Crystal-clear water, alpine peaks and historic villas right on the shore: the lakes of northern Italy combine stunning mountain scenery with a Mediterranean way of life. Head out onto the water in the morning, moor in the town harbour in the afternoon and watch the world go by over an espresso. For many, this is the very essence of la dolce vita.
Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano and Lake Como are distinct sailing areas, each with its own unique character. The wind, shoreline, harbours and regulations differ, in some cases significantly. The smaller Lake Orta, with its tranquil shores and the medieval town of Orta San Giulio, offers a charming contrast to its larger neighbours. Anyone wishing to explore these sailing areas faces a fundamental decision even before setting off: should they bring their own boat or charter one locally? Taking your own boat allows for flexibility, but you’ll need to plan your journey carefully. Boat ramps, crane facilities and moorings are not guaranteed everywhere and sometimes need to be arranged well in advance.
On Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano, there is also the national border to consider: different driving licence regulations apply in Italy and Switzerland for motorised vehicles. There are also special regulations for foreign boats when launching them.
On Lake Como, which lies entirely within Italy, the wind is the main factor to consider when planning a sailing trip. If you are familiar with the typical wind patterns, you can better time your trips to suit the course of the day.
Whichever lake you choose, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the area’s specific features in advance: where’s the best place to launch the boat? What do you need to bear in mind regarding wind, navigation and regulations? And which harbours and bays are worth stopping at? A look at the three major sailing areas reveals what skippers can expect there.
A useful website for skippers to carry out further research is Portolago.com.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore offers sailors a varied sailing area stretching 66 kilometres, ranging from relaxed cruising in the south to brisk winds in the north. To ensure that your trip on this transnational lake goes smoothly, boaters should be aware that here Everything you need to know about formalities, rules on the water and the available infrastructure.
Lake Lugano
Highly branched and surrounded by steep mountains: The Lake Lugano It covers an area of around 49 square kilometres between Ticino and Lombardy. Around 63 per cent of its area lies in Switzerland, with the remainder in Italy. For skippers, the area offers plenty of variety, but also involves a number of regulations and wind conditions that are worth being aware of.
Lake Como
Lake Como combines spectacular Alpine scenery, sophisticated towns and excellent conditions for water sports enthusiasts. Between Como, Gera Lario and Lecco lies a varied sailing area with a distinctive wind pattern. Find out what you need to know for a sailing trip on Italy’s third-largest lake here.
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Book recommendation:
Alpine lakes combines photographs by Nico Krauss with descriptions of the regions and features, amongst others, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and Lake Como. The illustrated book complements the view of the lakes of northern Italy with landscapes and a range of water sports, from sailing to stand-up paddleboarding. Anyone looking for inspiration for their next destination will find a visual overview of these and other destinations in the Alpine region across 144 pages. (shop.delius-klasing.de)
Antonia von Lamezan
Volontärin