It’s just over an hour from Milan, and shared between a Swiss canton and two Italian regions. A visit to Lake Maggiore is a must!
Visiting northern Italy’s Lake Maggiore is not something you can improvise. There’s so much to do, you need to be prepared. Whether you’re here for two or seven days, as a couple, with friends or family, you’ll never be bored. In fact, while the Borromean Islands contribute to the region’s fame, many of its coastal towns are also well worth a visit. Romanesque villas, elegant gardens or typical little villages, the shores of Lake Maggiore are full of surprises.
Lake Maggiore in a nutshell
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton_Ivanov
Lake Maggiore was formed over 20,000 years ago in the heart of the Alps. At that time, imposing glaciers flowed down from the peaks into the valleys that had already formed. They then melt, leaving behind small enclosed seas. Now famous for its beauty, Lake Maggiore can be visited in many different ways. If you prefer to travel for culture and tradition, relaxation, gastronomy or nature, this is the region for you.
Visiting Lake Maggiore is like experiencing an entire piece of Italy. So get out there and meet a heritage and the people who work to preserve it. Italians are known for their generosity and warmth, so let yourself be seduced! Lake Maggiore is no exception.
Lake Maggiore, between Italy and Switzerland
Let yourself be surprised on the Swiss side. If the land is subject to the border, the lake is not. After all, one third of Lake Maggiore’s waters are Swiss. In fact, long ago, an agreement was reached between the two countries to establish an Italian territory at the heart of the Swiss confederation: the shores of Lake Maggiore. A little anecdote: on this side of the border, police cars may be stamped in Italian colors, but their license plates are Swiss!
1. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luca Lorenzelli
Climbing Monte Mottarone
Monte Mottarone borders two lakes: Orta and Maggiore. Rising to an altitude of almost 1500 metres, it offers breathtaking views on both sides. On the Lake Maggiore side, observe the Piedmont and Lombardy regions; and on the Lake Orta side, enjoy the Piedmont horizons and valleys.
It’s a popular spot for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Indeed, nature has reclaimed its rights here, particularly in certain areas that were abandoned by man and have since been preserved as such. A veritable natural showcase, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor leisure activities such as paragliding. What’s more, in winter, when the mountain is covered in snow, a ski resort opens its slopes!
The cable car from Stresa and the Alpinia botanical garden
Also, note that there’s a cable car that takes you almost all the way to the summit from Stresa or Pizza Lido. For 20 minutes, admire the lake and mountain scenery! About halfway up, the cable car makes a stop and you can disembark for the Alpinia botanical garden. It’s home to almost a thousand alpine species over an area of more than 40km².
At what price?
- Access to the cable car costs €17 for a round trip. And if you’d like to visit the botanical gardens, admission costs €10.
- But if hiking is free, there are excursions that include a full trek with meals to visit Lake Maggiore and Monte Mottarone.
2. The boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anton_Ivanov
Given the nature of the area, we can only recommend a cruise on Lake Maggiore to appreciate all its special features. Of course, the place reveals itself in a different way when you visit it from the water. So whether you’re on a private or group cruise, you’ll be able to discover the area in its entirety.
You’ll inevitably pass by the Borromean Islands, which can complete a visit or give you a foretaste of one. And why not treat yourself to a sunset cruise? The colors of the lake change with the light. So be sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience when the lake dons its golden and orange finery.
At what price?
- For a single cruise of 1 to 2 hours, prices start from €20.
- A longer excursion, such as a half-day, costs more, starting at €49 per person.
- Private group cruises for up to 6 people cost €200, then €15 for each additional passenger.
- And if you like the colors at the end of the day, expect to pay at least €80 per person.
3. Paragliding
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Fulcanelli
There’s nothing quite like paragliding for a thrill-packed experience. If the landscapes of Lake Maggiore are worth seeing from the ground, then imagine them from the skies. A number of professional paragliding associations offer you the chance to take to the skies and enjoy the panoramic views.
We recommend you contact the NorthWest Paragliding School. Their comprehensive programs guarantee an unforgettable experience from Lake Maggiore. You can choose between tandem flights or flight courses. The end result is a solo flight!
At what price?
- Tandem flights cost €120. The price includes photos and video of the flight!
- They are open to physically fit people aged 5 to 80.
4. « Lago Maggiore Express
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Joelle Vauthier
Here’s a rather original way to visit Lake Maggiore: an excursion that alternates train and boat. The « Lago Maggiore Express » offers a multi-part activity. The advantage is that you can buy tickets for a day, or two, and take the excursion in two stages. First, you’ll discover the Swiss side of the lake: vineyards, wild forests, authentic villages… Then, for almost 3 hours, you’ll discover the lake from the water, admiring the Borromean islands, the lake shore and the surrounding countryside.
