Lake Iseo- 7 best tips for the fascinating pearl of Northern Italy

30.09.2024.

Nestled between Bergamo and Brescia, Lake Iseo offers a relaxing atmosphere in the picturesque scenery. The highlight of your visit is the charming Monte Isola, an inhabited island without cars. Enjoying the stunning views from the nearby Sulzano town is a challenging task so follow along. Sulzano bursts with wonderful hikes that will give you the most alluring images of the lake Iseo.

Unlike the nearby Lake Como or Lake Garda that take all the glam, Lake Iseo recharges the elegance silently. It’s a tranquil invite to open up your soul to the wonders of nature and discover its marvels to the fullest. The pretty towns of Lovere or Iseo cannot surpass the beauty of Monte Isola which unveils the treasure of activities.

Visiting Lake Iseo as a day trip from Brescia, Verona or Milano is the best solution to this gorgeous Italian destination.

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Take a day trip from Milano or Verona via Brescia- if you’re on a budget

The easiest way to reach Lake Iseo is by train leading you to Sulzano via Brescia. You can take most of it the whole full day and avoid my mistake of staying overnight in Lovere. As I was leaving Lovere that night, staying till the early afternoon was an optimal solution.

Monte Isola offers plenty of activities unlike Lovere which you can absolutely avoid. Choosing the hostel in Lovere was lovely, but it would save me much of the time by taking a day trip.

From Sulzano there are boats to Monte Isola every 15 minutes, which depicts the most alluring destination on the lake. Ferries on the lake are not so common though.

A day trip to Sulzano will allow you to visit Monte Isola and catch some views in the hills of Sulzano afterward.

Stay overnight at Monte Isola- such a relaxing experience

As already mentioned, a 5-minute boat from Sulzano to Peschiera Maraglio is the best way to reach Monte Isola. Though you can also stay in Sulzano due to the price of the boat, Monte Isola is much more tranquil and affordable.

Monte Isola, as the name suggests, is a mountain island, the largest lake island in Europe. Cars are not allowed but public transport is, though the island is inhabited. There’s even a school on the island.

Peschiera is the largest place on the island with several restaurants, hotels and apartments which are quite affordable.

The peppery price of the 5-minute boat ride (6,50 € for the return ticket) increases if you bring a bike or a dog. Staying overnight will let you absorb the pristine atmosphere, enjoy the views, rent a bike and visit other villages.

Explore Monte Isola to the fullest- it’s the best of Lake Iseo

Whether you’re coming on a day trip or staying overnight, Monte Isola will surprise you with the treasure to discover. Chilling by the lake or even swimming blends with the romantic vibes of the nearby restaurants.

There’s a small museum dedicated to the local customs (free entrance) with tourist info near the ferry port. You can see the traditional boats serving as fishermen’s favourite spots.

Walking around you’ll see Rocca Martinengo at the nearby hill and castle islet across, about 15 minutes from the port.

Another castle island with its gorgeous images serves as a perfect photo background. Within 45 minutes of walking you will reach the Carzano village and here you’ll catch the views towards Isola di Loreto.

At the highest point of Monte Isola lies Sanctuario Madonna della Ceriola, where you can admire the scenery. Walking there requires 2h, but you can also take the bus.

Take some hiking views in Sulzano- fascinating scenery towards Monte Isola

What makes Sulzano so inspiring to visit are the hiking views towards the Monte Isola, gorgeously spread on Lake Iseo. Just ascending shortly is not the answer as the path towards the first viewpoint is quite exhausting.

Actually, there’s one lovely view at the restaurant Cacciatore which is very easy to reach. Though you’ll not see the whole lake, it’s still a fantastic glimpse into the scenery.

From the little chapel known as Grottenkapelle Sulzano bursts the fantasy, free from unwanted trees or similar. You just need to follow the main road above the train station- Via Tassano. Close to the chapel lies the lovely waterfall. Just across the chapel is another main road with a parking and picnic area.

Here also starts the official route to Colmi di Sulzano with the insane views.

Giardino Marilago is an awesome pool with a view, but you should book in advance.

