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

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

Gargnano: one of the most beautiful historical centers of Lake Garda.

Lakes

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

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

Discover the villages, markets, excursions and historical attractions between Angera, Laveno, Luino and Maccagno.

Lakes

Lakeside and centre of gravedona

Welcome to Gravedona, one of the most important historical-religious centers of Alto Lario.

Lakes

Summer in Lombardy

The best places to see, the most beautiful excursions and lots of ideas for your holiday: discover the territory of Lombardy!

Lakes

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: charmingly seductive

Described by Stendhal as ‘voluptuous’, the south-western branch of Lake Como charms with its gardens, villas and breath-taking views.

Lakes

The Lario for sporty visitors

Walking, water sports, hiking, cycling, climbing, canyoning... Enjoy a summer on the move between Como, Lecco and the Larian Triangle

Lakes

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

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore

Lakes

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.

Lakes

Lago di Garda: the shadow of D’Annunzio

From the Vittoriale degli Italiani to the fifteenth-century Cathedral in Salò, via the Valle delle Cartiere valley in Toscolano Maderno: all the spectacular sights around Gardone Riviera

Lakes

5 lakes to be explored

Not just big lakes: discover 5 other small stretches of fresh water in Lombardy

Lakes

Weekend on Lake Garda

Lakes

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes

Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Gravedona

Visit Gravedona ed Uniti, a cozy town in North Lake Como

Lakes

Lemon Groves and Olive Oil in Limone del Garda

The small pearl of the Western Gardesana.

Lakes

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

Lago di Como:Bellagio, the pearl

One of the world's best-loved places, Bellaggio lies on the tip of the central headland, offering convenient ferry access to both branches of the lake