Lake Maggiore (or Lago Verbano) in Italy is the ultimate vacation destination. Like the better-known Lake Garda and Lake Como, it is located in the north of Italy, on the border with Switzerland. Only it does not yet have the immense crowds like the other lakes. Visit the beautiful Borromean Islands, take a day trip to Milan or go hiking in national park Val Grande. Lake Maggiore in Italy is the perfect base for a relaxing vacation in northern Italy. Discover the best things to do, where to stay and more tips on the Italian side of Lago Maggiore!
What to do on Lake Maggiore, Italy
There is a lot to do along Lake Maggiore in Italy. You can easily spend one to two weeks here without getting bored. Below we list the 7 best things you should definitely see and do on your next visit to Lake Maggiore.
1) Borromean Islands
Lake Maggiore is home to several islands, the most famous being the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Named after the influential Borromeo family, who bought them as a country retreat in the early 17th century. Some parts are still private, but for the most part you can visit these three islands freely. From the town of Stresa, you can easily reach them by ferry or private motorboat. For €15 you can purchase a 3-island ticket that allows you to visit all three in one day.
2) City hopping by ferry
An excellent ferry network connects all the cozy villages along Lake Maggiore in Italy. It is a fun and easy way to explore the lake and surrounding area. Besides villages such as Stresa, Baveno, Cannobio, Arona and Verbania, you can also visit Santa Caterina del Sasso. This is a beautifully restored lakeside monastery. If you wish a unique day trip along the valleys and towns around Lake Maggiore, you can take the Lake Maggiore Express. This day trip combines a 3-hour boat ride on the lake with a panoramic train ride through the Swiss valleys in Locarno. You can book this day trip from just about any village along the western side of the lake.
3) Day trip to Milan
Italy has perhaps the most beautiful cities in Europe, and Milan is one of them. By train, you can be in Italy’s fashion city in about 1 hour from Stresa with a direct connection. Perfect for a day of culture or shopping! Be sure to check out Milan’s world-famous cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There are more than 20 direct trains daily from Stresa to Milan. A one-way ticket costs about €9 and can be easily booked through this website.
4) Hiking in Val Grande national park
Val Grande National Park, located near Lake Maggiore in Italy, is still relatively unknown and remains one of the country’s largest wilderness areas. It’s a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering both day hikes and multi-day trekking routes. The park has several visitor centers, with the main one in the village of Malesco. The official park website provides all the information you need to explore this rugged and unique nature reserve. Keep in mind that cell phone coverage is very limited, so plan accordingly before your hike.
5) Day trip to Lake Como
From the town of Stresa, it is a one-hour drive to Como, the largest city on Lake Como. Drive another 45 minutes further towards Varenna, and you’ll be in the golden triangle of Lake Como. Along with Menaggio and Bellagio, these are considered the most beautiful villages on the lake. Here you will find picturesque villages with quaint streets, stores and colorful houses framed by an impressive mountain landscape. Like a trip to the Borromean Islands, you can also buy a hop-on hop-off ticket for the ferry here.
6) Lago d’Orta
To the west of Lake Maggiore lies Lake Orta, one of Italy’s cleanest lakes thanks to a major cleanup over twenty-five years ago. On Lago d’Orta, we definitely recommend a visit to Orta San Giulio. This is a medieval village full of atmospheric narrow streets, where you can still feel the breath of days gone by. From this village you will also find the departure point of the boats that sail to the Isola di San Giulio. This island is a pilgrimage site where you can follow a short spiritual trail that goes around a monastery. The Isola di San Giulio is also easily accessible by kayak rental from the mainland.
7) Hiking and biking along Lake Maggiore
The surroundings of Lake Maggiore are framed by beautiful mountain scenery, green valleys and various natural areas. Around the lake, it is nice to simply hike or bike. There is an extensive network of hiking and biking trails with both easy and more challenging routes. If you want to take a break from all that exercise, there are beaches aplenty for sunbathing. As a nature lover, the summer season is ideal for the Italian lakes.
Where to stay on Lake Maggiore in Italy
The Italian lakes are known for their picturesque lakeside villages. This is no different for Lake Maggiore. You have the option here of staying either in Italian or Swiss villages. If you prefer a central location, we recommend Stresa as a base. This quaint town is characterized by its beautiful promenade full of luxury hotels along the waterfront. The budget-friendly hotels are not on the promenade, but are still within walking distance. From Stresa you have easy connections to the other lakeside towns, as well as to Lake Como, Milan or nearby natural parks.
These are some of our favorite hotels in Stresa:
- Vespucci Boutique: Charming boutique hotel with beautiful interior close to Stresa with all necessary facilities
- Belvedere: Stay on one of the Borromean Islands itself for the ultimate travel experience!
- Grand Hotel Bristol: Experience Italian luxury on the boulevard of Stresa. Swim in the beautiful pool overlooking the lake!
How to visit Lake Maggiore
The fastest way to get to Lake Maggiore is by plane. You fly into Milan and then you can take public transportation or rental car to your destination. We personally recommend having a (rental) car for getting around the lake, though Italy’s excellent train network is also a convenient option for exploring the region.
Best time to visit Lake Maggiore, Italy
The vacation season at Lake Maggiore runs from April through October. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when the weather is usually warm and sunny but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller. Summer is also a great time to visit, with plenty of beaches to cool off if temperatures rise. Keep in mind, however, that in August many Italians take their holidays, so the lake can be busier during that month.
Still have questions about Lake Maggiore in Italy? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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