Lake Maggiore holidays

Popular holidays

Visitors through the centuries have indulged in holidays to Lake Maggiore, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Europe. Here you can lose yourself in the scenery, visit the many cultural and artistic centres, or rev it up with some active sports.

Islands and castles

The lake is surrounded by hills and mountains which create tantalising reflections. You can visit some of the fortresses, castles and villas above the lake, and on the islands. The bordering towns and villages are a traditional mix of local style and faded splendour, with many interesting attractions and wonderful food. You'll find an unusual doll museum at the Rocca di Angera, and the 35-metre Colossus of St Carlo Borromeo in Arona. Many of the villas offer delightful gardens and parks, some with animals.

Sports and activities

In summer the lake is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, but you can also take part in more active sports such as canoeing, sailing, water skiing and scuba diving. Onshore you'll be able to try horse riding, golf, hiking and biking, and there are many athletic courses on the Lombardy shores. For a more restful pastime, get your foodie hat on and sample the local cuisine.

The beauty of nature

The natural environment is also a great attraction. There are several nature reserves, including a UNESCO biosphere at the Natural Park of the Ticino Valley.

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.