the ticket price is up to 4 euros.

To the north of the lake, for example, Riva del Garda can be reached from Rovereto by bus. Railroad station Rovereto tied high-speed trains with Rome, Verona, Florence, Milan.

Also Verona and the coast of Garda are connected bus service. Routes No. 162 and 163 will travel along a winding serpentine for about 45-50 minutes. At the same time, passengers will be able to enjoy the views and get off at one of the stations: Bardolino, Garda, Lazise, ​​Malcesine, Riva del Garda. This concludes our short walk along the shores of Lake Garda.

We hasten to assure you that this is not all charms mountain valley. Believe the beauty Italian Alps and the gentle bliss of the Gardian coast cannot be expressed in words. All the cheerfulness of this hospitable region must be felt for yourself!

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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. Pure water Guards allow you to swim, exercise without fear sailing, windsurfing and even fishing. The largest children's amusement park in Italy is located on the lake - Gardaland, an aquarium and a water park, making it an ideal destination 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

rich on natural beauty northern Italy 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 no different large sizes, however, 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.

In 1818, the famous poet Lord Shelley wrote of Lake Como: "it exceeds all that I have ever beheld in beauty." And here is what Henry James wrote about it a few decades later: “You cannot describe the beauty of the Italian Lakes, and at the same time you could not try if you could.”

Lake Como and the lands around it have attracted the rich and famous people, and in medieval times this place was the center of trade in silk and stones. The main lakes of northern Italy - Como, Maggiore, Orta, Iseo and Garda - still inspire and impress with their beauty as they did centuries ago.

Lakes of Italy

George Clooney was impressed by the beauty of these places, he decided to settle here and now owns an 8 million villa in Laglio on the shores of Lake Como. However, you don't need a bank account like a movie star to buy property here. A two-bedroom apartment overlooking Lake Como costs from €125,000. These places are so beautiful that such films as " Star Wars. Episode II. Attack of the Clones" and "Casino Royale".

Lake Como

Lake Como is the most deep lake Europe and the third largest lake in Italy. One of the most beautiful places on the lakes, to buy property - Bellagio, also known as the pearl on the lake. Many will say that this is the prettiest city in Europe.

Other beautiful villages located on the beguera: Colico, Tremezzo, Mandello del Lario and Varen. For a truly breathtaking view, take the seven-minute funicular ride to Brunato, a 2,400-foot hill above Lake Como. The view of all seven lakes, as well as the Alps and Switzerland, is striking in its beauty.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is also stunning in its beauty, its western shore being more popular among tourists. On this side of the lake are picturesque cities and villages, with villas and gardens, but the heart of Lake Maggiore is undoubtedly Stresa, located opposite the Borromeo Gulf. Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens and Lord Byron are just some of the famous poets and writers who sang about the beauty of these places.

Among the most popular excursions from Stresa there are regular ferry crossings to the three Borromean Islands - Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola Pescatore, the smallest of the three, where only 50 people live.

Lake Garda

Sirmione, Desenzano, Riva del Garda, Malcesine, like most lakes Northern Italy, towns and villages on the shores of Lake Garda have attracted people for thousands of years. The main attraction here is the castle, preserved from the time of the Roman Empire.

Lake Orta

Lake Orta is for those who prefer solitude and peace to a large crowd. Its main resort is Orta San Giulio on the east coast, a town so picturesque, a favorite for photo ops, weddings and property purchases on the Italian lakes.

Lake Iseo

This lake is sandwiched between the famous Lake Garda and Lake Como. In the middle of it sits San Giulio Isola, largest island all European lakes. Lake Iseo also popular with investors buying Italian properties on the lakes for the purpose of subsequent transactions. A small apartment with a terrace and/or garden overlooking the lake costs from 120,000 €.

In Italy there is not only a world famous cities, outstanding architecture and incredible tasty 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)

It doesn't have to be the sea! It is under this motto that I want to introduce you to the most beautiful lakes in Italy. A holiday in Italy doesn't have to be about the beach or museums. It can be done creatively, for example, on the shores of one of the famous lakes in northern Italy, each of which is unique. If you love nature and appreciate its majestic beauty, then the lakes of Italy are just made for you.

This short guide will introduce you to the best lakes in Italy and give you new holiday ideas.

Lago Maggiore

Lago Maggiore (literally: “ big lake”) is the second largest lake in Italy. Because of his geographical location in the snow-white Lombard Alps, Lago Maggiore represents the border between Italy and Switzerland.

Due to its mild climate, there are many resorts in the vicinity of the lake, the largest of which is located in the municipality of Stresa. The main attraction of Lago Maggiore is the Borromean Islands - a small archipelago in the middle of the lake. The most beautiful of them is Isola Bella, on which stands ancient palace, built by an Italian aristocrat as a gift to his wife. Today the palace houses a museum open to visitors.

Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is divided between Italy and Switzerland, and is not inferior in popularity to its competitors - Lake Maggiore and Como. The surroundings of Lake Lugano are extraordinarily picturesque, here you will find many ancient castles, monasteries and chapels. Holidays on Lake Lugano are considered healing and rejuvenating. Between the southern arms of the lake is famous mountain San Giorgio, where Italian and Swiss archaeologists continue their excavations, studying prehistoric fossils that lived here hundreds of millions of years ago, when Mount San Giorgio was still washed by the sea.

Lake Como

Lake Como can certainly be called the most romantic of the five main Italian lakes, and perhaps the most popular. Off the coast of Como, landscapes of unsurpassed beauty open up, and in the vicinity there are flowering gardens and elegant villas of prominent people and stars. Como is located just an hour from Milan, which provides an excellent opportunity to visit not only famous lake, but also . And of course, during which you will see all the listed beauties.

Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo, located in the same Lombard Prealps, is less known than its famous counterparts, and is far from the tourist epicenters. However, that is why Iseo is a place of peace, crystal waters and green mountains covered with dewy greenery. In the town of the same name, Iseo, on the shore of the lake, there is the main attraction - the Oldofredi fortress, built in the 11th century. The inhabitants of Iseo are engaged in fishing and olive oil production, and also hold sailing regattas on their native lake.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda, located at southern foot The Alps is the largest lake in Italy. picturesque town Sirmione, located on south coast The lake has become a favorite resort since the days of the Roman Republic. Everyone who is going to visit Lake Garda must stop in this charming town! Old castle Scaliger and the "Grottos of Catullus", named after the ancient Roman poet Catullus, who sang the beauty of Sirmione in his poems, are a must to visit!

What lake do you like?