• Lakes

The most beautiful villages on Lake Lugano - What to see

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. 
 

 

 

On the same topic

Angling

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

Rabbit Island in Lake Garda

A very suggestive island, a small lake paradise.
Discover San Biagio, the Rabbit Island in Lake Garda
  • Lakes

Lago di Garda: castles and legacy

A land of pleasure and invasions, the lower Garda area has a wealth of historic sites, with roots dating back as far as the Bronze age
Lago di Garda Tra castelli e vestigia
  • Lakes

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • 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

Lago di Iseo: prehistory and bubbles

The Valle Camonica rock engravings are as famous worldwide as the wine made in Franciacorta. On a journey of discover what else this area has to offer
Lago di Iseo Preistoria e bollicine
  • Lakes

The loveliest island in the Lakes

Visit the islands of the Lombard lakes: a dip in little enchanted worlds.
The loveliest island in the lakes: Montisola, Isola Comacina, Isola del Garda
  • 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

Visit Monte Isola

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

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

Centre of colico

Discover what to see in Colico, the pearl of Lake Lecco.
Centre of Colico
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Lecco

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

Lago di Como: more than Manzoni

Together with Renzo and Lucia in the streets of Lecco. Then on to discover the eastern bank of the Como Lake. Start with Varenna
Lago di Como: Manzoni ma non solo
  • Lakes

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
Lago Maggiore Pennellate d'artista
  • Lakes

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.
Lago di Garda
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

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

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

Laghi in Lombardia autunno
  • Lakes

Luino

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