What to see and do around Lakes Como, Garda, and Maggiore?

Hi there, What are the best things to do around Lakes Como, Garda, and Maggiore? Thanks

Hello What to do around Lakes Como, Garda, and Maggiore? Thanks

A full tour each time. On Lake Garda, you can find a ferry shuttle that does the whole loop in a day with stops at the interesting spots. Lake Como is a bit trickier—Bellagio is a must—and Lake Maggiore is huge.

Lake Maggiore: the Borromean Islands, of course, the old port of Cannero Riviera, and the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.

Just west of Lake Maggiore, there’s Lake Orta with its beautiful monastery on an island (Isola San Giulio).

To travel from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como, the most efficient route on the northern side is via Lugano. There’s a lovely viewpoint from the top of the funicular near San Lorenzo Cathedral. To the east, on the way to Lake Como, there’s a stunning lakeside village (Gandria). Around Lugano, you’ll also find the Scherrer Gardens in Morcote, as well as the Swissminiatur park if that’s your kind of thing.

Don’t underestimate travel time in this region. There’s so much to see everywhere, and the roads can get busy.

Good evening, The answer to your question could fill a guidebook: "The Italian Lakes." Such a guidebook probably exists or has existed, I think. More modestly, I’ll point you to one place and a few nearby activities. Riva del Garda (at the very north of Lake Garda). Three outdoor activities to try: 1- Strada del Ponale. An old road now converted into a pedestrian and cycling path. Best done in the morning. 2- Arco Castle (5 km north of Riva del Garda). Medieval, very ruined... but what a site! It’s fascinated travelers for ages—Albrecht Dürer even painted it, and the work is now in the Louvre. Photo taken from Arco’s public park.



3- 10 km north of Arco, an area called the "Marocche di Dro" (the largest landslide zone in the Alps). You can see dinosaur footprints there—and real ones, not casts, which isn’t all that common.

More precise info is available on-site.

For #3 (free), you’ll likely have the place to yourself, which would be surprising for #1 (free) and #2 (paid).

Good evening, You could spend your whole life around these three lakes. If you let us know what you're interested in—what you enjoy doing (hiking? Culture? Relaxing? Leisurely strolls with your nose in the breeze?...)—and how much time you have, it’ll be easier to tailor the answers or even just feel like responding in the first place. Catherine