Planning a visit to the Italian lakes in northern Italy and not sure if you should spend time at Lake Maggiore? Without a doubt, you absolutely should!
I spend several months of the year in Italy’s Piedmont region and visit Lago Maggiore (in Italian) regularly. I love bringing family and friends to different places around Lake Maggiore, too. Not only is it always a hit, but they always tell me the experience feels more authentic and worlds away from Italy’s more famous tourist spots.
Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-biggest lake yet it’s often overlooked by its more famous neighbor to the east, Lake Como. But for savvy travelers who take the time during their Italy trip to explore it, they quickly realize the many underrated and fantastic things to do at Lake Maggiore.
I wrote this guide to share my favorite spots around Lake Maggiore and I hope it helps inspire you to visit and plan your trip to this spectacular Italian lake.
1. Visit the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are the jewels of Lake Maggiore and are included on any respectable list of the most stunning places in all the Italian lakes. They’re one of my favorite places in northern Italy, too!
There are 3 islands you can visit, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori, typically from the town of Stresa which is the gateway to the islands. Boats to the Borromean Islands run regularly throughout the day so it’s easy to hop on and off at each island.
Isola Bella is staggeringly beautiful. I love this island and miss no chance to visit! The island is known for its Baroque Borromean palace and romantic terraced gardens on the edge of the lake complete with a backdrop of the Alps. There’s also a small village on the island.
Statues of gods and goddesses, as well as an iconic centerpiece with a fountain and recessed sculptures, are perfectly positioned between the colorful bursts of flowers. All the while, white peacocks call to one other as they roam the gardens fanning their feathers. The scene is utterly breathtaking.
Isola Madre is quieter and has its own, albeit more understated, Borromean palazzo that was the family’s home for a while.
However, the island’s large botanical gardens are the highlight here. It’s home to all types of plants and flowers from around the world which are striking against the blue waters of Lake Maggiore. Not to be outdone by its nearby sister, Isola Madre also has birds like peacocks and pheasants peacefully wandering the grounds.
Isola Pescatori (also called Isola Superiore) is the only island that was never owned by the Borromeo family. It’s also the only island with year-round residents, about 25 in total.
Once a fishing village, the waterfront and narrow streets of Isola Pescatori are lined with restaurants. It’s a beautiful spot to have lunch on a visit to these fantastic islands.
2. Explore Stresa
When you visit Stresa to head to the Borromean Islands, don’t forget to spend some time in Stresa, too.
The Lungolago is a pretty spot to walk along the lake, admire Stresa’s elegant hotels, and sit for an aperitivo. It’s even possible to walk along the water all the way to nearby Baveno.
Then, head into Stresa’s old town to shop and have a gelato. Start at Piazza Cadorna and head off from there. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, too, if you’re looking for a spot to have lunch or dinner.
To end the day, head back onto the water to watch the beautiful Lake Maggiore sunset.
3. Villa Pallavicino
Right along Stresa’s lakefront, Villa Pallavicino is a noble home and park with a botanical garden and 40 different species of animals like peacocks, deer, llamas, sheep, zebra, and goats spread across nearly 45 acres.
The villa was built in the 1850s and then the grounds were later expanded and landscaped into a neoclassical estate.
Even with its size and prominent location, it’s easy to miss this park when you’ve got limited time and the Borromean Islands in your sights. But if you have a little extra time, it’s worth a visit. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and come with Lake Maggiore views.
If you’re traveling with children, it’s a perfect blend of things to do at Lake Maggiore. Kids can pet and get up close to the animals while giving everyone in the family a chance to experience just one of the many fantastic gardens along Lake Maggiore.
4. Garden Alpinia
This small botanical garden is just a 20-minute drive from Stresa up a winding road. The garden sits more than 2,600 feet up on the side of Mount Mottarone between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
The garden has hundreds of alpine and subalpine plants that you can see as you walk the path around the garden. It’s a relaxing and off-the-beaten-path spot if you’d like to take a break from busy Stresa.
Truthfully, while the gardens are pretty, the best reason to make the trip halfway up Mottarone is for the views! You get incredible vistas of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.
If your only stop along Lake Maggiore is in Stresa, save some time to see the gorgeous lake views from up here so you get to see the lake from up high at least once.
5. Monte Mottarone
If you continue up to the top of Monte Mottarone, you’ll be up nearly 5,000 feet looking at one of the most spectacular views in northern Italy. From here, you can see views of the Alps into Switzerland, the Apennines in Liguria, and up to 7 lakes on a really clear day!
The mountain is one of the best spots to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds and towers over Lake Maggiore. There are numerous trails for hikers and bikers or you can simply make the ascent to marvel at the views.
