Luxury Villas on Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and the largest lake in southern Switzerland. It’s nestled half way between Lake Orta and Lake Lugano, and positioned directly west of Lake Como. It measures approximately 64 kilometres in length from Arona at one end to Locarno at the other. It’s also by far our favourite of the Italian Lakes. Admittedly, we are biased. After all, it’s a direct result of buying a villa on Lake Maggiore that the idea for Bookings For You was born. However, we truly believe that Lake Maggiore offers something for everyone.
After all, the Borromean Island gardens can rival any of the more famous gardens on neighbouring Lake Como. And the hills and mountains surrounding Lake Maggiore offer just as many incredible hikes and cycle tracks to explore. The lakeside towns and villages are match any of those on Lake Como and yet you’ll find far less tourists if you choose to explore Lake Maggiore. Not only that, Lake Maggiore also has a wealth of choice for parents looking to keep their children entertained too. Whether they’re into water sports, fancy a day at one of the water parks, want to go go-karting, visit a museum or just head to the park, there is plenty to keep the smiles on their faces all day long!
All these villas on Lake Maggiore are either overlooking the lake, on the lakeside itself or within a short drive of the lake.
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About Lake Maggiore
Italy’s second largest lake, Lake Maggiore measures approximately 54 km long and 11 km wide. It falls into both Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino. Surrounded by mountains that provide shelter from the cold winds coming from the north, it has a mild and pleasant climate.
Towns and villages of Lake Maggiore
The largest town on Lake Maggiore is Verbania. This is divided into three main neighbourhoods. We would recommend you pick the waterfront area of Verbania Pallanza when visiting. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a lakeside promenade. Verbania is also where you find two elegant villas – Villa Taranto (famous for its incredible array of tulips) as well as Villa Giulia whose beautiful yellow facade and balconies provide an idyllic backdrop to its beautiful gardens.
However, whilst Verbania may be the largest town on the lake, Stresa is certainly the most well known. It has been a popular tourist destination since the Grand Tour of the 19th century. Its elegant buildings are wonderful examples of both Art Nouveau and Neo classical architecture. Villa Pallavicino is the perfect example of one of these mansions dating back to the mid 19th century as is Villa Ducale. However, there are an abundance of others, many of which are now rather exclusive hotels.
However, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, we can recommend you base yourself in one of the smaller towns and villages around the lake. Not far from Stresa, there is Lesa, Arona or Suna. Alternatively, head to Luino, Maccagno, Colmegna or Laveno on the eastern banks of Lake Maggiore. Or alternatively, opt to visit the western villages of Cannobio and Cannero. Finally there is also Ascona and Locarno which both fall into Swiss territory in the north of the lake.
What to see and do on Lake Maggiore
Of course, no Lake Maggiore holiday would be complete without exploring all these fabulous towns and villages. The best way to get from one to another is by using the excellent public boat system which zips back and forth across the lake all day long.
However, for many visitors, the beautiful Borromean Islands are the biggest attraction on Lake Maggiore. Comprised of Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, these three islands sit just off the shore from Stresa. Isola Madre and Isola Bella are both famous for their Baroque palaces and beautiful gardens. Visit in the Spring or early Summer to witness them at their most colourful. In contrast, Isola dei Pescatori is much more low key, traditionally home to fishermen and still where you will find a number of superb fish restaurants today. Incidentally, the Borromeo family are still a powerful local land-owning family today. They still own the majority of the islands and have fishing rights in the area too.
It is also important to note that these are not the only islands on Lake Maggiore. There are actually 11 islands in total, 8 in Piedmont, 1 in Lombardy and 2 in Swiss waters. Many are not open to the public but also worth a visit is the larger of the Brissago Islands – San Pancrazio (Grande Isola) – where you will find some rather impressive botanical gardens.
Lake Maggiore is also where you will find a number of other beautiful historic buildings. These include the Santa Caterina del Sasso Benedictine monastery. Dating back to the 13th century, it clings to the rocks 16 metres above the water on the eastern shores of the lake. Also of note is the Castello Visconteo of Locarno, Villa Ponti and the Rocca of Arona as well as the Borromeo Castle in Angera, now home to a museum.
With so much to see and do outdoors, Lake Maggiore is the perfect Italian holiday destination for those who love to spend time outside. And for those that like to be active outside, there is plenty on offer too. There are an abundance of water sports to be enjoyed on the lake itself. These include more sedate non motorised sports such as paddle-boarding and canoeing to windsurfing and sailing. But water-skiing, hover-boarding and other motorised water sports are also on offer.
On land, there are an incredible amount of wonderful hiking routes just waiting to be explored. Some of these are at the mountain top and may involve a ride up a cable car first. The affectionately named ‘Bucket Lifts’ in Laveno is certainly a cable car ride you’ll never forget! The valleys that lead to the lake also offer some spectacular walks including Valle Maggia and Valle Verzasca. Plus there are some beautiful walks in the hinterland above Cannobio too. On this side of the lake, walks also take you along the Cadorna Line. Built between 1916 and 1918, this was a defence line between Lake Maggiore and the Ossola Valley and consisted of a network of military mule tracks, trenches, artillery positions, lookout posts, logistical structures and command centres.
But there are other sports to be enjoyed on land too. Cycling is equally popular (both road cycling and mountain biking). And there are a number of golf courses dotted around the lake as well. Climbing is also popular in this area. Or take to the skies in one of Lake Maggiore’s newest attractions – a zip-line that covers a distance of 1850 metres in just over 90 seconds at a speed of over 120 km per hour.
And in the Winter months, there is plenty to keep you entertained too, not least the ski resorts that you will find in the mountains around Lake Maggiore. The biggest are those above Locarno and Stresa but there are smaller resorts on the east of the lake as well.
But, of course, if you prefer a more sedate pace when on holiday, simply choose to relax on the many lakeside beaches or lidos instead. Many of the lidos have swimming pools as well as lake access. And for those with children (or for the young at heart) there are a few parks with water slides, wave pools and other activities to keep the whole family entertained.
In short, whatever your interests, there is an extraordinary range of things to do on Lake Maggiore. Get inspired in our full guide to Lake Maggiore.
When to visit Lake Maggiore
We don’t think that there is a bad time to visit Lake Maggiore! In the Winter months, you can enjoy skiing and hiking. And whilst some businesses may be shut in the towns that cater more to tourists, many remain open all year round especially in towns such as Luino or Arona.
Spring and early Summer is when Lake Maggiore is at is most colourful. This is when the tulips, camellias and other plants are in full bloom. However the Autumn colours can be equally splendid and the days still pleasantly warm.
Of course, if you’re planning to spend time on the beach, your safest bet is in the Summer months. However, don’t expect your stay to be completely free of rain. This area is beautifully green and there is a reason for that. Typically though, you can expect Summer days to be characterised by plenty of warm sunshine with an occasional dramatic thunder storm at night to ensure any humidity is kept at bay.
