• 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

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

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

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

Rabbit Island in Lake Garda

A very suggestive island, a small lake paradise.
  • Lakes
Discover San Biagio, the Rabbit Island in Lake Garda

Lago di Varese a jewel in the Alps

Just six kilometres away, this natural city break offers unexpected views, from water to mountains.
  • Lakes
Lago di Varese Un gioiello tra le Alpi

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.
  • Lakes
Lago Maggiore Paesaggi incontaminati

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

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

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
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo: l'amena Monte Isola

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

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

Luino

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

5 thing-to-do in Como

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

Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

  • Lakes
Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

5 lakes to be explored

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

Iseo Lake’s activities

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

Canyoning in Valmalenco

A unique canyoning route in the Alps
  • Lakes
Speleocanyoning nel torrente Cormor in Valmalenco

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
  • Lakes
Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings - in Lombardia

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

Lago di Iseo: prehistory and bubbles

The Valle Camonica rock engravings are as famous worldwide as the wine made in Franciacorta. On a journey of discover what else this area has to offer
  • Lakes
Lago di Iseo Preistoria e bollicine

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

The perfect place for your outdoor holiday on Lake Como
  • Lakes
colico cose da fare

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