Lake Maggiore

Travel Guide
Isola dei Pescatori which includes a small town or village, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Lake Maggiore
Stresa showing a small town or village, flowers and a lake or waterhole
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore
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 Arolo Beach.

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
Regina Palace Hotel
Regina Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 29, Stresa, VB
The price is CA $241 per night from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29
CA $241
CA $273 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 28 - Nov 29
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! (980 reviews)
"The hotel is in a brilliant location for Stressa itself and for the boats to the Islands. The hotels interior is very Palatial, we expected it to be some what Palatial it was vastly more than we expected. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful, the breakfast was lovely."

Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2024

Regina Palace Hotel
Hotel La Palma
Hotel La Palma
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 33, Stresa, VB
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (763 reviews)
"Hotel is in a nice location, and room is well appointed and clean. However, beside the hotel is a building field with a huge garbage dumping cart, so the side lake view for superior room is mostly ruined; a lot of group tourists during our stay, hence a bit crowded in public areas."

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2024

Hotel La Palma
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
5 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 67, Stresa, VB
The price is CA $368 per night from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23
CA $368
CA $415 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
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! (986 reviews)
"Amazing hotel"

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
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.
Miralago Locarno Easy Rooms
Miralago Locarno Easy Rooms
3.5 out of 5
1 Via San Vittore, Muralto
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Muralto. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Giardini Pubblici ...
7.6/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"Alles bestens, sauber und guter Zustand! Gerne wieder"

Reviewed on Jul. 14, 2024

Miralago Locarno Easy Rooms
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
Single chalet with garden and services for your physical and mental well-being
Single chalet with garden and services for your physical and mental well-being
verbania
Book a stay at this family-friendly chalet in Verbania. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a sauna. Popular attractions Intra Ferry Terminal and Monte Mottarone ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Schönes gemütliches kleines Ferienhaus!
"Sehr schöner Aufenthalt. Die Gastgeberin war sehr hilfsbereit, der Garten ideal für einen Aufenthalt mit Hund."

Reviewed on Oct. 12, 2024

Single chalet with garden and services for your physical and mental well-being
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