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.