Visit Lake Maggiore in Italy: full guide

It is just one hour from Milan and is shared between a Swiss canton and two Italian regions. Visit Lake Maggiore is a must to do!

Visit Lake Maggiore to the north of Italy does not improvise. There are so many things that need to be prepared. Whether you're on site for a stay of two or seven days, with a couple, with friends or with a family, you won't be bored. In fact, if the Borromean Islands participate in its fame, many coastal cities deserve to be addressed as well. Romanesque villas, elegant gardens or typical small villages, the shores of Lake Maggiore offer you lots of surprises.

Lake Maggiore in a few words

Lake Maggiore formed more than 20,000 years ago in the heart of the Alps. At the time, huge glaciers descend from the tops and come to the already formed valleys. Then they melt and leave behind them small closed seas. Today very famous for the beauty of its places, Lake Maggiore is visiting many ways. If you prefer trips for culture and traditions, relaxation, gastronomy or nature, this region is made for you.

Visiting Lake Maggiore is like experimenting an entire piece of Italy. So go to meet a heritage and people who work for its preservation. The Italians are known for their generosity and warmth, let yourself be seduced! Lake Maggiore is no exception.

Lake Maggiore, between Italy and Switzerland

Also, let yourself be surprised on the Swiss side. If the land is subject to this kind of border, the lake, it, has nothing to do with it. Indeed, let us not forget that one third of the waters of Lake Maggiore are Swiss. Indeed, a long time ago, an agreement was reached between the two countries which were to establish an Italian territory in the heart of the Swiss confederation: the banks of Lake Maggiore. For the little anecdote: on this side of the border, if the police cars are stamped with Italian colors, their registration plates are Swiss!

1. Hiking

Gravir the Monte Mottarone

Monte Mottarone is on the edge of two lakes: Orta, and Major. With an altitude of almost 1500 metres, it offers a breathtaking view on both sides. On the side of Lake Maggiore, observe the Pedmontese and Lombardy regions; and on the side of Lake Orta, enjoy the horizons and valleys.

It is a site very frequented by sportsmen and nature lovers. Indeed, it has regained its rights, especially in certain areas abandoned by men and since then preserved. A true natural setting, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor leisure activities such as paragliding. In addition, in winter, when the mountain covers with snow, a station opens its tracks!

The cable car from Stresa and the botanical garden Alpinia

Also, note that there is a cable car that drives you almost to the top from Stresa or Pizza Lido. For 20min, admire the lake and mountain landscape that offers to you! About halfway, the cable car marks a stop and you can go down to the Alpinia botanical garden. It houses almost a thousand alpine species on a surface of more than 40km2.

At what price?

• Access to the cable car costs 17€ the return trip. And if you want to visit the botanical garden, the entrance costs 10€.
• But if hiking is free, there are excursions to make a complete trekking with meals to visit Lake Maggiore and Monte Mottarone.

2. The boat

Given the nature of the place, we can only advise you to make a cruise on Lake Maggiore to appreciate all its specificities. Obviously, the place is unveiled in another way when you visit it from the waters. While they are private or group cruises, they allow you to discover the area in its entirety.

Immanquably, you will pass through the edges of the Borromean islands, which can complete a visit or give you a taste. Also, why not please you and grant you moments of well-being by enjoying a cruise at sunset? The colors of the lake evolve according to the light. So be sure to experience an unforgettable experience when it will wear its golden and orange trim.

At what price?

• For a simple cruise between 1h and 2h, prices start from 20€.
• A longer excursion, for example half a day, costs more 49€ per person.
• If you want to make a private group cruise up to 6 people, it costs 200€ then 15€ for each additional passenger.
• Finally, if the colors of the end of the day you like, count a minima 80€ per person.

3. Paragliding

To make the full of strong sensations and emotions, nothing like the paragliding overflight. If the landscapes of Lake Maggiore are largely worth a visit from the earth, then imagine them from the heavens. Several associations of air professionals therefore offer you to take height and enjoy the panoramic view of the sky.

We advise you to contact the NorthWest Paragliding School. Its programs, complete, ensure an unforgettable experience from Lake Maggiore. You will have a choice between the flight in tandem, or flight courses. The finality of these is a solo flight!

At what price?

• Tandem flights cost 120 €. The fare includes taking photos and video of the flight!
• They are accessible to people between the ages of 5 and 80 in good physical health.

4. « Lago Maggiore Express »

Here is a rather original way to visit Lake Maggiore: a trip that alternates train and boat. Indeed, "Lago Maggiore Express" offers you an activity in several parts. The advantage is that you can take the tickets for a day, or two, in order to make the trip in two days. First, you will discover the Swiss side of the lake: vineyards, wild forests, authentic villages... Then, for about 3 hours, you will discover the lake from the water, in order to admire the Borromean Islands, the shores of the lake and the surrounding nature.

