Lake Iseo and its villages
The villages overlooking Lake Iseo, jewels of history and naturalism, increase its charm making the area unique and unforgettable.
Iseo, a lively town and capital of the lake, preserves the ancient medieval structure characterized by narrow alleys, squares, towers and imposing palaces. To visit the historic Piazza Garibaldi, the Pieve di Sant’Andrea, the Palazzo dell’Arsenale, the Church of Santa Maria del Mercato and, nearby, the Sanctuary of the Snow.
Of considerable historical importance the Castello del Carmagnola in Clusane d’Iseo is a rare example of a medieval fortress. The list of castles in the area is numerous: Borato Castle, Passirano Castle, Lantieri Castle and Quistini Castle in Rovato are just some examples.
Furthermore, a few kilometres from Iseo and Sarnico the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa is the oldest Cluniac foundation of the Sabino. In Ome, the Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit, a plant heritage that has given rise to several thematic gardens.
For shopping enthusiasts, the appointment at the Franciacorta Outlet Village is a must, where you can buy clothes and accessories from the most famous brands at advantageous prices.
Lovere is an ideal place for a romantic walk along the lake, admiring the peaks of Adamello in the background while the towers that populate it, the Torre degli Alghisi, the Civic Tower and the Torre Mozza, recall the ancient medieval history of the city.
In Sarnico, located on the northern shore, surrounded by an ancient wall fence and dominated by a castle, there are the fifteenth-century church of San Paolo and the Church of San Martino. It also offers a great variety of beaches and parks where you can relax surrounded by nature: Lido di Neppuno, Lido Cadé, Lido Fontanì and Lido Fosio are some options. A good time to visit this place is at the end of July, on the occasion of the Sarnico Busker Festival, an internationally popular street art event which hosts numerous acrobatic and tightrope, dance and theatre performances.
Lake Iseo and its islands
Recognized as one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy", Montisola is the pearl of Lake Iseo, characterized by a timeless atmosphere and the absence of car traffic. It is possible to walk the paths surrounded by olive trees to discover the characteristic fishing villages of Peschiera Maraglio, Carzano and Novale, until you reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, a sacred place and a panoramic point from which to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
To relax and taste the delicacies of the area, a stop at the Olofredi Castle in Peschiera Miraglio is ideal.
The Iseo lake and its thermal baths
Boario Terme is a pretty village in the Camonica Valley. The thermal baths, characterized by natural alpine sources, are immersed in a large and luxuriant park where it is possible to immerse yourself in nature during the treatment course. The green surrounding landscape offers the opportunity to practice numerous alpine sports including cycling, hiking and climbing.
Discovering the area: trekking, adventure parks, walks in the woods and water sports
The perfect destination for trekking lovers is the Forcella-Molere hill path, reaching up to the Rocca de Zucchelis, near Sarnico. Equally impressive is the Riserva delle Torbiere, which houses an ecosystem made up of bodies of water and reeds, a paradise for bird watchers. Near Sarnico a suggestive trekking path leads to Monte Bronzone from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake, Monte Isola, the San Fermi Hills, Val Cavallina and the Apennines.
Finally, for lovers of boating and sailing, Sulzano is a picturesque village with narrow alleys and the unmistakable moorings for fishing boats and the beach overlooking a stretch of swimming lake. Stand up paddle, a water sport which, paddling between reeds and small harbours, allows you to discover the area from an unusual perspective.
In Paratico, the territory where the Oglio river meets Lake Iseo, the Taxodium Distichum Wood is worth a visit. This place is full of charm and a nesting place for herons, which can be discovered through raised walkways.
