Best Italian lakes for families: where to stay and what to see with kids

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and also one of its best for family holidays particularly if you're looking for plenty of nearby activities and day trips. Not only are its shores littered with family-friendly resorts and campsites (including the fun-packed Camping Bella Italia), but its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and watersports centres have earned it the reputation as the ‘playground lake’.

Adventure seekers love the breezy northern shores, where families can try windsurfing and kitesurfing. Alternatively, the southern resort towns are well located for the thrills and spills of Gardaland theme park and CanevaWorld aquapark.

Lake Garda is an excellent base if you fancy a little culture and shopping in Verona or Venice; trains run to both cities from the southern resort town of Peschiera del Garda. Verona’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring with kids – but don’t worry, it’s still awash with historical sites, beautiful piazzas and cute cafes.

Reviewed by Mumsnet: Check out our honest Eurocamp Bella Italia review

With its gorgeous towns, Alpine backdrop and Hollywood A-lister residents (well, hello there, Mr Clooney), Lake Como oozes glamour. But don’t be put off by its grown-up glitz; this wishbone-shaped lake in the northern Lombardy region also works well with kids.

Most families flock to the lake’s beach clubs and lidos, which offer swimming, sun beds, restaurants, bars and excellent people-watching opportunities. Reserve Lido di Argegno for its relaxed vibe, pool and pizzeria. Or, head to Parco Ulisse Guzzi, where you’ll find grassy lawns, picnic areas, a white pebble beach and shallow, clear waters ideal for little ones.

Hopping between Lake Como’s picturesque towns and villages is easy, thanks to the frequent ferries and high-speed hydrofoils. Families may want to make a beeline to elegant Menaggio, with its lakeside promenade and fun minigolf course. Alternatively, Como has both sweeping lake views and excellent transport links, making it a convenient base for train trips to Milan and across to Switzerland.

Just south of the Alps, expansive Lake Maggiore sneaks into Switzerland, although most families stay close to the main attractions on its western Italian shores.

Stylish Stresa is understandably popular with both parents and kids, thanks to its glut of family-friendly restaurants and laidback beach club and minigolf course. Plus, it’s handy for Villa Pallavicino, which has beautiful gardens, a playground and a zoo.

Boat trips depart Stresa to the three beautiful Borromean Islands. Each island has its draw, although Isola Bella will particularly fire children’s imaginations thanks to its extravagant palace, tiered gardens and preening white peacocks.

Lake Maggiore offers true Italian escapism with its old-world charm and slower pace of life. That said, energetic groups will still find hiking trails, pedal boat and cycle hire, as well as the heart-racing thrills of riding in a bucket lift.

Located in Umbria – Italy’s idyllic, rural heart – Lake Trasimeno will suit families who are keen to get off the beaten track but still want lots of kid-friendly activities.

Active broods can explore the romantic lakeside towns via the 43-mile bike path that loops the shore (bike hire is easy to find). Alternatively, rent a kayak or motorboat to head out onto the lake. For water babies, there’s also the pool, multi-lane waterslides and splash area at Luguna Park, close to the fishing village of San Feliciano.

It’s possible to catch a ferry from San Feliciano over to the lake’s largest island, Isola Polvese. Here, there’s lots of green space for little ones to roam and a medieval castle. Alternatively, head to the beach in the handsome town of Castiglione del Lago, where you’ll find deck chairs and umbrellas, a bar, a playground and pedal boats for hire.

Located in beautiful countryside, between Rome and Florence, Lake Bolsena is Europe’s largest volcanic lake. Its long black sand beaches and calm morning waters make it a great place for a family holiday away from the tourist crowds.

Both the scenic towns of Bolsena and Capodimonte, on opposite sides of the lake, are excellent bases for boat trips and have crowd-pleasing pizzerias and cafes. Older kids can try their hands at kitesurfing on the lake, and there’s also the chance for horse-riding tours.

Families may choose to stay at one of the lake’s budget-friendly campsites – some of which come with playgrounds, pools and beaches. Otherwise, there’s a good range of holiday apartments and some idyllic farmhouse stays.