6 Hidden Waterways That Rival Italy's Famous Lakes

The allure of Italy’s lake region stretches back to Roman times, when nobles retreated to the mirrored waters of Lake Como and Lake Garda to escape the southern heat. In the late 19th century, well-heeled aristocrats and artists began holidaying in the region, transforming it into one of Europe’s most prestigious destinations. These days, visitors still flock to the country’s most popular lakes, arriving in their millions each year. But Italy is dotted with lesser-known lakes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls, offering travellers a chance to cool off, spend time in nature and find peaceful moments away from the crowds.

1. Mincio River, Lombardy

Best for: scenic cycle routes

Flowing south from Lake Garda, the Mincio River snakes some 46 miles through Lombardy before it forms three lakes around the Renaissance town of Mantua. For cyclists, a scenic 28-mile path follows the course of the river, starting at Peschiera del Garda (at the mouth of Lake Garda, located around a half-an-hour drive from Verona airport). Winding past fields of poppies, ancient fortifications and some of Italy’s most beautiful villages, the cycle path is known as the longest ‘green motorway’ in the country. Stop off at Valeggio sul Mincio to refuel with a plate of the local speciality: meat tortellini, typically served in a clear broth. In Mantua, explore the grand palazzos, cobbled piazzas and the three surrounding lakes — Superiore, Mezzo and Inferiore — which were engineered in the 12th century to protect the city. Today, the lakes offer activities such as boating and kayaking.

2. Northern Lagoon, Veneto

Best for: quiet canal journeys

The city of Venice is made up of 118 islands spread across the Venetian Lagoon, in the Adriatic Sea. The islands of Murano and Lido are well-trodden, but travellers who head further north will reach a world that’s far removed from popular sights such as Venice’s St Mark’s Square. Here, narrow canals open out to the wider lagoon, where fisherfolk catch soft-shell crabs and goby (a small, local fish often served in risotto) from the mudbanks. On the island of Torcello (easily accessible using Venice’s vaporetti waterbus system), visitors can stroll along the quiet walkway to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, with its depiction of the Last Judgement on its west wall and precious Byzantine mosaics. Dating back to 639 CE, it’s the oldest church in the Venetian Lagoon.

3. Lakes of Porcile, Lombardy

Best for: high-altitude hikes

Tucked away in the Orobie Alps of Lombardy is a trio of lakes that could be Italy’s best-kept secret. Just over an hour and a half’s drive north east of Lake Como, the Lakes of Porcile offer a much more off-grid experience. Found at over 2,000 metres above sea level, the mountain lakes have stunning views, with snow-capped peaks framing their emerald waters. For hikers, there are routes around each lake of varying difficulty levels. A good base is the Alpine village of Tartano, known not only for its pastoral setting, but also for its 234-metre-long Tibetan bridge, Ponte nel Cielo (‘bridge in the sky’), which hangs a hair-raising 140 metres above the valley floor. Travellers can cross the bridge year-round for far-reaching views of the Campo Pass, the Rhaetian Alps and the Orobic Valley.

4. Torrente Fer, Aosta Valley

Best for: adrenaline-fuelled activities

Located on the border with Piedmont in Italy’s northwest corner, this gurgling river forms natural pools and waterfalls that run between smooth boulders and jagged rocks. It’s a popular spot for wild swimming and canyoning, and travellers can follow the water’s banks to find quieter spots in the summer months. With its high drops and deep canyons, Torrente Fer is also popular with cliff divers, although hiring a local guide is recommended. Use nearby Donnas as a base and, after spending the day in and around the water, head back to town to try one of the region’s famous barolo or barbaresco wines, made from the local nebbiolo grape.

5. Lake Bolsena, Alto Lazio

Best for: undisturbed lake swims

It might be the largest volcanic lake in Europe, but Lake Bolsena, just under a two-hour drive north of Rome, still has an undiscovered air about it. Stretching almost eight miles long and seven miles wide, the lake is fringed by black sands and historic villages. It’s a beloved weekend spot for Romans and is lauded as one of the cleanest lakes in Italy. Much of its allure comes from its crystal-clear waters and quiet beaches, including Capodimonte. From here, visitors can take a ferry to the now-uninhabited Bisentina Island, mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Guided tours allow travellers to explore the island’s distinct volcanic topography and ancient chapels.

6. Lake Idro, Brescia and Trento

Best for: tranquil beach days

This seven-mile glacial lake, bordering the provinces of Brescia and Trento, sits to the west of Lake Garda and is easily accessible from airports in Milan or Verona. Surrounded by verdant mountains and pretty meadows, Lake Idro is a calm setting where time moves slowly. With speed restrictions on motorboats in place on the lake, it’s ideal for water-based activities, such as standup paddleboarding and windsurfing. Natural beaches surrounding the lake, such as Vesta Beach, beckons swimmers with their turquoise waters. On the lake’s western side, visitors can tour Rocca D’Anfo, a military fortress built by Venetians in the 15^th century. In the northern part of the lake, travellers can wander the boardwalks criss-crossing the provincial nature reserve in Baitoni and spot migratory birds drifting overhead.