Lombardy

Empire of the Lakes

Lombardia, or Lombardy, is Italy's richest region and the most populous region with about 9 million inhabitants.

Around Italy's economic hub, Milan, takes the lead in different areas: mechanized agriculture, industries and IT.

Here you can find the Italian stock market, and the most active media production corporations and companies in Italy. Milan is also one of the world's most famous cities when it comes to fashion and design as well.

But Lombardia, is not only about Milan. A visitor has a whole world to explore beyond the city's intense activities. Lago di Como (Como Lake) is one of the hottest italian destinations. House prices have incredibly soared and tourism is booming. Several celebrities, such as George Clooney, Michael Schumacher have bought their properties around the Lake and enjoy their prolonged stays when in Italy.

The lake is like an inverted Y in a glacial valley and surrounded by magnificent villas, castles and English gardens. At the southern tip of the lake we find the cities of Como and Lecco, separated by Monte S. Primo while in North the lake almost reaches the Swiss border.

Garda Lake is a very typical Italian destination, loved by many visitors from around the world. Around the Italian largest lake is a warm and humid microclimate that allows Mediterranean plants such as lemon and fig trees to flourish. The lake is surrounded by nice cities, fine houses and green hillsides.

Lago d'Iseo has always been overshadowed by the neighbour Garda Lake, but this glacial lake is well worth a visit, especially for the beautiful pearl Monte Isola, a mountain that rises from the lake. This 500 m high island can be reached by ferry from the different places in Lago d'Iseo. Once on the little the island you can visit it by bike or jumping on those minibuses that circulate around and appreciate quaint and small fishing villages like Peschiera Maraglio and Siviano.

The Italian largest National Park, Parco dello Stelvio, crosses Lombardia and Trentino. Here we find the most beautiful hills, the deep valleys and villages where you can just feel you are so far ways from the hectic, crazy busy life of Milan.

And if it happens to be there, do not miss to visit the beautiful Valtellina, a part of the region blessed with the best in food such famous cheeses and bresaola.