• 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

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

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

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

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

Angling

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

5 lakes to be explored

Not just big lakes: discover 5 other small stretches of fresh water in Lombardy
Lago d'Idro
  • 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

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

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

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

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

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

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

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

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

The Lario for sporty visitors

Walking, water sports, hiking, cycling, climbing, canyoning... Enjoy a summer on the move between Como, Lecco and the Larian Triangle
The Lario for sporty visitors
  • 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

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

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