italian-region-guide-lombardy

Visit Lombardy

From the bustling streets of Milan to the serene shores of Lake Como, Lombardy is a region where history, culture, and natural beauty come together seamlessly.

Stroll through Milan’s elegant boulevards, historic piazzas, and iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where Renaissance and modern architecture coexist in a vibrant urban atmosphere. Beyond the city, Lombardy’s landscapes unfold into a rich tapestry of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages. Explore the Franciacorta wine region, where sparkling wines are crafted amidst gently sloping vineyards, or wander the medieval streets of Bergamo Alta, perched above the plains with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Lombardy Region

The sparkling lakes, Como, Garda, and Iseo offer tranquil escapes with picturesque towns, historic villas, and lush gardens along their shores. In the Alps near Valtellina and Bormio, snow-capped peaks invite skiing and hiking, while quiet mountain villages showcase local traditions, hearty cuisine, and alpine hospitality.

Whether you’re tracing history through Milan’s museums and royal palaces, sailing on a glimmering lake, or sampling world-class wines and regional specialties in a hillside trattoria, Lombardy provides a captivating blend of culture, scenery, and Italian charm.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s vibrant capital of fashion and culture, offering a captivating blend of history, style, and modern sophistication.

Situated in the heart of Lombardy, the city is perfect for visitors seeking art, architecture, shopping, and urban exploration.

From grand boulevards to hidden piazzas, Milan’s streets pulse with energy and Italian elegance.

The historic center, dominated by the iconic Duomo, the elegant arcades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and stately palazzi, tells centuries of Milanese history. Here you can explore Sforza Castle, the artistic Brera district, and the atmospheric Navigli canals, while pausing at cafés and gelaterias along the way.

Milan is a globally famous fashion capital. The Quadrilatero della Moda features flagship stores of Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Armani, alongside renowned boutiques like Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, offering a world-class shopping experience.

Parks, rooftop terraces, and hidden courtyards provide places to relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant energy.

Como

Let Como, a picturesque town on the southwestern shore of Lake Como, enchant you with its elegant lakeside promenade, historic streets, and stunning views of the surrounding Alps. Often celebrated for its combination of natural beauty and rich heritage, Como offers a serene escape where history, culture, and scenery meet in perfect harmony.

At the heart of the town, Piazza Cavour opens onto the shimmering lake, lined with cafés and restaurants where you can relax while admiring the sparkling water and passing boats. From here, ferries depart to charming lakeside villages such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, each offering cobbled streets, colourful façades, and artisan shops.

Rising above the town, the Funicular to Brunate provides panoramic views over Lake Como, the town’s rooftops, and the surrounding mountains. Scenic walks and villas with botanical gardens, including Villa Olmo, showcase Como’s artistic and architectural heritage.

Como perfectly captures the timeless appeal of Italy’s northern lakes.

Bellagio

Bellagio, perched at the tip of the peninsula where Lake Como splits into its two branches, is one of northern Italy’s most enchanting lakeside towns. Renowned for its romantic streets, colourful façades, and sweeping lake views, Bellagio offers a scenic and relaxing escape.

The Piazza della Chiesa, is lined with cafés, artisan shops, and boutiques and from here, you can stroll the cobbled lanes, enjoy panoramic terraces, or take boat trips to nearby villages such as Varenna and Menaggio.

Day trips from Bellagio also include visits to historic villas and gardens, like Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, as well as scenic hiking trails along the lake’s shores and surrounding hills.

Local trattorias serve traditional Lombard cuisine, offering delicious fresh lake fish, regional wines, and seasonal specialties while soaking in the spectacular views.

With its combination of lakeside charm, cultural landmarks, and nearby excursions, Bellagio provides a quintessential Lake Como experience for visitors of all interests.

Iseo

This charming town on the southern shore of Lake Iseo in Lombardy, offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty framed by the surrounding hills and distant Alps.

The town’s lakeside promenade and historic centre invite leisurely walks among medieval streets, elegant piazzas, artisan shops, and cosy cafés.

From Iseo, you can easily take boat trips to Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, or explore the small lakeside villages dotted along the shores.

Day trips from Iseo include visiting the Franciacorta wine region for tastings of sparkling wines, exploring the scenic hiking and cycling trails in the surrounding hills, or discovering the picturesque villages of Sarnico and Pisogne. Cultural enthusiasts can visit nearby churches, museums, and local artisan workshops to experience Lombardy’s rich heritage.

Local cuisine showcases the best of the region, with fresh lake fish, handmade pasta, and regional wines served in welcoming trattorias and cafés.

Iseo offers a perfect lakeside base for travellers seeking a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural excursions, making it an ideal destination for discovering the beauty of Lake Iseo and its surroundings.

Sirmione

Sirmione is a picturesque town on the southern tip of Lake Garda in Lombardy, which enchants visitors with its historic centre, thermal springs, and stunning lake views. Known for its medieval charm, scenic waterfront, natural beauty and Italian culture.

