Lake Maggiore holidays
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Holidays to Lake Maggiore can be as relaxing or active as you like, with an enticing focus on fresh local food, regional wine and beautiful natural scenery.
Lakeside villages
Stretching up to the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is a Swiss-Italian lake with lots to discover on both sides of border. For a slice of la dolce vita, you can’t beat Stresa’s bustling café scene. Or if lido lounging and leisurely lunching is 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 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.
Culture trip
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.
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Top things to see and do in Lake Maggiore
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Top Hotels in Lake Maggiore
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