Skip the Coast and Head for the Lake District in Italy

Most travelers to northern Italy head straight to Milan. They do the usual rounds of shopping, visit art galleries and linger in historical museums. Then they’re back to the airport, off to Florence, Venice or Pisa to take the usual touristy photos to cram on Instagram.

But when you come here, it’s worth it to see what’s beyond the big cities. Skip the coast and head to the lake area, where idyllic, centuries-old villages sit at the foot of the Alps. Away from the crowded seashore, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy nature and lots of water, while having an active, adventurous holiday.

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Lake Como is my favorite of the lakes. Head for the northern tip, an easy one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Milan. You’ll enjoy the same wine and cuisine with a touch more authenticity than in the touristy towns. Take the ferry to get to one side or another, and bide the time in street markets, or strolling the beach. Try your skill at water sports; there's sailing, surfing, kitesurfing and cliff diving. Plus, parasailing, hiking and rock climbing nearby.

Or go on foot, the best way to see things up close. Just start walking uphill, hiking towards the Pian di Spagna, a nature reserve and expanse of protected wildlife. If you prefer, bike your way around the terrain. You’ll come across campsites, rugged paths, a waterfall or two, and a Roman villa hidden from public view.

Visit the monastery in Piona on the northeast if you want to go somewhere serene. If you come in the pre-winter months, you might chance upon a town wine festival, or Cantina Aperta (literally, “open cellar”), where residents make their personal wine cellars open to the public for one night. Wine tasting in every participating house, traditional bites and plenty of laughter and good vibes.

You can also visit the sites where many Hollywood movies were filmed: James Bond and Star Wars being among two of the most well-known. For something different, try an art holiday in Bellagio, where American artist Jerry Fresia holds annual painting workshops.

Lake Garda is closer to Verona, the fictional birthplace of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, just a thirty-minute drive away. This lake is so vast, it spans three provinces: Verona, Brescia, and Trentino. On first glance, it tends to be on the more commercial side of things, but look out for interesting spots beyond the pizzerias and crowded parking lots: the many islands that sit inside the lake, including one that is the site for a monastery by St. Francis of Assisi. It’s also ideal for surfing and kitesurfing, eating traditional fish dishes and wine-tasting.

Lake Iseo, the least frequented of the lakes, and the smallest on this list, recently garnered global attention when renowned artist Christo decided to put up his installation, the Floating Piers here. If you have time to linger, visit the fortresses, castles and towers surrounding this romantic destination. Look out for the Franciacorta Wine Festival in September, or take a boat ride to Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island.

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On a typical day by the lakes, you’ll wake up with the antique chiming church bells announcing a gentle sun. You might enjoy the morning passing time by strolling up donkey trails and past sheep flocks before reaching a hidden agriturismo for lunch.

There, you’ll sit amidst awe-inspiring views while nibbling on antipasti and perhaps a midday prosecco. Take your time. Enjoy two or even three hours of lunch in good company (with a liter of vino, of course).

Mid-year afternoons are long and warm; you could end a perfect day with a dip in the lake before strolling the street markets and picking up some artisanal crafts or local cheeses. Or, for an adrenaline rush, go kitesurfing.

In Northern Italy, you’ll relish the tiniest of pleasures. You’ll notice yourself forgetting your digital gadgets and thinking only of happy things. It may be the hazy clouds lifting just above the lake’s surface that give you a romantic feeling. Or it may be your third grappa in a row that puts an extra smile on your face.

Truth is, the Lombardy region can’t be discovered in a single day. Set aside three days to a week, in order to fully enjoy this experience. If you come in summer, you'll benefit from the thermal winds that are consistent enough for sailing and surf sports. Both Spring and Autumn bring the most magical colors and light. Winter is still great for active travelers who want to hit the ski slopes. In fact, every day of the year is a perfect day for adventure.