• Lakes

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

where
Where
Lago 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

Take me here: Alla scoperta della sponda lombarda del Lago Maggiore

On the same topic

Lago di Lugano The Little World of the Past

A place of cultural interest indeed with the landscapes of Fogazzaro’s novels, the fossils of Monte San Giorgio, the fortifications of World War land the secret places of Ceresio
Lago di Lugano Piccolo mondo antico
  • Lakes

Discover Alto Garda bresciano

Towns perched on cliffs over the water, with dizzy views. And roads dug out of the rock, as harsh as…
www.livelagodigarda.it
  • 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.
Lago di Como: sedotti e affascinati
  • Lakes

Lago d'Idro Clear cool water

At the foot of the Piccole Dolomiti mountains, and surrounded by their wooded slopes, this is almost a mountain lagoon.
Lago d'Idro Fresche e dolci acque
  • Lakes

Visit Monte Isola

It is perhaps unsurprising that Monte Isola was given the name it was.
Monte Isola
  • Lakes

Centre of colico

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

The loveliest island in the Lakes

Visit the islands of the Lombard lakes: a dip in little enchanted worlds.
The loveliest island in the lakes: Montisola, Isola Comacina, Isola del Garda
  • 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
Lago di Como: Manzoni ma non solo
  • Lakes

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • 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
Lago di Garda, lungolago Zanardelli
  • Lakes

5 thing-to-do in Como

Discover Como, its lake and what makes this place so special
como cose da fare
  • Lakes

Lago di Iseo: the pleasant isle

Cars are not allowed on Monte Isola island, where visitors must walk or cycle as they explore the delightfully silent, narrow streets in its villages
Lago di Iseo: l'amena Monte Isola
  • Lakes

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

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

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

An amazing place for your active holiday on Lake Como
domaso cose fare
  • Lakes

Lago Maggiore Unspoilt landscapes

Monteviasco can only be reached on foot or by cableway from Ponte di Piero. This village is famous for its 18th century mills placed in a natural setting.
Lago Maggiore Paesaggi incontaminati
  • Lakes

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore
Vivere il Lago Maggiore
  • Lakes

Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings

At an altitude of four hundred metres, Lake Idro is a place of peace, nature and history, and is the coolest and most secluded of the Lombard lakes
Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings - in Lombardia
  • Lakes

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

Visit the "Balcony on the Alps".
Outdoor trip to Brunate
  • Lakes

Weekend on Lake Garda

Weekend sul Lago di Garda
  • Lakes

Como Photo Gallery

Ideas and ideas for your holiday on the lake.
Como and its Lake from a to Z hits for an unforgettable vacation
  • Lakes