More than just Como: where to buy in the Italian lakes 

The dramatic beauty of the Italian lakes has seduced visitors from Roman emperors to the Romantic poets. Today the waterside Belle Époque villas and picture-postcard villages remain as popular as ever for international buyers, thanks to easy access to the cities of Milan and Verona, the ski resorts of Italy and Switzerland, several international airports – and even the beaches of the Italian Riviera. 

The desire for greater immersion in the natural environment remains key for many home buyers, says Paola Cleps, Savills international associate covering the Italian lakes. “With the option of remote working allowing owners to spend longer periods here, some have switched their main residence to their lakeside property. The Italian flat-tax regime [under which those who transfer their tax residency to Italy pay a flat rate of €100,000 a year on foreign income] is another inducement to spend at least half a year here.”

Como and Garda tend to grab the headlines, but there are, in fact, eight Italian lakes in this part of northern Italy, each with its own particular charm. Lake Como featured in the top 20 of Savills World Second Home Locations Index 2023, which rates 60 places for their leisure and lifestyle offering, ease of access and prime property markets. It is famed for its elegant gardens and iconic Villa d’Este hotel, yet a raft of new five-stars – including Il Sereno and Passalacqua – and an increase in luxury villa rentals mean it is hard to beat for high-end accommodation, says Cleps. 

There has been strong demand for the sort of high-spec, lock-up-and-leave developments with concierges and amenities that have arrived on Lake Como in recent years, with more being planned.

There’s a saying in Italy that while Como and Garda are for stranieri (foreign visitors), Maggiore is for Italians, yet international buyers are now discovering the discreet charms of this beautiful lake. “There really are so many superb restaurants, pretty-yet-practical towns and villages – such as Verbania and Pallanza – and, some might argue, a more authentic appeal,” says Cleps. Alessi, the designer family, are among those who have made Maggiore their base.

It is in Omegna, on little Lake Orta, that the company casts its high-design coffee pots, and in many ways this low-key neighbour – nicknamed La Cenerentola (Cinderella) by the Milanese – is a compact, more beautiful version of Maggiore. It has a picture-perfect island, Isola San Giulio, in the centre, and the quaint medieval village of Orta San Giulio on its eastern flank. As you might expect, houses here come up rarely for sale, but one rather special property currently on the market is Lakeshore Villa, which has its own jetty and boathouse.

Water-sports enthusiasts often gravitate to Lake Garda, a vast expanse that, for some, lacks the geological drama and Belle Époque elegance of the smaller lakes. But golf and spa enthusiasts can find plenty to do here, families will enjoy the Gardaland amusement park, and its position means it is ideal for exploring the celebrated city of Verona.

Pick Lake Lugano and you can straddle two cultures. The Italian lifestyle combined with Swiss efficiency is a beguiling pairing, but be aware that, on the Swiss side, there are restrictions on foreign ownership.

Once you have chosen the lake you love, it is crucial to consider a property’s orientation, not just because of microclimate – some spots are obviously sunnier than others – but also because busy lakeside roads running alongside a house can make a huge difference. Some spots will be better located for access to amenities, and property prices can vary drastically between villages on the same lake. 

Perhaps the most famous villa on the sunny and sought-after western leg of Lake Como is that of George and Amal Clooney. But the popularity of the “Gold Coast” is not just about star power: the villages of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Carate Urio and Laglio are also close to the highway that leads to Milan, making it perfect for weekend access. The lakeside is ideal for a short stay – but many visitors now want to linger longer. 

Pictures from top: the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore (Getty); Tremezzo on Lake Como (Getty); an aerial view of Lake Garda (Getty); and the funicular on Lake Lugano (Getty)