Hotels in Lake Garda

Amalfi Coast holidays invite you to experience one of Italy’s most glamourous coastlines. From its scooped-out valleys to its soaring cliffs overlooking pretty bays and pastel coloured buildings, it’s hardly surprising why it's been the setting for films and paintings.

Stretching for over 40 kilometres, there’s so many places to explore too, each one just as eye-catching as the next. If you’re looking for a small town with bags of beauty, Positano has Italian good looks by the bucket load. Or, you can always step away from the crowds and soak up the romantic atmosphere of Ravello, with its magnificent villas and sprawling gardens. But you can’t come to this famous coast without seeing Amalfi itself! This must-see spot will instantly win you over with its cobbled streets and sun-drenched piazzas. Wherever you choose to stay on your Amalfi Coast holidays, you won’t be short of amazing backdrops.

World-class scenery 

The scenery around Amalfi is spectacular. From wild lemon groves adding a hint of citrus to the air and seaside cliffs that give away to mountains, there’s no wonder it’s one of the world’s most famous landscapes.  Couples looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure won’t be disappointed. Hike through a valley lined with waterfalls one day (the Valle delle Ferriere), take a boat trip into an impressive sea cave the next, and unwind on a sunny beach the day after that.

A fascinating history

It’s easy to delve into the local history on your Amalfi holidays. You can’t miss the sense of the past when you stroll along Amalfi’s narrow old streets, and the cathedral (or Duomo) at the town’s cultural heart. An attractive combination of Arabic and Norman styles, it is among Italy's finest churches.. There are also historic coastal watchtowers decorating the coast, including one above Amalfi, while the beautiful gardens of the nearby Villa Rufolo have long attracted some of England’s most celebrated creative people, like Virginia Woolf. And don’t forget to stop by Salerno (make sure you visit the Duomo di Salerno and the beautiful Villa Communale gardens), or further afield to the ancient ruins at Paestum.

Exploring further 

Why settle in one place, when you can squeeze in a few? Whether you want to hit the road for an unforgettable Amalfi drive, or you prefer to travel across the water, it’s so easy to hop between towns. The island of Capri is within easy reach! Young couples will love watching celebrities moor their yachts as they dine in its waterside eateries. For romantic views, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to ride the funicular up to the main town. From here, you can also escape to the famous Blue Grotto, whose name comes from the vivid blue tones you’ll see when the sunlight reflects onto the water. And did we mention It’s also close to one of Italy’s most famous cities - the beautiful Naples? Make sure you visit,  even if it’s just to try a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza! 

Families with an interest in history should schedule a day trip to Pompeii (1 hour 40 minutes from Amalfi). Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, you can’t come to Italy without stepping foot inside this incredible archeological site. From preserved temples, Roman baths, houses and theatres, it’s all waiting to be discovered in this ancient city.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Holidays to Lake Como promise total tranquillity, breathtaking landscapes and dramatic views. Set against a backdrop of pine-covered mountains, this part of Northern Italy is one of the country’s finest holiday spots. Located 85km north of Milan, Lake Como boasts magnificent scenery – from idyllic gardens to fascinating historic sites – that makes exploring a real treat.

The lake itself is over46km long with a seabed that sits 200 metres below sea level. Around the lake, you’ll find a plethora of colourful towns and villages framed by hills that offer lovely views from their peaks. Lake Como holidays are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with lots to see and do nearby. 

Unique Natural Formation 

Lake Como dates back to the last Ice Age. Like many other Italian subalpine lakes, its geological origin is glacial. It’s shaped like an inverted Y, formed from the movement of an enormous glacier. 

Its name in Latin is Larius, Italianised as Lario. Como and Lecco are situated at the ends of its southwestern and southeastern branches, while Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio sit at the intersection of the branches. Lake Como has always been important as a passageway between Italy’s northern regions and the Po Valley. 

Idyllic Towns

Lake Como is home to around 30 idyllic towns and villages. Their multicoloured houses stand out against the glistening turquoise waters of the lake, creating picture-perfect panoramas. 

One of the region’s most famous towns is Bellagio, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’. This elegant town is loved for its unrivalled coastal views, quiet cobbled streets and luxurious villas. Here, you can marvel at the parish church and explore the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, which are open to the public from Spring to Autumn.

Menaggio is another of Lake Como’s spectacular towns. Once a medieval walled city, this quaint resort is studded with charming cafés, chic boutiques and impressive architecture. Wander along the picturesque lakefront promenade lined with brightly coloured buildings before heading up to the older part of the town to learn more about Menaggio’s history. 

Roman History

Lake Como has been a popular destination for wealthy people since Roman times. After the area was conquered by Julius Caesar,  it was filled with grand villas inhabited by wealthy settlers such as authors Pliny the Elder and Younger.

Evidence of Como’s Roman influence can still be seen today, most notably from its Roman Baths and other monuments. Stroll through Como’s city centre and witness fascinating structures like Basilica di San Carpoforo and Basilica di San Fedele. 

For centuries, visitors have been drawn to Lake Como’s wonderful lifestyle. From its internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to its elegant fashion boutiques, this region of Northern Italy is synonymous with luxury and beauty. Lake Como is a favourite spot among celebrities such as George Clooney, Madonna and Ronaldinho, who own homes here. The town of Lenno is also a popular film location and has featured in various big-screen works, including James Bond: Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. 

