• Lakes

The most beautiful villages on Lake Lugano - What to see

from IN-LOMBARDIA.IT

Among the most interesting and less-visited places for a weekend of pure wellness in a stunning lake setting, Lake Lugano is no less impressive than Lake Como in terms of landscape or literary and artistic charm.

 

A visit to its Italian side offers priceless experiences to those in search of unspoilt scenery and unvisited medieval villages to explore.     
Exploring the villages on the Italian side of Lake Lugano - known as Lake Ceresio - requires more than just a daytrip out of town, as there are so many natural views to be admired and historical riches to be discovered and appreciated. It is no coincidence that Fogazzaro set his celebrated "Piccolo Mondo Antico" (Little Ancient World) in one of these micro-villages, and it is in this very area that we find the unexpected Church of San Martino, defined by art critics as "the little Sistine of Lombardy" because of the incredible frescoes inside.      
As you wander through their narrow streets, traces of medieval art will surprise you at every corner, but this gorgeous section of the lake can also provide moments of peace and contemplation thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds its towns and villages, and the panoramic views of the lake that generously open up.
So let's set off on our tour of the Italian side, to discover the most beautiful villages on Lake Lugano. 
 

 

 

Castello - the Sistine of Lombardy
The inaugural stop on our lakeside itinerary is the small fortified village of Castello, which can also be reached on foot from Albogasio.

Scopri di più
Oria - The hamlet of Piccolo Mondo Antico
Just below the hamlet of Castello we find Oria, another charming village in Valsolda on the Como side of Lake Lugano. Here the main attraction is Villa Fogazzaro Roi, where the writer Antonio Fogazzaro lived for long periods and which in 1896 inspired him to write the famous novel Piccolo mondo antico.

Scopri di più
San Mamete - The village on the water
For the third stage of our tour of the villages of Lake Lugano, we move on to San Mamete, an authentic picture-postcard spot located not far from Castello and Oria. Forming a stunning triangle with the other two small villages on Lake Lugano. .

Scopri di più
Porlezza / Lago di Piano
Let's continue to Porlezza, a popular tourist destination at the north-eastern end of the lake, which can be reached by taking the Strada Statale 340 Regina road to Argegno and then crossing the Val d'Intelvi.

Scopri di più
Claino - The "painted village of Ceresio"
The last stop on our tour among the villages of Lake Lugano, Claino is one of the most interesting hamlets from a historical and artistic point of view. With its mediaeval remains, Renaissance graffiti and more than 40 murals colouring the houses in the centre, it has earned the nickname of "Borgo Dipinto del Ceresio" (Painted Village of Ceresio).

Scopri di più

On the same topic

Show all

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • Lakes

Lago di Varese a jewel in the Alps

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

Iseo Lake’s activities

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

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.
Boat trips at Lombard lakes, an original idea
  • Lakes

Flying Over Lake Como

Bellagio and Varenna. The profiles of historic houses. Flying over Lake Como, departing from the historic Aero Club.
@inLombardia - Lago di Como
  • Lakes

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

Lake Como Itinerary

Lago di Como
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Gravedona

Visit Gravedona ed Uniti, a cozy town in North Lake Como
gravedona
  • Lakes

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

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

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

Laghi in Lombardia autunno
  • Lakes

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.
Lago di Como: sedotti e affascinati
  • Lakes

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

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

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

Lakeside and centre of gravedona

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

A host of surfboards on Lombardy lakes

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

5 Thing-to-do in Lecco

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

The Best Beaches on Lake Maggiore

Discover the Wonders of the Varese Province
Lido erboso al tramonto con persone sedute su panchina e bimbi in bicicletta. Lago e montagne in secondo piano
  • Lakes

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)
Lago Maggiore Storie antiche
  • Lakes

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore
Vivere il Lago Maggiore
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

An amazing place for your active holiday on Lake Como
domaso cose fare
  • Lakes