Top 20 Lakes around Piedmont

Piedmont's lakes are characterized by diverse natural beauty. Lake Maggiore boasts breathtaking scenery with blue waters reflecting historic villages, grand villas, and the majestic Pennine and Lepontine Alps. Lake Orta offers serene landscapes surrounded by mountains. Lake Viverone is a glacial lake with clear waters and rich vegetation, important for migrating birds. Lake Mergozzo is renowned for its pristine, crystal-clear waters due to the absence of motorboats.

Lake Mergozzo is considered one of Italy's cleanest lakes, perfect for swimming and non-motorized water sports. Lake Viverone also has clear, transparent waters suitable for swimming. On Lake Maggiore, locations like Cannobio, Cannero Riviera, and Verbania have received Blue Flag awards for their water purity and facility standards.

Around Lake Maggiore, you can visit the famous Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella and Isola Madre with their palaces and gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori. Charming lakeside towns like Stresa, Arona, and Cannobio offer historic centers and elegant villas. Lake Orta features the medieval village of Orta San Giulio and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sacro Monte d'Orta. Lake Viverone is home to a UNESCO-listed Bronze Age stilt village, while the historic village of Mergozzo offers narrow alleyways and a Civic Archaeological Museum.

Many lakes offer excellent opportunities for water sports. On Lake Maggiore, you can enjoy boat cruises, sailing, canoeing, and water skiing. Lake Viverone is popular for swimming, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. Lake Mergozzo's calm, pristine waters are ideal for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. Lake Orta's excellent environmental quality also makes its beaches suitable for swimming.

Yes, there are numerous trails and promenades. Around Lake Maggiore, visitors can enjoy strolling along scenic promenades and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Lake Viverone features a 6.5-mile trail that circles the lake, offering views of the Alps. Lake Mergozzo, nestled near the Val Grande National Park, provides beautiful natural surroundings and opportunities for hiking.

Lake Orta is often described as Piedmont's most romantic and intimate lake, known for its quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to larger lakes. It's ideal for those seeking relaxation and authentic Italian charm. Lake Mergozzo also offers a peaceful escape, away from mass tourism, with tranquil beaches and a charming historic village.

Beyond water activities, the region around Piedmont's lakes offers diverse outdoor pursuits. You can explore various cycling routes, including challenging mountain biking trails and scenic gravel biking paths. For more details on routes, you can check out guides like Gravel biking around Piedmont, Cycling around Piedmont, and MTB Trails around Piedmont.

Yes, Lake Viverone is particularly notable for its archaeological importance. It is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the remains of a submerged Bronze Age stilt village, with around 5,000 wooden stakes that once supported huts above the water.

Lake Viverone is an important area for migrating birds, with a dedicated observation tower available for birdwatching enthusiasts. Its rich vegetation, particularly in the southern and western parts, provides a suitable habitat for various bird species.

On the Piedmontese side of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is known for its refined waterfront and Belle Époque hotels. Arona offers lakeside boutiques, cafes, and the colossal San Carlo Borromeo statue. Cannobio features a medieval center, a lively Sunday market, and a wide sandy beach. Verbania, known as the 'Garden on the Lake,' boasts beautiful gardens like Villa Taranto.

Lake Orta is unique among most Alpine lakes because its waters flow northbound. It is also entirely within Piedmont, offering a more intimate and serene experience compared to its larger neighbors. Its charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio and the spiritual Island of San Giulio contribute to its distinct romantic appeal.

Yes, the hills surrounding Lake Viverone are home to vineyards that cultivate Erbaluce di Caluso grapes, producing a dry, fresh white wine. This offers an opportunity to explore local wine production in addition to the natural beauty of the lake.