Lake Maggiore Travel Guide: Italy’s Underrated Gem
Isola Madre
Tucked between the Alps and the charm of northern Italy, Lake Maggiore might just be the most beautiful Italian lake you’ve never heard of. Straddling both Italy and Switzerland, it offers jaw-dropping alpine views, historic islands, opulent palaces, and peaceful lakeside towns—all without the overwhelming crowds of Lake Como or Lake Garda. Although it is Italy’s second largest lake, it doesn’t have the same fanfare. We took a road trip to Lake Maggiore from Frankfurt, Germany, and feel in love with the small-town charm, dramatic scenery, and beautiful water. This lake just urges you to explore its long coastline while giving you a laid back vibe that is somehow both unpretentious and opulent at the same time.
While many travelers head straight for the Instagram-famous shores of Como or the lively resorts of Garda, this overlooked lake is one that you should absolutely add to your bucket list. Lake Maggiore gave us peace, beauty, and unforgettable memories that now live at the very top of our Italy (and Swiss!) highlights list.
Let us show you why Lake Maggiore should absolutely be on your radar—and how to make the most of your trip there.
Why Visit Lake Maggiore?
Peaceful beauty without the crowds.
Islands straight out of a storybook (Isola Bella & Isola Madre were our favorites!)
Stunning villas, gardens, and palaces.
Easy day trips into Switzerland.
Delicious lakeside aperitivos and charming small towns.
It’s the second largest lake in Italy, and yet it feels like a hidden gem. Lake Maggiore is made for slow, feel-good travel—sunset boat rides, long dinners, and wandering through baroque palaces with a gelato in hand. Plus, there are so many different small towns to explore each with their own unique character.
Fun Fact: U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant visited Lake Maggiore during his post-presidency world tour in 1878. He stayed in Stresa and admired the beauty of the Borromean Islands—proof this lake has been turning heads for centuries.
View of Lake Maggiore from Isola Bella
Lake Maggiore vs. Lake Como vs. Lake Garda
Planning a lake trip in northern Italy but not sure which one to choose? Here’s a quick snapshot of what sets Lake Maggiore apart:
Lake Como is famous for its glamorous villas, celebrity sightings, and dramatic mountain drops into the lake. It’s luxurious, romantic, and incredibly scenic—but often crowded and pricey.
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and a family favorite, offering adventure sports, theme parks, and dozens of lively lakeside towns. It’s great for active vacations but can feel quite busy in high season.
Lake Maggiore, on the other hand, strikes a lovely balance. You get majestic mountain views, elegant gardens, and fairytale islands—without the large crowds. It's quieter, more relaxed, and just as beautiful, with a bonus touch of Swiss charm. Lake Maggiore is more of a place to stop, savor, and explore.
✨ Stay tuned—we’ll be publishing a full comparison post on Lake Maggiore vs. Lake Como vs. Lake Garda soon!
Baveno
How to Get to Lake Maggiore
You can fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (only an hour away), Lugano in Switzerland, or drive from anywhere in Northern Italy or Southern Germany.
We drove from Frankfurt, Germany and it was one of the most scenic road trips we’ve ever taken. Here are some of the amazing places we saw along our way down to Lake Maggiore :
Alpenwild Park
Englischer Garten
Unterbach Waterfall
Reid-Brig
Simplon Pass (stunning!)
Altus Spittel pull-off (amazing views)
Helpful Hints for Visiting Lake Maggiore
Getting Around: We recommend driving! A full drive around the lake takes around 3.5 hours, and there are plenty of scenic stops along the way (personally we like the northern area better). Take it slow and enjoy the drive!
Safety Tips: Lake Maggiore is very safe, but always lock your car and watch your valuables at crowded sites.
Population: The lake region is dotted with small towns—Stresa and Baveno are two of the most popular hubs on the Italian side.
Unique Fact: Lake Maggiore stretches across two countries—Italy and Switzerland!
SIM Cards & Wi-Fi: We used Airalo for an easy eSIM and had no problem with Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants.
Entrance Requirements: Schengen Visa rules apply—no visa required for U.S. travelers staying under 90 days.
Cash Tips: Cards are widely accepted, but we recommend carrying 20–50 EUR in cash for small vendors or ferry tickets.
Tap Water: 100% drinkable and delicious!
Reservations: During peak summer months, it's smart to book dinner reservations in advance, especially in Stresa or on the islands.
Plug Type: Type F (Europlug); bring a universal adapter (we recommend this one) if coming from outside Europe.
