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The Italian Lakes, situated in the north-west of Italy, is an area of breathtaking beauty, with the enormity of the Alps sweeping down to the calm and tranquil shores of the lakes, encompassed by landscaped gardens and dotted with striking architecture and luxury villas.
The most notable of the lakes to the north of Italy are Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda.
Probably the most renowned of the lakes is Lake Como surrounded by both rugged terrain to the north and a more tranquil and wooded landscape to the southern shores. The town of Como is home to a fine example of a 14th-century Duomo and many villas line the shoreline, including the 18th-century Villa Carlotta, near Mezzegra. Sailing and boating centres can be found at Domaso, Còlico and Onno and walks with excellent viewpoints are easily come by.
Whilst visiting the Lake Maggiore area, a boat trip to the nearby islands should be high on the agenda. A real treat for garden lovers are the vast array of botanical gardens surrounding the grand villas in this area. The Borromean Islands; Isola Bella (‘Beautiful Island’), Isola Madre (‘Mother Island’) and Isola dei Pescatori (‘Isle of the Fisherman’) were vastly landscaped in the 17th-century to create stunning examples of ornate gardens dotted with romantic follies, statues and located in the grounds of vast and impressive villas, such as Palazzo Borromeo. The islands can be reached from the town of Stresa, where a cable car can be taken up Monte Mattarone offering breathtaking views. Fine examples of castles and churches can be found in this area, such as Castello Visconti d'Aragona and the church of San Sebastien in Lesa.
Lake Garda, the easternmost and largest of the lakes, borders not only Lombardy but also Trentino and Veneto. Statuesque mountains to the north contrast with the calmer countryside to the south. Many towns surround the lake and offer numerous activities, namely sporting activities such as sailing and windsurfing, and tourist attractions. There are vast steamer and catamaran routes criss-crossing the lake linking the resorts, such as Peschiera, Malcesine, Riva del Garda and Sirmione, all home to fortresses or castles. The peninsular of Sirmione is also home to boiling sulphur springs and roman ruins. Again many luxury villas line the shoreline and are best seen from the lake itself.
  
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