Discover Lake Iseo: Italy's Serene Alpine Escape with Car-Free Charm
For travellers seeking a tranquil retreat from Italy's bustling tourist hotspots, the northern region of Lombardy offers an idyllic sanctuary. This picturesque area is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes, serene lakes, and a unique prohibition on cars, creating a peaceful haven for visitors. Lombardy is home to an impressive collection of fifteen significant lakes and eighty smaller ones, alongside historic cities and scenic islands that captivate the imagination.
The Hidden Gem: Lake Iseo and Monte Isola
Less than two hours from the popular Lake Garda lies Lake Iseo, a hidden gem often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. Dubbed the new 'Lake Como', this breathtaking body of water encircles Monte Isola, which holds the distinguished title of Europe's largest inhabited island situated within a lake. Here, visitors are immersed in a world of car-free villages, pastel-coloured cafés, and the acclaimed Franciacorta wine region, all set against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear, swimmable waters.
With cars banned across the entire island, exploration is best enjoyed on foot through numerous walking routes that reveal breathtaking vistas. These paths showcase remote fishing towns like Peschiera Maraglio, historical buildings, wild beaches, and lush mountains and forests. A standout among these routes is the two-kilometre 'olive tree walk', a peaceful trail offering panoramic views of the lake, charming medieval hamlets, and olive groves that produce specialised local olive oil.
Cultural Treasures and Culinary Delights
The olive tree walk typically takes around thirty minutes to complete, though visitors can leisurely extend their journey with stops at various bars, restaurants, cafés, and gelaterias along the way. A lakeside picnic area provides a serene spot to rest, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy a refreshing swim after the trek. For more adventurous hikers, the climb from Peschiera Maraglio up to the historic village of Cure offers magnificent views over the island.
Steeped in history and culture, the quaint neighbourhood of Cure is renowned for its locally produced salami, providing perfect sustenance before ascending further up the mountain to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola. At an altitude of approximately six hundred metres, this aisleless Roman Catholic church features a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, adding a spiritual dimension to the natural beauty.
Exploring Beyond the Lake: Brescia and Franciacorta
Also located in the region is the compact city of Brescia, sandwiched between Milan and Venice, offering a quiet alternative to Italy's bustling urban hubs. The city boasts the largest Roman archaeological area in Northern Italy and a UNESCO-listed monastic complex, Santa Giulia, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Another Lombardian gem essential for every wine lover is the hilly Franciacorta region, famed for producing high-quality, traditional-method sparkling wines primarily using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc. Located about an hour east of Milan, this area features a picturesque landscape of vineyards, small villages, castles, and monasteries, perfect for oenophiles and casual visitors alike.
Practical Travel Information
Reaching Lombardy and specifically Monte Isola from the UK involves a straightforward journey, albeit slightly long-winded. One-way direct Ryanair flights from London to Milan Linate Airport start at just twenty-nine pounds. From Milan Centrale station, accessible via subway from the airport, a thirty-six-minute train runs hourly to Brescia. From there, a thirty-minute train transports passengers to the port of Sulzano, where a fifteen-minute ferry to Lombardy departs every three hours.
With its unique car-free environment, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural offerings, Lake Iseo presents an unmissable destination for 2026, inviting travellers to experience its charms before the crowds inevitably discover this Italian paradise.
