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.

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

Luino

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

Lakes

Vacation at Lombardy Lakes

The Lombardy lakes offer quality services and accommodation for every type of holiday.

Lakes

Lakes in Lombardy: 5 unmissable experiences

5 consigli per una giornata indimenticabile: da Gardone Riviera all’Isola Comacina, alle sponde perfette per chi ama la bici

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

Lakes

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore

Lakes

Lago di Varese a jewel in the Alps

Just six kilometres away, this natural city break offers unexpected views, from water to mountains.

Lakes

From Como to Bellagio by Boat

Traveling between the two shores of the lake, between splendid coasts and the majestic frame of the Pre-Alps

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.

Lakes

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes

Lakes

Lago di Iseo: the pleasant isle

Cars are not allowed on Monte Isola island, where visitors must walk or cycle as they explore the delightfully silent, narrow streets in its villages

Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Lecco

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

Lakes

Visit Monte Isola

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

Lakes

5 Thing-to-do in Menaggio

Be enchanted by Menaggio, marvelous town on Lake Como

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

Lakes

Angling

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

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)

Lakes

Lake Como Itinerary

Lakes

Lakeside and centre of gargnano

Gargnano: one of the most beautiful historical centers of Lake Garda.

Lakes

Lake Como in 5 Villas

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

Lakes

Lake Garda Photo Gallery

Photo exhibition to tell the beauty of this territory.

Lakes