When most people dream of Italy’s lakes, Lake Como tends to steal the spotlight. But if you’re looking for an equally stunning — yet less celebrity-studded — destination, Lake Maggiore might just be the Italian escape you’ve been waiting for. With peaceful villages, spectacular mountain views, botanical gardens, and plenty of lakeside charm, this northern gem offers a more relaxed alternative to its glamorous neighbor.
Why Lake Maggiore Deserves Your Attention
Spanning around 82 square miles, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake. It straddles two regions — Lombardy to the east and Piedmont to the west — and even crosses into Switzerland’s Italian-speaking canton of Ticino at its northern tip. The result is a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and scenery that makes for an unforgettable getaway.
A More Laid-back Lakeside Escape
Unlike Lake Como, where A-listers dock their yachts, Lake Maggiore draws visitors seeking serenity. You won’t find paparazzi chasing Hollywood stars here. Instead, you’ll discover a slower pace of life, centuries-old villages, and a deeper connection with nature. According to travel expert Beth Graham, Maggiore’s soft coastline and authenticity make it the ideal choice for travelers craving a quieter slice of Italian lake life.
Top 5 Experiences on Lake Maggiore
- Explore the enchanting Borromean Islands and their opulent palaces and gardens via ferry from Stresa.
- Take a cross-border day trip on the Lago Maggiore Express, combining ferry and scenic train travel into Switzerland.
- Book a stay at the luxurious Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta and enjoy panoramic views of the lake.
- Sample alborelle fritte — tiny lake fish, fried and eaten whole — at Mirafiori & La Terrazza in Feriolo.
- Find a lakeside café, sip a sparkling drink, and watch the boats glide by in true Italian style.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta
This five-star spa hotel offers dreamy views of Isola Bella, either from your balcony or while lounging by the pool. The service is famously polished, and the spa is a tranquil grotto perfect for post-hike recovery.
Hotel La Palma
A charming, family-run hotel with a rooftop pool, modern rooms, and a reputation for comfort and affordability. Rooms with lake-view balconies are worth the splurge.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Step into history at this lavish landmark, famously visited by Ernest Hemingway. The gardens, pools, and private boat dock add to its timeless elegance.
Hotel Eden Roc Ascona (Switzerland)
If your travels take you north of the Italian border, this sleek Swiss resort offers a private beach, a world-class spa, and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant — all just steps from the lake.
Top Things to Do
Island-hop Through the Borromean Islands
Visit Isola Bella to marvel at Palazzo Borromeo, its lavish interiors, and multi-tiered gardens. Wander among white peacocks and shell-studded grottoes, and experience Italian extravagance in full bloom.
Cross Into Switzerland with the Lago Maggiore Express
Combine boat and train travel for a scenic day trip that loops from Italy into Switzerland and back again. It’s a memorable way to explore both cultures in a single day.
Unwind in Cannobio
Known for its photogenic alleys and lakeside promenade, Cannobio is the place to slow down. Grab an Aperol spritz and soak up the blissful atmosphere.
Wander the Gardens of Villa Taranto
These botanical gardens in Verbania showcase vibrant blooms, tranquil ponds, and woodland paths. The seasonal color is stunning — especially from spring to fall.
Take the Laveno Cable Car
Board an open-air “bucket” cable car in Laveno for jaw-dropping views of the Alps and the lake from Mount Sasso del Ferro. Dine at the summit before hiking or riding back down.
Best Places to Eat
Hostaria Vita (Stresa)
Perfect for pasta and people-watching on Piazza Cardona. Try the seafood dishes and enjoy the tranquil shade of the piazza trees.
Mirafiori & La Terrazza (Feriolo)
This relaxed lakeside spot serves up crispy-fried alborelle — a local favorite. It’s casual, scenic, and unapologetically authentic.
Ristorante Italia (Isola dei Pescatori)
The only Borromean Island with a permanent population also hosts one of the most delightful lakefront restaurants. Look for the fresh fish specials, and use the free water taxi from Baveno or Stresa.
Il Vicoletto (Stresa)
A hidden gem offering homemade pasta, vegan options, and upscale mains like veal and fresh lake fish. Cozy, welcoming, and unforgettable.
When to Visit
July and August offer warm weather perfect for swimming, but crowds peak during this time. For quieter hiking conditions and mild temperatures, visit in September or October.
From November to mid-March, many hotels and attractions close for the off-season, but lake ferries still operate — albeit on limited schedules.
How to Get There
Milan Malpensa Airport is the closest international hub. From there, it’s less than an hour’s drive to Stresa. Direct trains from Milano Centrale also connect to several lakeside towns in just over an hour. Reaching the eastern side of the lake requires a train change or a drive.
Top Towns to Explore
- Stresa: The main base for visitors, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and ferry access to the islands.
- Cannobio: Often dubbed the prettiest town on the lake, with pastel buildings and the historic Sanctuary of the Holy Pieta.
- Laveno: Located on the less-touristed eastern shore, offering excellent views and easier access to budget-friendly accommodations.
Getting Around
While renting a car offers flexibility, the lake’s ferry network — run by Navigazione Laghi — allows you to explore many towns and islands without the hassle of driving. Just make sure to check ferry schedules in advance, especially during low season.
Lake Maggiore may not have the star power of its glitzy neighbors, but it shines in its own understated, authentic way. Whether you’re exploring hidden gardens, sipping spritzes in sleepy towns, or cruising between storybook islands, it’s a place where Italy feels beautifully, blissfully unhurried.
