Lake Maggiore holidays

Popular holidays

Holidays to Lake Maggiore can be as chilled or active as you like, with plenty of fresh local food, regional wine and stunning scenery.

Lakeside villages

Stretching up to the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is a Swiss-Italian lake with loads to discover on both sides of the border. For a slice of la dolce vita, you can’t beat Stresa’s bustling café scene. Or if lido lounging and leisurely lunching's more your style, make a beeline for Baveno just along the shoreline instead. And you can’t forget the duo of Ascona and Locarno either – sitting side by side in Switzerland, these twin towns brim with history and culture.

Foodie scene

Restaurants and food play a big part in Italian culture, and even more so when you can dig into something delicious while also feasting your eyes on fab lake views. Many of the eateries around Maggiore maximise these views with big windows and terraces, to complement menus full of local produce. The weekly markets are a great way to immerse yourself in Lake Maggiore’s foodie scene. On Wednesdays, eat your way round some of the stalls at the most famous market in Luino, sampling regional fruit, veggies, cheeses and more.

Culture trip

For days when laying on a sun lounger just won’t cut it, Lake Maggiore's packed full of interesting things to see and do. The Borromean Islands – Madre, Bella and Pescatori – are undoubtedly the jewels in the crown. Reached only by boats, they're home to elegant palaces, botanical gardens and unique restaurants. There’s a handful of speciality museums to pique your curiosity too – like the eerily fascinating doll and toy collection at the Rocca di Angera, or the display of porcelain and ceramic pieces at the Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico. And as Lake Maggiore spreads across the border into Switzerland, you can shun the busier hotspots for a day and head north. The smaller lakeside resorts here are quiet and authentic.

Top destinations in Lake Maggiore

Looking over the lake at town on waters edge, church tower and green hills in the back

View of rooftops looking out onto the lake with mountains the other side of the lake

Popular hotels in Lake Maggiore

Top things to see and do in Lake Maggiore

Beaches

Take a dip in Lake Maggiore

Cool-off in the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore. The region is dotted with a mix of small, large and private shingle beaches along the shoreline – in varying degrees of pebbly texture. Lake Maggiore is wonderful for splashing about in and can touch temperatures of 20 to 22 degrees in the height of summer.

Watersports heaven

The beaches on Lake Maggiore are a watersport-lover’s dream. On the western side, the big beach of Cannobio offers kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing, as well as pedalos for hire. Diving and snorkelling are also popular activities on the lake, with water clarity as deep as 20m.

Lakefront lidos

The lidos on Lake Maggiore are maintained and looked after particularly well. Ascona lido is a favourite spot, as it’s free to enter and is lined by a stretch of sand. There’s a smaller lido in Baveno that has plush canopy beds and a wonderful restaurant.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Take your pick from several markets across Lake Maggiore, the most famous of which is held on Wednesdays in Luino. Started in 1541, it’s the biggest weekly market in Europe with 356 stalls edging the town’s main road and attracting bargain hunters from all over, especially Italy’s neighbouring countries.

Mid-range buys

The villages of Lake Maggiore host dozens of unique specialist shops. Drop by La Cambusa in Stresa, an authentic, family-run, food and drink shop, which houses a library sized selection of wines. Get chatting to the owners for a deep discussion and education on wines, balsamics, spices and oils.

Designer buys

If you’re ready to flash some cash then Milan’s Golden Triangle will tick all of your designer boxes. For high-fashion closer to Lake Maggiore, hop over to the easily accessible Swiss side of the water. The town of Lugano can provide a dose of sartorial satisfaction against a scenic mountain backdrop.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

There’s plenty of quieter pockets in each village for a more tranquil type of evening. Pick up an after-dinner ice-cream and gently stroll the streets before stopping off at a local bar for a nightcap.

Lively evenings

Lake Maggiore’s livelier nightlife can be found at the water’s edge. Cocktail bars, pubs and classic pavement cafés create a buzzing hub after the sun goes down. Most nights you could be in with a chance of stumbling upon some live music all over Lake Maggiore. So get ready to sit back, relax and listen to a little burst of jazz while savouring a couple of drinks.

Top Hotels in Lake Maggiore

Facts about Lake Maggiore

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours from London Gatwick

FAQs

What travel adapter do I need for Lake Maggiore?

When visiting Lake Maggiore, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. These plugs, known as Type C or Type F, are standard throughout Italy. You can also use Type L which has three-pins, we recommend bringing at least one adapter for your electronic devices.

Where can I try local food in Lake Maggiore?

To experience traditional Lake Maggiore cuisine, try local restaurants in towns like Stresa or Verbania. Look for dishes like risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto) or polenta with local cheese. Many resorts also offer authentic regional specialties in their restaurants.

Should I tip in Lake Maggiore?

In Lake Maggiore, tipping isn't obligatory, but it's appreciated for good service. At restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is welcome if not included in the bill. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is a nice gesture.

What are the best beaches in Lake Maggiore?

Lake Maggiore features lakeside lidos rather than traditional beaches, with Lido di Cannobio offering grass areas, pebble shores and shallow waters for swimming. Lido di Arona provides sunbathing spots and water access. Brissago has small pebble beaches with mountain views across the water.

What's the nightlife like in Lake Maggiore?

Lake Maggiore offers a lowkey evening scene with lakeside bars and restaurants in Stresa and Verbania. Head to the waterfront promenades for aperitivo culture and live music in summer. Many towns host seasonal festivals and outdoor concerts with mountain and lake views.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Lake Maggiore?

When visiting Lake Maggiore, greet people with buongiorno and dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees. Locals take a midday siesta, so shops often close between 1pm and 4pm. Tipping around 10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants.

Where are the best places to shop in Lake Maggiore?

Lake Maggiore provides diverse shopping experiences. You'll find charming boutiques and local markets in towns like Stresa and Arona. For unique souvenirs, visit the artisan shops in Cannobio. Many resorts offer convenient on-site shops for essentials and local products.

What should I pack for Lake Maggiore?

For Lake Maggiore, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring lakeside towns. Summer calls for lightweight clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses, while spring and autumn require layers as temperatures vary. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and swimwear for hotel pools during warmer months.

All destinations - Lake Maggiore

Stresa