Milan is the capital of the Lombardy region and one of Italy's major metropolitan areas. If you are planning to spend a few days in the Italian fashion capital, you must visit the Piazza del Duommo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, have a pizza in one of its restaurants, stroll along the canals of the Navigli district or get lost in the streets of the Brera district, one of the most artistic and bohemian of the city.
However, as is the case in most big cities, if you head a few kilometers outside of Milan you will find many other places worth visiting. Let yourself be surprised by the most historic towns of the region of Lombardy and enjoy its natural treasures.
Places to see near Milan
Lake Como
The famous Lago di Como is located about 50 kilometers from Milan. You may have heard of it and even seen it on the big screen, as scenes from movies like 'Casino Royale' or 'Star Wars' have been filmed there. The routes to visit it start from various nearby towns, although the most common is the city of Como.
Taking a boat trip on this lake is a must if you travel to Milan. Located at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps, the lake has an inverted Y shape. Every meter you travel you will come across tall and spectacular mountains, forests and even small houses. As expected, this place has inspired artists from all over the world and has become the regular residence of celebrities such as George Clooney.
Sacro Monte di Varese
The Sacro Monte di Varese is not one of those traditional places that appear in the tourist guides around Milan. Rather, it is one of those relatively hidden mysteries worth visiting, as it is included in the Unesco World Heritage List.
It is one of the main sacred mountains of the Lombardy region and consists of 14 chapels. This large area in the middle of nature, a place of pilgrimage, has a distance of 2 kilometers and ends at a traditional borgo at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level. There, you can enjoy the sanctuary of the same name.
Vigevano, another of Milan's wonders
You cannot leave Italy without visiting the city of Vigevano and, in particular, the most famous square in this boot-shaped country. Although there are very emblematic places in many other corners of the country, Italians agree that the Ducal Square - knownas the Hall of Italy - is the most beautiful.
When you set foot there, you will feel like you are taking a real journey through time because of the nature of its palaces, porticoes and stones. In addition, it is a square that is always full of life. It is not the only attractive place in the city, as you can also visit the Leonardiana Museum, where the great works of Leonardo Da Vinci are exhibited, or the Ducal Palace.
Cinque Terre
If you want to visit a natural landscape, like something from a postcard, you must visit Cinque Terre. Its name refers to the five lands, as it is composed of five ancient villages - Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza and Riomaggiore - that have formed on the hillside and border the sea.
Each of these municipalities has completely different characteristics. However, as you can imagine, its streets stand out for being extremely narrow and cobblestone. It is one of the most beautiful lands in Italy and is also considered a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Verona, a must if you visit Milan
The city of Verona is a classic for the romanticism that is breathed in it. There, Romeo and Juliet lived out their idyllic romance, so you will find constant references to the couple. You will be able to visit Juliet's house, be surprised by its walls full of messages of love and, of course, you will not be able to leave without touching a breast on Juliet's statue! As the legend goes, if you do, you will either return to Verona or find true love.
Although the couple's story is one of the great attractions of Verona, it is not the only one. You can also visit the Arena, one of the most important amphitheaters of the Roman period, or stroll through the Piazza delle Erbe.
Many of these places are a must if you spend a few days in Milan, but if you really want to enjoy the charms of the Italian landscape, its gastronomy and those more hidden places, we recommend that you do it by car. You will be able to plan the route to your liking, make as many stops as you wish and explore those places that will take your breath away. Rent a car in Milan with OK Mobility and let yourself be surprised by all the secrets that the Lombardy region holds.
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