The Northern Italian Lakes belong to the most beautiful areas in Italy and form an impressive scenery on the southern edge of the Alps. The region offers five lakes: Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Orta as well as Lake Iseo. Italy´s biggest lake is Lake Garda, with just under 370 km and is as inviting as the pictorial city Riva del Garda. Due to the wind conditions the north of Lake Garda is a popular destination for surfers, but also very attracting for bikers, hikers, freeclimbers and paragliders. Heading south, the lake broadens and the moutains flatten. The landscape around Lake Como is also breathtaking. The lake is dominated by the majestic scenery of the Alps and used to be a busy trade road for the Romans. The cities Como and Bellagio convince with their great architecture and the colourful alleys. Along the shores of the lake, rich business people built magnificent villas with ample Mediterranean gardens. Lake Maggiore, with a length of 65 km, offers a spectacular panorama. The cities Stresa, Arona and Verbania as well as the small islands, that are located in the middle of the lake, are very pictorial and worth seeing.