Malgrate(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Malgrate, recommend staying at Bella Vista Resort, located lakeside with family rooms and a children's activity center. Close to Lake Malgrate, it offers boat rentals and outdoor picnics. The hotel features a swimming pool and guided eco-tours, allowing guests to experience authentic Lombard rural culture. Nearby, the Church of Santa Maria showcases traditional Italian countryside architecture, ideal for family visits.

The central district of Malgrate is the ideal place to stay, near Lake Malgrate and major attractions like the Ancient Roman Ruins Park and the local farmers' market. This area offers convenient access to boutique hotels and charming guesthouses such as Lago di Malgrate Inn, which provides lake-view rooms and breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and authentic experiences.

Don't miss the annual Lakeside Harvest Festival in Malgrate, showcasing traditional Lombard rice cultivation techniques and handmade pasta workshops. Guests can try their hand at making fresh pasta and taste Malgrate rice dishes and goat cheese from nearby farms. Visiting the San Giovanni Monastery offers insight into medieval religious art and manuscript preservation, capturing the deep cultural heritage of this Italian countryside town.

Hotels like Villa Lago Verde along Lake Malgrate stand out with panoramic views, private terraces, and sunrise viewing platforms. They offer complimentary paddleboat rentals and organized eco-guided tours exploring wetland biodiversity and birdlife. The on-site restaurant specializes in dishes using locally caught pike fish and organic vegetables, delivering authentic Lombard lakeside cuisine.

From Milan Central Station, take a regional train (Trenord) to Malgrate Train Station—about 45 minutes with frequent departures. Consider purchasing the Lombardy Commuter Pass for discounts. Upon arrival, transfer to an electric shuttle or rent a bicycle along the Albio River Greenway, enjoying scenic farmland and hill views—a relaxed way to explore the town.

Must-try dishes include Risotto al Lago, made with locally grown Malgrate rice and fresh lake fish, rich and aromatic. Another highlight is artisan goat cheese with honey, crafted daily by nearby farms. Pair with a glass of Lombard white wine and enjoy these flavors at a terrace café in the Old Town Square, embracing the slow-paced, Mediterranean lifestyle.

Top photo locations in Malgrate include the stained-glass windows and Gothic spire of Santa Maria Church, the misty sunrise reflections on Lake Malgrate, and the ancient arches of the Roman Ruins Park. Early morning visits to the eastern shore of the lake capture serene, ethereal scenes. Also consider the fountain and century-old oak tree in the Old Town Square—perfect for blending natural beauty with historical charm.

Nighttime in Malgrate is magical: join stargazing tours led by local eco-guides, learning constellations and wetland ecology. Some hotels, like Villa Lago Verde, host outdoor movie nights under the stars, screening classic Italian films. The Old Town Square often hosts live music and craft markets, where you can savor warm drinks and traditional Lombard pastries—a cozy end to a perfect day.

Absolutely! Malgrate boasts excellent bicycle paths, especially along the Albio River Greenway, offering flat, safe routes suitable for all ages. Many hotels, including Bella Vista Resort, provide free bike rentals. Along the way, stop at lakeside cafés, ancient ruins, and orchards—ideal for combining nature and culture. Best visited early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and enjoy the full essence of Italian rural cycling.

Though small, Malgrate holds significant history. Key sites include the Ancient Roman Ruins Park, uncovering pottery, stone columns, and road remains from the 2nd century CE. The San Giovanni Monastery, founded in the 11th century, preserves medieval frescoes and Latin manuscripts. These sites are maintained by the Lombard Archaeological Commission and feature guided tours, revealing Malgrate’s role as a vital ancient Italian transit hub.