Spoilt for choice on a lakes escape

Kiki Deere introduces this sublime Italian region and outlines what’s on offer for holidaymakers – from glamour and romance to culture and adventure

The Romans were first to see the potential of the Italian lakes as a holiday destination. They built their sumptuous villas in some of the prime positions around Como and Garda, where the southern foothills of the Alps sweep down towards the Mediterranean and the fertile plains of northern Italy, forming some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Modern tourism has transformed the towns, but the lakes, mountains and views are as beautiful as they were 2,000 years ago, and the villages, Baroque gardens and lakeside hotels are still wonderful places to enjoy a holiday, especially during the long, warm autumn.

Spread out over four of Italy’s northern regions – Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige – the lakes extend north of Milan and stretch to Verona, varying enormously in size and setting. The westernmost, Lake Orta, is a gorgeous little slice of deepblue water harbouring one of the country’s prettiest medieval villages, Orta San Giulio. A short drive away is the longest, Lake Maggiore, which extends north across the Swiss border. East lies modish Lake Como, lined with opulent villas and glitzy hotels. Further east still is Lake Iseo, the least well-known of the five, while the largest of all, Lake Garda, is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations.

So how do you choose the right READER OFFER

Explore the Italian lakes over eight days on an escorted tour from £849pp: telegraph. co.uk/tt-italylakes one for you? Those after a little romantic corner may favour Lake Orta or Lake Como. Outdoorsy types should head to the northern shores of Lake Garda for canyoning and kite surfing, while Lake Iseo is ideal for hikers and cyclists. Nature and culture lovers in search of a quiet break will find a solution on Lake Maggiore’s peaceful shores. Size might also determine the length of your stay. Little Orta and Iseo work well as short-break destinations, while Como, Maggiore and Garda require longer stays to explore.

There are other aspects to consider, too. Here is our guide to the five key lakes along with our recommended hotels to suit both higher and lower budgets – rates quoted are per room per night and vary according to date and demand. Follow the links given for full reviews on our website.

The most exclusive of the lakes, this is a trendy destination with luxurious hotels and modish restaurants lining the shores, and a generous sprinkling of celebrity visitors, including Madonna, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The elegant town of Como on the lake’s southern shore comprises a walled old quarter with pretty narrow lanes lined with boutiques, open-air cafés and restaurants. From here steamers head north from one wooded mountain slope to another, passing one of Lake Como’s most attractive houses, the 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, the setting for the remake of Casino Royale. Further north is Villa Carlotta, a pink and white grand house where the main attraction is the spectacular 14-acre garden where camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas tumble towards the waterfront.

The resort of Menaggio has an attractive centre and views across the water to Bellagio and Varenna, picturesque towns that are among the lake’s highlights. Fringed by cypresses, Bellagio sits on the tip of the Como and Lecco branches of the lake, while the romantic town of Varenna comprises a cluster of attractive houses nestled along a rocky shoreline.

About seven miles (12km) north of Menaggio is Dongo, where Benito Mussolini was captured by resistance partisans as he attempted to flee to Switzerland in 1945. The northern shores of Lake Como are largely off the tourist track, and there are excellent hiking opportunities, in particular around the town of Gravedona.

Where to stay

For a treat: Le Sereno –see our exclusive hotel review on page 5

For value: Hotel Belvedere is set above Bellagio among terraced gardens leading down to the lake. It opened its doors in 1880, and has since been run by five generations of women of the Martinelli family. From £112 (telegraph.co.uk/ tt-hotelbelvedere).

Nearest airports: Lecco is an hour from Bergamo airport; Como town is 45 minutes from Lugano and Milan Malpensa airports. For flight options and fares to this and all other airports listed below, see skyscanner.net. Lake Como attracts celebrities such as George Clooney and his wife Amal, right; Varenna is a highlight, below. Cover image: Limone sul Garda