The heart of the town is the Scaliger Castle, a striking fortress overlooking the lake, surrounded by cobbled streets, artisan shops, and cafés.

From Sirmione, you can enjoy boat trips across Lake Garda to charming towns such as Desenzano del Garda, Peschiera, and Garda, taking in the region’s dramatic landscapes.

Sirmione is perfectly located for exploring the Grotte di Catullo, the ancient Roman villa at the tip of the peninsula, or visiting nearby thermal spas for a rejuvenating experience. The surrounding countryside offers cycling routes, hiking trails, and vineyards producing local wines.

Local trattorias and lakeside restaurants serve regional specialties, including fresh lake fish, risotto, and Lombard wines, providing the perfect complement to a day of sightseeing.

Sirmione is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of history, relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a perfect base for discovering the beauty and culture of Lake Garda.

Salò

Located on the western shore of Lake Garda in Lombardy, Salò is a charming lakeside town known for its elegant promenade, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural life. With its scenic waterfront and medieval streets, Salò offers a relaxing yet engaging base for exploring the lake and surrounding region.

Visit the Piazza della Vittoria, lined with cafés, shops, and historic palaces, Stroll through narrow lanes admiring Renaissance façades, visit local artisan boutiques, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake from the lakeside promenade.

Day trips from Salò include boat excursions to towns across Lake Garda, such as Sirmione, Desenzano, and Gardone Riviera, as well as visits to the nearby Vallio di Salò hills for hiking, cycling, and scenic viewpoints.

Cultural attractions, including the Duomo of Salò and the Museo Civico, provide insight into the town’s rich history.

Local restaurants and trattorias serve fresh lake fish, risotto, and regional wines, offering a true taste of Lombard cuisine.

Salò is perfect for travellers seeking lakeside beauty, historic charm, and easy access to excursions across Lake Garda, making it the ideal choice for both relaxation and exploration.

Flights and getting around

The best way to explore Lombardy is by renting a car, giving you the freedom to discover its diverse landscapes, from the scenic lakes of Como, Garda, and Iseo, to the rolling vineyards of Franciacorta, and the Alpine valleys near Valtellina and Bergamo.

Public transportation is reliable and connects major cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and Cremona. Trains and regional buses also reach smaller towns, though some of the most scenic lakeside villages, wine regions, and alpine areas are best explored by car.

Taxis are available in larger urban centers, and in cities like Milan, walking is a great way to enjoy historic streets, grand squares, and vibrant cafés.

Flights from the UK: Approximately 2 hours (to Milan airports).

Nearest airports:

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — about 50 minutes from central Milan.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) — approximately 20 minutes from the city center.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) — about 1 hour from Milan, mainly serving low-cost carriers.

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Weather

Lombardy enjoys a varied climate, with warm summers, cold winters, and mild spring and autumn periods, making it a destination that suits city explorers, nature lovers, and cultural travellers year-round.

Summer (June – August):
Summers in Lombardy are generally warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Northern areas and the lakes, such as Lake Como and Lake Garda, enjoy pleasant breezes, making it perfect for sightseeing, boating, and outdoor activities. Cities like Milan can be hotter and more urban.

Spring (March – May):
Spring is mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 24°C (59°F to 75°F). Flowers bloom across the countryside, and it’s an ideal season for hiking in the Alps, exploring lakes, and visiting historic towns and cultural sites.

Autumn (September – November):
Autumn offers mild to warm days, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F) in early fall. Vineyards and forests display rich autumn colours, making it perfect for wine tours, scenic drives, and cultural visits.

Winter (December – February):
Winters are cold, particularly in the Alps, with temperatures averaging 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F) and regular snowfall in mountain regions, ideal for skiing and winter sports. Cities and the Po Valley are milder but can be foggy, while sunny spells still offer opportunities for sightseeing.

Top ten attractions in Lombardy…

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) – One of Europe’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. Entry tickets include access to its beautiful marble terraces.
The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano, Milan) – Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous mural is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.
Lake Como – Join a boat tour between Bellagio, Varenna, and Como, or visit Villa Carlotta with its lush gardens and art collection.
Bergamo Alta – Explore the medieval upper town of Bergamo, with its cobblestone streets, Venetian walls, and the beautiful Piazza Vecchia. The Civic Museums of Bergamo offer insight into the city’s rich history.
Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake, perfect for swimming, and lakeside dining. Visit Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle and the nearby Roman ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus.
Mantua (Mantova) – A Renaissance gem surrounded by lakes, featuring the magnificent Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te, both attractions showcasing frescoes and art from the Gonzaga court.
Cremona – The birthplace of Stradivari, where you can visit the Violin Museum (Museo del Violino) and hear a live performances of the priceless historic instruments.
Lake Maggiore – For serene beauty and the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella with its baroque palace and gardens. Ferries and guided island tours depart regularly from Stresa.
Franciacorta Wine Region – Enjoy a vineyard tour and tasting experience at one of the many elegant estates.
Monza Park and Royal Villa (Villa Reale di Monza) – One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, home to the Formula 1 racetrack and the grand Royal Villa.