Lago d’Iseo: The Most Beautiful and Romantic Lake in Italy

Lake Como and Lake Garda get most of the love when it comes to lakes in Italy.

And Lake Maggiore is pretty popular too.

Lago d’Iseo, however, is one that you don’t hear as much about.

That’s too bad.

Because Lake Iseo is beautiful.

It’s smaller and more intimate.

The local tourism board calls it the “romantic lake.”

I agree that it has the feel about it.

Even in the overcast and sometimes rainy weather that I’ve experienced, this lake is still breath taking.

Let’s find out more about Lake Iseo.

 

Where is Lago d’Iseo?

This lake is located in the Lombardy (Lombardia) region of Northern Italy which is also the home of Milan (Milano).

It sits in between Lago di Como and Lago di Garda in the Val Camonica.

And it’s about a 2 hour drive from Milano so the Milanese definitely know Lago d’Iseo.

The lake is the 4th largest lake in Italy and is fed by the Oglio River.

 

Monte Isola

One of the best things about Lago d’Iseo is Monte Isola.

Monte Isola is an island that sits in the middle of the lake.

It’s actually inhabited by about 2000 people.

There are no cars on the island except for the little municipal busses that transport folks around.

But the locals are permitted to have scooters to make their way around the island.

Monte Isola though, is about the natural world.

Yes, there are a few small villages where many of the folks live.

However, there are lots of trees and — since it’s Italy — some grapevines.

There is a nice array of nature trails to walk on and biking is also a way to see the island.

This hill or mountain of an island — depending on your perspective — has a sanctuary/church at the top.

So you can hike up it in about an hour and a half and take in some stunning views of Lago d’Iseo and the surrounding landscape.

And then you can come back from your walk or bike ride and enjoy one of the small towns along the shores of the lake.

 

So, what is there to do at Lago d’Iseo?

Lots!

Ferries run between the towns along the shores plus out to Monte Isola.

So you can spend time wandering about some charming as hell towns and villages, many of which have historical centers to them.

Towns such as Iseo, Sulzano, Clusane, Sarnico, Lovere and Pisogne are wonderful places to wander about then have a drink, a meal or a gelato along the water, taking in the views.

Even the towns on Monte Isola are delightful.

I quite like Pescheria Maraglio on the island.

There are trails everywhere for walking, hiking and biking in the area.

And you can, of course, get out on the water — kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, diving and fishing.

There are also opportunities to do some canyoning and rock climbing.

So, if you’re an active person, Lago d’Iseo has you covered.

But even if you’re not, there is a lot of culture here.

Churches are in every town — because this is Italy.

In those churches you’ll typically find some art work — because this is Italy.

And there are towers and castles too.

Pisogne has the Pisogne Tower and the Church of Santa Maria della Neve that has some amazing frescoes on the ceiling and walls.

The Sanctuaria della Madonna di Ceriola on top of Monte Isola is pretty special too.

You can also find some lovely nature preserves.

Whew!

And did I mention all the delicious food and the bubbly wine that is made nearby?

I’ll go into the Franciacorta vineyards, where they produce Italian bubbles in the same manner as champagne, in an upcoming post.

But I will just say that you will have plenty of delicious food to eat and wine to drink.

 

What makes Lake Iseo so special?

It’s hard for me to choose one thing.

I do think Monte Isola makes Lago d’Iseo special.

It’s a must for your time at Lake Iseo.

I also think the Franciacorta area, that is becoming more known for producing outstanding and very special sparkling wine, makes this lake unique.

The vines grow near the shore and I could see Lago d’Iseo from the vineyard I visited.

Just gorgeous!

I think for me it’s the fact that I didn’t run into 1 single American.

A few Germans.

And lots of Italians.

No offense to my fellow country people, but I like when I don’t encounter too many of you as I travel.

I enjoy being with the locals — even the locals who are not really local but from elsewhere in that country.

So I ran into Italians who were on their holidays at Lago d’Iseo from another part of Italy.

Love this!

Lago d’Iseo flies under the radar a bit and this is what ultimately makes it special.

 

Why I think you should visit Lago d’Iseo

Because it’s different.

It’s not Como or Garda.

It’s easy enough to get to from Milan or even from Venice or Verona.

Bologna is not far.

Even Florence is doable in a half day drive.

And there’s loads to do here that fit your interests.

So think outside the box for your Italy adventure.

Put Lake Iseo on your itinerary.

And enjoy the most beautiful, romantic lake in Italy.