If you’re looking for an Italian lake that hasn’t yet been overrun by crowds but still has it all — stunning views, swimming spots, cycling, great food, and towns with soul — Lake Iseo is the perfect choice. We made our base in Sovere, just a few minutes from charming Lovere and a stone’s throw from Monte Isola — the largest lake island in Europe.
We start in Carzano, a small port on the island’s eastern shore. The easiest way to get there is by ferry from Sale Marasino – a quick and pleasant crossing. Ferries run frequently, almost every 30 minutes in high season.
👉 Timetable: Ferries
Right after stepping off the ferry, on the left by the port, you’ll find a grocery store — and, surprisingly, a bike rental. They even have kids’ bikes and ones with child seats. Don’t expect top-of-the-line service, but the bikes work — and that’s what really counts.
A few dozen meters further stands the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, stunning from the very first step inside — a bright Baroque interior with richly decorated vaults and frescoes by Domenico Voltolini that leave a lasting impression.
Looking to cool off? In Carzano, you’ll find a small, quiet beach shaded by trees, with a grassy shore and a covered scooter parking area — perfect for a peaceful break. But if you’re dreaming of a lively vibe, gelato, and a taste of dolce far niente, head to Peschiera Maraglio with its promenade and a larger (though busier) beach. If you start from Peschiera, the best ferry connection is from Sulzano.
Difficulty: easy/medium (short distance, but a few climbs)
Bike type: trekking
Route length: 9 km
Elevation gain/loss: approx. +150 m / –150 m
Surface: local asphalt roads and gravel paths
Carzano – the ride begins in this small, quiet port, where narrow lanes wind between houses with flowers spilling from balconies. Just a few minutes in, you pass a stone chapel that sets the tone of the island — peaceful, a little rustic, with a touch of history.
Siviano – after the first gentle climb, you reach the largest village on the island. Here, a must-stop viewpoint opens onto the fairytale-like island of Loreto, with its castle and towers rising above the cypress trees. The perfect spot for a photo — and a sip of water.
We didn’t make it — with a child seat on the back and 33°C uphill… well, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola will have to wait for another visit. But if you’ve got the strength (and older kids), it’s definitely worth it!
From Carzano, a fairly steep hiking trail leads up — about 2 km uphill. The round trip takes around 1.5–2 hours, with an elevation gain of about 300 m. From the top, you’re rewarded with a full 360° panorama of Lake Iseo — said to be absolutely spectacular.
👉 See the route on Komoot: Madonna della Ceriola z Siviano – pieszo
Distance: 3.77 km
Time: about 1:30 h up and back (closer to 2 h with kids)
Elevation gain: +312 m
The trail is well-marked, but bring water and hats — in summer the sun here can be merciless.
We ride through Menzino, passing Crazy Bikers Birreria, where you can stop for something cold before moving on. Soon after, we reach a rest area with benches and tables. Among the olive trees stands an old olive press — the perfect spot for a short picnic in the shade, with panoramic views of the lake. From here, you can also take a detour to Rocca Martinengo, a former 16th-century fortress.
Along the way, we pass one of the most iconic views of the Monte Isola cycling route — San Paolo Island, a small private gem on Lake Iseo, with its red-roofed villa, stone walls, and centuries-old trees.
Finally, the road descends straight into Peschiera Maraglio, the liveliest village on the island. A promenade, gelato, little trattorias, and the aroma of espresso — the perfect ending to the ride, in the true rhythm of dolce far niente.
We can end the route here, or return to Carzano, closing the loop along a scenic road that runs right by the lake.
Lovere is one of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy — and that’s no empty phrase. Officially listed among the Borghi più belli d’Italia (the most beautiful towns of Italy), it enchants with pastel façades, a mountain backdrop, and ever-changing views of Lake Iseo at every turn.
„La Capitanio” – Built in 1926, it is considered the oldest vessel still sailing on Lake Iseo.
Lakefront walk – the lakeside promenade is pure joy. Playgrounds, cafés, and safe open spaces where kids can run around freely.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – the heart of town, with cozy cafés and a fountain that’s always a lively spot.
Civic Tower (Torre Civica) – for older kids and adults: a short climb with a great reward — views over Lovere’s rooftops and the Alps in the background.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Valvendra – an impressive 16th-century church. Even if sacred architecture isn’t your thing, the frescoes, gilded details, and the raw power of the mountains outside the windows are striking.
Lovere – Practical Tips
🍦 Gelato: Try Gelateria Artigianale Capriccio – their cream and pistachio flavors are top-notch.
🍕 Family lunch: Ristorante Pinocchio – wood-fired pizza, child seats, and a fairytale-like vibe.
🅿️ Parking: Convenient free parking at the port, right by the promenade.