The moderately challenging L1 Trail goes between Stresa and Monte Mottarone. Hiking up and back will take a full day without a moment to spare.
I think a better option is to take a taxi up to the top of Monte Mottarone and walk back down so you get to enjoy the spectacular lake and mountain views and the scenery during the hike back without making the strenuous climb to get there.
If you have a car, you can also drive up to the top of the mountain.
6. Rocca Borromeo di Angera
When I visit the Rocca Borromeo across from the town of Arona on Lake Maggiore’s southeastern side, I’m always reminded of how many incredible castles and historic sites are all across Italy. This fortified medieval castle sits quietly overlooking Lake Maggiore with beautiful protective walls and several areas to see within the castle complex without any of the spotlight other places in Italy get.
Inside the castle itself, which dates back to at least the 11th century, you’ll find an old wine press room and rooms displaying Borromeo portraits and other art exhibitions. By far, though, the most impressive space in the castle is the Hall of Justice (Sala di Giustizia) with its amazingly preserved frescoes from the 1300s.
What makes these unique after maybe seeing so many other beautifully painted walls and ceilings throughout Italy? The bright colors tell the story of a battle and have astrological features that are very different from the usual religious-themed frescoes you’ll see in most other places. I’m a sucker for beautiful historic frescoes and these are among my favorites in northern Italy.
The castle also has a Doll and Toy Museum with a huge collection of things to see and pretty gardens that were recreated based on historic records of what they might have once looked like.
For me, especially on a sunny day, the sweeping views of Lago Maggiore are a breathtaking bonus on top of being able to visit this Borromean castle.
The Rocca Borromeo di Angera is open from mid-March until the beginning of November. Be sure to check dates and times here depending on when you want to visit. You can also purchase a combination ticket to see other top sights at Lake Maggiore like Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
You can drive to the castle or take a boat from Arona in just 5 minutes. Ferries also run between Angera and other points like Stresa.
7. Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso
This stunning 12th-century monastery was built on the face of a rocky cliff not far from Laveno-Mombello on the Lombardy side of the lake. It’s easily one of the most beautiful sights to see at Lake Maggiore.
There’s no direct way to reach the monastery but the best option is to take a boat from Laveno. You’ll get amazing views as you approach it from the water. From there, you climb 80 steps up to head inside. Otherwise, you can drive and park in the lot above. However, you’ll need to go down (and back up!) 268 steps from this point.
The first time I saw this monastery it reminded me of another dramatic religious site I visited in northern Italy, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona in the Veneto region. I’m always amazed that places like this can be built in such seemingly risky places and yet they survive for centuries!
Be sure to see the inside of the church with its beautiful frescoes and go out to the balcony for spectacular sweeping views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps.
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is open year-round. Just be sure to check the opening times because they change throughout the year.
8. Bucket Gondola Sasso del Ferro Lake Views
Not for the faint of heart, but if you were looking for a thrill while visiting Lake Maggiore, you’ve found it.
From Laveno-Mombello, you can hike up to see the beautiful lake views from Sasso del Ferro, one of the mountains along the lake. But for a faster way to get your heart pumping, ride the open-air bucket cable car to the top.
To be clear, this “bucket” fits 2 people and takes about 16 minutes to get to the upper station on the mountain. The best way to go is without a “top” on the bucket but you can go in an enclosed “bucket capsule” if you prefer.
On the ride up and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with the MOST breathtaking birds-eye views of Lake Maggiore. Go up on a clear day for panoramic views of the lake, the Alps, and sometimes even Milan’s city skyline.
At the top, there’s a good bar and restaurant if you’d like to stay a while. There are also some hiking trails if you want to explore a bit before riding back down.
Keep in mind, if you’re traveling with young children, they may not be able to see over the rim of the bucket. The cable car is typically open from March to November but check here for specific dates and times.
9. Villa della Porta Bozzolo
This hidden gem is just 6 miles from Laveno on the eastern shores of Lake Maggiore in the town of Casalzuigno.
If you’re not familiar with FAI, it stands for Fondo Per l’Ambiente Italiano and is Italy’s National Trust. They restore, protect, and manage 70+ sites across Italy like historic villas, castles, abbeys, gardens, and natural spaces recognized as valuable to Italy’s heritage. I admit to being a little obsessed with seeing them all!
Some of these places might be overshadowed by nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites or a bit off the beaten track. But every time I visit one, I’m always always amazed at how these beautiful places fly under the radar.
