• 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 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

Angling

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

Lake Como Itinerary

  • Lakes
Lake Como Itinerary

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
Lago di Garda, lungolago Zanardelli

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

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

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

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

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

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

Canoeing - Rafting

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

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes
  • Lakes
 Immersioni sui laghi lombardia @inlombardia - istockphoto

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

Lake Como in spring

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

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

Lake Como in 5 Villas

Como, Varenna, Bellagio. Go for Villas on Lake Como, discovering enchanted gardens and work of art
  • Lakes
Lake Como in 5 Villas

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

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

Visit Monte Isola

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

Lakeside and centre of gravedona

Welcome to Gravedona, one of the most important historical-religious centers of Alto Lario.
  • Lakes
Lakeside and centre of Gravedona

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

Luino

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

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