Lake Iseo is the Lombardian oasis no one knows about — but shh! Don’t tell anyone.
Lake Como has become a tourist hotspot, frequented by many trying to steal a glimpse of high-caliber residents like George Clooney. However, a lesser-known gem sits just on the other side of Bergamo. Lake Iseo, surrounded by dense woodlands and soaring peaks, remains sheltered from the naked eye and is the least known of Italy’s Lombard Lakes.
The underrated destination is an awe-striking sight to behold, with a mountain that shoots straight out of its waters and an array of activities to try, including everything from island hopping and sardine tasting to relaxing in Italian resorts and exploring historical attractions dating back to the 1400s.
Here’s what to see, what to do, and how to explore this secret oasis before other tourists start to catch on.
A Hidden Oasis
Because of its tucked-away location — shrouded by the soaring peaks of the Alps and Prealps — Lake Iseo has remained closed off to unassuming eyes for years. It’s located in Lombardy, the region of northern Italy that’s also home to Milan, and sits near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo, both of which lay claim to parts of the lake.
Lake Iseo is only about an hour’s drive from Milan, but tourist traffic tends to divert to the more-famous Lake Como (about 50 miles to Iseo’s northwest) or Lake Garda (just east of Iseo).
The Scenic Lake Iseo Drive
To provide visitors with easy access and magnificent views, a road has been carved into the side of the mountains that surround the lake. On the western side, SP469 — aka Sebina Occidentale — is narrowly wedged between the water and soaring cliff faces, making for incredibly dramatic scenes along the journey. SP510 on the eastern side is connected by SS42 to the north and a network of village roads to the south. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half to drive.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The lake is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a variety of parks and nature reserves visitors can explore. These range from Fossil Forest Park (Parco Foresta Fossile), where you can observe fascinating rock formations created 800,000 years ago, to Tinazzo Gorge Park (Parco Gola del Tinazzo), where you’ll be greeted by terraced meadows lined with olive trees and roe deer, badgers, and various bird species.
Both those are located near the northwest corner of Lake Iseo, but on the south shore, you’ll find the Natural Reserve Sebino (Torbiere del Sebino). This wetland reserve is the largest and most ecologically important in the Brescia province.
Fun on the Water
It wouldn’t be an Italian lake vacation without water sports. Activities on Lake Iseo range from kayaking and canoeing from Sporting Lido on the south shore to sailing with Circolo Velico. In fact, Lake Iseo’s sailing centers were some of the first in Italy.
You can take a tour of the lake by motorboat or ferryboat, either during the day or in the evening. Therefore, there’s something for all levels, be it a relaxing day of fishing or an adrenaline-pumping windsurfing session. The wind that blows from the surrounding valleys creates the ideal environment for it.
Adventures on Land
Adventurers who seek to stay dry will find the lake’s surroundings brimming with hiking and biking trails, from tough mountain biking tracks to paved cycle paths that meander at or near lake level. The rugged landscape allows for canyoning through and climbing on the rock, but technical gear is needed for these types of adventures. Guided canyoning and climbing trips can be organized through Lake Iseo’s official website.
For a real adrenaline rush, you could also try paragliding or hang gliding. The pilots at ASD Parapendio Sebino in Sale Marasino — on Iseo’s east shore — provide guests with a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling lake and surrounding hills.
Swimming in Lake Iseo
The calm waters of Lake Iseo are primed for taking a dip on one of those hot afternoons Italy is known for. Despite the sailboats and surfers (of various types) that frequent its waters, the whole lake is open for swimming.
Surrounding Iseo and within the islands that dot its terrain, you’ll find a selection of beaches and shores where visitors sunbathe on warm days. Some of the most popular (and free!) places to go for a dip on the lake include Perla Sebina Beach, Spiaggia Sulzano, La Spiaggetta, and Spiaggia Libera Carini, all located on the eastern shore.
If you’re one who prefers the pool, there are plenty of those around, too, from Sassabanek (a campground with a large and popular water park) to the one at Il Lido Iseo Beach Resort. Resort pools are open seasonally and charge admission.
Europe’s Biggest Island in a Lake
One of Lake Iseo’s most notable locations is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, measuring about five square miles. The wooded mountain rises out of the lake, creating a lush islet lined with chestnut groves. Monte Isola’s charming fishing village is fun to wander through as you make your way up cobblestone streets winding towards the mountains.
The municipality of Monte Isola also includes two other islets: San Paolo to the south and Loreto to the north. On San Paolo, buildings of what was once a Franciscan convent remain. Although the islets are not open to the public, you can reach Monte Isola by a ferry that runs around the clock, stopping at Peschiera, Sensole, Porto di Siviano, and Carzano.
Historical Attractions
The lake is also home to many towns, including ones that date back to the medieval era. As you walk through cobblestone streets and ancient fortresses, you’ll find yourself transported back in time.
The lake is dotted with about a dozen museums and art galleries, more than 100 churches and religious institutions, over 20 historic buildings and centers, 10 archaeological sites, and a bounty of cultural trails that lead visitors into picturesque towns.
One of the most popular towns to visit is Lovere, a commune that sits right between the lake and mountains and resembles a large amphitheater. Home to medieval forts and a 15th-century basilica, the town boasts a dreamy atmosphere that once led Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English writer, to describe it as “the most romantic place [she had] ever seen.”
The historical theme continues in Pisogne, home to 17th-century homes, medieval gates, and a town square that leads to churches filled with 19th-century paintings and instruments.
Local Delicacies and Libations
Around the lake, often right on the shore, you’ll find a variety of fresh fish selections including the local specialty: dried shad. Sometimes called “sardina,” the dish consists of shad (a freshwater fish native to the region) that has been slow dried on wooden racks for 30 to 40 days and marinated in olive oil for a few months. Dried shad is seasoned with parsley and garlic and served with polenta. You can find this local delicacy at most seafood restaurants and retailers around Lake Iseo.
The lake also sits in close proximity to the lush vineyards of Franciacorta, where you can sample wines made using a selection of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot blanc grapes. With more than 100 wineries to visit, the area is a dream come true for wine connoisseurs.
Markets Galore
Markets take place on various days around the lake: Rovato on Mondays, Sulzano on Tuesdays, Riva di Solto on Wednesdays, and a slew of others, including several “markets of historical significance” occurring on the weekends. These pop-up emporiums provide visitors the opportunity to stock up on local foods — dried shad, perhaps? — and souvenirs to take home.
In addition to food, you’ll find antiques and handicrafts at “Un Tuffo nel Passato” in Paratico on the first and third Sunday of each month.
Wellness and Relaxation Around Lake Iseo
Already a haven from the bustling crowds of tourists heading into the country’s more noted locations, Lake Iseo also has parks and green spaces for picnics plus luxe wellness spaces in the hotels lining its vicinity. One of the most adored among spa-goers is Chenot Espace Franciacorta — an outpost of the high-end Swiss spa chain — which offers an architecturally stunning space and a full book of spa treatments.
Others include Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa, boasting an indoor pool, saunas, and a menu of spa treatments; and Cappuccini Resort, where guests have access to the Turkish bath and stay in former monks’ cells inside a 16th-century monastery.
Thermal baths are big in this area, particularly at Boario Terme and Trescore Balneario.
