The Italian Riviera, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and Capri; when you think of Italian beaches these are some names that spring to mind. However, if you think of Northern Italy you could either imagine skiing or live art-history tours around Venice, Verona or Milan. You don't however, think of beaches. But the Italian Lake District boasts much of Italy's most breathtaking scenery and stunning lakeside beaches.

Lake Maggiore is the largest at around 65km long and roughly 4km wide. It's 193 metres above sea level but the depth of the lake extends to 179 metres below sea level. The top of the lake is surrounded by fresh-smelling pine trees and alpine overgrowth. The middle around Verbania, is more open and lush with small hills pinpricking the descending terrain before opening into a broad flood plain near Domelletto.

The small towns and villages clinging to its banks are so stunning they will make you gasp. A quaint and charming blend between Swiss order and function and Italian frivolity and classical art they are at their most photogenic at dawn or dusk when a captivating mist swirls around the bays, coves, hills and into the streets and alleys.

For a base, choose the lip-bitingly pretty Verbania if you want a wider choice of restaurants and shops and a buzz of life. For more of a whisper but just as pretty try Cannobio. If you are uncertain which village or region to pick along the kilometres of water-lapped shores, opt for a multi-centre holiday or even camp in one or many of the numerous well-equipped camp-sites located right on the river's banks.

Like all the lakes in the region, explore by boat. You can hire your own or jump on a tour or cheat and get ferried from east to west, north to south. Aside from exploring the built-up areas, the natural landscape has a huge amount to offer. You don't have to spend your whole time on the water as you can hike, mountain bike and go horse riding as well as wine and cheese tasting learn how to make pasta, paint or cook Italian style.

The most famous and largest of the lakes is Lake Garda. It is just a hop and a skip from Verona so makes the perfect first or second half of a twin centre Italian holiday. Once you have exhausted all the watersport activities, get the cable car to Montbaldo. At 1750 metres the views are truly spectacular and if you are daring enough you can hire a mountain bike to get back down to lake level again.

Lake Como is the third largest lake but is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The slopes are more sheer and it’s a wonder the houses and castles don't slide into the water below. The eastern side boasts some of the prettiest, quietest and more traditional villages such as Tremezzo and Varenna. Get one of Italy's best known foods, gelato and lick your way around the 4km walkway skirting the west side of the lake.