Lake Maggiore is one of the most captivating destinations in northern Italy, combining nature, culture, elegant towns, and landscapes that change with the seasons. Stretching across Piedmont, Lombardy, and Switzerland, it offers a variety of places to visit, making it perfect for both a weekend getaway and a longer holiday.

Below is a selection of the most beautiful spots around Lake Maggiore, described individually to help you understand what to see and why they are truly worth visiting.

Stresa

Stresa is undoubtedly one of the most famous and appreciated towns on Lake Maggiore. Elegant, well-kept, and overlooking the Borromean Islands, it is the ideal starting point to explore the lake. Its lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful, perfect for scenic walks among gardens, historic villas, and mountain views.

The historic center maintains a refined charm, with historic hotels, cafés by the water, shops, and restaurants. Stresa is appreciated both by those seeking relaxation and by those wanting to explore the nearby islands and villages, thanks to lake connections.

Isola Bella

Isola Bella is probably the most iconic image of Lake Maggiore. Entirely occupied by the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, it is famous for its baroque terraced gardens, considered among the most spectacular in Europe.

Visiting Isola Bella means immersing yourself in a unique place where architecture, art, and nature coexist in perfect harmony. The gardens, arranged on multiple levels, offer incredible views of the lake, while the palace interiors tell centuries of noble history. It is a must-visit stop for first-time visitors to Lake Maggiore.

Isola Madre

Larger and quieter than Isola Bella, Isola Madre is renowned for its botanical garden, one of the oldest in Italy. Nature is the true protagonist here: exotic plants, rare flowers, peacocks, and romantic views make the visit particularly enchanting.

The atmosphere is more relaxed and peaceful, ideal for slow walks and contemplative enjoyment of the lake. The island palace is also open to visitors and preserves furnishings and collections that reflect aristocratic life of the past.

Isola dei Pescatori

Unlike the other two Borromean Islands, Isola dei Pescatori is the only one inhabited year-round. Its village consists of narrow alleys, houses by the water, and small restaurants offering local lake cuisine.

It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a lunch with a view, or simply to experience the authentic atmosphere. Isola dei Pescatori shows the most genuine side of Lake Maggiore, far from the monumental villas.

Verbania

Located on the Piedmontese shore, Verbania is an elegant and lively town, highly appreciated for its gardens and well-kept lakeside. It consists of different neighborhoods, including Pallanza and Intra, each with its own character.

Verbania is a good stop for those who enjoy combining walks, shopping, and culture, thanks to the presence of museums and exhibition spaces. Its botanical gardens are among the most beautiful around the lake.

Villa Taranto

Located in Verbania, Villa Taranto is one of the botanical highlights of Lake Maggiore. Its gardens host thousands of plant species from around the world, arranged in a scenic and well-organized path that changes with the seasons.

The attention to detail, studied perspectives, and plant diversity make the visit a highly valuable experience, appreciated both by botany enthusiasts and by anyone simply seeking a place of great beauty.

Cannero Riviera

Cannero Riviera is a small village known for its particularly mild climate and the picturesque Cannero Castles rising from the waters near the shore. It is a calm destination, ideal for those seeking closer contact with the lake and a less glamorous atmosphere.

The lakeside promenade is pleasant and well-kept, perfect for a relaxing walk with mountain views.

Laveno-Mombello

On the Lombardy side of the lake, Laveno-Mombello is mainly known for the cable car to Sasso del Ferro, offering one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.

The town is well connected and serves as an excellent starting point to explore this part of the lake, with its villages, trails, and natural vistas.

Arona

Arona is a lively town, famous for the statue of San Carlone, one of the tallest monuments in Italy. The town center is animated, with shops, bars, and a long lakeside promenade.

It is an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of culture, walks, and city life, especially during the warm season.

Rocca Borromea di Angera

Overlooking the Lombardy shore, the Rocca Borromea di Angera dominates the landscape from a rocky outcrop. This imposing medieval fortress tells centuries of history and offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Lake Maggiore.

Inside, there are frescoed rooms and museums, including the doll and toy museum, making the visit culturally interesting as well.

Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore offers many accommodation options, from historic hotels to holiday apartments. For those seeking a comfortable and strategic base, Stresa is one of the best choices due to its central location and lake connections.

On Loving Stresa, you can find a selection of apartments located in the historic center or near the lakeside, ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends. Apartments allow you to experience the lake more freely, managing your time and movements without constraints, with all the necessary comfort.

FAQ – Things to Do on Lake Maggiore

What is the best time to visit Lake Maggiore?
 

The best time to visit Lake Maggiore is from April to October. Spring is ideal for the gardens and blooming islands, summer offers events and perfect weather for walks and excursions, while early autumn brings warm colors and fewer crowds.

How many days are needed to visit Lake Maggiore?
 

For a first visit, 3 or 4 days are recommended, enough to see Stresa, the Borromean Islands, and one or two villages on the opposite shore. With a week, you can explore the lake much more thoroughly.

Is Lake Maggiore suitable for families?
 

Yes, Lake Maggiore is also a family-friendly destination, thanks to easy connections, flat walking paths, parks, and accessible cultural attractions.