Best lakes around Luino include Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, and Lake Varese, offering diverse natural features and activities. Luino, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, provides direct access to the lake's waters and a lakeside promenade. The region is characterized by its glacial lakes, surrounded by mountains and historic towns. These lakes serve as centers for water sports, cycling, and exploring cultural sites.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Popular around Luino
Great passes and green valleys – Ticino climbs
Historic climbs in Varese – discover quaint villages and pre-alpine lakes
Around Lake Maggiore
Hiking around Luino
Road Cycling Routes around Luino
Cycling around Luino
MTB Trails around Luino
Running Trails around Luino

Gravel biking around Luino
Mountain Hikes around Luino
A beautiful tour through the Val Cannobina to the Passo Pantani. There are several "rest sections" ranging from flat to downhill. It gets a bit steeper towards the end of the pass. A must-do is the continuation via Malesco through the Cento Valli with its many sights, Re and the Ponte Romano, and breathtaking views of the valley and the railway line. Via Ponte Brollo and Ascona, the route then leads back to the lakeside road to Cannobio. I've ridden this route many times in spring and fall, and there was always little traffic. I can't recommend the traffic-free route from Malesco to Domodossola.
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busy road with lots of cars
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A very very beautiful town, its lake makes it even more beautiful.
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It's basically the first Italian town across the Swiss border and very popular. No less beautiful for that, with a lovely waterfront promenade.
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Very nice promenade. On Sundays there is a big market for all shopping lovers.
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Very nice promenade. On Sundays there is a big market for all shopping lovers.
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Very nice promenade. On Sundays there is a large market for all shopping lovers.
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Small, lonely mountain town above Cannobio and Lake Maggiore.
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From Luino, you can enjoy swimming, boating, and strolling along the picturesque lakeside promenade. The town's primary beach, Lido Serenelle, is suitable for swimming from June to September. The marina is popular for boating, and ferries connect to various lakeside destinations. You can also explore the 15th-century Church of Madonna del Carmine and the elegant Palazzo Verbania. Don't miss the renowned weekly Luino Market, one of Italy's oldest and largest.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Cannobio on Lake Maggiore is a picturesque town with a welcoming atmosphere. The Cannobio Promenade and Historic Center offers an expansive lake promenade with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely day. Cannero Riviera is another charming village on Lake Maggiore with a mild climate and tropical flora, ideal for family strolls.
The region offers stunning natural beauty. You can find expansive vistas from View of Lake Maggiore and Cannobio from Sant'Agata, which provides fantastic views of Lake Maggiore and Cannobio. Lake Lugano is surrounded by impressive mountains like Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, offering spectacular panoramic views via funicular or cable car. Lake Varese is known for its surrounding natural reserve, Palude Brabbia, a haven for birdwatching.
Luino itself has the 15th-century Church of Madonna del Carmine and the elegant Palazzo Verbania. On Lake Maggiore, Cannobio and Cannero Riviera are historic settlements with patrician houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. Lake Varese features Isolino Virginia, a prehistoric archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Como is famous for its historic villas and charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
The area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Panoramic view above Luino' or the 'Historic WWI trenches and medieval churches trail'. For cycling, Lake Varese offers a 28-kilometer bike path around the lake, and there are many MTB and gravel biking routes, including the 'Scenic Viewpoint – Church of San Michele al Monte loop'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Luino, MTB Trails around Luino, and Gravel biking around Luino guides.
Yes, Lake Maggiore in Luino is suitable for swimming, especially from June to September when water temperatures are comfortable. Lido Serenelle is Luino's main beach. Lake Lugano also offers opportunities for swimming and various water sports.
Lake Lugano, located about 30 km north of Luino, offers a unique blend of Mediterranean atmosphere and Alpine charm. It's surrounded by mountains like Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore, providing spectacular views. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, hiking, and water sports like sailing and kayaking. The city of Lugano itself is a vibrant hub with historic centers and lakeside promenades. For more information, you can visit MySwitzerland.com.
Lake Varese, about 28 km from Luino, is particularly known for its 28-kilometer bike path that encircles the entire lake. This path is very popular with cyclists and runners, offering a scenic route for outdoor activity. The lake is also a significant site for canoeing and rowing, having hosted numerous international championships. You can learn more about Lake Varese on Wikipedia.
Visitors highly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the wide range of activities. The picturesque settings of towns like Cannobio on Lake Maggiore, the stunning views from viewpoints like Sant'Agata, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Luino market are frequently mentioned. The expansive lake promenades and the opportunities for water sports, cycling, and hiking also contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.
Yes, there are several challenging routes for experienced hikers. For example, the 'From Voldomino to Montegrino Valtravaglia via Sas de la Rondula' is a moderate hike, and many MTB trails around Luino are rated as difficult, such as the 'Scenic Viewpoint – Church of San Michele al Monte loop' or the 'Alpe di Neggia Pass – Forcora Pass loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Luino and MTB Trails around Luino guides.
The best time to visit the lakes near Luino largely depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the months from June to September offer comfortable water temperatures. Spring and autumn provide pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. The region's mild climate makes it enjoyable for outdoor activities for much of the year.
The Luino Market is a significant historical and cultural attraction. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Italy, dating back to 1541. Held weekly, it draws visitors from both Italy and Switzerland, offering a wide array of goods including local produce, cheese, meat, leather goods, clothing, and household items. It's a vibrant experience that showcases the region's rich traditions.


Still not found your perfect lake around Luino? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.