Lombardy

Rich in charming villages, lakes surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and renowned ski resorts, Lombardy is truly a multifaceted destination. An ideal destination year-round, this region offers the perfect setting for those seeking a holiday centred on history, nature and relaxation. Milan, the regional capital, is a cosmopolitan metropolis that, despite its reputation as the fashion and shopping capital, also boasts an exceptional historical heritage. Lombardy is also home to elegant towns nestled along the shores of its lakes, which over the years have been frequented and appreciated by many famous figures. It is particularly Lake Como that, thanks to its lush natural surroundings and magnificent Art Nouveau villas, attracts visitors from around the world.

In winter, numerous internationally renowned ski resorts such as Bormio, Ponte di Legno and Livigno draw tourists from across northern Italy and often from Switzerland too, thanks to their excellent facilities and services. These well-known resorts are complemented by charming mountain villages where time seems to have stood still and where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat. Lombardy also boasts a truly unique gastronomic and wine heritage. In particular, the Franciacorta region (situated between the city of Brescia and the southern edge of Lake Iseo) produces excellent wines renowned even abroad, whilst Valtellina is known for its production of bresaola, cheese and apples.

When to visit Lombardy

Thanks to its location and diverse tourist offerings, Lombardy is a region you can explore all year round. During the winter season, you’ll find excellent ski resorts nestled in unique natural settings, perfect for a snowy escape. In addition to offering numerous kilometres of pistes, the main Lombardy ski resorts also feature cross-country skiing loops and snowshoe trails. Those who prefer not to ski can relax at welcoming lodges, enjoy a spa break or indulge in some shopping.

In summer, the region is ideal for those who love outdoor activities. Hiking, trekking, climbing, cycle touring, mountain biking – Lombardy offers countless opportunities to discover its natural beauty. The shoulder seasons are perfect for those wanting a more culturally focused trip exploring the region’s cities. The milder, less humid climate makes it easier to plan visits to cultural sites and major attractions. These periods are also ideal for a nature-based holiday, particularly in the region’s main parks. Spring is especially spectacular with an explosion of colour, whilst autumn enchants with the foliage of Lombardy’s forests.

Where to go in Lombardy

A trip to Lombardy is a truly remarkable experience given the many cities to visit, the spectacular activities on offer and the outstanding gastronomic heritage that appeals to all palates. Whether cycling along the shores of Lake Garda, reaching Alpine peaks, taking a boat trip on Lake Maggiore or shopping in Livigno, Lombardy has something for everyone. Here you can easily plan a trip that combines nature, architecture, history and relaxation. The region is world-famous for the city of Milan, considered the fashion capital and a major financial hub, but don’t overlook the historic heritage of cities such as Brescia and Bergamo. Adding to this are towns considered true masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance such as Mantua and Sabbioneta, and Monza with its splendid Royal Villa.

Alongside the major cities are small towns and villages with ancient histories where time seems to have genuinely stood still and where you can sample excellent local produce. Lombardy’s resources don’t end here, as the territory also boasts beautiful lakes surrounded by charming small towns. The beauty of Lombardy’s lakes (particularly Lake Como) has captivated numerous artists, writers and musicians over the centuries.

Lombardy’s cities

Cosmopolitan and international, Milan is often the gateway for many visitors arriving in Lombardy. You can choose to stay in the city for a few days and then move elsewhere, or use it as a base for exploring other nearby locations. Milan offers historically significant sites and splendid museums alongside fashionable venues, excellent restaurants and boutiques for shopping. Another Lombardy city worth visiting is Bergamo with its Venetian walls considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “Bergamo Alta” district which houses numerous masterpieces from the past.

Not far from Bergamo lies Brescia, known as “the lioness of Italy” for the courage shown during the Italian Risorgimento. Here you’ll find numerous historical attractions including the Castle and the Archaeological Park.

Other Lombardy cities worth visiting during a trip to Lombardy are quieter towns often overlooked in mainstream tourist itineraries. Perfect for those who prefer to avoid crowded tourist spots, all these locations captivate visitors with their history, hospitality and traditions.

Mantua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Sabbioneta and is the ideal destination for those who love architecture. A true Italian gem, the city was ruled for over four centuries by the Gonzaga family, who built palaces and monuments that made it one of the richest centres of the Renaissance not only in Italy but also in Europe.

Continuing your regional exploration, you cannot miss a visit to Cremona, an enchanting city in the Po Valley area famous for the production of torrone (nougat) and for its numerous violin-making workshops. The heart of the city is Piazza del Comune, which houses many medieval monuments including the Cathedral, the Torrazzo and the Loggia dei Militi. Finally, Monza is a city easily reached by train from Milan and is a worthwhile addition to your Lombardy trip not only for its peaceful, orderly and well-maintained historic centre but also for its magnificent Royal Villa.

The most beautiful mountains

Perfect in any season, Lombardy’s mountains captivate all visitors with their stunning panoramas. There are countless Lombardy destinations where you can organise a dream mountain holiday. In upper Lombardy lies the Val Brembana, located in the province of Bergamo, an ideal destination for a peaceful and relaxing break. Here many villages have preserved their charm over time and still host small artisan workshops, little churches and establishments serving excellent local cuisine. The main centre of the valley is San Pellegrino Terme, a town famous for its thermal springs, alongside which are the ski stations of Piazzatorre, Foppolo and Valtorta, all situated higher up the valley.

