My favourite Italian lake is Lake Iseo located between lake como to the west and Lake Garda to the west. The Lake is dominated by Monte Isola the largest lake island in Europe. It's easy to reach Monte Isola by ferry from several ferry stops around the Lake. There is a branch railway line from Brescia up the eastern side of the Lake.

At the south of the lake is the Torbiere peat bog and Franciacorta, the area where the renowned sparkling wine is produced. To the north of the lake is the The Val Camonica has thermal spas and prehistoric rock carvings.
The Pyramids of Zone are interesting rock formations which are like pillars with mushrooms sitting on top. The area around the Pyramids is a National Park with various paths you can follow footpaths which afford great lake views.
There are towns and villages dotted around the lake shore. I really like Iseo Town with it's lakeside promemade and the Sassenbanek outdoor complex with three swimming pools.
So if you prefer to visit an more authentic, less commerciaised Italian lake you should try Lake Iseo.
August 11th, 2008 on 12:58 pm
I quite agree that Lake Iseo is the best. In fact i write an english newspaper about Lake Iseo.
Visit us at http://www.lakeiseo.it
where you can find the latest whats on around Lake ISeo, visit Italian Properties and the best swimming pools.
Don’t be scared about UFOs on Lake Iseo it was actually reported on the RAI 2 radio !!
August 12th, 2008 on 1:52 am
I love Karens accurate descriptions and how she shows the vast diversity and beauty of the lake. For me it’s even more, there are the people, lack of “commercial” tourists, masses of things to do …check out. http://www.monticolo.it/activitieslakeiseovallecamonica.html
and..Not expensive either..a real undiscovered jewel.
August 12th, 2008 on 1:57 pm
@David – good luck with your newspaper about Lake Iseo, the only problem is if word gets out about Lake Iseo, it may become swamped with tourists but then maybe the UFOs will deter them?
@Alex – yes I do love Lake Iseo and hope to visit again in the not too distant future.