Angera – Ph. leoks/shutterstock
Lake Maggiore on its Lombard shore is not only a destination to admire, but a world to experience. Amid shimmering waters and mountainous contours, this “slow” itinerary offers an experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing: it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the culture, spirituality and everyday life of its villages, to rediscover the pleasure of slowness.
An invitation to slow down, to breathe deeply, to be guided by the natural rhythms of the landscape and the silent beauty of places steeped in history and authenticity.
Angera and the Borromean Rock: history and panorama
Angera is the perfect starting point for this trip. Here, the Rocca Borromea stands majestically on a spur of rock, dominating the landscape with its grandeur. Visiting the Rocca means embarking on a journey through medieval frescoes, historic gardens and, above all, the impressive Doll and Toy Museum, which houses a unique collection in Europe. Founded in 1988 by Princess Bona Borromeo Arese, the museum is spread over twelve rooms inside the Rocca and houses more than 1,300 vintage dolls and toys from all over the world. The tour, enhanced by special lights and sounds, takes visitors on a journey through time between materials, styles and cultures, making the experience engaging for both adults and children.
Ph. FV69/flickr
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso: spirituality overlooking the lake
Continuing along the coast, we reach one of the most iconic and mystical places on Lake Maggiore: the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, in the municipality of Leggiuno. Founded between the 12th and 13th centuries by merchant Alberto Besozzi as a sign of gratitude to Santa Caterina, the hermitage consists of three main buildings: the southern convent, the conventino and the church. It can be accessed via the lake, docking at the dedicated landing stage, or by descending the 268 striking steps from the square above.
The atmosphere is suspended in time: arched corridors, precious frescoes, a small 14th-century bell tower and breathtaking views make every visit an experience of peace and beauty. An ideal place to find oneself and be enveloped by the spirituality that permeates every stone. Perched on the rock and accessible via a flight of steps or a convenient elevator, this ancient place of worship offers an atmosphere suspended between sky and water. Its frescoed chapels, breathtaking views and silence make a visit a time of deep reflection and connection.
Ph. Antonio Gallinaro/flickr
To make the experience even more evocative, every Sunday there is a direct link via the lake that, in just 20 minutes, connects Laveno Mombello to Santa Caterina del Sasso and vice versa, a unique opportunity to experience Lake Maggiore with a new look, in a sustainable, immersive and panoramic way, letting yourself be carried on the waters to one of the most fascinating places on the Lombard shore. And for those who wish to reach Laveno Mombello by train, it is possible to purchase the Trenord “Train + Navigation Lakes” integrated ticket, valid from any station in Lombardy to Laveno Mombello and back, with the boat trip to Santa Caterina del Sasso included.
Laveno-Mombello: art, ceramics and ferries
Further north is Laveno-Mombello, considered the tourist capital of the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore. Its marina is a hub for connections to the Piedmont shore of the lake, thanks to an efficient ferry service. But Laveno is much more: nestled between the lake and the mountains, it is an ideal destination for those seeking culture, scenery and tradition. Behind it rises Mount Sasso del Ferro, reachable by cable car, from which there are breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps. This vantage point is also beloved by paragliding and hang gliding enthusiasts.
Laveno also boasts an important tradition in the production of ceramics and porcelain, among the most prestigious in Italy. This artistic vocation lives on in the MIDeC – Museo Internazionale del Design Ceramico, set up in the splendid Villa Perabò in the hamlet of Cerro: a collection that celebrates local artistic creations from the late 19th century to the present. The historic center is also home to Villa De Angeli Frua, surrounded by a refined botanical park.
Luino market: tradition and vitality
Luino is a quaint village in the province of Varese, overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore, which is transformed into a grand stage of colors, scents and vitality every Wednesday thanks to its weekly market. This internationally known event is one of the most important and oldest in Italy: it officially dates back to 1541, when Emperor Charles V granted the market privilege to the village, making it a major commercial crossroads.
Since 2022, the Luino market has been recognized by the Region of Lombardy as a “Market with historical value of tradition”, confirming its cultural and economic role. More than just a market, it is a true open-air fair that attracts visitors from all over Europe: about 400 stalls line the streets of the center and the lakefront, offering a wide range of products, from clothing to handicrafts, from flowers to accessories, from local food to international specialties.
Strolling through the market stalls in Luino means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, where tradition meets curiosity, and each purchase tells a piece of local history and identity. An unmissable experience for those who want to discover the most genuine face of Lake Maggiore. Strolling among the stalls is a sensory experience: you taste local cheeses, discover handcrafted artifacts, and breathe in an authenticity that only old-fashioned markets can offer.
Maccagno con Pino and Veddasca: nature and authenticity
Our itinerary concludes with Maccagno con Pino and Veddasca, one of the most fascinating and least known villages on the Lombard shore. Inhabited since ancient times, Maccagno retains millennia-old traces that still emerge today in its urban fabric. The village is divided by the Giona stream into two distinct nuclei: the Upper Village, more modern and home to the Town Hall, and the Lower Village, where the most characteristic area, Contrada Maggiore, with stone houses leaning against each other and narrow paved streets that tell ancient stories, is located.
Dominating this picturesque part of the village are the Imperial Tower and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Punta, directly overlooking the lake, which provides exciting views. From the Borgo Superiore, on the other hand, the view opens onto an extraordinary panorama, ranging from Canton Ticino to the Borromeo Gulf.
Among the landmarks, it is worth visiting Corte Branca, with its elegant loggia that represents the most significant historical building in the village. Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca is the ideal destination for those seeking authenticity, unspoiled landscapes and direct contact with the history and nature of Lake Maggiore. The walks along the shore, the small marina, the paths through the woods and the higher hamlets give a sense of peace and belonging. The ideal place for those seeking true contact with the land, far from the beaten track.
Lago Maggiore Slow is more than an itinerary: it is a way of traveling, of observing, of feeling. Each stop is a caress to the soul, each village a story to listen to, each panorama an invitation to stop. Because the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore is a mosaic of emotions that deserves to be experienced with all the senses, without haste.
Let yourself be carried away by the images and discover even closer the magic of Lake Maggiore with this video. Each stop is a caress to the soul, each village a story to listen to, each panorama an invitation to stop. Because the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore is a mosaic of emotions that deserves to be experienced with all the senses, without haste.
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