Hiking in Sulzano

Colmi di Sulzano

Starting from the chapel Santa Maria de Giogo stretches this picturesque route above Sulzano. Within the 3,5 km, the path goes mostly straight covering the most breathtaking scenery of Lake Iseo.

Antica Strada Valeriana

The Via Valeriana represents a fabulous terrace towards the lake starting in Pilzone d’Iseo leading you to Pisogne. For thousands of years, this harmonious road connected the city of Brescia with the Camonica Valley. Wandering through the olive groves you can admire the stunning views towards Monte Isola.

Visit the pretty towns on Lake Iseo

Lovere, Pisogne, Iseo and Sarnico are charming villages lying in the picturesque embrace of Lake Iseo. Enjoying your coffee, ice-cream or the meal with the enticing view- isn’t the life perfect?

Honestly speaking, I would skip these pretty villages and base myself in Sulzano. From Sulzano you can have the direct train lines to Pisogne and Iseo, if you want. As Lovere lies on the other side of the lake, the ferry to Pisogne is the only solution to reach Sulzano. It’s near Sulzano where the most incredible scenery is condensed.

Iseo is the largest, where the medieval atmosphere dwells at Piazza Garibaldi and the surrounding alleys. Pisogne will attire you with the artistic shine already at the train station. The pastel-coloured buildings and lake promenades will easily transfer you in time with the company of ancient churches.

Lovere- the most romantic town

By the English writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu Lovere got the title of the most romantic town in her life.

In my opinion, looking quite similar as others, it’s worth only visiting one village, unless you have a car.

The points of interest in Lovere include the impressive Basilica di S.Maria in Valvendra with its stunning organs. Piazza Vecchia with the town hall and Civic Tower was once a main square, now just a pretty area to roam. Palazzo Tadini hosts the Academy of Fine Art as one of the oldest palaces in Lovere.

In pastry shop Wender you can enjoy unique cakes and cookies, so sweet in their small versions.

Gigantic benches- where the fun hides

The gigantic benches enrich several Italian lakes and seven of them are perched like toys here. Each of different colour, you can admire the incredible view creating fun photos.

This fantastic idea of the American artist Chris Bangle got immense approval on Lake Iseo. Above Sulzano the gigantic bench takes place close to the picnic area Martignano.

Zone, the erosion pyramids- discover more than average

With fabulous views of the lake these rock formations are the hidden gem to find around. Starting in the village of Zone, it’s a bit steep and challenging trail in the Natural Reserve.

Surely, you need a car to reach here but you’ll be rewarded with an exquisite perspective. The circular trail gives you the best understanding of this natural phenomenon and their origin thanks to the erosion.

Other fantastic hikes like Monte Guglielmo and Corna Trentapassi start from the Zone.  

Where to stay on Lake Iseo

As already mentioned, the best would be to base yourself in Sulzano or even in Monte Isola for the more relaxed holidays. If you’re with a car, then you can easily do some hikes in Sulzano and see other villages like Pisogne. Staying on Monte Isola is much more affordable than staying in Sulzano or other places.

Sulzano

Pernice 77– an affordable place with a stunning lake view

Monte Isola

Castello Oldofredi– a delightful place in Peschiera Maraglio with a swimming pool, tranquil garden and awesome views;

Decio Rooms– amazing hotel with a pretty restaurant

Lovere

Ostello del Porto– cozy hostel with excellent breakfast;

Hotel Lovere Resort & Spa– stunning rooms with a view and exclusive wellness center;

Pisogne

Sleep Well Motel Total– very affordable and tranquil place with a restaurant and bar, not far from the train station;

Iseo

Relais I Due Roccoli– affordable but elegant hotel with fabulous view and garden, a bit away from the town;

Araba Fenice Hotel– luxurious hotel close to the train station with gorgeous pool on the lake;

Final thoughts

As an underrated destination, Lake Iseo offers a marvelous retreat to its natural scenery. Enjoying the gorgeous views in Sulzano even on a day trip will unveil your fantasy.

Monte Isola deserves an overnight stay to totally indulge into its charm and tranquility. Visiting this fabulous lake will open a world of possibilities to relax more on your trips.

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