Italian lakes in holiday mode

If Sicily's Aeolian Islands are Italy's elegant sisters, then the lakes of Lombardy, at the complete opposite end of Italy's boot-shaped holiday mecca, are its stylish brothers.

Lago Maggiore would be the elder brother, wizened by its border with Switzerland and its multifarious tourist visitors. Lake Como is the socialising romantic, ringed by amorous villas and holiday resorts. Lago d'Iseo on the other hand is a quieter intellectual, smaller and with its lake island escape. And Garda is the expansive, jovial one, opening its wide arms to light-hearted fun and entertainment with Gardaland amusement park nearby.

All north to north-east of Milan, the Malpensa Airport is closer to Lake Maggiore than the city and is a good departure point to explore Italy's lakes district. Alternatively, Lake Como is 40kms north of Milan and on the rail line to Switzerland, or the lakes of Iseo and Garda are along the road to Venice for a combined holiday getaway.

Once at the lakes, though, what better way to absorb their unique character than on the water itself? Ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans provide excellent services to and from different lake towns and private boating and water sport options are readily available.

Lake Como is the deepest of the lakes and a trip to the middle offers good fishing and diving. Locals of Ossuccio town celebrate the Sagra of San Giovanni with a boat parade and race. The first week of September a traditional rowing race, the Palio Remiero del Lario, is also held at Como, attracting competitors from throughout the region.

Cruising Lake Maggiore's many varied towns, you can stop off at one of the island gardens. On Lake d'Iseo, Montisola island, the largest lake island of southern Europe, was once one of the world's largest producers of fishing nets. And Lake Garda offers enjoyable dinner cruises, ogling the nightlife of the Riva del Garda. By day, getting into the water, it's a top spot for windsurfing.

Brothers bold, either individually or as a group, the lakes of Lombardy region are a memorable Italian holiday into the joy of lakeside life and the customs that grow around. Quite apart from the lakes' islands, their boating, their liquid beauty, an extended family of excursions proffer their hand. Hiking or rock-climbing into dramatic geographical terrain; paragliding pre-Alpine views; investigating Val Camonica's prehistoric rock art; or even taste-testing the six risottos of the Tastasal competition.