Visit Lake Maggiore: Best Things to Do and See

Visit Lake Maggiore and you’ll quickly see why it’s one of northern Italy’s most irresistible escapes. Straddling Italy and Switzerland, this shimmering lake stretches from the Alpine foothills of Lombardy and Piedmont into the Swiss canton of Ticino, blending laid-back charm with grand elegance. Explore the refined gardens and historic villas of Stresa, wander the quieter streets of Arona, or head to Verbania for lakefront sunsets that make time slow down. Add in a day for Lombardy wine tours, a trip to the famous Borromean Islands, and a stroll through Villa Taranto’s lush botanical gardens, and you’ve got the perfect mix of beauty, culture, and indulgence, all without losing that easygoing lake vibe.

Visit Lake Maggiore

Start with the majestic Isola Bella and Isola Madre

Two of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella and Isola Madre, are pure Lake Maggiore showstoppers. Isola Bella turns heads with its 17th-century palace and over-the-top baroque gardens, complete with fountains, statues, and the occasional white peacock strutting around like it owns the place. Isola Madre, the biggest of the bunch, feels more like a dreamy botanical escape, where winding paths lead you past rare plants, colorful blooms, and peaceful ponds.

Explore the botanical paradise of Villa Taranto

Over on the western shore near Verbania, Villa Taranto and its famous botanical gardens are a full-on love letter to nature. Think winding paths, lily-covered ponds, and bursts of color from rare plants you probably didn’t know existed. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and maybe even feel a bit like you’ve wandered into a painter’s palette. From April to October, the blooms put on their best show, making it the perfect excuse to spend a lazy afternoon getting lost in all that greenery.

Take a ferry tour around Lake Maggiore

The ferry rides on Lake Maggiore aren’t just a way to get around, they’re part of the experience. Glide between Baveno, Verbania, Locarno, and the Borromean Islands with mountains in the background and the lake sparkling all around you. Grab a day pass, claim a sunny spot on deck, and treat it like your own moving balcony. You’ll get postcard views without even trying, and plenty of excuses to hop off and explore another charming town.

Walk to Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage

Perched on the Lombardy side of Lake Maggiore, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is hanging between sky and water. Arrive by ferry, then choose between the grand staircase or the cliffside elevator carved right into the rock, it’s all part of the adventure. Once inside, you’re wrapped in quiet, surrounded by centuries-old frescoes, and rewarded with views that make you want to linger just a little longer.

Ride the cable car up to Sasso del Ferro

Hop on the cable car from Laveno-Mombello and glide up to the top of Sasso del Ferro, where the whole of Lake Maggioreand even a peek of Lake Lugano and the Swiss Alps, unfolds beneath you. At the summit, you can wander scenic trails or simply settle in for a lazy mountain lunch with a view that steals the show. On a clear day, it’s the kind of panorama you’ll be talking about long after you’re back at the lake.

Visit the town of Arona and its giant statue

Arona, sitting pretty on Lake Maggiore’s southwestern shore, makes you slow. Stroll the colorful promenade, linger in lively piazzas, and let the scent of fresh espresso or lake fish lure you into a café. Just above town, the colossal statue of San Carlo Borromeo keeps watch, you can climb inside this giant and peek out for a unique (and slightly quirky) view over the lake.

Tour the historic fortress of Rocca Borromeo di Angera

Rising above the lakeshore, the Rocca Borromeo di Angera offers some of the most sweeping views you can get on Lake Maggiore. Wander its stone courtyards, admire the lake shimmering far below, and take your time exploring its impressive doll museum, an unexpected and charming surprise inside these medieval walls.

Stroll the promenade along the lake in Verbania

If you’re planning to visit Verbania Italy, get ready for a town that lives up to its nickname, the “Garden on the Lake.” Here, life moves at a gentler pace, perfect for long strolls along the waterfront, browsing little artisan shops, or tucking into a plate of fresh lake fish at a cozy restaurant. Verbania also makes a great base for exploring, with easy ferry rides to Locarno, the Borromean Islands, or the blooming beauty of Villa Taranto.

Visit Lake Maggiore and its surroundings

Explore the vineyards in Piedmont

The northern Piedmont hills are a dream for anyone who loves wine. This is Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto country, where winding roads lead you to small, family-run wineries that feel like they’ve been here forever. Take a slow drive through spots like Gattinara or Boca, sip your way through tastings, and snack on local cheeses and cured meats as you gaze out at the lake and mountains. It’s the kind of day trip from Lake Maggiore that leaves you happy, full, and maybe just a little tipsy.

Wander around charming Locarno

If you’re staying around Lake Maggiore and fancy a little cross-border adventure, Locarno is calling. Just hop on a scenic ferry or make the quick drive from Verbania and suddenly you’re in Switzerland, where palm trees meet the Alps. Stroll the sunny lakeside promenade, grab a coffee in a historic piazza, and take the funicular up to Madonna del Sasso for views that’ll have you pulling out your camera every five seconds. It’s the kind of easy day trip that adds a whole new flavor to your Lake Maggiore getaway.

Visit the romantic village of Orta San Giulio

From the shores of Lake Maggiore, it’s only about a 30-minute drive to reach the charming town of Orta San Giulio on nearby Lake Orta. It’s a perfect little getaway when you want a change of scenery without straying too far. Wander its cobbled streets, grab a coffee in Piazza Motta, and hop on a short boat ride to Isola San Giulio for picture-perfect views. You’ll be back at Lake Maggiore in time for an aperitivo by the water.

Drive to Côme and its lake

From Lake Maggiore, it’s an easy hour and a half drive to Côme, and trust us, it’s worth every mile. The road takes you past rolling hills and glittering water before dropping you right into the heart of the city. Stroll its elegant streets, grab a cappuccino in a sunny piazza, then wander down to the lakeside for those famous views. If you’ve been meaning to visit Lake Como Italy, this is the perfect way to do it without packing up your whole trip , just a simple day out that blends style, scenery, and a little dolce vita before heading back to the calm of Lake Maggiore.

Good to Know before visiting Lake Maggiore