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If you’re planning a trip to Italy in 2026 and want something beautiful, relaxing, and family-friendly, but less crowded than Lake Como, Lake Iseo is a dream. Tucked between Lake Como and Lake Garda, this peaceful northern Italian lake is dotted with charming lakeside towns and anchored by one unforgettable highlight, Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, accessible only by boat.
Enjoy scenic ferry and boat rides from the town of Iseo, an easy, walkable community in Italy’s Brescia region. Lake Iseo is such a hidden gem that I didn’t know about until my most recent trip to Italy. I instantly fell in love with the Franciacorta region, and I look forward to sharing more with you today.
Honestly, I feel like I am letting you in on such a wonderful Italy travel secret!
Why Lake Iseo Deserves a Spot on Your Northern Italy Itinerary
My visit to Lake Iseo almost felt surreal. From stepping straight into a lively weekly market in Iseo to learning about traditional net making on Monte Isola, every moment felt authentic and special. Maybe it was the sunshine and near-perfect September weather, but Lake Iseo left such a lasting impression on me.
I visited Lake Iseo as part of a hosted media trip exploring the Brescia region of northern Italy. During this trip, we toured Franciacorta wineries, celebrated the Franciacorta Festival, and spent a full day exploring Lake Iseo and Monte Isola. All photos, experiences, and opinions in this post are entirely my own.
Visiting Lake Iseo & Monte Isola
Lake Iseo is ideal if you are looking for a peaceful alternative to Lake Como and appreciate authentic Italian lake-town charm. It is perfect for slower travel, whether that means biking, ferry hopping, lingering over long lunches, or simply soaking in the views.
During our visit, we stayed at Cappuccini Resort, about 30 minutes away, and it was lovely. That said, next time I would absolutely stay in the town of Iseo or even on Monte Isola itself for a night or two to fully embrace the slower pace.
This area is known for more relaxed leisure activities, including camping, sailing, hiking, and cycling. So, where exactly is Lake Iseo in Italy?
Where Is Lake Iseo, Italy? And, How to Get There!
Lake Iseo is located in northern Italy, directly between Lake Como and Lake Garda. Yet, it remains far less known than either. It is located between Milan and Venice, closer to Milan, and is in Italy’s Lombardy region, near Brescia.
One of the reasons Lake Iseo is so appealing is how easy it is to reach, especially if you love European train travel as much as we do.
Getting to Lake Iseo From Brescia, Milan, Venice & Bergamo
You can reach this area by train from other major cities in Northern Italy. Or, you can use rideshare or a prearranged car service. Either way, you can expect it to take roughly two hours from both Venice and Milan.
In most cases, whether you come from Milan to the west or Venice to the East, you will arrive in Brescia, Italy, by train. You can take a regional train north to Iseo.
If you are coming from Bergamo, which has the nearest small airport, it is easiest to drive, just under 40 minutes.
Once you arrive in the town of Iseo, located at the southern end of Lake Iseo, everything is walkable, and ferries to Monte Isola depart right from town. The promenade along the lake was bustling with boats coming and going while we were there!
Where To Stay At Lake Iseo
There are a variety of accommodations in the Lake Iseo area, from charming boutique hotels in Iseo to rentals on Monte Isola. My favorite way to see what is out there before booking our stays in Europe is to use Booking.com. I love it because it pulls not only hotels but also a great selection of homes and apartment-style rentals, which are usually a better fit for our family.
Click here for accommodations near Lake Iseo!
Exploring Italy’s Franciacorta Region Near Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo pairs perfectly with a visit to Franciacorta, one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wine regions. Rolling vineyards, elegant wineries, and incredible food make this an ideal base for slow travel in northern Italy.
And, if you only want to spend a day at the lake, you can choose from a number of countryside retreats like Cappuccini Resort, where we stayed.
And, there are a variety of winery tours and experiences that you can add to your Lake Iseo itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Iseo?
Like most places, the shoulder seasons are typically where you will find the best deals, decent weather, and fewer crowds. I would say the same applies when you visit Lake Iseo.
Spring from April through early June offers mild weather and blooming landscapes, but the water is cooler. Lake Iseo is fed from the Italian Alps after all! Fall from September through October is my favorite season to travel, and when I visited Lake Iseo.
Summer, from July through August, is warm and lively, and when most Italians visit this popular getaway location. That said, it’s still much less busy than Lake Como, which has seen immense crowds in recent years.
