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Maccagno​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
The lakeside town of Maccagno is situated in the Province of Varese, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It's a part of the Comune of Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca and is located a distance of 101 kilometres north west of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.

​Nearby places of interest include Luino, Germignaga, Porto Valtravaglia and Castelveccana.

What People Ask About Maccagno

Is Maccagno worth visiting?
Yes, Maccagno is a scenic town on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, known for its beaches, walking trails, and lakefront views. It’s a popular base for swimming, hiking, and water sports.
What can you do in Maccagno?
You can swim at the lakeside beach, walk along the riverside trail, visit the Parisi-Valle art museum, or hike up into the nearby mountains. The town also has a small harbour and lakeside cafés.
How do you get to Maccagno?
Maccagno has its own train station with regular services to Luino and Milan. It’s also accessible by car along the SS394 and by ferry from other towns on Lake Maggiore.
Is there a beach in Maccagno?
Yes, Maccagno has a well-maintained beach area with grassy areas, pebbles, and lake access for swimming. It’s a popular spot in summer with facilities nearby and views across the lake.
When is the best time to visit Maccagno?
The best time to visit is from June to early September for swimming and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking, hiking, and exploring the surrounding nature.
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Discover

Discover Maccagno
Maccagno, located in the Lombardy region, is a scenic town set on the shores of Lake Maggiore, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, Maccagno provides a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking both relaxation and outdoor exploration. The town’s narrow streets, historic buildings, and lakeside setting make it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the area.
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Maccagno is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the water, taking in the picturesque views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding hills. The town is also home to the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, a small church with historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Maccagno offers a range of hiking and cycling trails that lead into the surrounding mountains, providing stunning views of the lake and the nearby landscapes. Maccagno’s combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and peaceful setting makes it a perfect base for exploring the wonders of Lake Maggiore and the Lombardy region.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Maccagno
  • Lakeside Promenade and Beaches: Maccagno is located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, offering a wide lakeside promenade with pebble beaches, swimming areas, and spots for windsurfing and kayaking. The calm, clean waters and panoramic views make it a popular destination for summer visitors.
  • Torre Imperiale and Historic Centre: In the upper part of the town, the Torre Imperiale is a medieval watchtower that stands as a symbol of Maccagno’s strategic past. The surrounding area includes cobbled lanes, old stone houses, and remnants of the original defensive walls.
  • Parco Giona: This large lakeside park features open grassy areas, walking paths, a beach, and recreational facilities including a skatepark and tennis courts. It’s a focal point for families and visitors looking to relax or enjoy outdoor activities by the lake.
  • Civic Museum PARC: The Parisi-Valle Civic Museum houses a modern art collection donated by artist Giuseppe Parisi. The museum sits in a striking contemporary building and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, adding a creative dimension to the town.
  • Day Trip to Luino: Just 10 minutes away, Luino offers a larger historic centre, a famous weekly market, and additional lakeside attractions. Its close proximity makes it a natural pairing with Maccagno for those looking to explore more of the eastern Lake Maggiore shore.
Maccagno Tours and Activities
Maccagno - frazione di Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca
Comune: ​Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca

