GemmaMilan is an incredible city, buzzing with fashion, art, and espresso that keeps your energy levels higher than your ambitions. But sometimes, even the most devoted city lover needs a break from the concrete, traffic, and the occasional chaos of urban life. That’s where the countryside near Milan comes in. Rolling hills, charming villages, historic estates, and peaceful lakes await just a short drive away. From my own personal experience, escaping Milan for a day—or even a weekend—can feel like stepping into a completely different world.
If you’re looking to unwind, explore nature, or discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, here’s a detailed guide to 14 countryside escapes near Milan that you’ll truly love. Whether it’s wine tasting, cycling through scenic routes, or just enjoying a quiet meal in a picturesque village, these spots are perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
1. Lake Como: A Classic Escape
It’s hard to talk about escapes near Milan without starting with Lake Como. This isn’t just any lake; it’s an iconic destination filled with charm, luxury villas, and enough scenery to make your camera work overtime.
Things to do: Take a ferry ride to Bellagio, explore the cobbled streets of Varenna, or hike the trails overlooking the lake. If you like history, Villa del Balbianello is a must-see—it’s been in countless films, including Star Wars and James Bond.
Pro tip: Try to go early in the morning to avoid crowds. And don’t forget to enjoy a gelato while walking along the lakefront. From my own personal experience, even just sitting by the water with a good coffee can be a magical experience.
2. Bergamo and Its Surroundings
Bergamo is like Milan’s quieter, older sibling: elegant, historic, and slightly more relaxed. The city is divided into two parts—the Città Alta (Upper Town) and the Città Bassa (Lower Town). The Upper Town is perched on a hill and surrounded by Venetian walls, making it perfect for a romantic or reflective stroll.
Things to do: Ride the funicular to the Upper Town, explore the Piazza Vecchia, and visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. If you venture into the surrounding countryside, you’ll find rolling vineyards, small farms, and rustic trattorias serving incredible local cuisine.
Humor aside, if you haven’t had a polenta e brasato (braised beef) while overlooking green hills, have you really lived?
3. Franciacorta Wine Region
If wine is your thing, Franciacorta is practically heaven. Located east of Milan, this area is famous for its sparkling wines, sometimes compared to Champagne—but without the French pretension.
Things to do: Book a vineyard tour, learn about the traditional method of sparkling wine production, and enjoy a tasting session. Many wineries have restaurants where you can pair your wine with local cheeses, cured meats, and homemade pasta.
Pro tip: Don’t rush the tasting. Sit, sip, and savor. From my overall experience, this is one of the best ways to truly connect with the Italian countryside.
4. Monza and Its Royal Villa
Monza might be best known for its Formula 1 racetrack, but it also has a quieter, regal side. The Royal Villa of Monza, surrounded by the largest walled park in Europe, is a fantastic spot for a day out.
Things to do: Stroll through the Villa Reale gardens, visit the art exhibitions inside the villa, and enjoy cycling or walking through the expansive park. It’s easy to forget you’re just a short trip from Milan.
A little humor here: You can pretend you’re royalty for a day, though the tiara part is optional.
5. Pavia: History and Serenity
Pavia is a small city with a big personality. Its medieval streets, ancient churches, and the famous Certosa di Pavia monastery make it a perfect escape for history enthusiasts.
Things to do: Visit the Certosa di Pavia, walk along the Ticino River, and explore the old town’s charming squares and cafes. If you enjoy cycling, the surrounding countryside is full of quiet roads, vineyards, and farmhouses.
Fun fact: The Certosa di Pavia took nearly a century to build, which might explain why Italians are masters of patience and detail.
6. Vigevano: The Renaissance Town
Vigevano is famous for its Renaissance architecture and the majestic Piazza Ducale. It’s one of those towns that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
Things to do: Explore the Piazza Ducale, visit the Castello Sforzesco, and enjoy some local cuisine at a trattoria. If you’re up for it, rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside—flat lands, quiet roads, and charming farmhouses.
From my overall experience, wandering through Vigevano gives you a sense of calm and historical wonder that’s hard to find in bigger cities.
7. Ticino Park: Nature and Wildlife
If you’re craving green spaces and fresh air, the Ticino Park is perfect. Stretching along the Ticino River, it’s a haven for hikers, cyclists, and bird watchers.
Things to do: Follow the nature trails, rent a canoe, or just enjoy a picnic near the river. The park is peaceful, and it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring without running into a crowd.
Pro tip: Keep your camera handy—herons, kingfishers, and even deer make appearances if you’re lucky.
8. Cremona: Music and Cheese
Cremona isn’t just about string instruments, though it’s famously the birthplace of Stradivarius violins. This town also has a rich culinary tradition and a relaxed pace that’s perfect for a countryside escape.
Things to do: Visit the Violin Museum, stroll through Piazza del Comune, and enjoy local cheeses and salami. If you time your visit well, you might catch a small concert or festival celebrating the city’s musical heritage.
A little humor: If you play the violin poorly, don’t worry—Cremona has the patience to teach you the beauty of sound and silence.
9. Abbiategrasso: Rustic Charm
Abbiategrasso is a small town southwest of Milan, often overlooked but full of character. Its historic center, old churches, and countryside surroundings make it a peaceful retreat.
Things to do: Walk through the historic streets, visit the Visconti Castle, and enjoy traditional Milanese dishes at a local trattoria. You can also explore the nearby rice fields, which are particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
From my own personal experience, quiet towns like Abbiategrasso have a way of making you slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy the present.
10. Lake Maggiore: Elegant Lakeside Escape
Lake Maggiore is a little farther from Milan but absolutely worth the trip. With its elegant lakeside towns like Stresa, the Borromean Islands, and stunning gardens, it’s a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Things to do: Take a boat tour of the islands, visit the botanical gardens, and enjoy a lakeside aperitivo. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the hills overlooking the lake for breathtaking panoramas.
Pro tip: Stay until evening for a magical sunset—trust me, it’s Instagram-worthy but, more importantly, soul-refreshing.
11. Mantua: Renaissance and Riverside Beauty
Mantua is another gem that often flies under the radar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in history, art, and architecture, making it perfect for culture lovers.
Things to do: Visit the Ducal Palace, wander around Piazza Sordello, and take a riverside walk along the Mincio River. If you have time, rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside, full of farmland and small historic villages.
A little humor: Mantua is calm enough to make you think, “Maybe life shouldn’t be so rushed after all.”
12. Lecco and the Mountains
Lecco, on the eastern branch of Lake Como, combines lakeside beauty with mountainous adventures. It’s perfect if you want a mix of water and hiking.
Things to do: Hike the Resegone or Grigne mountains, explore the lakefront promenade, and enjoy fresh lake fish at a local trattoria. The view from the top? Absolutely worth the effort.
From my overall experience, combining mountain trails and lakeside relaxation creates a perfect day of balance and beauty.
13. Sirmione and Lake Garda
Sirmione, on the southern tip of Lake Garda, is a charming peninsula with thermal springs, medieval streets, and a castle that looks straight out of a fairytale.
Things to do: Explore Scaliger Castle, visit the Grotte di Catullo ruins, and relax at a thermal spa. The surrounding countryside is dotted with olive groves and vineyards, perfect for a scenic drive or cycling trip.
Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene beauty.
14. Oltrepò Pavese: Rolling Hills and Wine
Oltrepò Pavese, south of Milan, is a hidden gem for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. Rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages make it a true countryside escape.
Things to do: Tour local wineries, taste the famous Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, and explore villages like Varzi and Casteggio. Hiking and cycling routes offer scenic views of the vineyards and valleys.
A little humor: Don’t forget to pace yourself—the wines are delicious, and you might accidentally turn a short trip into a long, happy afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Milan is amazing, but its surrounding countryside is where you’ll find peace, history, and a slower pace of life. From lakes to vineyards, castles to parks, and mountains to medieval towns, these 14 escapes offer something for everyone. Based on my overall experience, stepping outside the city for a day or two not only refreshes your mind but also opens you to the hidden beauty of northern Italy.
So next time Milan feels a bit too busy, pick one of these escapes, pack a bag, and go explore. You’ll return with new memories, stories, and probably a few photos you’ll want to frame—because sometimes, the best part of traveling isn’t how far you go, but how much you discover just a short distance from home.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.