• 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

Vacation at Lombardy Lakes

The Lombardy lakes offer quality services and accommodation for every type of holiday.
Vacation at Lombardy lakes, ideas for planning
  • Lakes

Luino

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

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

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

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

Laghi Brianza (Ph: shutterstock)
  • Lakes

Lecco in Spring

In the spring Lake Lecco offers many landscape, historical and architectural ideas, come and visit them!
Walking among villas, parks and botanic gardens
  • Lakes

Comacina Island

We explore the island of Comacina on Lake Como.
Comacina Island, Lake Como
  • Lakes

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • 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

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

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

The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages

Discovering the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore, a region characterised by hills, dense reeds, archaeological finds and enchanting villages for you to visit.
  • Lakes

Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

  • Lakes

Lemon Groves and Olive Oil in Limone del Garda

The small pearl of the Western Gardesana.
Limonaie e Olio di oliva a Limone del Garda
  • Lakes

3 LAKES TRAVEL CARD

Through Italy and Switzerland discovering the lakes area.
  • 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

Como Photo Gallery

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

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

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

Lake Como in 5 Villas

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

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

The perfect place for your outdoor holiday on Lake Como
colico cose da fare
  • Lakes