Blue Relais Maggiore
Castelletto sopra Ticino - Via Sempione, 182, 28053 Castelletto sopra Ticino NO
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Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano, is a prealpine lake nestled between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. Its name – Maggiore, meaning “greater” – comes from the fact that it is the largest among the prealpine lakes in this region, and the second largest by surface area in Italy after Lake Garda.
Breathtaking landscapes, lush nature and charming villages steeped in ancient history make Lake Maggiore the ideal destination for an unforgettable getaway. Here, the marvellous natural environment combined with a mild climate, historic villages and beautiful lakeside beaches create the perfect setting for a holiday centred on nature, history and relaxation.
But be aware that Lake Maggiore is also perfect for lovers of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horse riding. The lake’s waters, meanwhile, are ideal for sailing, canoeing, water skiing and scuba diving enthusiasts.
Nature lovers can visit countless botanical gardens such as Villa Taranto, Alpinia and the Camellia Park in Locarno. There are also several nature reserves, including the Ticino Valley Natural Park, which is considered a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Among the lake’s many treasures are its 12 islands: 8 belong to Piedmont, 2 to Lombardy and 2 to Switzerland.
Peaceful villages that preserve centuries-old traditions, ancient churches, archaeological sites and parks – Lake Maggiore’s appeal is truly unique. The lake’s charm has captivated artists, poets and famous figures over time, including Antonio Fogazzaro (who set the finale of Piccolo Mondo Antico here) and Ernest Hemingway, who set part of his novel “A Farewell to Arms” in this area.
Here you’ll find a mini-guide to the most beautiful locations on Lake Maggiore and the stops you absolutely should include when exploring this region.
The Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore encompasses the entire eastern side of the lake, with eight towns directly facing its coast. The northernmost municipality is Laveno Mombello, whilst the southernmost is Sesto Calende. The must-see destinations on the Lombard shore are Angera, Laveno Mombello, Luino and Maccagno: four towns that offer sites of great interest and breathtaking views over the lake. These villages are ideal for both a day trip and as a base for a longer holiday.
Situated along the south-eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Angera is famous for its stunning Rocca Borromea, a fortress perched on a cliff towering above the lake. Inside the fortress you can still see original frescoes, canvases and decorative elements, whilst some rooms house the Doll and Toy Museum.
Its ancient village offers peaceful moments to all visitors, whilst the surrounding hills are perfect for organising excursions on foot or by bicycle. In summer, the lakeside area features beaches where you can relax and sunbathe, whilst the lake’s waters are perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
Laveno Mombello is one of the main towns on the Lombard shore, home not only to a charming tourist ferry terminal but also a port from which car ferries depart, allowing you to reach Piedmont. The town centre looks like a painting itself, with the green of the surrounding nature reflected in the azure waters of the lake, creating a wonderful landscape.
The historic centre is nestled within a natural inlet facing the city of Verbania-Intra, whilst Monte Sasso del Ferro dominates the town from above. A cable car system allows you to reach the mountain’s peak and enjoy breathtaking views that, on clear days, stretch all the way to Milan.
Luino is a tourism-oriented town located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Maggiore. The town enjoys a truly strategic position – whilst administratively part of Varese province, it is only a few kilometres from the Swiss border.
Luino’s historic centre is home to several Liberty-style villas, scenic “belvedere” terraces overlooking the lake and numerous churches. Don’t miss a visit to the old harbour (built during the Austrian period) with the Madonnina column, which served as a reference point for fishermen. Another must-see is Piazza Libertà, which once hosted the weekly market.
The charming Varese village of Maccagno is a town whose historic centre is divided into two by the Giona river: on one side lies the oldest nucleus, whilst on the other sits the newer, more modern residential area. In particular, Contrada Maggiore is the heart of the ancient village and is characterised by narrow alleyways lined with tightly clustered houses. Here you’ll find an Imperial Tower and the small Madonnina della Punta sanctuary dating back to the 16th century.
On the other side of the river stands Maccagno Superiore, the more modern area where the Town Hall is currently located. From here you can admire breathtaking views stretching from the Canton Ticino to the Golfo Borromeo.
Among other locations worth visiting is certainly the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a complex located in the municipality of Leggiuno dating back to the 11th century. The hermitage was built on a mountainside directly overlooking the lake and is accessible via a truly spectacular staircase.
The Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore corresponds with the western coast of the lake, between the provinces of Verbania and Novara. This section of the lake is home to elegant towns and historic villas such as Villa Pallavicino with its zoo, Villa Ponti in Arona and Villa Treves in Belgirate. The latter has also welcomed illustrious guests including Gabriele D’Annunzio and Giovanni Verga.
Among the most interesting towns is certainly Stresa, located on the western shore of Golfo Borromeo and home to the Borromean Islands within its territory. Stresa, also known as the “pearl of Lake Maggiore”, boasts historic residences, fine mansions and luxury hotels that have made it one of the most sought-after destinations on the Piedmont coast. Be sure to visit the Alpina Botanical Garden and take a stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade at sunset.
Off the Golfo Borromeo, Lake Maggiore is home to the Borromean Islands archipelago, which is considered a true natural paradise. The archipelago comprises three islands (Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori), the Isolino di San Giovanni and the Scoglio della Malghera. Due to their attractive and unspoilt natural environment, the Borromean Islands were named by The New York Times as “among the ten most enchanting places in the world“.
Of the three islands, only Isola dei Pescatori is permanently inhabited, whilst the others boast splendid palaces and elegant gardens that attract many visitors. In particular, Isola Bella is home to the Palazzo Borromeo and the Island Garden, built between 1631 and 1671. Within the garden stands the Massimo Theatre, surrounded by an abundance of rare flowers and plants.
Isola Madre also hosts a splendid Palazzo Borromeo, though this one was designed for the more private use of the Borromeo family. All around it spreads an English-style Botanical Park created in the 19th century, featuring plants and flowers, including exotic species that have thrived thanks to the lake’s mild climate.
Don’t miss a visit to the city of Verbania, particularly its Intra district, which sits right on the lake. The Intra centre is a network of cobbled alleyways connecting the lakeside area to the ancient Basilica of San Vittore. There is also a harbour from which connections depart to the town of Laveno on the Lombard shore.
Your exploration of Lake Maggiore’s towns continues with a stop in Arona, a town with truly ancient origins that has always been considered strategically important. Thanks to its position, the Rocca di Arona fortress was built here, which together with the Rocca Borromea in Angera served a defensive function and was one of the main control points on Lake Maggiore. In Arona, a visit to the Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo is a must – a statue located on the Sacro Monte di San Carlo depicting Cardinal Carlo Borromeo. At 35 metres tall, it is one of the tallest statues in the world.
The Swiss shore of the lake corresponds with its northernmost tip and includes both part of the eastern coast and part of the western shore. Fourteen towns fall within this territory, but Ascona and Locarno are certainly the most important. Thanks to the transport connections available, you can also reach smaller villages and charming hamlets by lake.
Locarno is an elegant city in the Canton Ticino that attracts visitors with its Mediterranean atmosphere and numerous cultural events, including the renowned Locarno Film Festival. Near Locarno lies Ascona, a small town boasting a compact historic centre with a romantic atmosphere. Ascona has long been an important hub for culture and the arts, welcoming various artists, and each year hosts Europe’s largest jazz festival.
Finally, near the Italian border lies Brissago, a location that also includes the Brissago Islands within its territory – namely the Isola di San Pancrazio and the Isola di Sant’Apollinare. On the Isola di San Pancrazio stands the Ticino Botanical Park, which boasts 1,700 species of subtropical plants.
The best way to visit the various locations around Lake Maggiore is definitely by lake, thanks to the numerous connections provided by ferries, hydrofoils and car ferries. Public transport is managed by Gestione Governativa Navigazione Laghi (GGNL), which guarantees connections between towns throughout the year, with increased services in summer.
If you need to cross the lake quickly, hydrofoils are the fastest option, whilst ferries with open-air seating are perfect for those who want to take in the lake’s scenery. If you need to transport your car, there are several car ferry routes, especially between Laveno Mombello on the Lombard shore and Intra in Verbania on the Piedmont shore.
If you plan to spend a whole day visiting various locations around the lake, you can purchase a day ticket that allows you to visit multiple towns along the coast. As an alternative to public transport, there are also private companies that organise lake tours, cruises and private sightseeing trips.
To see all the facilities and book accommodation in Lake Maggiore use the form below, entering the dates of your stay.
Lake Maggiore sits on the border between Italy and Switzerland. Within Italy, its shores are shared between Lombardy (the province of Varese) and Piedmont (the provinces of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Novara), whilst in Switzerland it forms part of the Canton Ticino.
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