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What is Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore, also known as Lago Maggiore, is a large freshwater lake located in northern Italy and southern Switzerland. It is the second-largest lake in Italy and one of the largest lakes in Europe. Its beguiling islands, including Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, boast historic charm and lush gardens. The lake is characterized by its stunning beauty, clear waters, and surrounding mountainous landscapes. Explore ticket options, insightful information, and more to enhance your visit.
Quick Facts - Lake Maggiore
Area: Lake Maggiore covers an area of approximately 212.5 square kilometers.
Surface Elevation: The lake is situated at an elevation of 193 meters above sea level.
Length: It stretches for about 66 kilometers in length.
Cities: Lake Maggiore is surrounded by several charming cities and towns, including Stresa, Verbania, Arona, Locarno, Luino, Tronzano Lago Maggiore, and Pino sulla Sponda del Lago Maggiore.
Islands: The lake is dotted with picturesque islands, including Isolino Partegora, Brissago Islands, and Castelli di Cannero.
Inflow Sources: The lake is fed by multiple inflow sources, including the rivers Ticino, Toce, Tresa, and Maggia.
Why Visit Lake Maggiore?
Idyllic Island Escapes: Explore enchanting islands like Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori for a glimpse into their rich history and captivating gardens.
Boat Cruises: Embark on leisurely boat rides across the lake, taking in the serene surroundings and capturing postcard-worthy moments.
Cultural Treasures: Discover charming towns like Stresa and Verbania, each offering unique architecture, local markets, and cultural delights.
Water Sports Adventure: Engage in thrilling water activities such as sailing, swimming, and kayaking, embracing the lake's recreational offerings.
Historic Architectural Gems: Marvel at historical landmarks and palaces that dot the lakeside, showcasing the region's rich past and architectural beauty.
Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in a culinary journey with lakeside dining, savoring Italian delicacies while enjoying the serene lakefront setting.
Lake Maggiore Highlights
Isola Bella
Visit the captivating Isola Bella, featuring the grand Borromeo Palace showcasing opulent interiors. Wander through its terraced gardens, adorned with rare plants, sculptures, and fountains, offering an unforgettable glimpse into aristocratic life.
Isola dei Pescatori
Explore the quaint charm of Isola dei Pescatori, a fishing village frozen in time. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with historic houses, dine at lakeside restaurants, and capture the essence of traditional Italian life.
Stresa
Nestled on the lake's western shore, Stresa boasts a blend of elegance and nature. Admire Belle Époque architecture, take leisurely lakeside walks, and use it as a gateway to the Borromean Islands.
Verbania
Uncover the lush gardens of Villa Taranto, meticulously landscaped with a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Enjoy Verbania's lakeside promenade, cafes, and the historical charm of Intra.
Water Activities
Range over Lake Maggiore's waters through boating, sailing, and swimming. Explore hidden coves, discover lakeside towns from a unique perspective, and immerse yourself in the lake's refreshing embrace.
Scenic Drives
Set about on picturesque drives along the lakeshore, passing through charming villages like Baveno and Pallanza. Enjoy panoramic views of azure waters framed by majestic mountains.
Cable Car to Mottarone
Ascend to Mottarone's summit via cable car for breathtaking vistas. Marvel at the lake's expanse and surrounding Alpine landscape, making it a perfect spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Festivals
Immerse yourself in local culture by joining festivals like Stresa Festival, which celebrates classical music. Browse artisanal markets, sample regional foods, and witness traditional festivities.
All Your Ticket Options Explained
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tours
Best Suited for: Travelers seeking flexible island exploration.
Explore Borromean Islands at your pace. Hop on and off the boat as it departs every 30 minutes from Stresa, allowing you to linger at your favorite spots.
Discover Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre. From Baroque palaces and terraced gardens to quaint fishing villages, this tour offers a diverse island experience.
Recommended Tickets: Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour of Borromean Islands
Round-Trip Boat Transfers
Best Suited for: Visitors seeking a streamlined, quick, and efficient exploration
Hassle-free round-trip transfer from Stresa to Isola Bella for a streamlined visit.
Perfect for those wanting to explore a particular Borromean Islands's iconic attractions.
Recommended Tickets: Round-Trip Boat Transfers to Isola Bella from Stresa
Plan Your Visit to Lake Maggiore
Peak Season (July to August): During the summer months, Lake Maggiore is at its liveliest. The weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities like boating and swimming. The towns and attractions are bustling with tourists, offering a vibrant atmosphere, but it's essential to book accommodations and activities well in advance to secure your preferences.
Off-Season (November to March): In the off-season, Lake Maggiore is a serene haven. While the weather is cooler, the absence of crowds allows for a more peaceful exploration of the area. You can enjoy the natural beauty and cultural attractions with fewer tourists, although some services may have reduced availability. It's an excellent choice for travelers seeking tranquility and lower prices.
Lake Maggiore is situated amid several cities and towns, primarily in northern Italy and southern Switzerland. These cities and towns are scattered along the shores of Lake Maggiore, offering access to its natural beauty and various attractions. Some of the prominent cities and towns located around Lake Maggiore include:
By Ferry: Ferries run from Stresa to various parts Borromean Bay (to the Borromean Islands, Baveno, Pallanza, Villa Taranto and Intra) every 20 minutes.
