Best lakes around Melzo. Melzo, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Milan, Lombardy, Italy, provides access to the region's pre-Alpine lakes. These lakes offer a range of attractions, including historic towns, watersports, and hiking opportunities. The natural landscape around Melzo features both large, well-known lakes and smaller, local water bodies.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
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The running route in Parco Idroscalo in Milan develops along a completely flat loop that surrounds the reservoir, with an official length of approximately 6.3 kilometers. It is one of the most frequented and appreciated routes by Milanese runners thanks to the total absence of cars and the green environment.
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It is possible to run along the ring path of the Idroscalo Park, which includes a scenic and evocative stretch dedicated to the Isola delle Rose within the Milanese park.
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At the Idroscalo you will find a path of over 6 km with ground markings. In short, you are spoiled for choice. Run amidst the greenery just a stone's throw from the city on a 6.3 km circuit. Then you can also take a dip at the lido.
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Dive into the Milanese summer with the free beach at Parco Idroscalo: relaxation, sun, and safety for the whole family. Free access, controlled waters, and constant supervision for a swimming experience truly tailored for adults and children. A lawn – free and open space – in Riviera Est where you can sunbathe and access the water. From May 30th to September 6th, 2026, you can also swim at Idroscalo – Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM – in an area supervised by lifeguards.
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A floating island connected to the mainland by two charming wooden bridges. It covers about 700 square meters and hosts over 15 varieties of roses. At the top of the island's staircase is the monument to the Resistance by Mario Robaudi.
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The Idroscalo of Milan, historically nicknamed the "sea of Milan", offers various options of lidos, swimming pools, and equipped beaches for those seeking relaxation, swimming, and sunbathing at the gates of the city. The basin's water is certified as clean and swimmable, regularly monitored by the competent authorities.
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L'Isola delle Rose is a picturesque islet and rose garden located within the Idroscalo park in Milan. It is a romantic oasis of 700 square meters surrounded by the lake's waters, where over 15 different varieties of roses bloom.
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The Museo Giovani Artisti exhibits traditional sculpture and contemporary environmental art in a public, free, open-air area. The Museum was born from the collaboration between the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, the Associazione Amici dell’Accademia di Brera, and the Istituzione Idroscalo, thanks to the support of Fondazione Cariplo. It is an international example of the valorization of youth creativity and talent. It is part of the training path for students of the Scuola di scultura dell’Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and is based on the analysis of the relationship between Art and Nature and between Art, Environment, and Landscape, proving to be an innovative permanent laboratory.
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For recreational activities, the Idroscalo of Milan is a top choice. Originally a seaplane landing, it's now a hub for sports like wakeboarding and offers cycle paths, parks, bars, and gyms. Increa Park also features an artificial lake and hosts sporting and recreational events.
Yes, several lakes near Melzo are great for families. The Idroscalo of Milan and Increa Park are both family-friendly, offering various activities and facilities. Oasi Olimpia provides equipped areas with tables, chairs, and grills, and opportunities for observing wildlife. Salto del Gatto Pond with Swans is another spot with a beach and barbeque area, popular with families.
The lakes around Melzo offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy watersports like wakeboarding at the Idroscalo of Milan, or scuba diving, freediving, and rowing at Oasi Olimpia. For cycling, there are numerous routes, including those along the Martesana Canal or the Adda River. You can find detailed cycling routes in the Cycling around Melzo guide. Mountain biking and gravel biking trails are also available; explore options in the MTB Trails around Melzo and Gravel biking around Melzo guides.
From Melzo, you can easily access several renowned pre-Alpine lakes. Lake Como, famous for its picturesque towns like Bellagio and historic villas, is a popular choice. Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, offers diverse landscapes and watersports. Lake Maggiore, with its stunning Borromean Islands, and the quieter Lake Iseo are also within reach, providing varied experiences from bustling towns to tranquil natural settings.
Yes, swimming is possible in some of the lakes. For instance, Salto del Gatto Pond with Swans has a beach area suitable for swimming. Many of the larger pre-Alpine lakes like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Iseo also offer designated swimming areas and beaches, especially during the warmer months.
The lakes near Melzo offer diverse natural features. You can find green areas and artificial lakes at Increa Park, which includes monumental plane trees. Le Foppe Oasis of Cavenago Brianza provides a peaceful natural environment around a small lake. The larger pre-Alpine lakes like Lake Como and Lake Garda are surrounded by lush mountains, offering stunning panoramic views and diverse flora, including olive trees and citrus groves.
If you're looking for a quieter experience, Le Foppe Oasis of Cavenago Brianza is a small lake surrounded by peaceful nature with benches in the shade. Among the larger pre-Alpine lakes, Lake Iseo is often considered a hidden gem, offering a more authentic and tranquil lakeside experience compared to its more famous counterparts.
The best time to visit the lakes around Melzo generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the towns without the peak summer crowds. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming and watersports, though the popular lakes can be quite busy. The mild microclimate of lakes like Garda makes them enjoyable for much of the year.
Yes, many lakes near Melzo offer dining options. Increa Park has a bar called 'Masnada' with a dining area. At Oasi Olimpia, you'll find a cutting-edge bar structure. The larger pre-Alpine lakes are dotted with charming villages that boast numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering local delicacies and scenic views.
The major pre-Alpine lakes are rich in history and culture. Near Lake Como, you can visit historic villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, known for their botanical gardens. Lake Garda features the Scaligero Castle and the Terme di Catullo in Sirmione. On Lake Maggiore, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is dramatically perched on a cliff, and the beautiful Borromean Islands are home to palaces and gardens.
Absolutely. The pre-Alpine lakes offer excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. Lake Como has the scenic Wayfarer's Trail. Lake Garda is a hub for trekking, with trails in the Alto Garda Bresciano Park. Lake Maggiore also provides numerous hiking and mountain biking paths. These trails often offer panoramic views of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Visitors particularly appreciate the variety of experiences offered by the lakes around Melzo. They enjoy the recreational and sporting activities available at places like the Idroscalo of Milan, the peaceful natural settings of oases like Le Foppe, and the family-friendly amenities at parks such as Increa Park. The opportunity to relax by the water, engage in outdoor sports, and explore charming lakeside towns are frequently highlighted.


Still not found your perfect lake around Melzo? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.