You can borrow the ‘Lago Maggiore Express’ from several municipalities, in Italy and Switzerland. From Locarno, Stresa , Arona or Cannobio, it is up to you to choose where to start. Of course, if some communes, such as Stresa or Locarno, allow to take the boat or train, this is not the case for all others. Learn more about your journey, at the risk of a few surprises!

At what price?

• The booking is mandatory for this multi-purpose excursion, which takes place from April to October, according to spring hours (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), summer (every day) and autumn (Friday, Saturday).
• If you choose a one-day ticket, it will cost you 34€and for two days (consecutive) 44€. You will get your tickets directly to the train stations or to the train station.

5. The canyoning lacustre

Everything suggests that a lake is a stretch of water, flat and without relief. But this is not to mention the topology of Lake Maggiore. Indeed, located in a hilly and mountainous region, it allows entertaining sports practices such as canyoning. Accessible to the younger, less experienced and professional, this activity will offer you the opportunity to visit the Lake Maggiore of the Interior.

From its raw nature, explore and descend the cliffs, mouillez, all in a fun atmosphere. Go to adventure, guided by a professional ensuring your safety. Several levels of practice are offered to allow everyone to find their account and enjoy a minimum. The faster descents last 2 hours and can go up to 3h45.

At what price?

• There are several structures around the lake, offering prices adapted to the scholarship of all. Thus, for one person prices vary between 65€ for a basic level 1 120€ for an expert level three.
• According to structures, reductions are applied to groups and families.
• Note that descents are always preceded by a small training to familiarize yourself with the particularities of canyoning practice.

6. The bike

In order to vary your holiday and visit Lake Maggiore otherwise, think about cycling! Whether you prefer the city bike or mountain bike, the lake and its surroundings have something to delight you. For young people and adults, the bike allows you to discover a region at its own pace, with a certain sporting challenge, all in an ecological approach.

There are many bike paths or paths that are suitable for cycling. You want to climb up to altitude to observe the lake from the heights, or discover its historical heritage in a green environment? You have the embarrassment of choice. Here are two examples, piochés among an incredible list, one on a classic bike, the other on a mountain bike.

Toce itinerary (classic bike)

Quietly follow the river Toce over a distance of some 68km, discovering its shores and surrounding nature. Without special difficulties, this route leads you from Gravellona Toce to Domodossola, passing through pleasant towns such as Pallanzeno or Vogogna. On the way, you will pass, among others, near the Palazzo Pretorio (Vogogna) or the church of San Bartolomeo (Villadossola).

Be careful, plan to spend almost 6 hours on this journey.

Panorama on the Cadorna du Verbano (VTT) line

If you want to take your eyes full, as a reward for your efforts, it is a journey that is perfectly suited. Indeed, if it is shorter than the previous example, this 32km route presents some difficulties, especially in terms of denial, sometimes coriace.

But the game is worth it. At the end, you can see a breathtaking view of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, the plain of the Po that descends to the Turin and the Swiss Alps. A beautiful reward at the top after the climb, though soft, a little suffocating. No panic, because once at the top, the rest of the journey is down!

However, please note that this path is accessible six months a year, from April to October. The rest of the year, freshness and snow can damage your journey.

At what price?

If you own your own bike, it’s so much better, you’ll make a few savings! If not, bike rental is not very expensive, basic. The rentals are realized in half-day or daytime, for more freedoms.

Also, prices vary according to the bike model you choose, from city or road, mountain bike or electric. Thus, in the loueur Stresa Bike Rental , during the day, you will 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. A new proof that visiting Lake Maggiore can be done in many ways!

7. The car

In the last resort, you can always opt for the car as a way to discover Lake Maggiore. In fact, although it is very long, many cities are plunging the edges of it and so you can make a road trip around the lake, between Switzerland and Italy.

It is up to you to create your journey, choose where to stop and see. A system based on freedom and ease of movement. From Locarno, all north, to Arona, all south, you have things to see. You will be shared between the Pedestrian and Lumbar regions, so that you can enjoy all that Italy has to offer (we think of gastronomy, in particular).

At what price?

For those who live not far away, we recommend ease and take your own vehicle.

On the other hand, for those who come further, rent a car is a very possible option. The prices of a car rental depend largely on the company you choose and the duration of your stay. At the rental price, add the price of the fuel itself fluctuating.

So, what are you waiting for to visit Lake Maggiore?