Luino
|
Latest page update: 9 April 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
|
The lakeside town of Luino is situated in the Province of Varese, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It has a population of around 15,000 residents and is located a distance of 90 kilometres north-west of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Nearby places of interest include Germignaga, Maccagno, Laveno-Mombello and Lake Lugano. |
|
Related links
Luino Overview
Luino, located in the Lombardy region, is a vibrant town situated on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its scenic beauty and lively atmosphere, Luino provides a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activity. The town’s historic charm, with its narrow streets, traditional buildings, and lakeside setting, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy both nature and culture.
Luino is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy relaxing walks while taking in the stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills. The town is also known for its weekly market, one of the largest in the region, offering local products and artisan goods. For those interested in outdoor activities, Luino provides several hiking and cycling trails that lead through the surrounding countryside and mountains, offering panoramic views of the lake and the nearby landscape. Luino’s combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and peaceful lakeside setting makes it a perfect base for exploring Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy region.
Luino is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy relaxing walks while taking in the stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills. The town is also known for its weekly market, one of the largest in the region, offering local products and artisan goods. For those interested in outdoor activities, Luino provides several hiking and cycling trails that lead through the surrounding countryside and mountains, offering panoramic views of the lake and the nearby landscape. Luino’s combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and peaceful lakeside setting makes it a perfect base for exploring Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy region.
Top Things to Do in Luino
- Lakeside Promenade and Marina: Luino occupies a scenic position on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, with a spacious lakeside promenade lined with palm trees, cafés, and gardens. The marina area is popular for strolling, boating, and enjoying open views across the lake to the Piedmontese side.
- Collegiata di San Pietro e Paolo: This parish church dominates the historic centre and features Baroque architecture with a richly decorated interior. The church has been expanded and modified over centuries and remains a central place of worship and cultural reference in the town.
- Luino’s Historic Centre and Arcades: The old town is characterised by narrow streets, stone archways, and covered walkways that now host small shops, gelaterie, and local bakeries. The layout reflects Luino’s long history as a lakeside trading hub with ties to both Lombardy and nearby Switzerland.
- Wednesday Market: Luino hosts one of the largest and oldest weekly markets in northern Italy. Every Wednesday, the town fills with stalls selling clothes, food, household goods, and artisanal products. It draws visitors from across the region and nearby Swiss towns, giving Luino a lively and international feel mid-week.
- Day Trip to Cannobio: Easily reached by ferry in under 30 minutes, Cannobio, on the opposite shore of Lake Maggiore, offers a colourful promenade, historic centre, and additional markets. The cross-lake journey makes for a varied day out, combining lakeside scenery with a taste of Piedmont.
Comune di Luino
|
Province: Varese
Region: Lombardy Population: 14,190 (in 2024 - source) Size: 21 km² Elevation: 202 metres Close by: Germignaga, Maccagno, Laveno-Mombello, Lake Lugano |
Where to Stay in Luino - My Recommended Accommodation
- Camin Hotel Luino Located opposite the lake and a short walk from the town centre, this elegant 19th-century villa offers refined rooms, a lakeside garden, and an on-site restaurant. Guests appreciate the historic charm, lake views, and proximity to the ferry terminal and Luino’s famous market. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Internazionale Luino Situated next to the train station and a few minutes’ walk from the lake, this modern hotel features comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and free parking. Visitors enjoy the central location, helpful staff, and easy access to shops, cafés, and lakeside paths. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Casa Veronica Set on a hillside overlooking Luino, around 5 minutes’ drive from the centre, this bed and breakfast offers rooms with panoramic lake views and a peaceful garden. Guests value the warm hospitality, homemade breakfast, and quiet setting above the town. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B La Corte Antica Located in a renovated farmhouse in a quiet area just outside the centre, this B&B features rustic-style rooms with original features and a shared courtyard. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, proximity to the lake, and walking access to local restaurants. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Del Pesce Positioned in a central location near the lake and Luino’s old town, this small hotel offers simply furnished rooms, friendly service, and easy access to public transport. Guests appreciate the good value, convenient setting, and availability of secure bike storage. € (budget)
Where to Eat in Luino - My Recommended Restaurants
- Ristorante Camin Hotel Luino: Located near the lakeside, this elegant restaurant within a historic villa offers a refined menu of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes include lake fish, fresh pasta, and delicately prepared meat mains. With a beautifully decorated dining room and a garden terrace, it’s ideal for special occasions. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria al Cantinone: Found in the centre of Luino, this popular osteria focuses on traditional dishes from Lombardy and the wider north of Italy. The menu features specialities such as risotto, braised beef, and seasonal vegetables, served in a cosy, vaulted interior. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Pizzeria Manzoni: Situated near the market area, this casual trattoria offers a wide selection of wood-fired pizzas and Italian favourites. It’s a good choice for informal dining with family or friends, with quick service and a relaxed setting. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Il Crotto: Located just outside the town centre, Il Crotto is known for its rustic setting and focus on regional cuisine. The menu includes cold cuts, polenta with stews, and hearty mountain dishes, making it a great place for a traditional meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria la Vecchia Pesa: Also in Luino, this informal eatery serves pizzas, pasta, and other simple Italian meals in a friendly atmosphere. The value for money and convenient location make it a reliable choice for a quick and affordable dinner. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Luino Gallery
Places close to Luino
- Laveno-Mombello (approx. 10 km northwest of Luino): A picturesque town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno-Mombello is known for its stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Laveno Funicular provides panoramic vistas, while the lakeside promenade offers a relaxing place for a stroll. The town also serves as a base for hiking and boating activities.