Your journey through Lombardy’s mountains continues in Val Camonica, located in eastern Lombardy between the Orobian Prealps and the Adamello. The valley is known for its wealth of varied landscapes ranging from Lake Iseo, with its charming villages, to the resorts of Ponte di Legno and Montecampione. This territory also features numerous parks housing rock carvings created by the Camuni in ancient times, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also not to be missed is Valtellina, nestled between Lake Como, Switzerland and the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Here you’ll find great landscape and environmental variety, but what strikes most is the pristine nature of this territory. From the villages of Chiavenna and Tirano to ski resorts such as Bormio, Aprica and Santa Caterina Valfurva, Valtellina boasts a truly unique heritage. Adding to these is Livigno, a renowned hub for winter activities and an ideal destination for shopping.

The ideal lakeside holiday destinations

Lombardy boasts 4 major lakes (Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda), 80 smaller bodies of water and countless Alpine lakes. The lakes are perfect for a leisurely break and ideal for a holiday centred on art, history, nature and gastronomy. Since prehistoric times, Lombardy’s lakes have been considered not only the birthplace of many peoples but also natural barriers against invasions and a source of inspiration for artists and writers. The most famous of Lombardy’s lakes is arguably Lake Como, which has always enchanted visitors with its magnificent landscapes. Alongside major cities such as Lecco and Como, there are charming villages like Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna, perfect for a peaceful and, why not, romantic stay.

Shared between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino, Lake Garda was already appreciated by the Romans, who built villas here to spend their leisure time. Water sports, hiking and cycle routes – the shores of Garda are ideal for a nature-based holiday. Among the towns to discover here are certainly Limone, famous for citrus cultivation, Desenzano and Salò.

Straddling Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland is Lake Maggiore, which boasts significant landscape, historical and architectural heritage. Along its shores are splendid little towns such as Angera, famous for the ancient Rocca Borromeo, Laveno Mombello and Luino. Along the lake shores there are numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling whilst enjoying breathtaking views. Finally, there is Lake Iseo, characterised by lush nature, small artistic gems and truly unique gastronomic heritage. Ideal for a slow-paced break, towns worth visiting along the lake shores include Iseo, Lovere and Sulzano.

Thermal spas and wellness

If you’re looking for a wellness-focused stay, remember that Lombardy boasts magnificent thermal centres where you can spend days of true relaxation.

Among the most famous towns is certainly Bormio, whose thermal springs were already appreciated by the ancient Romans. The town currently has three centres. This is followed by San Pellegrino Terme, which has been a thermal tourism destination since the mid-nineteenth century. The town is also world-famous for San Pellegrino mineral water.

Along the Lombardy shore of Lake Garda, the best destination for a spa weekend is Sirmione, which thanks to its sulphur, salt and bromine-iodine springs is the ideal spot for rejuvenating indoor and outdoor bathing.

Getting to Lombardy

Lombardy is easily accessible thanks to its motorway connections, rail links and airports.

The region boasts three airports: Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio, which offer connections to major Italian, European and international destinations. We recommend choosing the airport that best suits your needs and works best with your travel itinerary when planning your trip.

Another option is to reach the region by train, with services provided by Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord, TGV and Deutsche Bahn. The Lombardy rail network stretches for around 2,000 km and has more than 400 stations. The region is served by three high-speed lines: Turin-Milan, Milan-Bologna and Milan-Brescia. Regional services are operated by Trenord, whilst connections with France are managed by TGV, the French SNCF railway.

Lombardy also has an extensive motorway network of around 700 km. In particular, the A4 motorway runs across the entire region from east to west, connecting Brescia, Bergamo, Monza and Milan. The BreBeMi is another option, linking Brescia to Milan’s Tangenziale Est Esterna ring road via Treviglio. Milan’s ring road system comprises three sections – West, East and North – and at 74.4 km is Italy’s longest. From Milan, the A1, A7, A35 and the Lakes Motorway (A8 and A9) branch off, connecting Lombardy with Switzerland.

Where to stay in Lombardy

Lombardy has a long-established tradition of hospitality and welcome. The region is always ready to receive large numbers of visitors, whether travelling on business or for pleasure. Accommodation providers have adapted their offerings to suit different types of guests. For this reason, the choice of places to stay in Lombardy is truly extensive, ranging from luxury hotels to bed and breakfasts, from charming hotels to self-catering apartments, plus farm stays, hostels and modern business-focused hotels. Naturally, choice is greatest in larger towns, whilst smaller and less well-known villages and mountain areas have fewer options.

Accommodation prices in Lombardy vary considerably depending on location and season, so the best advice is always to book your stay as early as possible to secure the option that best suits both your requirements and budget.

If you love big cities, Milan is the ideal city in which to stay, as you can easily reach many destinations in a day trip, including Monza, Mantua, Brescia and Bergamo, as well as Lake Como. Remember that Milan also hosts major international events each year, such as the Furniture Fair and Fashion Week, so if you visit during these periods accommodation choice may be limited and prices often prohibitively high.

For those choosing to stay along the shores of the main lakes (Como, Maggiore and Garda), we recommend booking accommodation well in advance, as these are all highly sought-after destinations and rooms can be hard to find in peak season. For a holiday combining sport, relaxation and nature, we suggest staying in Bormio, which has excellent ski facilities and thermal spas.

Location

Lombardy is a region in northern Italy, with Milan as its capital. Its territory borders Switzerland (Ticino and Graubünden cantons) to the north, Piedmont to the west, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige to the east, and Emilia-Romagna to the south.