Planning a trip to northern Italy next spring, and we want to to go to one of the lakes. This is our delayed honeymoon, so it’s focused on relaxing and enjoying great food and wine. We’ve heard good things about both Como and Garda, but very little about Iseo.
It seems like it’s just as beautiful but far less touristy than both Como and Garda, which makes it sound very appealing to us… but I realize that could backfire given we don’t speak Italian.
Has anyone been to Iseo and have any opinions? Thank you!
My parents live about 40 minutes from it. It’s a gorgeous place, but far less touristy than the other 3 lakes. I would 100% recommend it!
There are a number of good food options. I would recommend enoteca tresanda in Sarnico as well as Antica trattoria del Gallo for the traditional “tinca al forno” (tench) dish that’s typical of the area.
Taking the ferry to the island, Montisola, can be a fun experience. There is a small church at the top of the island which is well worth hiking to, with breathtaking views of the whole lake. I believe the direct ferry departs from Sale Marasino. There is also a ferry boat that goes around the lake daily.
As with the other lakes, there are lots of hikes on the surrounding mountains with beautiful views of the lake. I can recommend some if that’s of interest.
I’ve never been to Ieso but recently came back from a trip to lago di Garda and Como. For Riva del Garda, we stayed in Arco for a few nights and had a very nice meal at the Vitis Lounge Winery. Just saying in case you end up there .
I would always go for the less tourist and even if you don’t speak any Italian and they don’t speak any English - don’t worry. Italians always somehow manage to communicate in my experience. It will be a great adventure and from your preference I’m sure you’ll get more out of the trip. Enjoy a great time together!
Last October, my wife and I stayed in Bardolino on Lake Garda for 4 days.
We chose the East side of Lake Garda because of its proximity to Amarones.
We tasted at Quintarelli and at Marion, a small family-run winery.
More German tourists than American.
Good, inexpensive food and wine, proximity to The Dolomites.
Rode a Trike north into the mountains.
We had a great time.
Don’t know about the other lakes, but I suspected Como of being “uppity”.
Germans around Lago di Garda, yes, absolutely (its close to german speaking South-Tirol)
Lago di Como being a bit upscale, only for the south, if you go to the more northern side of the lake its gets rather relaxed, less crowded too, at least thats my experience.
As for Lago d’Iseo, drove by this spring for the first time, looks beautiful but can‘t add more insight.
If you want an even smaller / remote version of the north italian lakes look up Lago d’Idro, located between Lago d‘Iseo and Lago di Garda, don’t go there if curvy small roads and/or steep mountains aren‘t your thing.
And I want to add, all of them are just gorgeous, you will enjoy the area no matter which one you pick.
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