By Car: From major cities like Milan or Turin take A8 and A26 highways. Parking facility: Parcheggio
Appropriate Attire: Dress comfortably with layers, as weather can change. Sturdy walking shoes are ideal for exploring gardens and towns.
Duration: Spend at least a day to fully experience Lake Maggiore's attractions and scenic beauty.
Island Hopping: Consider a hop-on-hop-off for flexible island hopping, including discounted entrances to Isola Bella and Isola Madre.
Ferry Schedule: Check ferry schedules in advance for convenient exploration of different towns and islands.
Language: While Italian is the primary language, many locals in tourist areas speak English.
Currency: In Italy, use the Euro (EUR), and in Switzerland, the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Sun Protection: Bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat during the sunny seasons to protect against UV rays while enjoying outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Maggiore
You can easily grab Lake Maggiore tours & tickets online. Choose from boat trips, round-trip ferry transfers or hop-on-hop-off tours.
Lake Maggiore offers a variety of tours, including boat tours to the Borromean Islands, guided cultural tours of towns like Stresa and Verbania, and scenic excursions.
For ticket pricing details, you can refer to particular ticket inclusions. Round-Trip Boat Transfers to Isola Bella from Stresa start from €8.
The duration of tours can vary, so it depends on the specific tour you choose. Some boat tours can be a few hours, while cultural tours may take a full day.
Lake Maggiore is a beautiful freshwater lake located in northern Italy and southern Switzerland, known for its stunning scenery and charming towns.
You can access Lake Maggiore by purchasing tickets online, and then you have multiple transportation options like train, bus, car, or boat to reach the lake.
Lake Maggiore is situated in northern Italy and southern Switzerland.
Highlights include the Borromean Islands, picturesque towns like Stresa and Verbania, scenic boat rides, and cultural festivals.
You can reach Lake Maggiore by train, bus, car, or boat, depending on your starting point and preferences.
Dress comfortably, especially for boat tours, and consider wearing layers as the weather can change. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable for exploring gardens and towns.
It's a good idea to bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Must-see attractions on Lake Maggiore tours include the Borromean Islands, known for their stunning palaces and gardens, Stresa, a picturesque town with access to the islands, and scenic boat rides offering breathtaking views of the lake.
Get one ticket and hop between the three islands on Lake Maggiore!
Hop on this round-trip boat tour to the Borromean Islands and explore terraced gardens, beaches, and more at your own pace.
Visit three islands along the shores of Lake Maggiore with ease, as boats roll around every 30 minutes.
Explore Isola Bella’s enchanting palace and gardens, savour the seafood of Isola Pescatori, and stroll through the botanical wonders at Isola Madre.
Inclusions
#
Round-trip boat transfers from Stresa to the Borromean Islands
Stops at Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, and Isola Madre
Boat Tour Route
Hop on this boat tour and discover pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and exotic botanicals of the Borromean Islands.
Schedule
First bus: 9am from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
Last bus: 6pm from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
What’s not allowed
Pets are welcome on the boat, but not inside any of the museums or gardens you visit.
Accessibility
The boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Additional Information
Please note that the service is not guaranteed in case of severe weather conditions or strong winds.
You will have to pay the landing fee of €0.50 per island, per person locally.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Wander around the gardens & beaches of Stresa with this round-trip boat transfer ticket from Stresa.
Enjoy round-trip boat transfers from Stresa to Isola Bella, one of the most stunning spots of the Borromean Islands.
Experience ultimate speed and convenience as boats arrive every 30 minutes to sail across Lake Maggiore to the island.
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this compact island, featuring the stunning Baroque Borromeo Palace, intricate Italian gardens, and clear lake views.
Inclusions
#
Round-trip boat transfers from Stresa to Isola Bella
Boat Tour Route
Hop on board and visit Isola Bella's flower gardens, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters.
Schedule
First bus: 9am from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
Last bus: 6pm from Piazza Guglielmo Marconi
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
What’s not allowed
Pets are welcome on the boat, but not inside any of the museums or gardens you visit.
Accessibility
The boats are not wheelchair accessible.
Additional Information
Please note that the service is not guaranteed in case of severe weather conditions or strong winds.
You will have to pay the landing fee of €0.50 per island, per person locally.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Stresa
Stresa to Borromean Islands Round-Trip Boat Transfers
Get one ticket and hop between the three islands on Lake Maggiore!
Hop on this round-trip boat tour to the Borromean Islands and explore terraced gardens, beaches, and more at your own pace.
Visit three islands along the shores of Lake Maggiore with ease, as boats roll around every 30 minutes.
Explore Isola Bella’s enchanting palace and gardens, savour the seafood of Isola Pescatori, and stroll through the botanical wonders at Isola Madre.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Flexible duration
Transfers available
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Stresa
Stresa to Isola Bella Round-Trip Boat Transfers
Wander around the gardens & beaches of Stresa with this round-trip boat transfer ticket from Stresa.
Enjoy round-trip boat transfers from Stresa to Isola Bella, one of the most stunning spots of the Borromean Islands.
Experience ultimate speed and convenience as boats arrive every 30 minutes to sail across Lake Maggiore to the island.
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of this compact island, featuring the stunning Baroque Borromeo Palace, intricate Italian gardens, and clear lake views.