You can take the « Lago Maggiore Express » from several towns in Italy and Switzerland. From Locarno, Stresa, Arona or Cannobio, it’s up to you to decide where to start. Of course, while some towns, such as Stresa or Locarno, allow you to take the boat or train, not all do. Make sure you know where you’re going, or you may be in for a few surprises!
At what price?
- Reservations are essential for this multi-faceted excursion, which runs from April to October, with spring (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), summer (every day) and autumn (Friday, Saturday) schedules.
- If you opt for a one-day ticket, it will cost you €34, and for two (consecutive) days, €44. You can obtain your tickets directly from the stations or landing stages.
5. Lake canyoning
Photo credit: Shutterstock – pixelshop
Everything suggests that a lake is a flat, featureless expanse of water. But that’s without taking into account the topology of Lake Maggiore. Set in a hilly, mountainous region, it’s the perfect place for fun sports like canyoning. Accessible to the young, the inexperienced and the professional alike, this activity gives you the opportunity to see Lake Maggiore from the inside.
From its untouched nature, climb up and down cliffs, get wet, all in a fun atmosphere. Set off on an adventure, guided by a professional to ensure your safety. Several levels of practice are available, so there’s something for everyone. Faster descents last 2 hours and can last up to 3 hours 45 minutes.
At what price?
- There are several structures around the lake, with prices to suit everyone. For one person, prices range from €65 for a basic level 1 to €120 for an expert level 3.
- Depending on the structure, discounts are available for groups and families.
- Note that all descents are preceded by a short training session to familiarize you with the particularities of canyoning.
6. The bike
Photo Credit: Shutterstock – Nico3232
Whether you prefer city biking or mountain biking, there’s something for everyone in and around Lake Maggiore. For young and old alike, cycling allows you to discover a region at your own pace, with a certain sporting challenge, all in an environmentally-friendly way.
There are many cycle paths and trails suitable for cycling. Would you like to climb to higher altitudes to see the lake from the air, or discover its historic heritage in lush green surroundings? The choice is yours. Here are two examples from an incredible list, one on a classic bike, the other on a mountain bike.
Toce itinerary (classic bike)
Take a leisurely 68 km ride along the River Toce, discovering its banks and the surrounding countryside. With no particular difficulties, this route takes you from Gravellona Toce to Domodossola, passing through pleasant villages such as Pallanzeno and Vogogna. Along the way, you’ll pass the Palazzo Pretorio (Vogogna) and the church of San Bartolomeo (Villadossola), among others.
Be warned: you’ll still need to spend almost 6 hours on this route.
Panorama of the Cadorna line of the Verbano (mountain bike)
If you’re looking for an eyeful as a reward for your efforts, this is the route for you. Although shorter than the previous example, this 32km itinerary does present a few difficulties, particularly in terms of the sometimes tough gradient.
But it’s well worth the effort. At the end, you’ll have a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, the Po plain down to Turin, and the Swiss Alps. A fine reward at the summit after the somewhat breathless, albeit gentle, ascent. Don’t panic, though, because once you’re at the top, the rest of the way is uphill!
Please note, however, that this trail is accessible six months of the year, from April to October. The rest of the year, cool weather and snow can hamper your journey.
At what price?
If you own your own bike, all the better for saving a few bucks! If you don’t, bike hire isn’t all that expensive. Rentals are by the day or half-day, for greater freedom.
Prices also vary according to the model of bike you choose: city or road, mountain bike or electric. At Stresa Bike Rental, for example, you’ll spend between €35 and €45 for an electric bike, €25 for a mountain bike, €18 for a city bike and €43 for a road bike. Further proof that visiting Lake Maggiore can be done in many different ways!
7. The car
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Roberto Binetti
As a last resort, you can always choose to discover Lake Maggiore by car. Although it’s a very long lake, there are plenty of towns along its shores, allowing you to take a road-trip around the lake between Switzerland and Italy.
It’s up to you to create your own route, choose where to stop and what to see. A system based on freedom and ease of movement. From Locarno in the north to Arona in the south, there’s plenty to see. You’ll be divided between the Piedmont and Lombardy regions, so you can make the most of Italy and all it has to offer (we’re thinking gastronomy, in particular).
At what price?
For those who live nearby, we advise you to take your own vehicle.
On the other hand, for those coming from further afield, renting a car is a very viable option. Car rental prices depend largely on the company you choose and the length of your stay. To the rental price, add the price of fuel, which itself fluctuates.
So what are you waiting for to visit Lake Maggiore?