These are my two favourite lakes in Italy

Italy has its stunning sea, yes. But for me, the true magic often lies inland, in the mirror-like stillness of its lakes. It’s nearly impossible to choose a favourite—from the island-scattered beauty of Maggiore to the star-studded shores of Como, each has its own soul... But if I had to close my eyes and picture pure bliss, my heart would always settle on two: the majestic Lake Garda and the hidden, whisper-quiet Lake Orta.

Let me tell you why...

Lake Garda: Where Mountains Dive into Blue

The further north you travel on Garda’s western shore, the more the landscape begins to steal your breath. My personal sanctuary is Limone sul Garda—a town named for the lemons that once grew in cascading terraces against the cliffs. History feels alive here, in the old stone walls and the scent of citrus that still hangs in the air.

The evenings are when Limone truly casts its spell. Wandering the cobbled lanes of the old town as the sky softens into twilight, finding a café where you can dangle your feet in the cool, lapping water... it’s a special kind of peace. Across the lake, impossibly high mountains stand guard, their shadows stretching across the water.

My little slice of paradise there:

A Sunset Among Lemons: We found heaven at the Limonaia del Castel. Just before dusk, we wandered through this historic lemon greenhouse, now a living museum. The air was thick with the perfume of a thousand citrus blossoms, and the views over the lake were painted in gold. For a few euros, it felt like we’d bought a ticket to a secret garden.

A Walk Between Rock and Water: The cliffside promenade—Inizio percorso pedonale di Limone sul Garda—is a path where you feel wonderfully small. On one side, sheer rock face towers above; on the other, the vast, shimmering expanse of Garda stretches to the horizon. It’s a walk for the soul.

The Roaring Heart of the Mountain: But nothing could prepare me for Cascate del Varone. This isn’t just a waterfall; it’s a living, roaring cavern. You enter a cool, fern-draped gorge where the temperature plummets, a welcome respite from the summer sun. The mist soaks you to the skin, the thunder of water is all you can hear, and you feel the raw, ancient power of the earth in your bones. I stood there in my flip-flops and a flimsy poncho, utterly drenched and completely mesmerised.

Photos by: https://www.cascata-varone.com/it/

And just a whisper away, less than an hour’s drive, lies the Valpolicella region—a landscape of rolling vineyards known for its rich winemaking heritage. The shift from lakeside serenity to gentle hills is a beautiful part of the local tapestry... It’s a place I love dearly. If you're planning a visit and want personal tips for restaurants or local estates, feel free to ask here in the comments ;)

Lake Orta: A Hidden, Gentle Embrace

If Garda is dramatic, then Lake Orta is its gentle, shy sister. Tucked behind the more famous Maggiore, it feels like a secret the world hasn’t quite discovered. Our three days here were a lesson in slow, simple joy.

We stayed in a spot with its own pebbled beach—the profound peace of swimming in fresh, clear water, with no thought of anything but the sun on your back, is a gift. We rented a little boat, its putter the only sound breaking the silence, and spent a day lost on the water.

What made it magical:

Our Own Private Cove: We found a spot where a waterfall, fed by ice-cold mountain streams, cascaded directly into the lake. Swimming there, where the meltwater swirled with the warmer lake, was surreal. The water was so clear it felt like floating in light.

Evenings in Orta San Giulio: The main town is a postcard of quiet charm. We’d wander for an aperitivo, but honestly, we were lured back to our hotel’s restaurant every single night. It was helmed by a culinary maestro—his seafood pasta was a revelation so delicious it compelled me to buy his cookbook as a souvenir (and a few extra pounds were absolutely worth it).

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With love,

Your Ana Ka 🩷