Lake Maggiore Holidays

The picturesque fishing villages on Lake Maggiore are a sight to see. Clusters of rainbow-coloured buildings pepper the shoreline and fade up into the hills, giving each village its own unique personality. Lively Stresa is a stark contrast to its quieter, less tourist-heavy neighbour of Baveno. Wherever you choose to stay though, you’ll find winding, cobbled streets lined with shops, lakefront promenades full of family-run pavement cafés, and a real mix of lavish architecture and faded grandeur that begs to be explored.

Restaurants and food play a big part in Italian culture, and even more so when you can savour something delicious while also feasting on beautiful 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, vegetables, cheeses and more.

For days when laying on a sun lounger just won’t cut it, Lake Maggiore is 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 jaw-dropping 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. Lake Maggiore spreads across the border into Switzerland, so shun the busier hotspots for a day and head north. The smaller lakeside resorts here are quiet and authentic.