- Maccagno (approx. 5 km north of Luino): Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Maccagno is a peaceful town with a beautiful lakeside setting. Visitors can enjoy walking along the Lakeside Promenade, visit the local beaches, or explore nearby hiking trails offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Cittiglio (approx. 15 km southwest of Luino): A small town in the province of Varese, Cittiglio is known for its charming historical centre and its proximity to the Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori. The town is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with several scenic walking and hiking routes in the nearby park, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- Varese (approx. 30 km south of Luino): A town surrounded by the Campo dei Fiori mountain range, Varese is known for its green spaces and historic villas, including Villa Panza and Villa Toeplitz. Visitors can enjoy exploring the town’s charming streets, walking in its parks, or taking in the panoramic views from the surrounding hills.
- Lugano (approx. 30 km north of Luino, in Switzerland): Situated on the shores of Lake Lugano, the Swiss town of Lugano offers a mix of Mediterranean atmosphere and Alpine charm. Visitors can explore the town’s historic centre, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or visit attractions such as the Parco Ciani and the Museo d'Arte.
How to get to Luino
By Rail: Luino has its own train station on the Gallarate–Luino railway line, served by Trenord regional services. Trains run regularly to Gallarate, where passengers can connect to services bound for Milan and other major cities. The journey from Milan to Luino takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with a change at Gallarate. The station is located close to the town centre and within easy walking distance of the lakefront and ferry terminal.
By Road: Luino is located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Varese, close to the Swiss border. It is around 75 kilometres north-west of Milan and 30 kilometres north-west of Varese. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 motorway and SP69 lakeside road. From Varese, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Public parking is available near the town centre and along the lake.
By Ferry: Luino is a key stop on the Navigazione Laghi ferry network on Lake Maggiore, with seasonal services operating from spring through early autumn. Passenger boats connect Luino to other towns along the lake, including Cannero Riviera, Cannobio, Maccagno, Laveno-Mombello, and Intra. These services provide access to both the Italian and Swiss shores of the lake. Vehicle ferry services are not available from Luino, but are accessible from Laveno-Mombello to Intra, located about 15 kilometres south.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Luino is located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Varese, close to the Swiss border. It is around 75 kilometres north-west of Milan and 30 kilometres north-west of Varese. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 motorway and SP69 lakeside road. From Varese, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Public parking is available near the town centre and along the lake.
By Ferry: Luino is a key stop on the Navigazione Laghi ferry network on Lake Maggiore, with seasonal services operating from spring through early autumn. Passenger boats connect Luino to other towns along the lake, including Cannero Riviera, Cannobio, Maccagno, Laveno-Mombello, and Intra. These services provide access to both the Italian and Swiss shores of the lake. Vehicle ferry services are not available from Luino, but are accessible from Laveno-Mombello to Intra, located about 15 kilometres south.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Located approximately 55 kilometres south of Luino, the drive takes around 1 hour. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport, and train connections are possible via Gallarate.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 100 kilometres south-east of Luino, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Travellers can also take a train from Milan Centrale to Gallarate, then connect to Luino by regional service.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): About 120 kilometres south-east of Luino, the journey by car takes around 2 hours. Public transport options involve a combination of train and bus travel via Milan and Gallarate.
