Lake Maggiore

About Lake Maggiore
2-3 Days

2-3 Days

Lake Maggiore, one of the four major northern Italy lakes including La Garda, Como and Lake Orta, is 60 km northwest of Milan.
The lake is located within a valley surrounded by forested hills and the Alps mountains.
The lake’s northern region is home to the Swiss cities of Locarno and Ascona, and to the south it follows the border between the Italian Lombardy region in the east and the Piedmont region in the west.

The small towns, the villas with the stunning gardens, and the picturesque Borromean Islands, are all in the popular northern coast of the lake.

The eastern side of the lake is less popular but provides better access for those interested in hiking the mountains around the lake.

Many small towns are scattered along the lake shores, among them we will recommend visiting Stresa, the most famous and popular town in Lake Maggiore, and Verbania, the largest town with its main attraction Villa Taranto and its magnificent Botanical Gardens.

Consider visiting also the charming small town of Cannobio in the north near the Swiss border.

But on top of all, a must-see visit is to the lake’s three (out of five) main Borromean Islands between Stresa and Verbania;

All three islands, the villas and gardens, the great atmosphere, and the panoramic views of the lake, can be visited within one day using the public boats traveling between the towns and the islands.

Lake Maggiore is a paradise for sports lovers who wants to combine active vacation with sightseeing. Around the lake one can enjoy hiking, biking, golf, and horseback riding, and in the lake, sailing, canoeing, yachting, water skiing and scuba diving activities are available.

While visiting the region take a half day tour to Lake Orta, 30 km west of Stresa and Lake Moggiore.
Enjoy the tranquil lake surrounded by green woodland and high mountains, and the Medieval village of Orta San Giulio and Isola San Guilio.

The better and more pleasant way to travel between the towns and attractions of the lake is by using the public (or private) ferries that visit the major town and the Borromean Islands.

Arriving to the Maggiore Lake can be by car from the northern towns of Italy or from Switzerland through Locarno.
Trains to the lake are available from Milan (the Milan-Geneva line), from Brig via the Swiss rail, or from Paris (France) to Stresa.
A bus service to the main lake towns is available from Milan’s Malpensa Airport.

Lake Maggiore attractions are overcrowded in the months of July and August, and its much more pleasant to visit in the months of May, June, and September.

Thetjoy.com recommends spending at least 2-3 days in the lake region.

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