Province: Varese

Region: Lombardy

Elevation: 210 metres

​​​Travel facilities: buses

​​Close by: Luino, Germignaga, Porto Valtravaglia, Castelveccana​

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Maccagno
  • Hotel Torre Imperiale Located just a short walk from the lake and the centre of Maccagno, this hotel offers modern rooms with balconies, some with partial lake views. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, on-site parking, and proximity to the lakeside promenade and beach area. €€ (mid-range)
  • Golfo Gabella Lake Resort Positioned directly on the lakefront, this residence offers stylish apartments with terraces, an outdoor pool, and a private marina. Visitors enjoy the modern design, spectacular lake views, and immediate access to water sports and lakeside walking paths. €€€ (high-end)
  • Appartamenti Emmaus Set in a quiet area close to both the lake and the train station, this residence features self-catering apartments ideal for longer stays. Guests value the spacious layout, private parking, and short walk to supermarkets, restaurants, and the beach. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Casa nel Bosco Located in the hills above Maccagno, around 10 minutes by car from the lake, this B&B offers rustic-style rooms surrounded by woodland. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, homegrown produce at breakfast, and access to nearby hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Casa e Vela Situated just outside Maccagno along the lakefront, this residence offers comfortable studios and apartments with private terraces, a small beach, and boat rentals. Guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, lake access, and views across Lake Maggiore. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Maccagno
  • Ristorante Italia: Located close to the lakefront in Maccagno, this well-established restaurant offers a menu of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh lake fish and seasonal ingredients. The elegant interior and attentive service make it a good option for a more refined lunch or dinner. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Pizzeria Lido di Maccagno: Situated near the beach and marina, this casual pizzeria serves wood-fired pizzas with a wide range of toppings, alongside salads and pasta dishes. The relaxed setting with lake views makes it especially popular in the summer months. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria La Madonnina: Found in the upper part of Maccagno, this traditional trattoria offers local cuisine in a rustic dining room with wooden beams and a fireplace. The menu features polenta, grilled meats, and regional cheeses, ideal for a hearty and authentic meal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Bar Trattoria Al Pozzo: A small, informal place located just outside the centre, Al Pozzo serves simple, home-style dishes including pasta, stews, and seasonal sides. It’s a good choice for a quiet, affordable meal in a down-to-earth atmosphere. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
  • Ristorante Pizzeria La Gabella: Positioned along the main lakeside road, this pizzeria and restaurant offers lake views and a menu that includes both pizza and traditional Italian mains. The friendly service and convenient location make it popular with visitors and locals alike. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Maccagno
  • Luino (approx. 5 km south of Maccagno): A lively town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Luino is known for its bustling weekly market, one of the largest in Italy. The town also offers a charming lakeside promenade, perfect for leisurely walks, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy the scenic views. Visitors can take boat trips across the lake or explore the surrounding countryside.
  • Laveno-Mombello (approx. 10 km southeast of Maccagno): Situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno-Mombello is a popular destination for outdoor activities and scenic views. The Laveno Funicular offers panoramic vistas of the lake and mountains, while the town’s lakeside promenade and cafes provide a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It’s also a great base for hiking.
  • Cittiglio (approx. 15 km southwest of Maccagno): A small town in the province of Varese, Cittiglio is known for its historic charm and natural beauty. It is surrounded by the Parco Regionale del Campo dei Fiori, making it a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities. The park offers stunning views of the region and is home to various trails, ideal for nature lovers.
  • Germignaga (approx. 3 km north of Maccagno): A quiet town located along the shores of Lake Maggiore, Germignaga is perfect for those looking to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can relax by the lake, take scenic walks along the shore, or explore the surrounding hills for beautiful panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
  • Lugano (approx. 30 km north of Maccagno, in Switzerland): A beautiful lakeside city in Switzerland, Lugano offers a mix of Mediterranean charm and Alpine beauty. The town is known for its lovely lake promenade, historic centre, and cultural attractions, including museums and art galleries. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views, relax in the parks, or explore the nearby mountains.

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Maccagno
By Rail: Maccagno has its own train station, Maccagno Station, located on the Luino–Gallarate railway line and served by Trenord regional services. Trains run regularly between Maccagno, Luino, and Gallarate, with onward connections to Milan. The total journey time from Milan to Maccagno is approximately 2 hours, with one change at Gallarate. The station is situated close to the lake and within walking distance of the town centre.

By Road: Maccagno is located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, in the province of Varese, near the Swiss border. It lies around 80 kilometres north-west of Milan and 35 kilometres north-west of Varese. The drive from Milan takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A8 motorway and SP5 lakeside road. From Varese, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, particularly near the lakefront and marina.

By Ferry: Maccagno is served by Navigazione Laghi passenger ferry services on Lake Maggiore, with seasonal routes operating from spring to early autumn. Boats connect Maccagno to other towns along the lake including Luino, Cannobio, Cannero Riviera, Laveno-Mombello, and Intra. These services provide scenic access to both the Italian and Swiss shores. There are no vehicle ferry services from Maccagno, but car ferries are available from Laveno-Mombello to Intra, approximately 25 kilometres to the south.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Located about 60 kilometres south of Maccagno, the drive takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Train connections to Maccagno are available via Gallarate and Luino.
  • Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated approximately 105 kilometres south-east of Maccagno, the journey by car takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Travellers can also take a train from Milan Centrale to Gallarate, then transfer to a regional service to Maccagno.
  • Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Roughly 125 kilometres south-east of Maccagno, the drive takes around 2 hours. Public transport options include train and bus connections via Milan and Gallarate.

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