A peaceful refuge overlooking the lake

Laveno is located on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore and is a highly important tourist resort. Laveno encompasses many different landscapes: we are in northern Italy, but the climate is Mediterranean, and the view stretches from the lake to the mountain peaks. Of particular importance is the marina, which, through its ferry service, connects the town with Intra, on the Piedmontese shore, from where the Borromean Islands and the other attractions of the lake can be visited. Above the town rises Mount Sasso del Ferro, accessible by cable car and home to one of the most popular panoramic viewpoints on Lake Maggiore, also frequented by hang-gliding and paragliding enthusiasts. For tourism, Laveno Mombello is one of the lake’s most easily accessible destinations and is well connected to the main towns in Lombardy: the Ferrovie Nord railway line, which connects it with Varese and consequently with Milan, reaches a point just a few metres from the lake, very close to the town centre; the State Railways connect it with Switzerland; and the Lakes motorway can easily be reached either via the Besozzo–Vergiate expressway, at Sesto Calende, or on the other side of the lake, towards Gravellona Toce. Today, the town offers visitors a pleasant lakeside promenade, with arcaded buildings and pedestrian walkways. The town also offers several opportunities for shopping. It was once an important centre for the production of ceramics and porcelain. The historic centre is home to the beautiful Villa De Angeli Frua, which is also worth visiting for its renowned botanical garden. Not far from Laveno is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a jewel set into the sheer rock above the waters of Lake Maggiore, where visitors can admire spectacular sunsets.