At the southern tip of the lake, Sarnico offers a more refined atmosphere – Art Nouveau villas, waterfront cafés, and the excellent La Gelateria di Nonna.
🌸 Liberty-style trail – Sarnico is a showcase of Italian Art Nouveau villas. Pick up a map at the local info point and turn it into a “detail hunt”: kids love spotting floral motifs on balconies and railings.
🌴 Lungolago promenade – a long, comfortable lakeside walk lined with playgrounds, palm trees, and fountains.
⛴ Boat trip from the marina – ferries leave Sarnico for destinations all around the lake. You can plan a half-day water excursion, e.g. to Monte Isola.
Lovere – wilder, more authentic, with a mountain soul. Perfect as a travel base (Sovere or Castro are excellent locations nearby).
Sarnico – more polished and elegant, with better shopping and dining options. A great idea for a leisurely afternoon stroll after a day at the beach.
Sovere is a quiet little town not far from Lake Iseo, and for us it was the perfect base. It’s worth stopping by Bianchi Simone bakery, famous for its crunchy bread and sweet pastries. If you’re here on a Tuesday, don’t miss the local market — you’ll find cheeses, cured meats, and freshly fried seafood whose aroma makes it impossible to just walk past.
When the road winds between Riva di Solto and Castro, and suddenly Baia del Bogn appears, it feels as if someone had dropped a slice of Thailand right into the heart of Lombardy. Turquoise water, sheer cliffs, an intimate cove — no plastic, no intrusive infrastructure, just pure nature.
It’s one of those Lake Iseo spots that looks straight out of a “Secret Beaches of Thailand” brochure — except here, instead of palms you’ll find cypresses and fig trees, and instead of long-tail boats, kayaks and SUP boards.
What to Do Here?
Swim in crystal-clear water – the bottom is rocky, so bring water shoes. The water in the cove warms up faster than in the open lake.
Snorkeling & SUP – the bay is small but perfect for a kayak or paddleboard. The cliffs drop almost vertically into the water.
Sunset photos – the light reflects off the rocks and the water shimmers in shades of green and blue.
Baia del Bogn with Kids?
Great for older kids, but not ideal for little ones. There’s no sandy beach, the water entry is narrow and rocky. There is some shaded area, and along the way you’ll pass wooden piers — though they’re exposed to full sun.
How to Get There?
🚗 By car – Baia lies on the SS469 road, between Riva di Solto and Castro.
There’s a tiny parking area for 2–3 cars, which fills up quickly in season. The best option is to park in Riva di Solto and walk (10–15 minutes).
🚲 By bike – an excellent choice! The route along the western shore of the lake is one of the most scenic roads in the region.
When the kids have had enough of the lake, take a day trip to Brescia. The historic center is a mix of Roman ruins, medieval squares, and absolutely no mass tourism. You can climb up to the castle, wander along Via dei Musei, and then enjoy a pizza with a view of Piazza della Loggia.
A Renaissance square with arcades, cafés, and an astronomical clock. Kids feed the pigeons while adults sip espresso at Bar della Loggia and watch the world go by. This is the heart of the city — and the perfect place to start the day.
Piazza della Vittoria – A square from the 1930s, showcasing the characteristic architecture of Italian modernism.
Highlights:
The Hanging Rhinoceros – an art installation “Il peso del tempo sospeso – rinoceronte” by Stefano Bombardieri.
Palazzo delle Poste and other buildings clad in alternating bands of white and gray marble.
Arcades leading into the square and modern, geometric structures typical of Italy’s Fascist-era architecture.
Piazza Paolo VI is the only square in Lombardy where two cathedrals stand side by side — the Duomo Vecchio (Old Cathedral) and the Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral, 17th–19th century). Together they create a striking contrast of eras in a single frame. On the square, you’ll also find the tourist information office, where you can pick up a free city map.
The Duomo Vecchio (Old Cathedral) is an 11th-century Romanesque rotunda, full of stone-carved charm and medieval atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find frescoes, 15th-century chapels, fragments of mosaics, and austere walls that recall the era of the Lombard princes. It’s one of Brescia’s most important monuments and a remarkable example of medieval sacred architecture in Italy.
Inside, the Duomo Vecchio holds real treasures:
An 8th-century crypt with columns topped by varied capitals and traces of early Christian frescoes.
Renaissance and Gothic frescoes in the side chapels, including works by Giovanni Francesco Romano.
Floor mosaics with animal motifs and Latin inscriptions, preserved from an earlier basilica.
The main altar with monumental organs, framed by the stone semicircle of the presbytery.
The Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral) is a monumental church built from the early 17th century through the 19th, standing right beside the Romanesque rotunda of the Duomo Vecchio. It impresses with its grand Baroque–Neoclassical façade, lined with columns and statues, and crowned by one of the largest domes in Italy.
