Sheltered by the towering Alps mountains, the Italian Lake District is a spectacular and serene spot just a short drive from metropolitan Milan and half a day’s journey to the UNESCO location Venice. It’s the perfect base for outdoor adventure to start or end a cultural tour of Italy. 

There are eight lakes in total, but this guide covers our three favourites – Grada, Como and Maggiore. Discover the awe-inspiring activities that will take your vacation to the next level, from exhilarating watersports to leisurely bike rides.

Watersports

The Alps are a favourite destination for skiing and other snowsports in the winter, but in the summer lake-based watersports are the big draw. 

Lake Garda is a prime spot for all sorts of watersports if your goal is to get your adrenaline pumping. Kids will love water skiing and perhaps wakeboarding off the back of a boat, and there are plenty of opportunities for slower sailing adventures too.

There’s a wealth of windy spots great for kitesurfing too, along Garda and in the upper reaches of Lake Como. Calmer areas of Como are perfect for paddleboarding and relaxed canoeing or kayaking trips, solo or with family and friends.

One of our top recommendations is to go white-water rafting in the Ossola Valley which lies just beyond Lak Maggiore. This is a thrilling activity for adults and kids alike! 

Cycling

The Italian Lake District is one of the best destinations for bike tours in Europe – and rightly so. Calm cycle paths circle the lake edges for blissfully flat pedalling adventures, and there are endless opportunities for rollercoaster rides through the surrounding mountains. 

Cycling in Lake Garda is as diverse as its selection of watersports. If you’re after something simple yet scenic, the Ciclabile dei Sogni – Cycle Lane of Dreams – is a must. This goes from Limone to Riva which itself has stunning views and spectacular heritage architecture. For more of a challenge, head onwards from Riva to Lake Ledro along the undulating Sentiero del Ponale. 

Lake Maggiore is the destination for mountain biking. Drive to the summit and whizz downhill through Mattarone, taking in breathtaking vistas along the way, or ride the striking Cadorna Line. 

Hiking

Would you rather look at the lakes than be on them? Hike the trails around the water. Again there are options to suit all levels, so you can chill out with a serene saunter or challenge yourself to multi-day mountain treks. 

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and previous travellers along the ancient Sentiero del Viandante which winds through the valleys above Lake Como. Another historic trail is the Middle Ages mule track from Cossogno to the pretty hill village of Cicogna. 

Expeditions in the mountains include climbs to Mount Baldo and Telegrafo around Lake Grada and the ascent up Mount Mottarone next to Maggiore. Our top recommendation is trekking in Val Grande National Park at the border of Switzerland.

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Mia's passion for travel extends beyond the pages of their writing. They are also an advocate for responsible and sustainable travel, believing that exploring the world should leave a positive impact on both the environment and the communities visited.