Lake Como gets all the attention.
But just next door, Lake Maggiore is quietly doing its own thing — and honestly, it might just be one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
It’s got everything you’d expect from a classic Italian lake holiday: mountain views, elegant villas, sleepy little towns, boat trips that drift between islands, and long, lazy afternoons where nothing really feels urgent.
The difference? It’s calmer. Less crowded. A bit more relaxed around the edges.
And that’s exactly why people end up falling for it.
First Impressions of Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore sits between northern Italy and southern Switzerland, stretching out with a mix of Italian charm and alpine scenery that feels almost unreal when you see it in person.
One minute you’ve got palm-lined promenades and gelato shops, the next you’re looking up at snow-dusted peaks in the distance. It’s a strange combination, but it works perfectly.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. You don’t rush here. You just sort of drift.
Book Your Lake Maggiore Holiday
If you want an easy, stress-free way to visit Lake Maggiore, package holidays can make life a lot simpler.
Providers like TUI often include stays in nearby resort towns or Milan-based hotels with easy access to the lake by train or transfer. It’s a good option if you want flights, accommodation and transfers all bundled together without the hassle of organising everything separately.
Where to Stay Around Lake Maggiore
Each area around the lake has its own vibe, and choosing the right base makes a big difference to your trip.
Stresa is the classic choice and probably the most popular. It’s elegant, full of grand hotels, lakeside cafés and easy access to the Borromean Islands. If you want that traditional “grand Italian lake holiday” feel, this is it.
Verbania feels more local and lived-in. It’s slightly bigger, less polished, but really convenient with plenty of restaurants and a long waterfront for evening walks.
Cannobio is perfect if you want something quieter and a bit more romantic. It sits near the Swiss border and has a lovely old-town feel with narrow streets and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.
Across the water, Locarno in Switzerland offers a slightly different twist altogether, with a more Swiss-style resort feel but still easy access to the lake.
Best Things to Do in Lake Maggiore
One of the absolute highlights here is visiting the Borromean Islands. These small islands sit just off Stresa and feel like floating gardens and palaces. Isola Bella is the showstopper, with its ornate palace and terraced gardens that look like something out of a film set.
Isola Madre is quieter and more botanical, while Isola dei Pescatori has a more rustic, lived-in feel with small restaurants and narrow streets right on the water.
A boat trip is almost non-negotiable here. It’s the easiest way to hop between towns and islands, and it turns the journey itself into part of the experience.
If you want something more laid-back, simply walking the lakeside promenades is enough. You’ll find cafés, ice cream stops and benches where you can sit and watch the world drift by at its own pace.
For a bit of adventure, the cable cars up to Mottarone Mountain give you some of the best panoramic views in the region, stretching across both Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta on a clear day.
Day Trips from Lake Maggiore
One of the easiest day trips is into Switzerland, especially Lugano or Locarno. It’s surprisingly quick to cross the border, and you’ll notice the scenery and architecture shift almost immediately.
You can also head south to Milan, which brings you back into city life with shopping, culture and landmarks like the Duomo — all within a couple of hours depending on where you’re staying.
For something closer, exploring smaller lakeside towns like Arona or Cannero Riviera gives you a quieter, more local look at everyday Italian lake life.
Use Viator and GetYourGuide to book any trips in advance:
Food and Drink Around the Lake
Food here is simple, fresh and very tied to the lake itself.
You’ll find plenty of risottos, fresh fish dishes, pasta, and of course, endless gelato. Lakeside restaurants are everywhere, and half the enjoyment is sitting outside with a glass of wine while watching boats come and go.
Meals tend to be unhurried. You eat slowly here without even thinking about it.
Getting Around Lake Maggiore
Like most Italian lakes, ferries are your best friend.
They connect the main towns and make it easy to hop between islands and lakeside villages without needing a car.
Trains also run along parts of the lake, especially between Milan and the southern towns, which makes arrivals and day trips really straightforward.
If you do hire a car, you’ll get more flexibility for exploring surrounding valleys and viewpoints, but it’s not essential. If you do hire a car, we recommend using a trusted provider, such as Europcar.
Best Time to Visit Lake Maggiore
Late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot.
May, June and September are especially good if you want warm weather without heavy crowds. July and August are busier, but still very enjoyable thanks to the lake breeze and mountain backdrop.
Even in peak season, it rarely feels overwhelming compared to some of Italy’s more famous destinations.
Final Thoughts: Is Lake Maggiore Worth It?
Absolutely — and in some ways, it’s even better if you want something a little more relaxed than its famous neighbour.
Lake Maggiore doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to.
It gives you island boat trips, peaceful lakeside towns, mountain views and long, easy days that don’t feel rushed or overplanned.
It’s the kind of place you don’t just visit — you settle into it.
And once you’ve experienced it, you start wondering why more people aren’t talking about it.
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