• Lakes

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

Ifyou're wondering what to see on the Lake Maggiore side of Lombardy, get ready to discover an authentic destination where the lake meets history, nature and the welcome of charming villages.

The Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore is one of the hidden gems of the province of Varese, a corner of Italy capable of surprising you with the variety and beauty of its landscapes.

What to see on the Lake Maggiore Lombard shore.

From Angera to Laveno-Mombello, each location on the Lombard shore offers unique experiences. Prominent among the tourist attractions of Lake Maggiore in Lombardy is the Rocca di Angera, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the lake from above and houses the Museum of Dolls and Toys.

A few kilometers away, Santa Caterina del Sasso overlooks the lake from a cliff: this hermitage set in the rock is one of the most photographed and visited places in the area. Spiritual beauty blends with the natural landscape in an experience not to be missed.

Historic markets, scenic cable cars and villages to experience

If you love authentic villages and also experience your vacation through local traditions, don't miss the Luino market, the largest open-air market in northern Italy, active every Wednesday since 1541. Stroll among the stalls overlooking the lake, among typical scents, colors and flavors.

In Laveno-Mombello, board the striking panoramic cable car with open cabins that will take you to the top of Monte Sasso del Ferro. From up there, your gaze embraces Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy Pre-Alps in a panorama that leaves you breathless.

Hiking, biking and nature: slow experiences on Lake Maggiore

For those seeking active vacations on Lake Maggiore, the Lombard shore is the ideal starting point for scenic trekking and cycling routes. TheAnello delle Cinque Vette (Ring of the Five Peaks ) and routes in the Campo dei Fiori Park offer breathtaking scenery and trails suitable for all levels of experience.

This is also a perfect destination for sustainable tourism in Lombardy: slow villages, unspoiled nature, family hospitality and the slow pace of lake life.

Why choose the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.
  • Authentic villages and unique views

  • Historic villas and castles to visit

  • Excursions among nature, culture and relaxation

  • Activities for families, couples and active travelers

  • Easily accessible from Milan and northern Europe


    Learn more

Want to plan your next vacation on Lake Maggiore?
Explore all the itineraries on varesedoyoulake.it
Follow us on Instagram @varesedoyoulake for travel inspiration
Explore Lombardy with us, one lake at a time


Other links

Facebook
Take me here: Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

On the same topic

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.
  • Lakes
Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Weekend on Lake Garda

  • Lakes
Weekend sul Lago di Garda

The most beautiful villages on Lake Lugano - What to see

Among enchanting villages, nature reserves and ancient villas, Lake Lugano is the ideal destination for a weekend of pure well-being. Find out more.
  • Lakes
The most beautiful villages on Lake Lugano - What to see

Luino

The tourist boast of Luino is the picturesque and folkloristic weekly market.
  • Lakes
The Luino Market

Canoeing - Rafting

The perfect activity for nature-loving people looking for excitement and spectacular landscapes
  • Lakes
Foto di Ass. Canoa Club Valtellina

Lago Maggiore Old stories

Finds from the Iron Age, evidence of the Ice Age, monuments of industrial archaeology, dolls from the eighteenth century to date: lower Lago Maggiore (the Verbano area)
  • Lakes
Lago Maggiore Storie antiche

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

  • Lakes
Panorama del Lago di Varese e Comabbio dal Forte d'Orino

Vacation at Lombardy Lakes

The Lombardy lakes offer quality services and accommodation for every type of holiday.
  • Lakes
Vacation at Lombardy lakes, ideas for planning

Botanical garden and lakeside of gardone riviera

Splendid village of Lake Garda, an exceptional place, among botanical gardens and memories linked to Gabriele D'Annunzio.
  • Lakes
Botanical garden and lakeside of Gardone Riviera

Lake Como Itinerary

  • Lakes
Lake Como Itinerary

Centre of colico

Discover what to see in Colico, the pearl of Lake Lecco.
  • Lakes
Centre of Colico

Lago Maggiore Artist’s brushstrokes

Trompe l’oeil frescos, five centuries of pictorial cycles, spontaneous and organised murals: colour is everywhere in and around Laveno Mombello
  • Lakes
Lago Maggiore Pennellate d'artista

Lago di Como: charmingly seductive

Described by Stendhal as ‘voluptuous’, the south-western branch of Lake Como charms with its gardens, villas and breath-taking views.
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: sedotti e affascinati

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes
  • Lakes
 Immersioni sui laghi lombardia @inlombardia - istockphoto

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

5 consigli per una giornata indimenticabile: da Gardone Riviera all’Isola Comacina, alle sponde perfette per chi ama la bici
  • Lakes
Laghi in Lombardia autunno

Lago di Como: more than Manzoni

Together with Renzo and Lucia in the streets of Lecco. Then on to discover the eastern bank of the Como Lake. Start with Varenna
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: Manzoni ma non solo

Flying Over Lake Como

Bellagio and Varenna. The profiles of historic houses. Flying over Lake Como, departing from the historic Aero Club.
  • Lakes
@inLombardia - Lago di Como

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

  • Lakes
Laghi Brianza (Ph: shutterstock)

Iseo Lake’s activities

Culture, nature, sports, beaches and good food on Lake Iseo.
  • Lakes
Iseo Lake: culture, nature, sport, beaches and good food

From Como to Bellagio by Boat

Traveling between the two shores of the lake, between splendid coasts and the majestic frame of the Pre-Alps
  • Lakes
From Como to Bellagio by Boat