The interior is bright, spacious, and richly decorated — massive columns, elaborate stuccoes, and chapels filled with sacred art create an overwhelming sense of grandeur. Highlights include:
The main altar with Giacomo Zoboli’s striking painting “The Assumption of Mary.”
A modern central altar with organic forms, contrasting with the historic architecture.
The Reliquary of St. Apollonius — a small gilded casket holding precious relics.
The great organ, set high in the presbytery.
The Duomo Nuovo stands as a symbol of Brescia’s ambition and wealth in the early modern era, and its contrast with the austere medieval form of the neighboring Duomo Vecchio highlights a fascinating dialogue of styles and centuries.
Brescia Castle (Castello di Brescia) – a must!
Perched on a hill above the city and surrounded by greenery, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic, a walk, and sweeping views of the Alps.
Inside:
Museum of Weapons (Museo delle Armi) – armor, swords, pistols… kids won’t stop grinning.
Views from the walls – an absolute must for photos.
🕑 Plan about 1.5–2 hours, including the walk up and back.
Roman Forum and Capitolium (UNESCO)
Temple ruins, a Roman theatre, columns — all standing side by side. You can even step inside the temple from Emperor Vespasian’s time and feel as if you’ve been transported to Pompeii.
🎫 Tip: Get the combined ticket with the castle — it’s worth it!
Via dei Musei
The oldest street in Brescia, linking the Roman Forum with the cathedrals. Perfect for a stroll — cobblestones, little shops, galleries, and gelaterias.
Brescia – Practical Tips
🚗 Parking: Best options are the underground lot at Via Vittorio Emanuele II or near the castle (Parcheggio Castello). Free parking at Parcheggio Viale Italia.
🍕 Food: Trattoria Porteri (classic Lombard cuisine), Osteria al Bianchi (local vibe, simple, cheap, and delicious).
🚶♂️ With kids? Yes – lots of open spaces, no overwhelming crowds, fascinating ruins and the castle. Perfect for children aged 5–8.
🕑 Visiting time: At least half a day (4–5 hours), but ideally a full day with breaks for pizza and gelato.
If you think Italian sparkling wine begins and ends with Prosecco, Franciacorta will surprise you like that first sip of champagne at 11 a.m. This small region in Lombardy — tucked between Brescia and Lake Iseo — is the mecca of Italy’s premium sparkling wine, made with the méthode classique (the same as in Champagne). Only here, there’s more sunshine, less pretension, and a warmer, family-run feel.
Camignone is a charming village that just happens to sit in the very heart of this wine-lover’s paradise. It’s home to Mosnel, one of the region’s iconic wineries (more on that later in this post). But Camignone is more than just Mosnel — it’s also the perfect base for cycling, walks among the vineyards, and dinners under the stars with a glass of Satèn in hand.
From Camignone, you’re just:
10 minutes to Lake Iseo (Paratico/Sarnico),
20 minutes to Brescia,
and the whole Franciacorta region within easy biking distance.
Organic, women-led, and producing beautiful wines.
Tastings with snacks and historic cellars full of character.
The Rolls-Royce of Franciacorta.
Modern art, sculptures, and barrels resting on marble.
Advance booking required.
Perfect for fans of top-tier elegance.
One of the first certified organic wineries in the region.
Intimate tastings with gorgeous views.
A great place to start your Franciacorta journey.
An icon of style and sophistication.
Elegant bottles, classic labels, and perfectly balanced wines.
Award-winning, with a wide selection.
Guided tours only, advance booking essential.
Family-run, with a wine and farming tools museum.
Less “Instagram-perfect,” but very authentic.
Great with kids — they can run around the garden.
How to Explore Franciacorta
🚗 By car – the most convenient way. The wineries are spread out, but only 5–15 minutes apart by drive.
🚴♀️ By bike – the region has an excellent network of cycling paths through the vineyards. Maps and signs are available, and there’s virtually no car traffic.
🧺 Picnic & tasting – many wineries offer the option of picnicking among the vines. Perfect with kids.
Good to Know
All visits require reservations, especially on weekends and during the season (May–October).
Tasting prices: from €15 to €45 per person, depending on the number of wines and snacks.
In winter, many wineries open only on request — but it’s also a great time for quiet, uncrowded visits.
When to Go?
🍇 Franciacorta in Cantina Festival – September, with open-cellar weekends, music, and food.
🎄 Mercatini di Natale in Erbusco – December Christmas markets with wine and local specialties.
Lake Iseo with kids is the perfect mix of relaxation, activity, and authentic Italian charm without mass tourism. Sovere and Lovere as your base, Monte Isola by bike, swims in Carzano and Peschiera, the breathtaking Baia del Bogn, gelato in Sarnico, and a day trip to Brescia — all in one week. And if you add a glass of Franciacorta at sunset… it’s pure magic.
Follow us on social media:
The website created using the WebWave.