Posted by The biggest Italian lakes are not only important geographical features, but also major
tourist destinations with historic towns, islands and mountain scenery.Below you’ll find a clear ranking of the largest lakes in Italy,
based on surface area, including practical travel context and internal links.
How lake size is measured
The size of a lake is measured by its surface area (square kilometers).
Some Italian lakes cross national borders, but in this ranking only the
Italian share of the lake is considered.
Top 10 largest lakes in Italy
| # | Lake | Area | Region(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Garda | 370 km² | Veneto, Lombardy, Trentino-South Tyrol | Largest lake in Italy |
| 2 | Lake Maggiore | 212 km² (Italian part) | Piedmont, Lombardy | Shared with Switzerland |
| 3 | Lake Como | 146 km² | Lombardy | Very deep, famous scenery |
| 4 | Lake Trasimeno | 128 km² | Umbria | Largest lake in central Italy |
| 5 | Lake Bolsena | 114 km² | Lazio | Volcanic lake |
| 6 | Lake Iseo | 65 km² | Lombardy | Monte Isola in the center |
| 7 | Lake Lugano | 48 km² (Italian part) | Lombardy | Shared with Switzerland |
| 8 | Lake Orta | 18 km² | Piedmont | Small but scenic |
Lake Garda – the largest lake in Italy
Lake Garda is by far the largest lake in Italy.
It stretches across three regions and offers a mix of Mediterranean
climate in the south and alpine landscapes in the north.
Popular towns around the lake include Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda,
Riva del Garda and Malcesine.
Lake Maggiore and its islands
Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy.
Its Italian part lies mainly in Piedmont and Lombardy.
The lake is especially famous for the Borromean Islands.
Lake Como – deep and dramatic
Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe and
one of the most elegant destinations in northern Italy.
Well-known towns include Como, Bellagio and Varenna.
Largest lakes in central and southern Italy
While northern Italy dominates in terms of large lakes,
central Italy also has important examples.
- Lake Trasimeno – largest lake in central Italy
- Lake Bolsena – volcanic lake north of Rome
Lake tours & boat trips in Italy
Many Italian lakes offer boat tours, island excursions and guided activities,
especially on Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
Hotels at Italy’s lakes
Lakeside towns are very popular in spring and summer.
Booking accommodation early is highly recommended.
FAQ: Largest lakes in Italy
What is the largest lake in Italy?
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy with an area of about 370 km².
Which Italian lake is the deepest?
Lake Como is the deepest lake in Italy, with a maximum depth of over 400 meters.
Are there large lakes in southern Italy?
Southern Italy has fewer large lakes.
Most of the biggest lakes are located in northern and central regions