Lake Maggiore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Isola dei Pescatori featuring 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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Laveno

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

While visiting Laveno, you might make a stop by sights like Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal and Laveno Cable Car.

Laveno
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Cerro

While there might not be top attractions in Cerro, you can explore the larger area and discover places 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

While there might not be top attractions in Mirasole, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal.

Mirasole
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Sasso Moro

While Sasso Moro may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Arolo Beach and Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso.

Sasso Moro
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Gattirolo

Gattirolo might not have many top sights, but Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Laveno Mombello Ferry Terminal are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gattirolo
Hotel La Palma
Hotel La Palma
4 out of 5
Corso Umberto I, 33, Stresa, VB
The price is Rp2.969.602 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
Rp2.969.602
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (717 reviews)
"Really lovely hotel to stay in, staff were great - always helpful. Comfortable bedroom with view of the lake from the balcony and the view from the Skybar was spectacular. Lovely dinner options in the main restaurant too."

Reviewed on 21 May 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 Rp4.252.818 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
Rp4.252.818
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (987 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"Wonderful spa, very good breakfast, very decorative hotel. Only negative is lack of sound proofing.. you hear literally everything from the corridor, doors opening and closing, guests talking, room service.. difficult to sleep after 7am."

Reviewed on 26 May 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 Rp3.757.372 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
Rp3.757.372
per night
29 Jun - 30 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stresa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (981 reviews)
"Lovely property right on the waterfront and walkable to dining and activities"

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Regina Palace Hotel
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.
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 Wi-Fi, room service and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
View of Piazza Castello & Lake Maggiore
"Beautiful l, spacious and comfortable apartment above Piazza Costello with a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore. Apartment is a bit difficult to locate. Parking is limited and distant. Once we arrived at the apartment, our trip was most enjoyable."

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2023

Verbania - Luxury Italy Apartments
Carl & Do
Carl & Do
Via Carlo Zacchera, 2, Strada Nazionale Sempione Nord 13/1, Baveno, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Stay at this beach apartment in Baveno. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Villa Fedora and Baveno Ferry Terminal are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"The hotel is a little bit old but we'll maintained, the family room was big enough with a well equipped kitchen. The adventure park was great, suits for little kids"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2023

Carl & Do
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Adventure Park and Villa Fedora are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"This hidden gem nestled along the shores of Lake Maggiore offers a breathtaking escape from the ordinary. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the stunning views from the brand new cabins, every moment feels like a dream. Perfect for families, the serene surroundings and kid-friendly amenities ..."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Lago Maggiore Bay
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