Self-catering in Italian Lakes

[NotMyUsualOne]

May be tempting fate, but afyer two years of staying in the UK, we're thinking of driving to Italy for next year's holiday.

The big issue I'm having is finding self-catering accommodation.

Does anyone know of any reputable sites where you can find accommodation, similar to GitesDeFrance, which is what we usually use. But for France. Obviously .

At the moment, I'm randomly googling, but I'm worried there's a really obvious solution I'm missing.

Oh, and I'm always a bit about AirBnB - I have a fear of being scammed, and travelling all the way to find either no accommodation or a shepherd's hut.

Thanks in advance

I live in Italy and just use Booking.com. I don’t think there is an equivalent to Gites de France but to be honest I’ve never looked.

A friend of DP’s rents his lakeside home using Air BnB but was chucked off Booking so for that unscientific reason only I find it more reputable

Also in Italy (waves to Melassa) and also flit between Booking, Expedia and Last Minute then check the individual place's website to check prices.
Booking tends to come out the best.

Look for Agriturismo in the Lakes/Garda etc - great options

There isn’t just Garda, there are also Lago Di Como/Lecco, Maggiore and Orta. The latter is less frequented but also has beaches and places you can swim. I suppose it depends on what you’re after. If you’re driving down you’re not limited to touristy places with shuttles or near airports/train stations.

(Waves back the Geamhradh, however is that pronounced?)

Can anyone recommend places to stay near Garda etc that has a pool and is pretty? Pretty wide remit there but I just don’t know where to start!!

Have you tried Vrbo ? A bit like Airbnb but better reputation.

Some interesting ideas, thank you. No real preference on which lake, although have been to Garda a few times so have fond memories - mine and DH's first holiday for one!

I keep seeing Vrbo pop up and dismissed it as being a bit dodgy, so that's really helpful @rookiemere

@Happyharry2003

Can anyone recommend places to stay near Garda etc that has a pool and is pretty? Pretty wide remit there but I just don’t know where to start!!

Almost everywhere tbh I had a thread not long ago asking, and everyone recommended a different place. I went for Desenzano simply because it's only one of two on the Trainline and I would be arriving by train.

I'll go and look, but iirc Chez Nous is international despite the name.