Properties on the popular Italian Lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda achieve healthy rental returns, but as the Italian lakes are one of the most scenic parts of Italy, prices can be steep. Three-bedroom villas with a lake view, private terrace and garden on Como start at around €400,000. Lake side apartments on Maggiore, with access to a pool, start from €165,000. The Italian lakes have good accessibility with the airports of Malpensa, Milan Linate and Brescia. The area offers an idyllic Italian experience in an outstanding natural environment, perfect as a second home location.
“One can't describe the beauty of the Italian Lakes, nor would one try if one could," wrote Henry James. The extravagant beauty of the Italian Lakes: Como, Garda and Maggiore has attracted visitors since the times of the Roman Empire, inspiring poets, writers, and musicians with idyllic landscapes of tranquil lakes ringed by soaring snow capped mountains which descend to meet the lakeshores.
The Italian Lake District stretches across Northern Italy. The southern ends of most of the lakes are relatively flat (a continuation of the River Po Plain), but the northern ends are mountainous as the lakes reach deep into the Alps. Popular with Northern Europeans and Italians alike for over 100 years, the Italian Lakes combine good weather with attractive scenery. The climate is mild in both summer and winter, producing Mediterranean vegetation, with beautiful gardens growing rare and exotic plants.