Italy’s Lake Como, Lake Garda and even Lake Maggiore are all well known for their beauty and glamour. But do you hear many people talking about Lake Iseo? It is located in between Lake Como and Lake Garda, and is smaller, but very similar to them in other ways: long and thin, and surrounded by beautiful mountains, which help keep the weather mild, and in turn allows a spectacular array of plants to thrive here. Because it’s less well known, the best places to stay on Lake Iseo are a lot more affordable than their counterparts on the more glamorous lakes, which is why it is such a popular destination for local Italians, and why it’s such a friendly place to visit. Our recommendations for the best hotels on Lake Iseo is still a varied list, with converted farmhouses, villas and guesthouses, elegant spa hotels, traditional hotels, and opulent options all featuring.
Lake Iseo’s main towns, Iseo, Lovere, Sarnico and Pisogne, and their smaller neighbours are all very Italian feeling, which is in contrast to the larger lakes too. Most of the towns feel as if they’re facing the lake, putting their best facades towards the ferry ports, so that the best views, architecturally, are from the ferries that criss-cross the lake. Monte Isola is the forested island in the centre of the lake, and because it’s inhabited, the ferries run year round. Monte Isola is where to base yourself if you’re interested in the industry of the lake today; this is one of the world’s premiere net-making communities, and in amongst Monte Isola’s spiralling streets and sorbet-coloured buildings are historic dockyards. The coast road is also a very pretty drive.
Iseo is a good location if you’re hoping to find that perfect Italian lakes view, from that idyllically positioned Italian cafe or bar. A generous area of the town is pedestrianised, and it’s a great place for strolling and people watching, and has charming rows of cafes, bars and restaurants facing out onto the lake.
Despite its lesser known status, this region is very popular during the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Lake Iseo during July or August, do your research and book well ahead!