By Judy McEuen, Travel Writer
ISEO, Italy
When one thinks of the Italian Lakes, what immediately come to mind are the major lakes of Maggiore, Lugano, Como and Garda. However, there are also smaller lakes in the area that are not as popular but are likewise as picturesque and charming. One such lake is Lake Iseo located in northern Italy at the town of Lombardy between Lake Garda and Lake Como.
Lake Iseo may not offer resort facilities that are as grand as the premier destinations in the more popular Italian Lakes but it does features spectacular views of the calm waters sheltered by rugged mountains.
Fewer tourists
What I like most about Lake Iseo is the much smaller number of tourists frequenting the area compared to the crowded streets and beaches of the bigger lakes. You don’t have to fight your way against a crowd of visitors when moving around the area.
The wooded hillside also makes for a picturesque background, especially during the spring and autumn when the colors of nature are at their brightest. Passenger ferries operate all year round so you are never far away from the other major destinations should you wish to explore the neighboring lakeside towns.
There are also a decent number of accommodations in the town of Iseo and visitors will not want for restaurants, pizzerias, cafes and shops. The churches in the area are also worth visiting; most of them are very old and good representations of the period in which they were built. You can also take a five-minute ferry ride to the nearby town of Sulzano if you wish to explore the island’s backyard and treat yourself to plenty of pleasant surprises along the way. The scenic landscape is dotted by rich olive groves and lovely vineyards. There are also plenty of ancient chestnut trees around the area making it a pleasant walking destination.
Prehistoric rock carvings
A short trek along wooded mountain paths and small hamlets to the summit of island Isola will lead visitors to the doors of the church of Santuario della Ceriola . For some spectacular natural sights, head to the nearby lake town of Marone for its pyramids – mushroom-like boulder formations. Valle Camonica should also not be missed for its prehistoric rock carvings. The larger towns of Brescia, Bergamo and Verona are also perfect for rich cultural immersion with their museums and fine architecture.
Visitors can catch a train or a bus from the major cities of Venice, Verona and Milan to the towns of Brescia and Bergamo or just fly directly to the airports of these two towns. From there, you are a short train-ride away to the towns and villages of Lake Iseo. Brescia provides easy access to the towns on the eastern side of the lake while the western side is best approached from the town of Bergamo. Local trains run several times daily so visitors will not have trouble catching a trip to their chosen lakeside towns at any time of the day.
