Why September is a standout month to visit northern Italy

There’s over a thousand years of history on show in Sirmione, including the remains of the biggest Roman villa in northern Italy. Follow gravel paths to explore a 5-acre site filled with ancient rooms, courtyards and rows of columns – all backed by some of the best views on Lake Garda.

Bella, Pescatori and Madre – Lake Maggiore’s trio of islands dish up lush gardens, opulent palaces and an age-old fishing village chock-full of charm. Hop on a public ferry from Stresa to visit them all on your trip.

Italy’s headline theme park packs in over 35 attractions, from thrilling rollercoasters and flumes to Peppa Pig Land for the little ones. Castelnuovo’s the best base for Gardaland – and it’s also perfectly placed for visits to Caneva Aquapark and Movieland, with its cinema-inspired live shows.

Every year on the second Sunday in September, over 100 dinghies set sail to battle it out in Lake Garda’s biggest regatta. The crews cast off from Bogliaco (10 minutes’ bus ride from nearby Maderno), and there’s a carnival atmosphere as crowds gather to cheer the winning boats home.

Catch classical concerts at some of Lake Como’s most standout spots, like the grand Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. The shows are a great chance to see up-and-coming musical talents, and a portion of the ticket prices gets donated to local charities – now that’s a win-win.

This open-to-all event lets budding cyclists tackle the twisting roads that loop the dramatic Sella mountains. It’s a 50km circuit that takes in some of cycling’s most famous climbs. But if that sounds like too much hard work, you can always just join in the post-ride celebrations in Selva Val Gardena’s main square instead.