Activities on Lake Como 

Holidays in Lake Como promise exciting things to do. Try your hand at a range of watersports, including paddleboarding and kayaking, or take a private boat tour around the lake – the best way to fully appreciate the area’s natural scenery. 

In the summertime, you can explore the hiking trails around the region. There are plenty to choose from, offering stunning views across the lake and the surrounding towns and villages. In the wintertime, you can visit one of the many ski resorts located close to Lake Como, where you can spend a day gliding down snow-covered slopes. 

Ischia Porto is the biggest of Ischia’s six towns, situated on the north coast. With its high-end shops and the horseshoe-shaped harbour bobbing with flash-looking yachts, Ischia Porto has more than a whiff of Capri about it! However, there’s much more to Ischia Porto holidays than just some high-end retail therapy, and you’ll find everything from golden beaches and bustling bars to the natural springs in the town’s thermal parks and gardens.

Head to the Castello Aragonese castle to discover more about Ischia Porto’s past, or explore the medieval churches that are dotted around the town. If this destination looks a bit familiar, it might be because it’s acted as the backdrop for several films including Cleopatra, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon. Whether you’re whisking your better half off for a romantic break or travelling with the family, Ischia Porto holidays offer a little slice of paradise.

Things to do

While it’s very easy to spend your holidays soaking up the rays on one of the island’s golden sandy beaches, there are plenty of things to see and do. If you’re on a romantic break, sip on a glass of limoncello from a harbourside restaurant and watch the fishing boats, expensive yachts and pleasure boats come and go. If there’s a shopper in your ranks, head to the main street’s trendy stores, where you’ll find everything from high-end fashion brands to quirky, backstreet boutiques selling handmade goods and souvenirs.

For a dip into the island’s past visit some of the town’s spectacular medieval churches. Alternatively, take a walk along the 22-metre-long bridge to the island’s iconic Aragonese Castle, before heading to one of the many open-air springs and spas to soothe your skin and relax those muscles.

Great attractions

Ischia is known for a number of things, not least its spectacular castle that rises up on a small islet from Ischia Ponte. The island’s also famous for its thermal springs which are said to have healing properties, whether you relax in the water at a public baths or find a little stream that trickles out along the beach.

Beautiful beaches

If you love spending time at the beach, there are some fabulous ones to choose from across Ischia. Bask in some golden sunshine at any number of inviting beaches, or sit back in bath-like rock pools in the shadow of plunging cliffs. Whether you catch the bus, take a water taxi or hire your own boat, there are plenty of ways to explore the highlights of Ischia’s picturesque coastline.

Adventurous island

When you feel like being active, Ischia is home to a selection of super walking trails. You can climb mountains to reward yourself with incredible views down across the island and out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. After an adventurous day out, settle down for a long dinner at one of Ischia Porto’s many restaurants. Tuck into some famous Italian cuisine and try local specialities like the freshly caught seafood.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

You find Limone on the north-west side of the spectacular Lake Garda. A quaint and peaceful town, it sits at the base of towering cliffs, which keep it sheltered from the winds. With secluded beaches and pretty harbours, holidays in Limone are perfect for families and couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality downtime together.

You’ll get a good sense of the town’s medieval past by wandering through its narrow streets, dotted with lemon-coloured houses. Despite the area’s fame for growing excellent lemons, Limone’s name is more of a happy coincidence: the name stems from an ancient Latin word meaning ‘boundary’. Lake Garda is shared by three Italian provinces and sits on the boundary of Brescia. With plenty to explore and a plethora of attractions within easy access, you can make your Limone holidays exactly what you want them to be!

Things to do

Porto Vecchio is the little harbour in the heart of the old town with lots of shops and terrace cafes dotted around it. Stop for a spot of lunch and admire the beautiful views of the lake. The churches around here have some stunning frescos, so make sure you stop by. Take a tour of the old lemon and olive groves, and visit the local oil press to see olive oil made in the traditional way. For a relaxing day in the Italian sunshine, head to the pebble beach by the lake. A boat tour of Lake Garda is a great way to see the area and soak up the scenery.

Old-world Charm

With its incredible cliffside setting sandwiched between lake and mountain, Limone could only be reached by boat until the first road was built to it in the 1930s. The town has retained its old-world charm to this day, and it’s the ideal place to come if you want to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday. Go for walks in the mountains, sit down for a long morning coffee in a tight historic street, or laze around by the lake as you soak up some sunshine.

Water Sports

Don’t be fooled into thinking there’s not much going on in Limone though. Lake Garda is renowned for its action-packed water sports, and Limone’s no different. Whether you take to the water to try out a new activity, or you’re a dab hand at things like windsurfing, there’s plenty of fun things to have a go at.

Charming Sights

When it’s time to explore, Limone has some wonderful attractions that you can visit. From stunning churches filled with history and character, to interesting museums, you’ll invariably have incredible views of the scenery while you’re making your way between the sights. There are some fantastic spots where you can make the most of this over dinner too, with bars and restaurants serving authentic home cooked Italian food with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Garda.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice