Lake Maggiore, at the foot of the Italian Alps

Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy, and one of the most beautiful. Its shores touch the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont as well as Switzerland, and its mild climate, alpine landscapes and snow capped views make it an important stop during your visit to this northern part of Italy, close to the ski slopes and walking trails of the Alps.

Less developed than Lake Garda, and less 'picture postcard' than Lake Como, Lake Maggiore has its own quiet and complex character that will enchant you during your visit.

Top Ten Things to See and Do
Visit the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola del Pescatori owned since the 16th C. by the Borromeo family.
Cruise the lake and enjoy the beautiful views.
Visit Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro, a monastery that is accessible by boat.
See the Botanical Gardens at Villa Taranto in Verbania.
Roca Borromeo at Angera, a castle dating from the middle ages with expansive views of the lake.
Cable Car ride from Stresa to Mottarone. A 20-minute ride up 1491m. Great views and fantastic hikes abound. Great skiing in the winter time.
Lake Maggiore Express, a fantastic journey starting from Locarno on the shores of the lake.
The Sancarlone is a giant statue (35 m) of Charles Borromeo, built in the 17th century. Climb to the statue's head to look out through his eyes.
Maccagno beach. The longest beach on the lake, with a sheltered microclimate, a modern art museum, and great restaurants.
Enjoy a thermal bath at Crodo, Trasquera, Premia, or Craveggia.

Events around Lake Maggiore
May, August and September
Settimane Musicali, a week of music when beautiful venues along the lake host Europe’s best performers of classical music.
August
On the Swiss side of the lake: celebrity spotting during the Locarno Film Festival
June-July
On the Swiss side of the lake: Ascona Jazz Festival

Food and Drink
The lake boasts plenty of fish: bass, pike, whitefish, trout, char, and bleak. The most popular dishes include bass fillets baked whole under a crust of salt, or battered and fried.

Suggestions
Whilst you can walk, ski, drive and cycle around the area, I favour being ON the lake. Renting a rowing boat, a kayak or a small motorboat along the lake is easy and one of the best ways to enjoy its beauty. Lake Maggiore is big, so please, do not try to do everything in one day, relax and live the moment.

How to get there
Lake Maggiore is located about 34 miles northwest of Milan’s Malpensa airport.
By train: trains arrive from Milan’s central station every hour to the city of Stresa, the best known town on the lake, and a good starting point to all attractions.
By car: From Milan you can drive northwest along the A8, then stay on E62 out of Gallarate until you find the SS33, which you can take up the western shore to Stresa. If you plan to drive around the lake, remember that the northern tip sits on Switzerland, and you will have to clear customs if you plant to go to Ascona and Locarno.
By air: The closest airport is Malpensa (Milan). From April to September there is a direct bus service to Stresa on Alibus, another alternative is to take a bus to the Gallarate train station and then take a train to Stresa.