Lake Maggiore – Lombardy: historic villas, gardens overlooking the water and elegant villages between hills and the Alps. Lake Maggiore, in its Lombard part, extends between Sesto Calende and Zenna, on the border with Switzerland. The Varese side is rich in well-kept landscapes, period villas, botanical gardens and marinas framed by mountains and open views of the great pre-Alpine basin. 🚤 Lake villages and refined views: Towns such as Laveno-Mombello, Luino, Porto Valtravaglia and Leggiuno offer convenient access to the lake, well-kept lakefronts and piers from which ferries depart for the islands and the Piedmontese shore. The main squares host markets, historic cafes and small local museums. 👉 Tip: By taking the panoramic cable car from Laveno you can reach the top of Sasso del Ferro: the view of the lake and the Alps is wide and clear on clear days. 🌺 Parks, villas and botanical collections: The area is known for its historic gardens, which are open to the public at certain times of the year. The Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, built on a sheer wall, is one of the most scenic places in the area. There is no shortage of public parks and paths surrounded by native vegetation. 👉 Tip: Visit the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, just beyond the Lombard border, or stroll through the park of Villa della Porta Bozzolo, in Casalzuigno: a dip in the history and ornamental nature of the area. 🚶 Itineraries along the shore and in the woods: The coast offers pedestrian paths that cross ports, beaches and pine forests, alternating villages and more isolated areas. In the hinterland there are paths that climb towards Valcuvia and Valtravaglia, crossing mountain pastures, woods and small rural sanctuaries. 👉 Tip: From Leggiuno you can walk to the monastery along a stretch of coast that is not very urbanized, among rocks, pines and stretches carved into the rock. 🍴 Lake flavors and historic markets: The cuisine of the area mixes Lombard traditions and influences from nearby Piedmont. Dishes based on lake fish, aged cheeses from the valleys, dry baked desserts and local cured meats can be tasted in restaurants overlooking the water or purchased in weekly markets, such as the one in Luino. 👉 Tip: Visit the Luino market on Wednesday mornings: among food stalls and local crafts there is a lively and genuine atmosphere. The Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore combines elegance and nature with discretion: each village preserves a balance between sobriety and beauty, between the water, the mountains and the stories collected along the shore.