Lake Iseo is located in Lombardy, northern Italy, between two larger and much more famous bodies of water: Lake Garda and Lake Como. While tourist guides might point you towards spending time in the latter two destinations, it is wise not to look past the lovely Lake Iseo, which remains a bit of a relatively hidden gem. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and explore this beauty.
You'll not only find a lack of tourist crowds and long queues but also a lake as stunning and with as many activities and sights to offer any visitor.
First of all, be sure to try and enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. As you might imagine, there are plenty of fish to be had and, as a result, delicious aquatic delicacies to try. There are also plenty of small vineyards, olive groves and chestnut groves in the area. All of this fresh local produce means that the food of the area is particularly rich, comforting and tasty.
You'll not only find a lack of tourist crowds and long queues but also a lake as stunning and with as many activities and sights to offer any visitor.
First of all, be sure to try and enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. As you might imagine, there are plenty of fish to be had and, as a result, delicious aquatic delicacies to try. There are also plenty of small vineyards, olive groves and chestnut groves in the area. All of this fresh local produce means that the food of the area is particularly rich, comforting and tasty.
Once you've filled your stomach, you will have plenty of energy to begin exploring the area. The eastern shore of the lake has the most pretty towns while the western shore is a little less attractive, having been affected by industrial developments.
Monte Isola, a small wooded mountain island, is one of the loveliest parts of the lake and is home to small agricultural and fishing hamlets and the church of Santuario della Ceriola, which is a great spot of hikers, being surrounded by well-signposted trails.
The ancient Via Valeriana contours along above the lake, linking Brescia with the Valle Camonica to the north, stretch up into the southern Alps, and offer a range of different walks. Some are more challenging than others and you can even go up and explore the Alps, while taking in the amazing view down onto the lake from high above.
Monte Isola, a small wooded mountain island, is one of the loveliest parts of the lake and is home to small agricultural and fishing hamlets and the church of Santuario della Ceriola, which is a great spot of hikers, being surrounded by well-signposted trails.
The ancient Via Valeriana contours along above the lake, linking Brescia with the Valle Camonica to the north, stretch up into the southern Alps, and offer a range of different walks. Some are more challenging than others and you can even go up and explore the Alps, while taking in the amazing view down onto the lake from high above.
Some particular attractions in the area include Marone's cluster of 'pyramids', these bizarre geological formations are tall earth pinnacles surmounted by boulders that were created by erosion; numerous examples of rock-carvings that span from prehistory to the arrival of the Romans; and Franciacorta, a pretty area of countryside famous for wine.
Between strolls through the incredible scenery, meals in charming local restaurants and visiting unique and bizarre attractions, this lake is surely one of the best holiday destinations for peaceful and lovely vacations in Italy.
Between strolls through the incredible scenery, meals in charming local restaurants and visiting unique and bizarre attractions, this lake is surely one of the best holiday destinations for peaceful and lovely vacations in Italy.
Photo credits
picture 1: Palabras / CC BY 2.5;
picture 2: Palabras / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Ago76 / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Palabras / CC BY 2.5;
picture 2: Palabras / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Ago76 / CC BY-SA 3.0
