Holidays by the lake are a great alternative to seaside stays. From spring to autumn, they are the perfect destinations to unplug and relax with family or friends. In Trentino, South Tyrol and the Belluno area, there are many lakes where you can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday. But there’s more: lakes also offer a wide range of sporting activities. You can dive and swim, go fishing, practice water sports like windsurfing, sailing or canoeing, or simply enjoy easy hiking trails.
Holidays on the lakes of Trentino
There are around 300 lakes in Trentino. A rich land that has been able to enhance and respect these places, so much so that in 2020, ten lakes were awarded the "Blue Flag 2020". Alongside the most famous ones, like Lake Garda — Italy’s largest lake, loved especially for its sports, cultural, and food and wine offerings — and Lake Molveno, one of the best lakes in Italy for water quality and beach, there are many hidden gems worth discovering.
In Valsugana, the lakes of San Cristoforo, Calceranica, Levico and Caldonazzo are ideal for summer holidays: safe for swimming from May to September, they offer lifeguard services, equipped facilities, and endless opportunities for fun on the water and nearby. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Lake Lavarone on the Alpe Cimbra is a crystal-clear swimmable lake that received the Blue Flag in 2017. Along its shores, there are two equipped beaches with rowboat and pedal boat rentals, as well as hiking and horseback trails, mountain bike routes, and even a climbing wall.
On the Piné Plateau, there are two beautiful lakes: Lake Piazze in the municipality of Bedollo, perfect for those who enjoy water sports, fishing, or sunbathing, and Lake Serraia in Baselga di Pinè, with its lovely lakeside promenade and equipped beach. Dragon boat can be practiced on both lakes.
Also fascinating is Lake Roncone in the Valle delle Chiese. A lovely family destination, with many attractions including a pool, playground, beach, and sun loungers. Sports lovers can also rent canoes or pedal boats.
With its turquoise water, Lake Tenno looks like it came out of a painter’s palette. Located just steps from the medieval village of Canale di Tenno, it’s a great place to relax and explore the surroundings, with local villages and cuisine.
Another must-see is Lake Ledro, just a few km from Riva del Garda, one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Trentino. Its turquoise waters reach 24°C in summer, making it perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing. Around the lake, there are four equipped beaches, one of which is pet-friendly, and includes beach volleyball and tennis courts, playgrounds, and mini golf.
On the border with Lombardy, in the Valle del Chiese, lies Lake Idro, ideal for families with swimmable beaches from June to September, and for those who practice kitesurfing, canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing. There are also climbing walls and mini cruises on boats to fully enjoy the lake.
In the Valley of the Lakes, you’ll find a magical, fairytale-like place where reality and fantasy blend: Lake Toblino, considered one of the most romantic lakes in Trentino, overlooked by its castle. Swimming is not allowed, but a relaxing walk or bike ride along its shores is perfect to admire this enchanting scenery.
In Val di Non, protected by the Brenta Dolomites, lies one of Trentino’s largest natural lakes: Lake Tovel, with its crystal-clear waters and rich wildlife. An ideal place to recharge in nature, sunbathe, fish, or walk along the trail surrounding the lake. At the Red Lake House, set up by the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, you’ll discover why it’s also called the Red Lake.
Holidays on the lakes of South Tyrol
In South Tyrol, you can also enjoy relaxing holidays by the lake. Among the most famous for their beauty are Lake Carezza, Lake Braies, and Lake Resia. But South Tyrol also offers many hidden gems like Lake Anterselva, one of the largest in the region, with an educational trail that winds around the lake and teaches about local flora and fauna. Or Lake Landro, with its turquoise-green waters, located in the heart of the Three Peaks Nature Park, easily accessible from Dobbiaco, where another small alpine lake is popular with birdwatchers and those who enjoy rowing boat rides.
Among the swimmable lakes, Lake Caldaro is among the most appreciated. It offers warm waters and four bathing establishments with outdoor pools, fitness centers, surfboard rentals, rowboats, and pedal boats. In the southern part, there’s a nature trail through the biotope. Not far from Appiano, you can reach the Monticolo lakes, which are accessible in summer via a bus service from Monticolo. There are two bathing establishments, but you can also access the natural beaches freely and enjoy a swim.
Still in the Bolzano area, but this time on the Renon Plateau, lies Lake Costalovara, reachable from Soprabolzano. A paradise for swimming and fishing, with waters rich in carp, pike, eel, and tench.
In Bressanone and surrounding areas, you can take a dip in Lake Luson, a small natural lake equipped with slides that delight children. Meanwhile, in Val Pusteria, a visit to the Issengo biotope lake is a must: in summer you can swim, enjoy the playground and water slide, or relax on the lawn with umbrellas and loungers. Still in Val Pusteria, Lake Valdaora, also known as Lake Monguelfo, is a great stop during the warmer months for those trying the Val Pusteria cycle path, which runs right alongside the lake. It’s especially loved by fishing enthusiasts, as fishing is allowed both in summer and winter.
Above the town of Fiè, overlooked by the Sciliar massif, lies Lake Fiè, several times awarded by Legambiente as the most beautiful lake in Italy. A small lake, partially open to swimming, and equipped with toilets, showers, and a bar, it offers refreshing relaxation after a high-altitude hike.
Holidays on the lakes of the Belluno area
In the Belluno Dolomites, there are several lakes perfect for sports or relaxing by the shore. Among them, the most appreciated for sports is Lake Santa Croce in Alpago, which in the early afternoon fills with sailors, kitesurfers, and windsurfers thanks to the wind blowing from south to north. It’s one of the largest bodies of water in the province of Belluno, with equipped areas, beaches, picnic areas, and swimming zones. It’s also popular with sport fishermen.
Heading towards the upper part of the province, you’ll find Lake Centro Cadore, which is swimmable in some areas, such as Miralago beach in Pieve, Baia in Calalzo, and the two small beaches of Vallesella. There are several walking trails, and the lake also offers pedal boat and canoe rentals, as well as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The dam wall is even a climbing wall for sport climbing.
Another great destination for families is Lake Santa Caterina in Auronzo, surrounded by a bike path that circles the entire lake and is accessible to all. There's also an equipped beach with pedal boat rentals. For those with respiratory conditions, in the Misurina area lies the lake of the same name, a stunning UNESCO Dolomites basin with breathtaking scenery. From here, you can take walks and hikes to some of the Dolomites’ most beautiful peaks. A bit further up, along the road from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo, lies Lake Antorno, a starting point for climbs to Sorapis, Cadini di Misurina, and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It’s a natural oasis for those seeking deep contact with nature or wanting to practice sport fishing.
Another lake worth visiting is Lake Alleghe, at the foot of Mount Civetta — a great destination for water sports lovers and for relaxing on its small equipped beach. From the lake, various hiking trails and trekking routes start. In the lower part of the province, enclosed by the wild and rugged Monti del Sole, lies another little gem: Lake Mis, in the municipality of Sospirolo. Nearby, the Soffia waterfall and the Cadini del Brenton — a fascinating sequence of 15 rock basins carved by the stream — are also worth a visit.
