• Lakes
    • Active & Green
    • Art & Culture

Lake Maggiore

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

Lake Maggiore is located between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland, boasting an unparalleled beauty and rich history. It represents a major destination for whoever wishes to enjoy a lake vacation in Lombardy, since it offers several artistic and sightseeing attractions. 

There are many options for you to practice outdoor sports, surrounded by lush nature.

Lake Maggiore's lombard shores of Verbano feature numerous boroughs and localities that are perfect for both a prolongued stay or just a relaxing weekend.

Head south towards Angera, famous mostly for the ancient Fortress Borromeo. It showcases an interesting permanent exhibition for adults and children: the Dolls and Toys Museum, the largest one in Europe.

Laveno Mombello can be found by going along the lake front. It counts with both the Museum of Ceramic Design, the Church of the Invention of Santo Stefano, elegant arcaded buildings that create a welcoming atmosphere. If you are in the area, a visit to the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage is a must. This monastery guards relevant frescoes and has a distinct clock tower. It boasts a unique, beautiful view of the lake.

Luino is another charming borough known for its wednesday market, which displays both clothing and local handicrafts. Then there is Maccagno, anciet town divided by its Upper and Lower Boroughs. Do not miss Contrada Maggiore and its Imperial Tower.

The borough of Luino on Lake Maggiore

Naturally, lakeshore towns are an ideal starting point for sailing on the lagoon, admiring its varied flora and the northern moutain landscape. You could take the chance to visit the Borromean Islands as well.

Although the boroughs in the province of Varese offer the opportunity to experience its history and ancient traditions, Lake Maggiore is the perfect place to practice water sports and other outdoor activities. The mild weather, the wind and topography of the area allow to actively engage in water skiing, canoeing, sailing and subacquean activities. Along the shores of Varese you can go trekking, horseback riding or mountain bike. Bicycles are a great way to move around the lake area since there are numerous itineraries dedicated to cycling.

Spend an unforgettable lake vacation in Lombardy's largest basin. It will full all kinds of interests and needs while providing regenerating solutions for both body and mind!

On the same topic

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

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

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

Angling

If you like fishing, in Lombardy you will be spoiled for choice on where to launch the hook.
  • Lakes
Angling

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

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

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.
  • Lakes
Lago d'Idro Fresche e dolci acque

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
  • Lakes
Lago di Como: Bellagio, la perla

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

Lecco in Spring

In the spring Lake Lecco offers many landscape, historical and architectural ideas, come and visit them!
  • Lakes
Walking among villas, parks and botanic gardens

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

Gargnano: one of the most beautiful historical centers of Lake Garda.
  • Lakes
Lakeside and centre of Gargnano

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

5 lakes to be explored

Not just big lakes: discover 5 other small stretches of fresh water in Lombardy
  • Lakes
Lago d'Idro

5 Thing-to-do in Lecco

Welcome in the Town of The Betrothed, between Lake Como and the Mountains
  • Lakes
Lecco

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
Live Summer in Lombardy to the fullest

Discover Alto Garda bresciano

Towns perched on cliffs over the water, with dizzy views. And roads dug out of the rock, as harsh as…
  • Lakes
www.livelagodigarda.it

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

Canoeing

Vivere i laghi lombardi in canoa.
  • Lakes
Canoeing

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
The Lario for sporty visitors

Boat Trips at Lombard Lakes

Iseo, Garda, Como. Boat trips on the Lombardy lakes offer an alternative point of view. From the lakes to the villages that surround them.
  • Lakes
Boat trips at Lombard lakes, an original idea

The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages

Discovering the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore, a region characterised by hills, dense reeds, archaeological finds and enchanting villages for you to visit.
  • Lakes
The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages