Day trips from Milan: what to see and where to go

With the arrival of the beautiful season, Milan's city parks become crowded with people looking for a quiet corner to connect with nature and relax. Others take advantage of the sun for their first day trips: from Milan, you can reach various charming towns and picturesque villages by car, as well as extraordinary natural settings. In this article, we've gathered some ideas for your next small road adventures!

What to see near Milan if you're seeking tranquility

Want to escape the city's chaos? Good news: just 50 kilometers north of Milan lies Lake Como, surrounded by picturesque villages and enchanting mountain landscapes. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the lake's shores, go trekking, visit historic villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, or simply enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the place.

Heading west, you can reach the charming Lake Maggiore in just over an hour, with its enchanting Borromean Islands. Here, you can visit Isola Bella, with its sumptuous palace and lush gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village with picturesque stone houses and narrow streets.

A slightly wilder destination is the Ticino Regional Park, a true oasis of peace and tranquility just 30 kilometers west of Milan. Here, you can hike or bike along nature trails, observe wildlife, and admire the beauty of the rivers and rice fields that characterize this region.

Historic villages to visit within 100 km of Milan

If you're interested in delving into Lombard history, you have several options for a day trip from Milan. The surroundings of the Lombard capital are teeming with ancient villages waiting to be discovered. We particularly recommend:

1. Vigevano: Located about 40 kilometers southwest of Milan, it is famous for its splendid Piazza Ducale, one of the largest Renaissance squares in Europe, and its Sforza Castle.
2. Crespi d'Adda: About 30 kilometers east of Milan, Crespi d'Adda is an extraordinary example of a 19th-century industrial village. Founded by the Crespi industrial family in 1878, the village still preserves workers' houses, the church, the school, and other original structures. Guided tours are available, which need to be booked in advance.
3. Crema: A charming medieval village with a well-preserved historic center about 40 kilometers from Milan. Its main attractions include Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and Palazzo Pretorio, an imposing 14th-century noble residence.
4. Castell'Arquato: About 90 kilometers southeast of Milan, Castell'Arquato is a picturesque medieval village nestled in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, characterized by cobbled streets, medieval towers, and an enchanting square.
5. Bobbio: Nestled in the hills of the Ligurian Apennines, Bobbio is famous for its characteristic Ponte Gobbo, an ancient humpback stone bridge that crosses the Trebbia River, and its Benedictine monastery, home to the famous Library and the Codex of Bobbio. Bobbio's historic center is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, filled with ancient stone buildings, churches, and small artisan shops. The town is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal place for hiking and outdoor activities.

If you don't have a car available, you might consider renting one with Locauto for your next day trip from Milan. Check the list of all our car rentals in Milan and find the most suitable vehicle for your travel plans, whether solo or with company.