A transalpine lake framed by green mountains
Lake Maggiore, also known as Lago Maggiore in Italian, is one of Europe's largest pre-Alpine lakes. Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it covers an area of around 212 square kilometers and is 65 km long. It is the second-largest Italian lake after Lake Garda, hence its name, Maggiore, and 80% of its surface area is in Italy. Fed by the Ticino river, it is surrounded by majestic mountains and its shores are lined with picturesque villages, the main towns being Stresa, Verbania, Arona and Locarno. From the lake, you can sail past the incredible villas that bear witness to its cultural and historical heritage.
The Borromean Islands, three typical islands in the heart of the lake
One of Lake Maggiore's main attractions is the Borromean Islands, or Isole Borromee in Italian. There are three of them: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.
- Isola Bella is famous for its 17th-century Baroque palace, the Palais Borromée, surrounded by magnificent terraced gardens. The palace houses a collection of works of art, antique furniture and magnificent, richly decorated rooms. The gardens, meanwhile, are a veritable botanical paradise, with colorful flowerbeds, fountains, sculptures and a breathtaking view of the lake.
- Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean islands and home to a magnificent botanical garden. This English-inspired garden is renowned for its collections of exotic plants, free-roaming peacocks and peaceful atmosphere. The island is also home to a historic villa, filled with antique furniture, tapestries and objets d'art.
- Isola dei Pescatori also known as Fishermen's Island, is the smallest of the islands. It's a picturesque fishing village, where you can stroll through the narrow streets, discover local craft stores and sample the region's culinary specialties in the waterside restaurants.
Outside the Borromean Islands, you can visit Mount Mottarone, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps, or discover the botanical garden at Villa Taranto in Verbania, famous for its collections of rare and exotic plants.
By shuttle or boat rental
Shuttles run regularly to and from the islands, but it's also possible to sail or motor independently on Lake Maggiore, for example with a rental boat or your own transportable boat. You can sail all year round, but beware of the violent winds that can occur: the Tramontana from the mountains blows in the morning and the Iverna from the fields in the afternoon. Don't forget to apply for a temporary navigation permit to sail on Lake Maggiore.
Ports of call
Several ports dot the shores of the lake, including five main ones:
- Visit port of Locarno which boasts several infrastructures and a shipyard.
- Visit port alla Resiga in Brissago along the south-eastern shore of the Italian border, surrounded by the Val Mara and Valle di Creda valleys on the Swiss side.
- Visit Cantiera Nautico Lavazza in Brebbia, a small port with visitor berths and the only petrol station in the area.
- Visit port of Piccaluga we're in Lisanza, one of the region's largest ports, with a shipyard and visitor squares, but far from the city.
- Visit port Ronco between Brissago and Ronco Sopra Ascona with a beach bar and restaurant, as well as a sailing and water sports school.
