Europe’s lakes can be just as beautiful as the coast.
The same can’t always be said stateside, where muddy waters may cue a country song but not exactly a postcard picture.
Of course, the first one that comes to mind “across the pond” is Lake Como, but the secret has long been out on Italy’s famed waterfront playground.
But you don’t have to visit Switzerland’s alpine wonders for second best — you can stay in Italy, where there’s at least one gem yet to be discovered by the masses.
Surrounded by a cluster of gorgeous villages and backdropped by shimmering blue water and soaring green mountains, Lake Iseo is one of Italy’s tight-lipped secrets.
But the Travel Off Path team is ready to spill the espresso beans and reveal the gorgeous Italian escape most travelers still don’t know about.
The Top Lake Como Alternative
Lake Como is pricey, busy, and not exactly Italy's most authentic destination for kicking back, sipping local wine, devouring pizza, and absorbing la dolce vita.
Pretty? Absolutely, but there are other options travelers just don't seem to know exist.
One of them, and perhaps the most low-key, is Lake Iseo, nestled between Bergamo and Brescia and wrapped around Monte Isola, the dreamy island rising from the middle of the lake.
Surrounded by virtually unknown villages dotting prized real estate with unmatched waterfronts, there's no shortage of places to visit for less crowds and more authentic vibes than overly touristy Como.
Remember what I just said about sipping wine unbothered by the bill?
Lake Iseo edges into the Franciacorta DOCG wine region, making it one of Italy's most unsung wine destinations, especially with the views you get from just about any restaurant patio.
Be sure double-check travel alerts and entry requirements for your trip.
Which Village Is Best To Visit?
We bolded Monte Isola for a reason — it's hands down the most picturesque place to visit in the region.
Lake Iseo's crown jewel may be a map-dot in the sprawling, serpentine water, but it packs a punch.
Think of Monte Isola as the centerpiece, with numerous other hamlets to make your way toward as well.
Scope out such places as Siviano, Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano, and Porto di Siviano as other magical hamlets well worth your time.
Anywhere you go, whether it be the island's capital Siviano, or other no-name gems, the vibe is slow, quiet, and oozes old-world Italian.
Plus, it's car-free, making it even more unique.
As for where to stay, Peschiera Maraglio is the easiest base for first-timers since it’s the main ferry landing.
If we were booking a summer trip, we'd pick Sensole Locanda Contemporanea for its front-row views, private beach, and panoramic terrace.
For the best overall lake views, look toward stays around Sensole or Porto di Siviano, where Monte Isola feels even more removed from the city bustle.
Getting here:
Monte Isola is only reachable by boat, which is exactly why it still feels so blissfully tucked away.
The simplest route is taking the ferry from Sulzano or Sale Marasino, both of which offer direct service to the island about every 20 minutes.
If you’re coming from Milan (Como's main gateway), take the train toward Brescia, connect to the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line, and hop off at Iseo, Sulzano, or Sale Marasino before jumping on the ferry.
How Safe Is Italy To Visit This Summer?
Italy is one of Europe's bucket-list destinations that is actually easy to reach, being so well-connected.
But there are also some notorious spots to keep an eye out for bad apples, such as Naples, known for its grittiness, and even Rome and Venice are notorious for scammers.
However, small-town hideaways like you'll find encircling Lake Iseo just aren't an issue for tourists to keep their heads on a swivel.
Lake Iseo is so localized for tourism, you'll just feel like another local — but hopefully you've brushed up on your Italian lingo, although I'm pretty sure I'd get by with the words “cappuccino”, “pizza”, and “vino”.
Travelers currently rank Italy as one of Europe's safest countries, scoring it with an impressive 92/100 on our Safety Index.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has a slightly differing opinion, designating Italy as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” in their last advisory issued just over a year ago.
