Best train itineraries to Italian lakes

Italy is a country of art cities, mountains…and lakes. What is better for celebrating the arrival of Spring than a beautiful and relaxing weekend on the shores of lake Garda, or maybe floating on a boat on the quiet water of lake Como, or even hiking in the forests surrounding lake Bracciano? Here is a “springy” list of the most beautiful Italian lakes, easily reachable by train. So, what are you waiting for?

Lake Como

Let’s start with an old, good classic one: lake Como. Celebrated by many poets and writers, above all Alessandro Manzoni, chosen by celebs like Gianni Versace and George Clooney for their holidays, this beautiful lake between Italy and Switzerland is the ideal scenario for a relaxing weekend. Do not miss a boat trip on the lake, observing old mansions and wonderful five-star hotels, and a visit to the historical center of the city. And, if you have still time, take a Como to Lecco train and visit the East shore of the lake, green and abundant of nature. You won’t regret it!

Lake Garda

This is the biggest Italian lake, and without doubts one of the most beautiful and characteristic. What can you do on lake Garda? You will be spoiled for choice: from a boat tour to a cable car trip to Monte Baldo, from visiting one of the many lemons gardens on the lake shores to wine-tasting with some of the most exquisite wines: Lugana, Bardolino, Nosiola… Lake Garda is located in the middle of three different regions: you can visit its western shore and getting to Desenzano del Garda from Milan by train, or choose the eastern shore, with a fast train from Venice to Peschiera del Garda.

Lake Maggiore

A cool getaway from Milan? Why not lake Maggiore? A trip by train from Milan to Stresa, a picturesque and nice town on the lake shores, takes around 60 minutes. After your trip you will be welcomed by this quiet lake and its many highlights: the Borromeo islands, the charming towns of Pallanza, Arona and Angera (with its majestic castle), and a shore full of noble palaces and mansions. A perfect escape from the city traffic jam!

Lake Trasimeno

Let’s move to the center of Italy now, more precisely to Umbria: here you can’t miss a visit to lake Trasimeno. Getting there is easy, just go to Passignano sul Trasimeno from Perugia by train. Once you will be on its shore you will be able to notice three small islands standing on the panorama: Island Maggiore, Island Minore and Island Polvese. Unfortunately the last one is private, but you can spend some hours visiting the other two “sisters”. On the Maggiore, the only one still inhabited, there are magnificent churches and old palaces, while the Minore is rich of nature and breathtaking panoramas.

Lake Iseo

This lake, close to the city of Brescia, got world famous during Summer 2016 for “The Floating Piers”, the artistic installation-event by the art star Christo, who put on Lake Iseo quiet water a walkable floating platform, hundreds of metres long and open to public, that has been a great success. Now the platform is gone, but you can always enjoy the wonderful panorama of this lake. The best way to reach this lake is taking a train to Provaglio d’Iseo from Brescia: it’s just 20 minutes!

Lake Bracciano

And let’s close our list moving South again: we’re heading to one of the many nice places to visit close to Rome, the lake Bracciano. Created in a volcanic crater, this lake is famous for its stunning natural surroundings: it’s located by mountains “sabatini”, perfect locations for hiking and trekking tours. On its waters you can also try some exciting water sports, like kite surf or water skiing.

Now you have just to book your train tickets and enjoy a relaxing weekend (or even a few hours) on a lake shore!