Lake Maggiore

Travel Guide
Isola dei Pescatori which includes a small town or village, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Embark on a trip to the heart of the Italian Lakes and discover a landscape that exudes charm, elegance and natural beauty.

Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most alluring destinations. Along its 90 miles (150 kilometers) of shoreline are picturesque, centuries-old villages, imposing castles, historic churches and rolling countryside studded by vineyards and olive groves. Appreciate the belle époque atmosphere prevailing here, where sunlit promenades, outdoor cafés and plenty of natural beauty await your arrival.

The finger-like Lake Maggiore is 33 miles (54 kilometers) long and 7 miles (12 kilometers) at its widest point, offering plenty to discover. The towns of Verbania and Stresa are two popular jumping-off points, but are also undeniably attractive in their own right. Each is an idyllic place to use as a base. Just off the coast of Stresa, the Borromean Islands are among the lake’s biggest draws, the three isles bursting with ancient palaces and lush botanical gardens filled with exotic plants. In Verbania, the Gardens of Villa Tarranto are alive with color. Quiet little Cannobio, the last Italian town before the Swiss border, is a great choice for exploring the mountains.

Breathtaking views are one of Lake Maggiore’s great charms. Hike into the hills to see sweeping panoramas. For vistas across the lake and Alps take the Sasso del Ferro cable car from Laven-Mombello to the 3,484-foot-high (1,062-meter) viewpoint. Nearby, visit the tiny rock-hewn 13th-century monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, one of the most impressive attractions of the eastern shoreline.

Days at Lake Maggiore are filled with culture, relaxation and exploration. See the ancient churches of Arona and traditional handicrafts at the enormous market of Luino. Explore castles such as the Rocca di Angera fortress in Angera.

Trains arrive in Lake Maggiore from Milan and Turin, which both have international airports. Rent a car for the freedom to explore at your own pace or use the convenient bus services. Complete your lakes experience with a boat ride across the water on one of the many ferries.

Where to stay in Lake Maggiore

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Cerro

Though Cerro might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.

Cerro

Porto Ronco

Porto Ronco is well-liked for its mountain views. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Ronco sopra Ascona area, you might plan a trip to Brissago Islands or Monte Verità.

Porto Ronco
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Mirasole

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mirasole and surrounding area, you can visit Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal.

Mirasole
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Sasso Moro

While there might not be top attractions in Sasso Moro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Arolo Beach and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.

Sasso Moro
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Baraggia

Baraggia might not have many top sights, but Arolo Beach and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Baraggia
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Gattirolo

Though Gattirolo might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal.

Gattirolo
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
5 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 67, Stresa, VB
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $344 per night from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12
CA $344
CA $390 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (992 reviews)
"Amazing hotel"

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Regina Palace Hotel
Regina Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 29, Stresa, VB
The price is CA $227 per night from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $227
CA $258 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (984 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

Regina Palace Hotel
Villa e Palazzo Aminta Hotel Beauty and SPA
Villa e Palazzo Aminta Hotel Beauty and SPA
5 out of 5
Via Sempione Nord 123, Stresa, VB
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (312 reviews)
"everything is good only the bed need to be upgraded"

Reviewed on Nov. 2, 2024

Villa e Palazzo Aminta Hotel Beauty and SPA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lago Maggiore Bay
Lago Maggiore Bay
Str. Nazionale del Sempione, 26, Baveno, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Stay at this residence in Baveno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Adventure Park and Villa Fedora are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Very nice location"

Reviewed on Oct. 8, 2024

Lago Maggiore Bay
Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Vicolo Jacchini, 6, Verbania, Provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Stay at this aparthotel in Verbania. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (33 reviews)
No communication, no directions, no parking
"Terrible communication with owner. She claims to speak English, but doesn't answer your question/request because she doesn't understand you. NO PARKING possible at all! You have to walk over a very very long distance with all your suitcases. Parking is a nightmare, because there are not enough parking ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 2, 2024

Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Picturesque house with a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore
Picturesque house with a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore
Donego
Stay at this vacation home in Cannero Riviera. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Spiaggia di Cannero and Cannero Riviera Ferry Terminal ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
Es war super schön in den Bergen und ein toller Blick auf den See. Man sollte unbedingt gut zu Fuß s
"Ganz toll."

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2024

Picturesque house with a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Lake Maggiore