Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
With the exception of the south shore, the road closely hugs the water on its circuit
around the lake and is especially dramatic south of Lovere.
Sights & Activities
At the lake's southwest edge, the sun sets directly in front of the lakefront promenade in
Iseo
(population 9200). It's a pleasant spot with a string of squares just behind the water-
front and a public beach where you can hire canoes and paddle boats.
Iseobike
(
340 3 96
20 95;
www.iseobike.com
; Via Colombera 2; bike rental per hour/day €4.50/12, helmet €3;
9.30am-12.15pm & 2.30-7pm May-Aug, Fri-Sun only Sep-Apr)
hires out bikes and can put together
tailor-made cycling tours around the lake into the Franciacorta wine region.
Directly west of Iseo is
Sarnico
(population 6650), with its lovely Liberty villas, many
of which were designed by Giuseppe Sommaruga. Among them, his lakeside Villa Fac-
canoni (Via Veneto) is the most outstanding. The heart of the old town, known as La Con-
trada, straggles back from the Oglio river. It is perfect for a wander along the riverside
after a morning coffee.
North of Iseo, rising out of the lake,
Monte Isola
(population 1800), Europe's largest lake
island at 4.28 sq km, is easily the lake's most striking feature. Francesco Sforza granted
the islanders special fishing rights in the 15th century and the island is still dotted with
fishing villages. From Carzano, in the northeast (where boats land), you can climb rough
stairs to the summit (599m). A 15km trail allows you to walk or cycle around the island
(no cars are permitted).
On the northwest tip of the lake, the port town of
Lovere
(population 5600) is a working
harbour with a higgledy-piggledy old centre and a wealth of walking trails in the hills be-
hind it. At the waterfront you'll find the
Accadamia Tadini
( 035 96 27 80;
www.accademiatadini.it
;
Via Tadini 40; adult/concession €7/5; 3-7pm Tue-Sat, 10am-noon & 3-7pm
Sun & holidays May-Sep, 3-7pm Sat, 10am-noon & 3-7pm Sun & holidays Apr & Oct)
, home to a con-
siderable art collection with works by Jacopo Bellini, Giambattista Tiepolo and Antonio
Canova. Short drives out of Lovere to nearby villages like
Bossico
and
Esmate
bring you to
marvellous lookout points high above the lake.
