• Lakes

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

where
Where
Lago Maggiore

Ifyou're wondering what to see on the Lake Maggiore side of Lombardy, get ready to discover an authentic destination where the lake meets history, nature and the welcome of charming villages.

The Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore is one of the hidden gems of the province of Varese, a corner of Italy capable of surprising you with the variety and beauty of its landscapes.

What to see on the Lake Maggiore Lombard shore.

From Angera to Laveno-Mombello, each location on the Lombard shore offers unique experiences. Prominent among the tourist attractions of Lake Maggiore in Lombardy is the Rocca di Angera, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the lake from above and houses the Museum of Dolls and Toys.

A few kilometers away, Santa Caterina del Sasso overlooks the lake from a cliff: this hermitage set in the rock is one of the most photographed and visited places in the area. Spiritual beauty blends with the natural landscape in an experience not to be missed.

Historic markets, scenic cable cars and villages to experience

If you love authentic villages and also experience your vacation through local traditions, don't miss the Luino market, the largest open-air market in northern Italy, active every Wednesday since 1541. Stroll among the stalls overlooking the lake, among typical scents, colors and flavors.

In Laveno-Mombello, board the striking panoramic cable car with open cabins that will take you to the top of Monte Sasso del Ferro. From up there, your gaze embraces Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy Pre-Alps in a panorama that leaves you breathless.

Hiking, biking and nature: slow experiences on Lake Maggiore

For those seeking active vacations on Lake Maggiore, the Lombard shore is the ideal starting point for scenic trekking and cycling routes. TheAnello delle Cinque Vette (Ring of the Five Peaks ) and routes in the Campo dei Fiori Park offer breathtaking scenery and trails suitable for all levels of experience.

This is also a perfect destination for sustainable tourism in Lombardy: slow villages, unspoiled nature, family hospitality and the slow pace of lake life.

Why choose the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore.
  • Authentic villages and unique views

  • Historic villas and castles to visit

  • Excursions among nature, culture and relaxation

  • Activities for families, couples and active travelers

  • Easily accessible from Milan and northern Europe

    Learn more

Want to plan your next vacation on Lake Maggiore?
Explore all the itineraries on varesedoyoulake.it
Follow us on Instagram @varesedoyoulake for travel inspiration
Explore Lombardy with us, one lake at a time


Other links

Take me here: Alla scoperta della sponda lombarda del Lago Maggiore

On the same topic

5 thing-to-do in Como

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

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

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

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
Explore Lake Idro and its surroundings - in Lombardia
  • Lakes

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.
Lago Maggiore Paesaggi incontaminati
  • Lakes

Lake Como Itinerary

Lago di Como
  • Lakes

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.
Lago d'Idro Fresche e dolci acque
  • Lakes

Lago di Lugano The Little World of the Past

A place of cultural interest indeed with the landscapes of Fogazzaro’s novels, the fossils of Monte San Giorgio, the fortifications of World War land the secret places of Ceresio
Lago di Lugano Piccolo mondo antico
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Gravedona

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

Lake Como in spring

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

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

Discover the villages, markets, excursions and historical attractions between Angera, Laveno, Luino and Maccagno.
  • 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

Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

  • Lakes

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
Lago di Garda, lungolago Zanardelli
  • Lakes

Lake Garda Photo Gallery

Photo exhibition to tell the beauty of this territory.
Discovering Lake Garda with pictures, from A to Z
  • Lakes

Lago di Como:Bellagio, the pearl

One of the world's best-loved places, Bellaggio lies on the tip of the central headland, offering convenient ferry access to both branches of the lake
Lago di Como: Bellagio, la perla
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Menaggio

Be enchanted by Menaggio, marvelous town on Lake Como
cosa fare a menaggio lungolago
  • Lakes

Summer in Lombardy

The best places to see, the most beautiful excursions and lots of ideas for your holiday: discover the territory of Lombardy!
Live Summer in Lombardy to the fullest
  • Lakes

Botanical garden and lakeside of gardone riviera

Splendid village of Lake Garda, an exceptional place, among botanical gardens and memories linked to Gabriele D'Annunzio.
Botanical garden and lakeside of Gardone Riviera
  • Lakes

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

Laghi Brianza (Ph: shutterstock)
  • Lakes