Posted by it is the deepest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe.
In this article you’ll find a clear explanation, a comparison with other large
Italian lakes and useful travel links.
Which is the deepest lake in Italy?
The deepest lake in Italy is Lake Como (Lago di Como).
Its maximum depth reaches approximately 425 metres.
This makes Lake Como not only the deepest lake in Italy,
but also one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe.
Due to its extreme depth, parts of the lake bottom lie
below sea level,
a rare geographical feature shared with only a few lakes worldwide.
Why is Lake Como so deep?
Lake Como was formed by glacial erosion during the Ice Ages.
Massive glaciers carved a steep, narrow basin into the Alpine landscape,
creating extraordinary depths compared to most other Italian lakes.
The lake’s characteristic Y-shape is another result of this glacial origin,
with very steep underwater slopes close to the shoreline.
Depth comparison: Italy’s deepest lakes
| Lake | Maximum depth | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Como | 425 m | Lombardy |
| Lake Maggiore | 372 m | Lombardy / Piedmont |
| Lake Garda | 346 m | Lombardy / Veneto / Trentino |
| Lake Iseo | 251 m | Lombardy |
| Lake Lugano | 288 m | Lombardy / Switzerland |
Deepest lake on an Italian island
On the Italian islands, lakes are generally much shallower.
The deepest lake on an Italian island is
Lake Biviere di Gela in Sicily,
although it is far from the Alpine depths of northern Italy.
Volcanic island lakes, such as those on Sicily,
are typically wide but relatively shallow compared to glacial lakes.
Lake Como as a travel destination
Beyond its record depth, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most elegant
travel destinations. Historic villas, dramatic mountain backdrops
and charming towns attract visitors year-round.
Lake Como tours & experiences
Boat cruises are the best way to experience the dramatic depth and scenery
of Lake Como from the water.
Hotels near Italy’s deepest lake
Staying directly on the lakeshore allows you to enjoy Lake Como’s
scenery early in the morning or late in the evening.
FAQ: Deepest lake in Italy
What is the deepest lake in Italy?
Lake Como, with a maximum depth of about 425 metres.
Is Lake Como deeper than Lake Garda?
Yes. Lake Como is almost 80 metres deeper than Lake Garda.
Does any Italian lake reach the depth of Lake Baikal?
No. Lake Baikal is over 1,600 metres deep and far exceeds any European lake.