The Lombardy region of Italy is a beautiful region that is surrounded by the foothills of the Alps. This stunning region is known for its rich culture, history, castles, and delicious cuisine. The spectacular scenery of the snow-capped Alps is something that will remain etched in your mind forever. The region is famous for the beautiful Lake Como, the Livigno Ski Resort, and the Duomo of Milan. This magnificent region stretches from Milan and the northern glassy blue lakes of Italy to the historically rich town of Mantua. No matter what season it is, there is something to do and beautiful places to see in Lombardy around the year.
The Lombardy region is best explored in a hire car. It is a good idea to rent a car once you reach Lombardy so that you don’t have any trouble navigating from one place to another. There are many car hire companies in Lombardy, including:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Dollar
- Goldcar
You can compare car rental plans and offers online or even request your hotel to do a car rental comparison and select the best cheap car rental plan for you. Most tourists in Lombardy prefer using rental cars as it reduces the worry of having to navigate through the local transport system.
Now that you have a car hire in place, here are some of the top things to do in Lombardy.
1. Go skiing
The Lombardy region is known for having some of the best ski resorts in Europe. The best place to head to is Livigno. The breathtaking beauty of the white snow-covered valley enchants you as you ski down the mountains here. Livigno is a winter paradise for Europeans, and skiers of all abilities flock to these slopes as soon as skiing season begins. You can even try your hand at snowboarding or tobogganing, and even Nordic skiing. For experienced skiers, there is the opportunity to climb aboard a helicopter to indulge in heli-skiing, the latest fad in the region.
2. Enjoy boating on Lake Como
The beautiful Lake Como is best explored on a boat. Located in the foothills of the magnificent Alps, this is an inverted Y-shaped lake. The beauty of lake Como has even been extolled by the famous actor George Clooney. Lake Como is the third biggest lake in Italy, and the crystal clear waters that shimmer in a mesmerizing way against the surrounding mountains have made this spot a favourite amongst tourists. Many boat trips are on offer here, including paddle boats and motorboats.
3. Check out the views from the Scaligero Castle
Park your rental car nearby and enter the majestic Scaligero Castle in Lombardy. Since its construction in the 14th century, the castle has been used as an armoury, a police station, military barracks, and surprisingly, even a prison. Today the castle has been converted into a museum. It remains one of the most well-preserved castles in Italy, and as you walk around the grounds of the castle, you will find many stunning scenes that greet you. Stroll over the magnificent drawbridge and explore the impressively high towers. If you are willing to make the climb up the 146 stairs to reach the ramparts on top, you will be rewarded with the most divine view of the harbour spread out before you.