Como or Maggiore? The lowdown on these Italian lakes

On Lake Como, you can visit grand homes and colourful gardens to see how the rich and famous lived the high life when they holidayed here in days gone by. And you’ll soon see what attracted them – this wishbone-shaped lake has wow-worthy looks, with its mountain-lined shores and dark blue waters.

On the Bellagio peninsula, you’ve got wrap-around lake views and a maze of cobbled alleyways to explore. Days in Menaggio and Tremezzo are best spent camera-clicking your way around age-old churches, villas and piazzas. And you'll want to get a taste of these places in the literal sense too – speciality wines and olive oils, locally-caught fish and creamy gelato will all add flavour to your trip. 

Italy’s second biggest lake after Garda, Maggiore’s backed by green hills around the south and the Swiss Alps in the north. And some of the most popular places to visit are dotted along the western shore, so you won’t need to go far to see the highlights.

Terracotta-roofed Baveno is all about leisurely lunching and promenade strolling, and in neighbouring Stresa, you can café-hop between its trio of piazzas. Then there are the stars of the lake, the Borromean Islands – and from lavish palaces to a centuries-old fishing village, each one is a must-visit.

Grand houses are ten a penny here, and lots have impressive gardens to match – especially Villa Carlotta. It's got terraces and formal flower beds out front and, on the hillside above, paths lined with ferns and flowering shrubs climb to a viewpoint looking out over the gardens and lake. Another fave is Villa Melzi – it’s just outside Bellagio and has over 50 varieties of trees, with plenty of shaded walks snaking between them.

With their picture-perfect looks, it’s easy to see why the gardens here have featured in films like James Bond and Star Wars. And you can take a guided tour inside the villa too, where you’ll learn how it started life as a monastery and was then the home of explorer Guido Monzino. Nowadays, each room is filled with fascinating antiques and artefacts from his travels, including the sled he used to reach the North Pole.

Vezio castle was built in the 11th century, and thanks to its hilltop spot, it’s still one of the best lookouts on the lake. And the views aren’t the only reason to visit either. Don’t miss the birds of prey that live in the grounds and take to the skies for daily falconry displays. Then after visiting the castle, walk down to Varenna village below to lunch on fresh lake fish. The local speciality is missoltino – a type of sardine that’s salted, fried and tastes great with a simple salad and a side of warm bread.

Each of Lake Maggiore’s islands is special for a different reason. Isola Bella is all about opulence, from the Baroque palace to its multi-tiered gardens that were inspired by the decks of a ship. On Isola dei Pescatori, you can wander around a centuries-old fishing community and sample the best seafood around. And over on Isola Madre, the botanical garden is the highlight, with its collection of plants from every corner of the world.

Whether you’re tucking into fish fresh from the grill at a waterside restaurant or savouring risotto in a rustic trattoria, Maggiore is a foodie’s dream. And you’re also in one of Italy’s best wine-making regions, so you can enjoy a glass of something special with every meal too. To really treat your tastebuds, you could even book a tasting evening to sample the best local vintages and learn the art of pairing wine with food.

If you hop on a train in Stresa, you can be in Milan in just over an hour. So make the most of speedy links to Italy’s most cosmopolitan city and spend a day filling up on fashion and culture by visiting boutiques, galleries and museums. One must-see sight is the Duomo Milan – it’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and because of its over-the-top design, it took over 600 years to complete.

With gardens, terraces and an outdoor pool, the stylish Hotel Grand has heaps of spots where you can relax. And it’s right by the water’s edge, so you’ll have front-row lake views while you’re unwinding in the sun. Then later on, you can cap off your day with an al fresco dinner at the hotel’s à la carte restaurant.

If you're after authentic Italian hospitality – complete with a terrace restaurant and a top-notch ice-cream parlour – then you should check out this spot in Bellagio. A family-run hotel right in the centre of town, the Excelsior Splendide has incredible views over Lake Como, and its terrace garden and outdoor pool area offers an ideal space to kick back and relax.

This lakeside stay is all about friendly, family-run service – and the building’s pretty special too. It was originally a 19th-century villa and it still has many of its original features, like frescoes painted on the walls and polished parquet floors. But the highlight is the roof terrace, where you can take in views out over the lake beyond.

You’re onto a winner here when it comes to hotel pools, with two scenic swim spots to choose from. There’s a peaceful pool surrounded by plants in the terraced gardens, but our fave is the one on the rooftop, where you’ve got 360-degree views and a bar on hand for a cocktail or two. And the perks don’t end there – all the rooms come with their own private balcony too.

The Hotel Grand definitely lives up to its name. The rooms are decked out with marble floors and antique furniture, and it’s the same story outside, with gardens fit for a stately home waiting to be explored. Stroll along gravel paths past colourful rhododendron bushes and classical statues, or simply sit back and take it all in with afternoon tea on the sun terrace.

For a more traditional stay in Stresa, the Hotel Della Torre is a popular pick. A large pool takes centre stage in its lush green garden, where a pool bar can keep you feeling sweet and satisfied with snacks and drinks. It's a short, pleasant walk down to the lakeside from here, and heading back after a day out you can expect top-tier Italian fare from the hotel restaurant.