Villa della Porta Bozzolo is one of these places! It’s a 16th-century countryside residence that was renovated in the 18th century by its aristocratic Lombard owners, the Della Porta family. Inside, you’ll find frescoed walls, dazzling guest halls, and formal living rooms all in the rococo style. (If you’re familiar with baroque design then you’ll recognize some familiar elements but with a lighter more feminine feel.)
Outside, there’s a beautiful Italian garden with perfectly manicured lawns, flower blooms, and water elements. You could also sit out on the terrace at the restaurant on-site to enjoy the views of the estate and the mountains in the background.
Unfortunately, on the day I visited, it was raining too hard to get a photo of the villa or the garden. But I have plans to go back this spring on a sunny day to get better photos!
10. Explore the Towns on Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore has some of the prettiest towns in the Italian Lakes, and because the lake is less visted than its nearby sister, Lake Como, you’ll find great places to visit and hidden gems that might not have been on your radar.
Lake Maggiore’s most popular town is Stresa, with most visitors choosing to stay or day-trip there. But places like Verbania and its smaller hamlets, Intra and Pollanza, Baveno, Cannobio, Arona, and Laveno-Mombello are among the most beautiful towns on Lake Maggiore with historic sites, stunning gardens, charming old towns, and access to amazing natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Driving is helpful when there are places you’d like to stop between towns like to see the ancient village of Carmine Superiore. But in most cases, you could use the ferries that run on the lake to hop from town to town. You can check this website for Lake Maggiore ferry routes and schedules.
11. Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo
This giant copper statue of Saint Charles Borromeo stands in the Parco della Rocca Borromea in the southern Lake Maggiore town of Arona. It’s 115 feet tall and was built during the 1600s.
“San Carlo” was born in the Rocca Borromeo Castle which stood in what is today a park. It was an important place in Arona until it was completely destroyed in 1800 by Napoleon’s troops. This statue was built in honor of Saint Charles because he became the Archbishop of Milan for the Catholic Church and was later made a saint.
The special thing about this statue is that you can climb inside of it to the top where you’ll have beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.
You’ll walk along a spiral staircase before heading up to the top on a steep ladder-style climb. From the head, you can look out to see the lake. I also thought it was interesting to see what the statue looks like from the inside.
If the climb isn’t for you, you can go just to the terrace at the base of the statue to admire the lake from here. Also, keep in mind, the statue is generally closed between November and March. Once the statue opens for the season, the open days of the week increase as it gets closer to summer. Check here for all the details.
Fun Fact: If this reminds you of the Statue of Liberty in New York, you’re on the right track. It’s said that the designers of the iconic statue studied the Colossus of San Carlo beforehand.
12. Plan a Day on the Beach
Like all of the Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore has places on the water where you can sunbathe and swim. These places may not be beachy like you’d find in places along Liguria’s Italian Riviera but they offer an easy way to enjoy the lake and its stunning mountain scenery.
You can swim in many places around Lake Maggiore. Generally speaking, the water is cleaner the further north you go towards the Swiss border. The Lido di Cannobio is one of the best lakefront beach spots and is recognized with a “blue flag” for being safe and clean.
I also loved the waterfront area in Baveno. Maybe it’s just the town’s lucky position along the lake but I think the views from the shoreline here are some of the most spectacular at Lake Maggiore.
You’ll find beaches connected to lakefront hotels and beach clubs. Villa Fedora is a public park with beachfront as well.
13. Villa Taranto
Villa Taranto is one of the most incredible gardens in Italy. It’s on the western side of the lake in the town of Verbania, and after the gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre, it’s the next most popular garden to see at Lake Maggiore.
This world-famous garden has an astonishing 20,000 different kinds of plants, flowers, and trees, including rare species that you won’t find in many places. The plantings are spread out across nearly 40 acres and every season brings another must-see bloom.
In spring, for example, it’s amazing to see the rainbow of colors from the blooming tulips.
I don’t have a green thumb at all but I know a spectacular garden when I see one. If you love gorgeous gardens, Villa Taranto is a must-see while you’re visiting Lake Maggiore.
As with some other sights around Lake Maggiore, the gardens at Villa Taranto are open from mid-March until early November. Check here for specific dates.
14. Castles of Cannero
This is a newly open historical sight just off the shore in the town of Cannero Riviera on the western side of Lake Maggiore. I plan on heading up to visit as soon as possible and will update this article then.
There are two small, rocky islands and one has a 15th-century fortress called Rocca Vitaliana. What started as a small defensive fortress was transformed by the Borromeo family into a larger structure. After centuries of abandonment and a long restoration project, there’s now an interactive experience that tells the story of this castle.
I can’t wait to check out this new Lake Maggiore historical experience!