Should you visit Lake Iseo in the winter? Well, Lake Iseo is located at the base of the pre-Alps. Because it’s in Northern Italy, there’s always a chance of snow during the wintertime. Or, at least, snowcapped mountains surrounding it. And, while many of the popular lake activities are off the table during the winter, what you can do is combine your visit with a winter ski trip to the nearby mountains!
The small port towns along the perimeter of Lake Iseo have year-round residents, and many businesses remain open year-round. On Monte Iseo, the island can get very sleepy in the winter.
And, as I mentioned earlier, you can only reach Monte Isola by boat!
Visiting Monte Isola by Boat
Visiting Monte Isola by boat is part of what makes the experience so special. Since the island is completely car-free, passenger ferries are the primary means of transportation, operating regularly throughout the day. The short ride across Lake Iseo immediately slows things down and sets the tone for a peaceful visit to some beautiful villages.
Lake Iseo Ferry System
The most common, shortest, and most frequent ferry route is from Sulzano, which connects directly to Peschiera Maraglio, Monte Isola’s main village. Ferries on this route typically run every 15 to 20 minutes during the day, especially from Spring through Fall, and the crossing takes under 10 minutes. There are also ferries from Iseo, Sale Marasino, and other towns around the lake, though those routes tend to be less frequent and may take longer.
If you are visiting Lake Iseo as a tourist, you will most likely take the ferry from the town of Iseo. The ferry schedules vary slightly by season and day of the week, so use the link below for the most accurate information. Check the Lake Iseo ferry timetable for the dates you will be visiting.
Click here for information, cost, and schedules for the Lake Iseo Ferries.
Ferry tickets are inexpensive and easy to purchase at the ferry docks, and you do not need to book far in advance for most crossings. Once you arrive, you will immediately notice how quiet and relaxed Monte Isola feels compared to the mainland.
Boat Tours of Lake Iseo, Italy & Monte Isola
You can also book a private or group boat tour on Lake Iseo! We did this on our trip, and it was nice to be able to explore the lake at our own pace. There are a couple of very interesting islands near Monte Isola that I loved seeing. These include Loreto Island, a private island with a small castle, and the Beretta Family vacation home on Lake Iseo, both pictured below.
Take a minute to browse some of the Lake Iseo boat tours on Get Your Guide and see if any fit your travel plans. Here are a couple of great options. The sailboat cruise leaves from the town of Iseo.
What Makes Monte Isola, Italy, So Special?
Monte Isola is the largest lake island in Europe, but it feels more like a small village than a tourist destination. One of the most unique things about the island is that there are no private cars, which creates an incredibly calm atmosphere. Locals get around on foot, by bike, or using small electric buses.
I immediately noticed that life on Monte Isola is deeply connected to tradition. Fishing has long been part of the island’s history, and you will still see evidence of that today, from fishing boats along the shoreline to handmade nets. Olive groves cover the hillsides, and the island produces its own olive oil, which you will often see featured on local menus.
If you can stay on the island overnight at a rental property or at one of the Monte Isola hotels, I recommend it. Staying near the main town of Peschiera Maraglio would be most convenient, but the other towns may offer more seclusion and even deeper authenticity.
Best Things to Do on Monte Isola
Monte Isola is not about rushing from attraction to attraction. It is a place to wander, explore, and enjoy simple moments by the water. It’s honestly the exact type of experience I look for when traveling in Europe. I just love wandering around along the water, eating great food, and enjoying good local wine. And you can do some Monte Isola fishing or spend time at a Monte Isola beach during the summer.
#1 Rent Bikes & Explore the Island
Renting bikes is one of the best ways to explore Monte Isola. The lakeside road circles much of the island and is mostly flat, making it accessible for families and casual riders. Biking allows you to move easily between villages while still enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace.
I noticed that there are bike rentals near the main Monte Isola Ferry stops. You can bike the entire perimeter of Monte Isola, and it’s approximately 9km.
#2 Walk Lakeside Villages & Fishing Harbors
If you prefer walking, Monte Isola is perfect for slow strolls through small villages and along the water. Each village has its own character, with colorful boats, quiet harbors, and lakeside cafés. It is easy to spend hours simply wandering and stopping whenever something catches your eye.
