• Lakes
    • Villages
    • Art & Culture

The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages

Walking on the eastern shore of this vast lake for a refreshing break filled with peace and beauty.

 

Whether it's a brief summer Sunday afternoon visit or a broader holiday break, Lake Maggiore (or Verbano) is well worth a trip as a sweet escape from the heat of the city. Nestled between Piedmont and Lombardy, the lake extends for a length of 66 km, from Italy into Switzerland, from the plains of Lombardy to the Ossola mountains, and is divided between  two very different shores, the eastern Lombardy shore and the western Piedmont shore. 

Between Sesto Calenda and Zenna, on the border with Switzerland, the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore is in fact the wildest and least touristy of the two: characterised by rolling hills, dense reeds and archaeological finds from prehistoric times stretching as far as Laveno, to the north it offers enchanting landscapes, with a steeper coast and an inland with forest-covered mountains measuring over 1000 metres in height.

In addition to the city of Varese and its historic “castellanze”, formerly independent towns that now an integral part of the city, the villages of Angera, Leggiuno, Laveno, Maccagno and Luino overlook this side of the lake, each with their own historical and architectural wonders, which include the splendid Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the stunning Rocca di Angera.

Come with us on our route along the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore as we explore this side of the lake which, thanks to its magnificent colours and its enormous cultural heritage, has been an inspiration to poets, musicians and writers for centuries and which continues to inspire and enamour its lucky visitors to this day.    

On the same topic

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 thing-to-do in Como

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

Canoeing - Rafting

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

Lake Como in spring

Discovering Lake Como, among blooming wisteria, idyllic landscapes and crystal clear waters.
  • Lakes
Visiting the Villas by boat

Canyoning in Valmalenco

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

Lago di Garda: castles and legacy

A land of pleasure and invasions, the lower Garda area has a wealth of historic sites, with roots dating back as far as the Bronze age
  • Lakes
Lago di Garda Tra castelli e vestigia

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 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

Canoeing

Vivere i laghi lombardi in canoa.
  • Lakes
Canoeing

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

Dream beaches on Lake Garda

For an escape from the August heat in Lombardy, why not visit these 5 heavenly beaches on Lake Garda?
  • Lakes
Dream beaches on Lake Garda

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

Como Photo Gallery

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

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 loveliest island in the Lakes

Visit the islands of the Lombard lakes: a dip in little enchanted worlds.
  • Lakes
The loveliest island in the lakes: Montisola, Isola Comacina, Isola del Garda

A host of surfboards on Lombardy lakes

From wakeboarding to flyboarding, kitesurfing to SUP: the on-trend water sports on the lakes of Lombardy
  • Lakes
Un esercito di tavole da surf sui laghi lombardi

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

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

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

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

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