• 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 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

Discovering the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore

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

Comacina Island

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

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

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

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

Weekend on Lake Garda

Weekend sul 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

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

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

Luino

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

Canoeing

Canoeing
  • Lakes

5 lakes to be explored

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

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

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

Lake Como in spring

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

5 Thing-to-do in Menaggio

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

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