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Get inspired – Lake Maggiore!

High-angle, full shot of a landscape featuring a lake, mountains, and a town nestled on a hillside. The foreground showcases a dense collection of buildings with terracotta-colored roofs that are interspersed with lush greenery. The roofs are various in size and shape, indicating the different structures. Shadows are cast by the trees and buildings. The middle ground is dominated by the placid, clear, azure waters of a lake. The lake extends into the background, where distant mountains are visible in the mid-to-far background. The mountains appear to be a mix of rounded peaks and slopes, and are a muted, bluish-gray color. The sky is a light azure, with scattered, puffy white clouds, indicating a sunny day. The overall impression is one of a beautiful, serene, and picturesque landscape, with a balance of water, mountains, and a well-defined town on the hillside.

Get inspired – Lake Maggiore – Italy

Lake Maggiore, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, is a stunning destination known for its picturesque towns, lush gardens, and serene waters. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit cities and attractions on both the Italian and Swiss sides of the lake.

Charming Towns to visit at Lake Maggiore

 

Italian Side

  • Stresa
    • Overview: Stresa is one of the most popular towns on Lake Maggiore, known for its elegant villas, beautiful gardens, and vibrant cultural scene.
    • Highlights: Visit the Borromean Islands, especially Isola Bella with its stunning palace and gardens. Stroll along the lakefront promenade and enjoy the views of the Alps.
    • Activities: Take a boat tour to explore the islands, visit the Villa Pallavicino with its zoo and botanical garden, and enjoy local cuisine at lakeside restaurants.
  • Verbania
    • Overview: Verbania is the largest town on the lake, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
    • Highlights: The Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens are a must-see, featuring a vast collection of plants from around the world. The town also has charming old streets and a lively market.
    • Activities: Explore the gardens, visit the Museo del Paesaggio for art and history, and take a ferry to nearby towns.
  • Cannobio
    • Overview: Cannobio is a picturesque town with a charming old quarter and a beautiful lakeside promenade.
    • Highlights: The Santuario della Santissima Pietà, a stunning church with impressive frescoes, and the lively Sunday market.
    • Activities: Enjoy water sports, hike in the nearby Valle Cannobina, and relax at the lakeside beach.
  • Arona
    • Overview: Arona is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling town center.
    • Highlights: The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, a giant statue you can climb for panoramic views, and the Rocca Borromea di Arona, a historic fortress.
    • Activities: Explore the historic sites, shop in the local boutiques, and dine at traditional Italian restaurants.
  • Luino
    • Overview: Luino is a charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, close to the Swiss border.
    • Highlights: The weekly market, one of the largest in Europe, and the beautiful lakeside promenade with views of the surrounding mountains.
    • Activities: Visit the historic market on Wednesdays, explore the pedestrian promenade, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking in the nearby pre-Alpine hills
       

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Swiss Side

  • Locarno
    • Overview: Locarno is a charming Swiss town known for its sunny climate and film festival.
    • Highlights: The Piazza Grande, a large square that hosts the Locarno Film Festival, and the Madonna del Sasso, a pilgrimage church with stunning views.
    • Activities: Take a funicular ride to the church, explore the old town, and enjoy water sports on the lake.
  • Ascona
    • Overview: Ascona is a picturesque town with a Mediterranean feel, known for its artistic heritage and beautiful lakefront.
    • Highlights: The lakeside promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants, and the Monte Verità, a hill with a rich history of alternative culture.
    • Activities: Visit art galleries, enjoy a boat trip on the lake, and relax at the lakeside beaches.
  • Brissago
    • Overview: Brissago is a small town famous for its islands and botanical gardens.
    • Highlights: The Brissago Islands, home to exotic plants and a beautiful villa, and the local tobacco museum.
    • Activities: Explore the botanical gardens, take a boat tour around the islands, and learn about the town’s history at the museum.

Good to know!

  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lake Maggiore is from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Getting There: The lake is easily accessible by train from Milan, with regular services to towns like Stresa, Verbania, and Locarno.
  • Accommodation: There are numerous hotels, ranging from luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfasts, especially in Stresa and Verbania.

Lake Maggiore offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.