Best Time to Visit
Botanical Gardens of Isola Madre
We visited in late August and the weather was perfect. It was hot during the day, but the mountains really cooled it off in the evening. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the lake sparkles and gardens are in full bloom. July and August are the busiest, but still feel more peaceful than other lake regions. We thought August was a perfect time to visit and didn’t find it overly crowded. While the lake and major towns are open year round, expect reduced hours and potentially limited amenities if you visit during the winter months.
Weather & Packing Tips
View of the beach from Baveno
The weather in Lake Maggiore can vary. We visited in late August and the weather was perfect, low 80’s (27-28 Celsius) with cool mountain weather at night in the high 60’s (19 Celsius). While the weather can be very warm (high 80s Fahrenheit/30s Celsius) the weather is also susceptible to some of the temperamental mountain weather, meaning you can expect some cool nights even in the summer as well as some cooler days. Since winter weather can be a little more unpredictable, we recommend visiting in the Spring to Fall time frame.
Spring/Summer: Pack light layers, sundresses, swimwear, sandals, a light jacket, and a sunhat. In summer, expect temperatures in the mid 70s to early 80s Fahrenheit (22 - 27 Celsius).
Fall: Bring warmer layers and waterproof shoes—still beautiful, but cooler and quieter. Depending on what time of year (September through November), expect temperatures to range from the low 70’s in September to high 50’s (22 - 13 degrees Celsius) in late November.
Don’t forget: Sunscreen, reusable water bottle, a swimsuit, and good walking shoes for island explorations.
Travel Essentials for Lake Maggiore
Water shoes (for rocky lake beaches)
Portable charger (some boats and gardens don’t have outlets)
Lightweight Daypack – Perfect for carrying your camera, sunscreen, and snacks while exploring the islands.
Comfortable Walking Sandals – You'll be walking through gardens, old towns, and cobblestone streets—these are a lifesaver.
Airalo eSIM – We used this for instant data access without swapping SIM cards (use code MATTHE6398 to get $3 off)
Sunscreen – The lake sun is strong—this one’s great for sensitive skin.
Waterproof Phone Case – Essential for boat rides and sudden rain showers.
Travel Backpack for your carry-on. Ash got this specific one for her birthday and it fits so many things. It also comes with additional bags that are great for fitting shoes, laundry, etc.
We love our Samsonite luggage. We’ve had so many issues with fabric bags ripping or snagging over the years that we switched to the hard cover bags and have had no issues!
Packing Cubes - We don’t go on any trip without these. It helps divide out items by function and rolling and stashing items in these cubes allows for more room in your back for souvenirs.
Where to Stay on Lake Maggiore
We stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Splendid in Baveno and highly recommend it for lakeside charm and comfort. The hotel was spacious with amazing views of the lake. We also really liked the small patch of beach and the nice beach (lakeside) bar, which was perfect for an afternoon drink. If you are looking for quiet luxury along Lake Maggiore, Hotel Splendid is a great choice!
Here are more amazing areas and hotels:
Best Towns to Stay In:
Baveno – Quiet, charming, easy ferry access
Stresa – More lively, great for boat tours and restaurants
Cannobio – Picturesque and less touristy
Verbania – Local feel, larger town
Ascona (Switzerland side) – Sophisticated lakeside beauty
Hotel Recommendations:
Hotel Splendid in Baveno – Lakeside luxury with mountain views and a private beach. We stayed here and loved the service.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées in Stresa – A historic hotel with serious wow-factor—perfect for a splurge.
Hotel Belvedere on Isola dei Pescatori – Romantic, peaceful, and the only hotel on this charming island.
Hotel Cannobio – Boutique charm with stunning lake views.
Hotel Ascona in Switzerland – Great for combining your Italian trip with a touch of Swiss elegance.
Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Lake Maggiore
When you visit Lake Maggiore, we highly recommend taking time to drive around the lake and take in the picturesque towns, take some time to visit the beautiful islands, and take a chilly dip in the lake!
Our favorites:
Isola Madre
Botanical gardens are out of a dream
Peacocks roam freely
Don’t miss the Palazzo Borromeo and lakeside views
Isola Bella
Our favorite island!