#3 Visit the Sanctuary at the Top
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the hike or bike ride up to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola is a popular activity among visitors.
Sitting at the highest point on the island, the sanctuary offers sweeping views over Lake Iseo and the surrounding mountains. It is rewarding to see the island from above after the journey up during this popular Monte Isola hike.
#4 Taste Local Olive Oil & Lake Fish
Monte Isola is known for its simple, local food. Olive oil produced on the island is a highlight, as are traditional lake fish dishes. Dining here feels unpretentious and authentic, with meals that reflect the rhythms of island life.
And, if you enjoy sardines, you’ll love it here!
#5 Visit Local Shops Including Bresciareti Net Shop
There are so many locals with lovely shops on the island of Monte Isola. It’s nice to step inside, do some souvenir shopping, and learn about their life on Monte Isola.
During my visit, we spent over an hour at Bresciareti Net Shop, and it was fascinating to learn about the history of net-making on Monte Isola. If you want to know more, read the caption on this Instagram post I made about Paolo and his net shop!
#6 Try Kayaking at Monte Isola
If you want to get out on the water when visiting Monte Isola, consider booking a kayak rental!
Exploring the Town of Iseo, Italy
Located at the southern tip of Lake Iseo, the town of Iseo is an excellent base for exploring the lake and Monte Isola. It is lively without feeling crowded, and its walkable layout makes it easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. I would stay here on a future trip, and there are several charming Lake Iseo hotels.
Things to Do in Iseo, Italy
Walking along the lungolago, or lakefront promenade, is one of the best ways to experience Iseo. The path follows the water, lined with cafés, benches, and beautiful lake views. There are many shops, small museums, and storefronts to explore.
Iseo’s piazzas are perfect for lingering over coffee or gelato, and the town has a great everyday Italian feel. In the evenings, lakeside aperitivo is a must, with locals and visitors alike gathering as the sun sets over the water.
Click here to browse tours and activities near Iseo, Italy!
Tips for Visiting Lake Iseo & Monte Isola for the First Time
Lake Iseo is easy to visit, but a few tips can help make your trip even smoother! Here are some things that I learned during my visit to Lake Iseo that will help you plan ahead.
How Much Time Do You Need at Lake Iseo?
Lake Iseo makes for a good day trip, especially if you focus only on Iseo and Monte Isola. That said, spending one or two nights allows you to slow down and enjoy the lake early in the morning or later in the evening, when it is especially peaceful.
What Should You Pack & Wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential when traveling in Europe, and this area is no exception. This is especially true if you plan to explore Monte Isola on foot or by bike. Light layers are helpful when you are near or on the lake, and a camera is a must, as the scenery is beautiful in every direction. If visiting in the summer, you may even do some Lake Iseo swimming! So, don’t forget a bathing suit.
Helpful Lake Iseo Planning Tips
Ferry schedules can vary slightly by season, so it is worth checking the times the day before your visit, especially if you are visiting in the winter.
Visiting Monte Isola earlier in the day tends to be quieter, especially in summer, as the ferries are busiest midday and during commute times.
Why I Fell in Love With Lake Iseo & Monte Isola, Italy
It’s hard not to fall in love with each and every corner of Italy. With each trip to Italy, I discover and appreciate places I never even knew existed. I often enjoy these more than the large cities and bucket-list landmarks in Italy. This combination of old town charm and one of the most beautiful Italian lakes was just so perfect.
Lake Iseo and Monte Isola offer a version of Italy that feels relaxed, authentic, and refreshingly uncrowded. It is the kind of place that encourages slower travel, where ferry rides replace car trips and simple moments by the water become the highlight of the day.
If you are planning a trip to Italy, especially Northern Italy, I encourage you to find space in your itinerary for Lake Iseo and nearby wine tasting.
More Italy Travel Inspiration
If you enjoyed learning about Lake Iseo and Monte Isola in Northern Italy, you’ll be inspired by reading about some of my other favorite places in Italy, including the charming Ligurian Sea community of Camogli. If you are looking for an Italy travel guide, you’ll find plenty here!
Make sure to read all of my Italy travel blog posts and travel guides and start planning your Italy trip.
Shop Finds Inspired By Italy
Do you love Italy as much as I do? Please check out my top Italy-themed gift ideas, along with my top Italian favorites, including the best toothpaste ever!
Just tap the image below to shop!
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