The 10 best lakeside towns in Italy — from Como villas to volcanic crater villages

Italy has over 1,500 lakes. The famous ones (Como, Garda, Maggiore) are spectacular. The hidden ones (Orta, Bolsena, Scanno) might be better.

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1. Bellagio, Como — the "Pearl," villas, ferry hub. 2. Varenna, Como — the local's choice, Villa Monastero. 3. Sirmione, Garda — Roman ruins on a peninsula. 4. Limone sul Garda — lemon terraces, cliff-face bike path. 5. Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta — Piedmont's secret gem, island monastery. 6. Stresa, Lake Maggiore — Borromean Islands boat (€18). 7. Torbole, Garda — windsurfing, mountain backdrop. 8. Bolsena, Lazio — volcanic lake, eucharistic miracle, eels. 9. Scanno, Abruzzo — heart-shaped lake, goldwork tradition. 10. Anguillara Sabazia, Lazio — on Lake Bracciano, 30 min from Rome, Sunday lunch destination.

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