Family holidays to the Italian Lakes
Travelling with kids can be rather daunting; especially if your family is one of mixed sexes and with various ages from baby, toddler as well as a long faced teen that would rather stay home alone than be seen out anywhere with the family; well perhaps your trip to the Italian Lakes will bring a smile to all of their faces! There are plenty of lakes all over Italy, but here the phrase refers specifically to an area in the north, where a string of narrow glacial lakes lies interspersed between the Prealpine foothills, straddling the border with Switzerland. More information about the lakes follows below where you can check out what each has to offer your family.
Family days out and attractions in the Italian Lakes
Italy’s mountain-ringed lakes may all look alike in the brochures but they definitely aren’t as each has its own distinct personality! From west to east we have; Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Como and Lake Garda with several minor ones as well. The region offers classic images of Italy: balconies over blue water, sleepy cobblestone villages and very pretty countryside.
Lake Garda - Is located at the rugged foot of the Dolomites, is clean enough to swim in and has the best public transport system with a regular bus service and several ferries crossing the water allowing you to explore the region. Kids will enjoy the theme park, castles and the revolving aerial tramway up Monte Baldo as well as all of the water sports available here.
Lake Como - The most romantic of the lakes with Bellagio which has been called the most beautiful town in Italy with tropical gardens of oleanders and lime trees, a fabulous mid-lake location and myriad of cobbled alleyways is located here.
Lake Maggiore - Choose this lake if you like exploring and shopping with discount outlets and the elegant shops of classy Stresa. The Borromean Islands; Isola Bella and Isola Madre are a good day trip as is Cannobio, a well-mannered town in the mountains.
Lake Lugano - Bush walking; including a full-day trail into the hidden Valle di Muggio awaits your family here; and you can get there by a scenic rack-railway from the Swiss village of Capolago. The views are out of this world, extending as far as the Matterhorn on one side and Milan on the other.
Whichever lake you chose;trains run from Milan’s Centrale station to towns on Garda, Como and Maggiore, and getting around the three larger lakes is easy via ferries and faster hydrofoils.
Child friendly accommodation and places to stay in the Italian Lakes
There are lots of great places to stay with your family in the Italian Lakes region of the country including camping grounds for those that enjoy the fresh air and it may be perfect for that moody teen. But then again; who knows perhaps a family- oriented apartment complex may be better!
Palazzo Belvedere - Offers high-quality, self-catering apartments set in a nice garden about 1km uphill from Desenzano; a busy Italian town at the southern end of the lake or you could stay at the
Hotel Centrale, Riva - close to the northern shore of the lake.
Or if accommodation with ready-made children's activities is more your family’s thing, then Keycamp at the Bella Italia site, just east of Desenzano is perfect for you! As well as two huge pools, it also provides free 'Funstation' sessions for over 10s with activities ranging from tennis and football to t-shirt making, music and quizzes. Divine!
Family restaurants in the Italian Lakes and cuisine
If you are staying in self-catering accommodation why not have the kids help cook up a traditional Northern Italian feast? Try some fresh pasta tossed with delicate olive oil, mushrooms, and trout from the alpine lakes and streams. Or have a go at cooking polenta? There are two things that definitely set this cuisine apart; the breads which often laced with onion, garlic, or herbs and the tasty cheeses! Many are simply called nostrano; translated our local homemade cheese, such as malga which is made with the summer milk from cows that graze in the highest valleys of the region.
Italian Lakes - useful tips
The Italian Lakes are blessed with their favorable location and usually enjoy lots of sunny days with temperatures that are generally on the mild side. None the less, it can be a bit chilly especially in the evening, so it is advisable to take a sweater no matter what time of year you travel. The naturally beautiful landscapes of the Italian lakes holiday district offer some really brilliant panoramic views that will take your breathe away no matter what time of year it is. Some people enjoy Italian lakes holidays purely for the peace and quiet with others going for the thrill of water sports, hiking and good old fashioned fun!
