Things to do in  Lake Maggiore

Often overlooked in favor of the big-name lakes of Como and Garda, Lake Maggiore is certainly worth a visit. Shimmying down through the Lombardy and Piedmont regions of Italy from Switzerland, the lake provides beaches for swimming, mountain vistas, and historic villages—without too many tourist crowds.

The Borromean Islands with their palaces and gardens flaunt themselves majestically, enticing visitors across the water from Stresa. For beauty minus the in-your-face grandeur, continue east where many of Lake Maggiore’s pretty towns and shingle beaches beckon and the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery clings to the cliffs.

The meaning of maggiore is “major,” and Lake Maggiore is major enough, having the title of Italy’s second-largest lake. While certainly on the tourist trail, the lake seems more popular with Italians who know its uncrowded beaches, traditional lake towns, and peaceful charms well.

Like Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is known for its belle-epoque beauty, yet its lake towns—Stresa, in particular—hark back more to days of old-school decadence with their grand hotels and boulevards. If you want the Italian lakes’ elegance minus the higher prices and international crowds, you’ll probably say Lake Maggiore is nicer.

Yes. If you want to explore, a car gives you more freedom. In the summer, ferries link up the main towns, but you would miss out on visiting the smaller villages and beaches that give the lake its charm. Also keep in mind that taxis and ride-hailing apps don’t really exist around here.

Yes, in the summer you can swim in Lake Maggiore, but be mindful to stay safe and swim close to shore. Look for spiaggia comunale signs for public beaches where entry is free, or for fancier signs indicating a “lido” or “beach club” for private beaches with restrooms, showers, sun loungers, and food.