Can Lake Maggiore in Italy Offer a More Picturesque Escape Than Lake Como with Its Charming Towns and Waterfront Retreats? – Travel And Tour World

Lake Maggiore, located in the northern part of Italy, has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to experience a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the more famous Lake Como. Though celebrities like George Clooney are rarely spotted here, Lake Maggiore offers visitors a peaceful escape with its small towns, serene botanical gardens, lakeside beaches, and plentiful opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating. Unlike its more glamorous neighbors, it provides a calm, laid-back vibe that attracts travelers seeking a quieter Italian lakeside experience.

Geography and Unique Features of Lake Maggiore

Spanning 82 square miles, Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy, following Lake Garda. The lake stretches across two Italian regions, Lombardy on the east and Piedmont on the west, with its northern tip even crossing into Switzerland, specifically the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. The lake, like its neighboring lakes Como and Lugano, was formed through glacial processes, and its shoreline is steep and dramatic. With clear, deep waters fed by and emptying into multiple rivers, the lake is a stunning example of glacially carved geography.

Travel experts suggest that the relaxed vibe of Lake Maggiore sets it apart. Compared to the more crowded, upscale Lake Como, visitors can enjoy a slower pace of life, explore a wider variety of towns, and savor a more authentic Italian experience. Beth Graham, a travel writer, mentioned that she always recommends Lake Maggiore over Lake Como for those looking for a less hectic but equally beautiful destination.

Charming Towns and Authentic Italian Experiences

For travelers interested in wandering through charming towns that have kept much of their authenticity, Lake Maggiore offers a great deal. Whether it’s enjoying locally sourced food at simple trattorias or exploring quieter lakeside life, the region has much to offer. Visitors often find themselves strolling through picturesque streets, discovering small eateries, and indulging in local specialties like alborelle fritte (a tiny lake fish that is fried and eaten whole).

Best Hotels and Resorts on Lake Maggiore

• Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta: This luxurious five-star hotel offers rooms with breathtaking lake views. Guests are treated to impeccable service and a tranquil lakeside setting. For many, the spa is a highlight, offering a grotto-like retreat that allows visitors to unwind completely.
• Hotel La Palma: Known for its charming atmosphere and affordability, Hotel La Palma provides a family-friendly environment with comfortable rooms and stunning lake-view balconies. With amenities such as an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and spa, it offers great value, especially in the high summer season.
• Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées: This historical hotel is an icon of the area, offering luxurious accommodations steeped in history. It is famous for its park, pools, and proximity to the Borromean Islands, making it an excellent choice for families or history lovers.
• Hotel Eden Roc Ascona: Situated on the Swiss side of the lake, this recently renovated resort is known for its Michelin-starred restaurant and private beach. It offers an exceptional experience for those who want to enjoy both the natural beauty of the lake and Swiss hospitality.

Top Attractions and Activities

• Borromean Islands: The Borromeo family, a noble family from Tuscany, significantly shaped Lake Maggiore. Visitors can explore several islands, with Isola Bella being the most famous. The island features a 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, home to works by famous artists like Van Dyck and Rubens, as well as elaborate gardens filled with peacocks and grottoes.
• Lago Maggiore Express: This is a popular boat and narrow-gauge rail route that provides an easy and scenic way to travel between Italy and Switzerland. The journey takes travelers from the Italian side of the lake to Locarno in Switzerland and then continues on by train through picturesque landscapes.
• Cannobio: A town that has earned a reputation for being incredibly charming, Cannobio offers a scenic lakefront promenade and cobblestone streets. Visitors can enjoy an Aperol spritz at a lakeside cafe, soaking in the beauty and tranquility of the area.
• Villa Taranto: The Mediterranean climate of the region makes it ideal for lush botanical gardens. Villa Taranto’s gardens, open to the public from spring to fall, are particularly popular due to their colorful flora, fountains, and terraced areas.
• Laveno Cable Car: This unique experience takes visitors up to Mount Sasso del Ferro, where they can enjoy sweeping views of the Alps and the lake below. The cable car ride is exhilarating, with passengers traveling in small open or closed metal baskets, which adds an element of thrill to the experience.

Dining at Lake Maggiore

The dining scene at Lake Maggiore features an array of authentic Italian eateries. Here are some popular spots:

• Hostaria Vita: A casual restaurant in Stresa offering traditional pasta and seafood, ideal for a light lunch while people-watching in the piazza.
• Mirafiori & La Terrazza: A lakeside eatery where visitors can try alborelle fritte—a local delicacy of tiny fried lake fish, best enjoyed with a glass of wine.
• Ristorante Italia: Located on one of the Borromean Islands, this charming restaurant offers a picturesque dining experience, serving fresh lake fish and other local specialties.

Best Time to Visit

For those interested in warm-weather activities like boating and swimming, the peak months are July and August. However, these months can also be crowded. For a quieter experience, mid-September through October offers the perfect balance of mild weather and fewer tourists. The low season, from November to mid-March, brings cooler temperatures and fewer open attractions, but it’s still a peaceful time to visit.

How to Reach Lake Maggiore

The closest major airport to Lake Maggiore is Milan Malpensa, which is less than an hour’s drive from Stresa, the main town on the lake. For those traveling by train, direct services from Milano Centrale reach Stresa and other towns on the western shore of the lake in just over an hour.

Towns to Visit

• Stresa: Known for its proximity to the Borromean Islands, Stresa is the most developed town on the lake, offering a range of tourist amenities.
• Cannobio: This town is praised for its beauty and charm, with a scenic lakeside promenade and historic landmarks.
• Laveno: Located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded towns on the western side of the lake.

Getting Around Lake Maggiore

While a rental car can be useful for exploring small towns and higher-elevation areas, visitors who stay in towns like Stresa can easily travel around by ferry, as Navigazione Laghi operates lake ferries that connect various towns along the shore.