Lake Day Trips from Milan

Milan's location in northern Italy makes it a convenient base for getting out of the city and over to the region's collection of picturesque lakes, from Como to Garda. Here are a few of the best lakes to visit on a day trip from metropolitan Milan.

Lake Como — 32 miles (51 km) from Milan to Como

The shores around wishbone-shaped Lake Como have enticed visitors since Roman times. You’ll find mountains, grand hotels, and villas surrounding the water, plus the opportunity for a  funicular ride that runs up to Brunate for stellar views over the lake and the Italian Alps. Hop around to Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio by boat, and see Lake Como's treasures in a day.

How to Visit

Como is the closest lakeside town to Milan. Choose a Lake Como day trip that includes coach or train transport to avoid the hassle of parking, gain knowledge from your tour guide, and still enjoy free time for a waterfront stroll or a boat ride. Services from Milano Centralo shuttle you to Como or Varenna.

Lake Maggiore — 37 miles (59 km) from Milan to Sesto Calende

The waters of Lake Maggiore sweep south from Switzerland into Italy, meandering their way into the record books as Italy’s longest lake. From the grand hotels of Stresa to the cobbles of Canobbio, the lake’s towns all have their charms, but it’s the tiny Borromean islands that are Lake Maggiore's biggest draw. Hop on a boat at Stresa and aim to visit all three.

How to Visit

Book a full-day tour from Milan by coach that includes a two-hour boat cruise, or relax on the hourlong train from Milano Centrale to Stresa, where ferries offer frequent trips to other lake towns and islands.

Lake Garda — 81 miles (131 km) from Milan to Desenzano del Garda

A diverse landscape surrounds vast Lake Garda—between the southern olive groves and the wild northern waterfronts, the scenery is all shingle shores and harbor towns, offset by bobbing boats and mountains. Within easy reach of Milan and Venice, the lake is an area of hiking, watersports, and historical towns.

How to Visit

Choose a day trip from Milan that combines an outing at Lake Garda and a boat tour with time in nearby Verona, or head to the transport hubs of Desenzano or Peschiera del Garda by train, then switch to a ferry to visit Sirmione and beyond.