Lake Maggiore, or Lago di Maggiore , is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Italy. Formed by a glacier, the lake is surrounded by hills to the south and mountains to the north. It is a long, narrow lake, about 40 miles long, but only .5 to 2.5 miles wide, with a total distance around the lake shore of 93 miles. Offering year-round tourist activities and a fairly mild climate, the lake can be visited almost any time of the year.
Location
Lake Maggiore, north of Milan, is on the border of the Italian regions of Lombardy and Piemonte and the northern part of the lake extends into southern Switzerland. The lake is 12 miles north of Milan Malpensa Airport.
Where to stay
Hotels can be found along the shore of the lake. Stresa is one of the main tourist cities with hotels, restaurants, shops, a train station and a port for ferry and boat excursions.
Transport
The western shore of Lake Maggiore is served by the railway line from Milan to Geneva (Switzerland) with stops in several cities, including Arona and Stresa. Locarno, Switzerland, at the northern end of the lake is also on the railway line. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport. Alibus provides a bus service between Malpensa airport and the lake towns of Dormelletto, Arona, Belgirate, Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza and Verbania (please confirm with the bus company if you are traveling outside of the summer).
Move
Ferries and hydrofoils connect the main towns on the lake and go to the islands. Buses also serve the towns around the lake. A good day trip from Stresa is to take the ferry or hydrofoil to Switzerland and return by train.
Main attractions
- Borromean Islands – Three picturesque islands can be reached by ferry from Stresa: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.
- Villa Pallavicino Park: Villa Pallavicino Park, near Stresa, has large botanical and zoological gardens with many species of plants and animals. It is open every day from March to October.
- Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens: The botanical gardens are located in the small town of Verbania, near the Swiss glaciers.
- Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park: The park in the hills outside Arona, near the small town of Mercurago, is a good place for hiking and mountain biking (it is closed for motorized vehicles). In the park there are many animals, birds and plants, as well as some small lakes.
- Mottarone: To reach this mountain, you can either take a cable car from Stresa Lido or go up the Borromea panoramic road from Stresa through the hills above the lake. From the top, there is a 360-degree view of the Lake District and the Alps. In summer it is a good place to go hiking or painting, and in winter there is skiing.
- Castles and Fortresses: La Rocca di Arona is located on the cliffs above Arona and has good views of the lake. The fortress was the scene of many battles, but the remains are now a public park that attracts ducks and peacocks. La Rocca di Angera from the 12th century is a preserved castle with a doll museum inside. Near the Swiss border, the castles of Cannero sit on a rocky island just offshore.
- Church of Santa Caterina del Sasso: the 12th century church is located in a picturesque setting, built on the cliffs. It can be reached by a path or by boat.
- Orrido di Sant’Anna – The gorge at the end of the Cannobino River is a favorite place for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
