Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings

Where

Lago, D'idro

Not far from Brescia there is a small lake surrounded by mountains that reflects the forest greenery and offers all the serenity we need in an instant.

We are talking about Lake Idro, one of the least crowded destinations in the area, which should be put on the calendar as soon as possible to enjoy trips off the beaten track during the pleasantness of the spring season, which has now stopped retreating and is finally affording us bright days and rising temperatures.

In this unspoilt place, where nature and history meet, anyone can find their much-desired portion of relaxation and enjoyment. The more athletic will love sailing and windsurfing in its waters or trekking and climbing on Mount Maniva, enjoying the thrill of the splendid views from the mountains known as the Little Brescian Dolomites.

More culturally-minded visitors will be delighted by the historical wealth of Bagolino and the small hamlets that line the lakeshore and will certainly not be intimidated by the 498 steps leading up to the Rocca d'Anfo, a monumental fortress overlooking the lake and a must-see attraction in the area.

Following an itinerary with several stages through the main attractions of Lake Idro and its surroundings, let us take a closer look at what the area surrounding this lovely blue gem has to offer.

1. Rocca d’Anfo — The Rocca d’Anfo marks the opening stage of our lake tour. It is a system of military fortifications that stretches along the western shore of the lake, between Valle Sabbia and Valli Giudicarie. After decades of neglect, thanks to important restoration work, a few years ago this place was re-opened to the public, offering guided visits and suggestive tours at night.

Read more

2. Bagolino — We then proceed with a visit to Bagolino, a medieval village dating back to Roman times that lies along the road linking Lake Idro with Mount Maniva and the Gaver plain. Voted one of the most beautiful hamlets of Italy, besides its historic Carnival, it is also famous for its Transhumance festival. This is an event that takes place during summer when grazing animals migrate to the mountains (and in autumn to the pastures down in the valley), as they cross the village streets with their herdsmen in a festive atmosphere that is impossible not to get caught up in.

Read more

3. Parco delle Fucine — The third stage of our itinerary to explore Lake Idro and its surroundings is dedicated to exploring the Parco delle Fucine, a green space of rare beauty lying between Val Trompia and Valle Sabbia, easily reached by car along the road from Castro to Alone. The park is a popular destination for those who love to relax while practising sports in nature.

Read more

4. Monte Stino — Leaving the Parco delle Fucine behind us, we continue towards Monte Stino (1437 metres asl), with its refuge, a social meeting point and reference point for both locals and mountain lovers that was built and inaugurated in 2014. It can be reached by following the signs for Monte Stino from Capovalle, and is a place of considerable charm between Lake Idro and Lake Garda and is particularly popular among more energetic hikers for the variety of sports activities it offers.

Read more

5. Rocca di Sabbio Chiese — Our exploration of the Lake Idro area can only end at the very unique Rocca erected between the 9th and 10th centuries on the top of a spur in the village of Sabbio Chiese, which can be reached along the 'delle Coste' road from Brescia or from the road along the valley floor and is accessible from Easter to September with guided tours upon reservation.

Read more

Take me here: Alla scoperta del Lago d'Idro e dintorni

Comacina Island

We explore the island of Comacina on Lake Como.

Lakes

Canyoning in Valmalenco

A unique canyoning route in the Alps

Lakes

Visit Monte Isola

It is perhaps unsurprising that Monte Isola was given the name it was.

Lakes

Canoeing

Lakes

Summer in Lombardy

The best places to see, the most beautiful excursions and lots of ideas for your holiday: discover the territory of Lombardy!

Lakes

Lago di Como: more than Manzoni

Together with Renzo and Lucia in the streets of Lecco. Then on to discover the eastern bank of the Como Lake. Start with Varenna

Lakes

Dream beaches on Lake Garda

For an escape from the August heat in Lombardy, why not visit these 5 heavenly beaches on Lake Garda?

Lakes

5 lakes to be explored

Not just big lakes: discover 5 other small stretches of fresh water in Lombardy

Lakes

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.

Lakes

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

Visit the "Balcony on the Alps".

Lakes

Lake Como Itinerary

Lakes

Lago di Como: charmingly seductive

Described by Stendhal as ‘voluptuous’, the south-western branch of Lake Como charms with its gardens, villas and breath-taking views.

Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

An amazing place for your active holiday on Lake Como

Lakes

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

Discover the villages, markets, excursions and historical attractions between Angera, Laveno, Luino and Maccagno.

Lakes

3 LAKES TRAVEL CARD

Through Italy and Switzerland discovering the lakes area.

Lakes

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

Lakes

Lakeside and centre of gravedona

Welcome to Gravedona, one of the most important historical-religious centers of Alto Lario.

Lakes

Lago Maggiore Old stories

Finds from the Iron Age, evidence of the Ice Age, monuments of industrial archaeology, dolls from the eighteenth century to date: lower Lago Maggiore (the Verbano area)

Lakes

Lake Como in spring

Discovering Lake Como, among blooming wisteria, idyllic landscapes and crystal clear waters.

Lakes

Lago di Como:Bellagio, the pearl

One of the world's best-loved places, Bellaggio lies on the tip of the central headland, offering convenient ferry access to both branches of the lake

Lakes