Luino, Lake town in Province of Varese, Italy
Luino is a commune on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore in the Province of Varese, northern Italy, standing at around 202 meters above sea level. The waterfront runs alongside the old center with squares, lanes, and a small harbor from which boats depart toward the Swiss side opposite.
The settlement dates back to Roman times when it served as part of a trade route linking the Alps and the Po plain. During the Middle Ages it grew through commerce with goods from surrounding valleys and the waterway north.
The name probably comes from Celtic roots referring to the god Lugus, reflecting early settlement in the area. Locals often gather by the waterfront, where fishermen moor their boats in the morning and walkers enjoy views across to the Swiss mountains opposite.
The railway station offers regular connections to Milan and Switzerland, while ferries run several times daily between lakeside points. Market day on Wednesday draws many visitors, so arriving earlier helps avoid crowding.
A network of narrow medieval streets leads down from the center to the lakeside promenade, where Swiss mountain peaks reflect in the water on clear days. Some houses along the shore preserve old stone mooring posts once used for direct lake access.
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