ProTip: If you’re driving to Cannero Riviera, there’s a hidden gem just 10 minutes further north not to miss! Park in the village of Carmine Inferiore. Then, walk 15 minutes to the ancient village of Carmine Superiore. You’ll see signs near the parking area pointing you in the right direction. Walk the stone village that was once abandoned and make your way to the Church of San Gottardo. It was built in the 1300s and has now-restored original frescoes and beautiful views of Lake Maggiore.
15. Luino Market
Luino’s weekly Wednesday market is historic and legendary! It’s the largest one on Lake Maggiore and one of the biggest markets of its kind in all of Europe. The market is not only popular with Italians and travelers staying along the lake. People come from Switzerland, Germany, and beyond to browse and shop at the 300+ stalls that are set up every week.
The weekly market began in 1535 (over 500 years ago!) and incredibly has been happening ever since then. Just like centuries ago, you can shop for food like cheeses, lake fish, fresh produce, and meats to handmade crafts, household goods, cosmetics, and clothes.
The market starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Late morning to early afternoon is the busiest time. You can drive and park near the waterfront or at the local Coop supermarket. Or take a ferry from a place like Cannero Riviera on the opposite side of the lake. From Milan, some trains run direct to Luino, too.
Planning Your Visit to Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is mostly split between Italy’s regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. The northernmost section of the lake is over the border in Switzerland. Lake Lugano and Lake Como are to the east and Lake Orta is to the west. Take a look at the map below to orient yourself to Lake Maggiore’s position in northern Italy, as well as where these things to do at Lake Maggiore are in relation to one another.
Best Time to Visit Lake Maggiore
Summer is the busiest season at Lake Maggiore but spring and fall are equally as nice and typically come with fewer people. You also want to be mindful of seasonal closures for some of the top sights around the lake like Isola Bella and Isola Madre. Ideally, you’d visit between mid-March and the start of November to catch the sights you want to see while they’re open.
Personally, I love the spring at Lake Maggiore. The lake has so many gorgeous gardens and it’s breathtaking to see all the new flowers in bloom.
Where to Stay at Lake Maggiore
Most people visiting Lake Maggiore stay in Stresa, Baveno, or the different parts of Verbania. For a unique stay, you might even be interested in staying on one of the Borromean Islands.
Here are my picks for places to stay at Lake Maggiore. I also have a complete guide on where to stay in Lake Maggiore.
Best Hotels in Stresa:
Best Hotels on the Borromean Islands:
- Hotel Belvedere (Isola Pescatori)
- Il Verbano (Isola Pescatori)
- Boutique Hotel Elvezia (Isola Bella)
Best Hotels in Verbania (Including Intra & Pallanza):
Best Hotels in Baveno:
How to Get To and Around Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is easily reached by car and train. From Milan, it’s about a 60-90 minute drive depending on where you’re going at Lake Maggiore. If you’re driving straight there from Milan Malpensa Airport, it’ll take less than an hour to get to the lake.
Towns like Stresa, Baveno, Verbania-Pallanza, Arona, Laveno-Mombello, and Luino have train stations with trains that run from different points in Milan. Stresa and the Borromean Islands is one of the best day trips from Milan because of this.
Once you’re at the lake, you can drive or use the ferries to hop between different towns and sides of the lake. You can check ferry routes and schedules here.
Good to Know: Day Trip to Lake Orta
Lake Orta is one the best hidden gems in the Italian Lakes!
Best of all, from Stresa on Lake Maggiore to Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, it’s just a 30-minute drive. There’s also a bus between the two towns that takes less than an hour. So, it’s easy to spend a day visiting another beautiful lake in northern Italy without needing to change hotels or add difficult logistics to your Italy itinerary.
The medieval town is the most popular along Lake Orta and is also listed as one of the most beautiful villages in the region of Piedmont.
Entering the village, you walk along narrow cobblestone lanes that open up to the stunning Piazza Motta, with a gorgeous row of candy-colored buildings and a stunning view overlooking the lake and its only island, Isola San Giulio.
Spend time exploring the village. Take the 5-minute boat ride to see the Basilica San Giulio and walk the circular path around the island. Enjoy a delicious lunch with beautiful lake views. Then, if you’re up for it, hike up to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before heading back to Lake Maggiore.
Inspired to Visit Lake Maggiore?
There are so many fun and beautiful things to do on Lake Maggiore! You can be amazed by stunning Italian gardens and beautiful villas, enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains, visit hidden gem historical attractions, or simply sit on a lakeside beach to relax.
I hope this guide has inspired you to plan a few days visiting Lake Maggiore! I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous Italian lake!
What would you like to do at Lake Maggiore?
Like this post? Please save it on Pinterest or share it on social media using the share buttons.
