Exploring the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are a must-see when visiting Lake Maggiore. These are the Isola Bella, the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori. They largely belong to the noble Borromeo family, who have owned them since the 16th century and transformed them into a series of magnificent gardens and palaces. Each island has its own unique atmosphere and history:
Isola Bella, with the Palazzo Borromeo and its Italian gardens, is probably the most popular island. Understandably so, as both the palace and the gardens are very impressive. The white peacocks that live freely in the gardens are also interesting.
The largest of the three islands is Isola Madre. It is best known for its botanical garden, which was created in the 18th century and offers a variety of exotic plants, rare flowers and Mediterranean plants. The palace on the Isola Madre is cozier and more intimate than the Palazzo Borromeo. You will also encounter free-roaming pheasants here.
The Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island) enchants with its unique fishing village charm. In contrast to the other two islands, the Isola dei Pescatori is inhabited and has a much more rustic, authentic atmosphere. The small, narrow streets and traditional houses convey an original image. This is why you will also find cozy restaurants and small boutiques here. Especially in the summer months, there are traditional festivals on the island, too,
You can easily reach the Borromean Islands by ferry from Stresa, Baveno or other surrounding towns. You can find out about the various prices here.
Climbing the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa
At some point I came across a blog post about wedding locations and I was particularly taken with one place: the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa. I found the setting so special: the church complex on the mountain with a view over the lake and the surrounding mountains had something unique about it.
In addition to the pilgrimage church, the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa comprises three chapels depicting biblical scenes and the arcade of a Stations of the Cross. Although I have since abandoned the idea of getting married here, I can still recommend a visit to the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa. After all, the pilgrimage site is a World Heritage Site for a reason. The site is located in a nature reserve, which not only includes the chapels, but also forest and hiking trails. So you can also start a hike here.
Fun fact: The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa was built in the late 16th century. The complex was never fully completed, but this is not noticeable.
Stroll along the lakeside promenade
It doesn't sound like much of an activity at first, but I can tell you that it's worth strolling along the waterfront promenade - the Lungolago. Because the panorama along the way is beautiful. After all, the paths are lined with palm trees, flowerbeds and colorful plants that bloom especially in spring and summer. And the panorama with the lake and the mountains is worth seeing anyway. You can simply stroll from place to place. The promenades in places like Stresa, Verbania, Ascona and Locarno in particular offer a charming mix of nature and urban flair.
In summer, numerous events take place along the Lungolago, including music festivals, markets and firework displays. There are also many opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine. Restaurants and cafés offer dishes with fresh fish from the lake as well as Italian classics that you can enjoy with a view of the lake.
Experience relaxation or water fun
If there's one thing you can do particularly well on Lake Maggiore, it's relax. The lake has small beaches and bays where you can swim or sunbathe. Popular bathing spots are in Cannero Riviera and Ascona, where there are sunbathing lawns as well as beach bars and cafés. However, we preferred to use the bathing jetty at our hotel in Brissago. Because here we were undisturbed by other tourists.
To the west of Lake Maggiore is the Premia Terme thermal baths, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich water. There are also various spas and wellness facilities in the hotels that offer massages, saunas and steam baths. This was also the case for us at the Sunstar Hotel Brissago.
Do you want more action? Then you can hire a bike or boat on Lake Maggiore and discover the area. Or you can explore the lake by canoe or SUP. Thanks to the stable wind on the lake - especially in the north - you can also go sailing and windsurfing on the lake. Moreover, there are some good diving spots, for example in Ghiffa and Verbania, where you can explore rock formations or small shipwrecks. There are numerous hiking trails in the region, too, especially in the surrounding valleys such as Val Verzasca.
Wander around the villages along the lake
There are numerous places on Lake Maggiore that are particularly worth a visit and impress with their scenic beauty, cultural highlights and charming old towns.
One of the most famous towns is Stresa. It impresses with elegant villas and a beautiful lakeside promenade with views of the Borromean Islands. An absolute highlight is the cable car up the Mottarone, a mountain with views of the surrounding lakes and the Alps.
Verbania, the largest town on Lake Maggiore, is also worth a visit. Here you should especially explore the Pallanza district with its historic buildings and small cafés. The Villa Taranto, whose botanical garden is home to thousands of plant species from all over the world, is also worth a visit.
Cannobio is a popular destination, too, due to its medieval architecture and the gorge of the Cannobino stream. You will also find medieval flair in Angera, where the imposing Rocca dei Angera castle is located. If you prefer Mediterranean charm with palm trees, then Ascona and Locarno are the right destinations for you. Locarno even hosts the annual film festival. Another event you shouldn't miss in summer is the large weekly market in Luino. And last but not least: The statue of San Carlo Borromeo, one of the largest statues in the world, which can be visited and even climbed, is not to be missed during a visit to Lake Maggiore.