The Teatro Massimo and white peacocks in the Giardini are magical
Explore the Palazzo Borromeo’s lavish rooms (same name different island)
Grab an aperitivo or coffee with an unforgettable view of the entire lake
Baveno & Stresa
Quaint towns perfect for strolls, shopping, and soaking in lake views
Visit Chiesa dei Santi Gervaso e Protaso in Baveno
Side Stops
Locarno (Switzerland) – A charming Swiss-Italian blend
Feriolo – Cute village with waterfront cafés
Rocca di Angera – Medieval fortress with sweeping views
Lavertezzo – A Swiss village with postcard-worthy stone bridges and turquoise river
Day Trip to Bellinzona
View over Bellinzona looking back towards Lake Maggiore
Want to squeeze in a bit more Swiss magic? Just an hour north of Lake Maggiore lies Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its three medieval castles, charming piazzas, and mountain-framed skyline. This place is a Swiss medieval fairy tale and honestly was one of the highlights of our road trip. Perfect for a half-day trip or a scenic lunch stop while heading deeper north into Switzerland.
Check out our full Bellinzona day trip guide!
3-Day Itinerary for Lake Maggiore
While you can spend a week slowly making your way around gorgeous Lake Maggiore, three days will give you a good taste of of the lake, the vibe, and a little time to relax and take in the scenic beauty. If you choose not to drive, you can get around using the great ferry service. We prefer being able to drive since we can have more flexibility, but taking the ferry is another great option. The below itinerary is based on driving, however you are welcome to change out the drives for ferries.
Day 1 – Arrive + Northern Drive (or Northern Ferry rides)
Arrive in Lake Maggiore
Take a scenic drive along the northern lakeside (from Locarno to Baveno), making stops along the way. We would recommend stops in , Cannobio, Verbania, and Feriolo.
Check into your hotel in Baveno or Stresa
Relax on the beach and have an aperitivo by the lake to take in the views.
Grab dinner near your accommodation - such as Ristorante Fratelli Rosso dal 1981.
Day 2 – Island Adventures
This day is all about exploring the beautiful islands between Baveno and Stresa. If you do one thing while you are in Lake Maggiore, we would highly recommend making it this!
After grabbing breakfast at a cafe, take a morning boat tour to Isola Madre. Isola Madre is known for its beautiful botanical gardens and sprawling parks. This island is a great place for a morning stroll where you can spot peacocks roaming around the island. Take some time to visit the Palazzo Borromeo, which is a beautiful furnished Baroque palace with stunning view of the lake and mountains. After wandering around the island, grab a ferry to another one of our favorite islands, Isola Bella.
Take part of the afternoon to visit beautiful Isola Bella. The main attraction is the Teatro Massimo a beautiful sculpture right in the middle of the gardens. If you are lucky you will even see the white peacocks wandering around the gardens (we loved watching them wander around the gardens)! This was one of our favorite islands to explore and every corner offered another jaw dropping view of the surrounding lake and mountains. After you are finished exploring the gardens, be sure to visit the (other) Palazzo Borromeo. This palace is more of a museum with plenty of art, tapestries, and furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are a few restaurants on the island as well, so this is a great place to grab lunch or a coffee before heading over to the last island.
Lastly, head over to Isola Superiore to wander around the small village and grab a late lunch, early dinner, or a snack. This small village is a wonderful small town to explore and is great for taking pictures!
Explore Stresa in the evening
Grab a drink or coffee at the Lov Beach Lounge and admire the amazing views
If you are looking for something more upscale check out Il Clandestino or for something more casual check out Ristorante Caffè Torino.
Day 3 – Southern and Eastern Exploration
This day is all about exploring the southern part of the lake.
Make your way south and head to Angera. This town located on the east side of the lake offers amazing views and a castle and ramparts to explore. Don’t miss a visit to Rocca di Angera.
Next make your way to the town of Laveno across from Verbania (where you may have stopped on your first day). Other than the amazing views, the main attraction is the gondola ride to the top of Mount Sasso del Farro. This mountain summit offers some of the best views over Lake Maggiore.
Continue heading around the lake to visit the scenic town of Castelveccana, nestled right along the lake and mountains.
From this point, you can either continue your drive back via scenic lakeside roads back to your hotel/accommodation or towards your next destination. You can easily head north to Switzerland (like we did!), head east towards Lake Lugano and/or Lake Como, or you can head south back towards Milan (and on towards Venice).
Final Thoughts
Lake Maggiore wasn’t just a stop on our trip—it became one of our favorite lakes in Italy. It’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you with its beauty, serenity, and charm. If you're looking for a relaxing Italian escape with breathtaking views, royal gardens, and a dash of Swiss flair—Lake Maggiore is calling.
We hope you fall in love with it too!
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