Ponte nel Cielo, Como

National GeographicAug 22

6 Hidden Waterways That Rival Italy's Famous Lakes

While Italy’s lake region has long held glamorous appeal, the country’s lesser-known waterways can offer a more intimate experience — and a glimpse into authentic local life.

234-metre-long Tibetan bridge hanging 140 metres above valley floor.

16 things in this story

Lakes of PorcilePlaceMountain lakes found at over 2,000 metres above sea level.
TartanoNeighborhoodAlpine village known for its pastoral setting and Tibetan bridge.
Ponte nel CieloSight234-metre-long Tibetan bridge hanging 140 metres above valley floor.
Elsewhere
TorcelloNeighborhoodVenice, ItalyStroll along quiet walkway to visit Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
Mincio RiverPlaceMantua, ItalyCycle path known as the longest 'green motorway' in country.
Valeggio sul MincioNeighborhoodMantua, ItalyRefuel with a plate of the local speciality: meat tortellini.
Venetian LagoonPlaceVenice, ItalyFisherfolk catch soft-shell crabs and goby from the mudbanks.
Basilica of Santa Maria AssuntaMuseumVenice, ItalyOldest church in the Venetian Lagoon, dating back to 639 CE.
Torrente FerPlaceDonnas, ItalyForms natural pools and waterfalls between smooth boulders and rocks.
Lake BolsenaPlaceRome, ItalyLargest volcanic lake in Europe, fringed by black sands.
CapodimonteNeighborhoodRome, ItalyQuiet beach on Lake Bolsena, take ferry to Bisentina Island.
Bisentina IslandSightRome, ItalyUninhabited island mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy.
Lake IdroPlaceBrescia, ItalyCalm glacial lake ideal for water-based activities.
Vesta BeachSightBrescia, ItalyNatural beach on Lake Idro with turquoise waters.
Rocca D'AnfoSightBrescia, ItalyMilitary fortress built by Venetians in the 15th century.
BaitoniNeighborhoodBrescia, ItalyWander boardwalks in provincial nature reserve, spot migratory birds.

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Ponte nel Cielo

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6 Hidden Waterways That Rival Italy's Famous Lakes