Holiday houses at the Italian Lakes & holiday apartments at the Italian Lakes

Idyllic escapes to a holiday home on one of the beautiful Italian lakes

A holiday home gives you the best opportunity to make the most of the northern Italian lakes, unbound by the regimen of tour groups and with a level of privacy impossible at a hotel. This spectacular region spread beneath the mighty Dolomites, has been dazzling vistiors for over a century with its rare combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern comforts.

Live a holiday straight out of an old book

The beauty of Lake Garda has inspired poets and writers for generations, and visiting today can still feel like dipping into a 19th-century novel. Overshadowed by the towering Dolomite mountains, Garda is crested by lush trees in the north and historic settlements, such as Peschiera del Garda, which surround its southern banks. The natural diversity of Lake Garda is equalled by the variety of activities on offer, from a leisurely boat trip from beautiful Lazise, to water sports in western Moniga del Garda, or a stroll around Manerba del Garda's weekly markets.

Leave the flat and head to the heavens

Lake Como is another of the Italian lakes known for its natural beauty, and is an ideal place to rent a holiday apartment. There are peaceful coves and calm beaches, ideal for lounging with a book and keeping an eye on children. You can also take a trip to the stunning surrounding hills (by foot or funicular) for breathtaking views over the lake, or towards the sweeping landscapes Como shares with the nearby Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano.

Live like a local

As well as offering similarly stunning opportunities for everything from hand gliding and windsurfing to horseback riding and mountain biking, settlements around Lake Ledro, Lake Iseo, Lake Orta and numerous other spots are ideal for renting a holiday apartment, as you'll be based in the heart of the location with the freedom to explore at your own speed, take a coffee or gelato with the locals, or simply take in the landscape.

Neighbouring holiday regions Italian Lakes

• Lake Iseo
• Lombardy
• Brescia Province
• Italian Alps
• Lecco and the surrounding area
• Monte Isola
• Adda
• Brembana
• Bergamasque Alps
• Val Camonica