11 beautiful lakes in Northern Italy

There are quite a few beautiful lakes in the Northern Italy – it’s called the “Lake district” for a reason. It’s the perfect setting, for sure – crystal-clear waters (sometimes emerald or turquoise in color) and the backdrop of Alps makes for indescribable beauty.

We used to live just by one lake Iseo – which meant that many of the lakes on this list were a stones-throw away. Which, in turn, means that we explored them all.

So I decided to compile this list of my favorite lakes of Northern Italy for your – and my – pleasure.

Read on to see which ones I consider the best and, of course, a map of where they’re located.

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Most beautiful lakes in Northern Italy

Here are all of my favorite lakes and why I like them.

By the way, you can also make a roadtrip out of visiting the lakes in Northern Italy!

1. Lago d’Iseo

My absolute favorite lake in the Northern Italy is lake Iseo. We used to live just by it, and everyone who visited us said that they’ve found paradise. And I agree!

Lake Iseo is located just between lakes Como and Garda, and is a hidden gem. It’s mostly visited by Italians, which means it’s a lot less touristy.

You’ll also find the biggest lake island in Europe, as well as in South and Central Europe, in lago d’Iseo. It’s called Monte Isola (literally – “mountain island”) and it can be visited by a ferry and has basically no cars.

If you’re into hiking, there are a lot of interesting hikes in the area.

2. Lago di Como

I don’t think lake Como needs to much introduction. It’s quite a famous like, which has been loved by celebrities for ages now.

As crowded as lago di Como gets, I still like the views it offers. The little villages on the shores, especially if you look at them from a boat, are gorgeous.

Roam the cobblestone streets in-between colorful houses, look into the artisanal stores, and just admire the views – it’s worth it, for sure.

3. Lago di Carezza

A tiny little lake in the Dolomites, lago di Carezza has found its fame because of the incredible colors of the water and the reflection of the Latemar range in the lake. And I don’t use “fame” lightly – it gets crow-ded! in the summer.

Lake Carezza is a tiny lake – it takes only approximately 20 minutes to walk around it! So if you’re somewhere in the vicinity, make a stop there, for sure.

There’s also hanging bridge by lake Carezza – just go to the opposite side of the parking lot from the lake!

We’ve visited lake Carezza a bunch of times, and I can confidently say that it looks the best when the weather is sunny and all the ice on the lake has melted.

4. Lago di Garda

Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, is a must-visit destination thanks to its dazzling blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and endless outdoor activities. Surrounded by majestic mountains to the north and gentle hills to the south, its crystal-clear waters shimmer against charming lakeside towns like Sirmione, Limone sul Garda, and Malcesine

There is so much to do here! Enjoy water sports and vineyard tours to savoring local gelato on waterfront promenades, go to theme parks, hike in the mountains, or just enjoy the views on from a lake-side cafe.

Lake Garda’s blend of relaxation and adventure is unmatched. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking scenery, charming villages, or authentic Italian hospitality, Lake Garda promises unforgettable moments and showcases the best of northern Italy.

5. Lago di Sorapis

Are lakes with milky-blue waters real? Yes, one would be the famous lake Sorapis in the Dolomites! Lago di Sorapis gets its incredible color from the glacier meltwaters bringing in limestone in the lake.

To reach the lake, you need to embark on a moderate and, at times, a bit scary hike, but boy, is the effort worth it.

It’s famous, thus it gets very crowded, but I still think visiting lago di Sorapis is worth it. I just love the color.

6. Lago di Braies

The Pearl of the Dolomites – lago di Braies is the most Instagrammed lake in Italy. Which, if you didn’t get the hint, makes it very crowded.

But the crystal-clear emerald waters framed by soaring mountains and lush forests make up for the crowds, at least for us. Visiting Lake Braies offers an incredibly picturesque atmosphere, especially at sunrise or sunset when crowds are thin and the light is perfect.

There are also loads of activities in the area, both in the summer and in the winter. Hiking, boating, biking – choose what you wish, and enjoy just the views.

7. Lago di Anterselva

In my opinion, lago di Anterselva is the perfect, less crowded alternative to lago di Braies.

Similar water colors, huge mountains around, and quite a few activities to do in the area.

We stopped here pretty much by accident on our way to Val Gardena in the Dolomites – the highway was completely blocked so the GPS sent us on a different route. We saw lake Anterselva while waiting at a traffic light on the border of Italy and Austria (yes, really) and decided to stop.

And we’re happy we did!

8. Lago d’Idro

This is another little hidden gem lost in the mountains near lake Garda. The lake is very much not famous, but it is lovely.

We stopped just on the side of lake Idro at a lovely little promenade, but I wish we had time to explore some of the more interesting things to do around it. For example, a 15th century fort built by Venetians and renovated by Napoleon!

Or just spend longer admiring the views. Oh well, next time!

9. Lago di Ledro

Between Lago d’Idro and Lago di Garda, there is a tiny but mighty lake Ledro.

Why mighty, you ask?

Because it has that completely incredible turquoise green water, and there are so many activities that you can do here! And as a cherry on top, it’s almost unknown to your typical tourist.

If you’re looking for your perfect tranquil mountain lake escape, go here in the summer. Swimming, water sports, hiking, cycling, and even culture and history (the Ledro Valley museum teaches about prehistoric pile dwellings and learn about ancient lake settlements).

10. Lago di Misurina

The calmness of the lake, the yellow building that stands out, and the backdrop of the dramatic Cadini di Misurina makes for your postcard perfect picture.

Misurina lake is also famous, of course, but for some reason, you don’t really get the incredible crowds near it.

It’s easy to visit – the lake is just on the way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. A short stop, or maybe a stroll around the lake, or a bit of rowing, and you’ve managed to enjoy the best there is at lake Misurina.

11. Lago di Antorno

Lake Antorno is another one of the most overlooked lakes in the Dolomites. Which is a shame, because it’s just on the side of the road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, with a free parking lot just by it.

It’s a small alpine lake, surrounded by grasses and trees, with a nice view of the mountains of the Tre Cime on one side and the Cadini di Misurina on the other.  

This peaceful setting makes it an ideal stop for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking a calm retreat away from the more crowded lakes in the area. I’ve also seen joggers run around the lake and people having picnics.

Lago d’Antorno is also a starting point for many hikes. For example, if you do not want to pay the toll for the road to Rifugio Auronzo, this is where you’d park your car – you can hike up to Tre Cime. Other than that, you can hike to, for example, Mount Sorapiss, Prato Piazza, Mount Piana, and Val Fiscalina.

A map of the lakes

In conclusion

The lakes in Italy are incredible, for sure. Which one of these did you like the most? Or maybe I actually didn’t mention your favorite one?

To be fair, I could have filled the list with the lakes of the Dolomites. Landro, Dobbiaco, Valparola, Valdaora… there are so many that I love.

And, as I said, visiting all of the lakes on my list can make for a marvelous road trip. Contact me if you’d like to have an itinerary of them!