Lake Maggiore - Itinerary 4 days
The Perfect Gateway to Italy’s Iconic Lakes
Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy, Lake Maggiore offers a truly privileged location for discovering the region’s most iconic and romantic lakes. From here, guests can effortlessly explore not only the timeless beauty of Lake Maggiore itself—with its exquisite Borromean Islands, lush gardens, and aristocratic villas—but also the nearby Lake Orta, just 30 minutes away, and Lake Como, reachable in only one hour.
Attractive and picturesque, Lake Maggiore stuns for its majestic location, a vast expanse of water nestled within stunning peaks, the gentle lull of lapping waves a serene backdrop to many majestic outings. A triumph of colours and scents, the lake is dotted with many attractive towns, each with its unique soul and fabulous aura. Let’s prepare for four days of discoveries along the lake.
Lake Maggiore can easily be reached from several airports – all distances to Stresa:
- Milan Malpensa 55 km
- Milan Linate 107 km
- Bergamo Orio al Serio 133 km
- Verona Villafranca 232 km
- Turin Caselle 143 km
- Lake Como 87 km - 1 hour
- Lake Orta 24 km - 30 minutes
Day1 - Borromean Islands
Graceful and pretty spring to mind as you approach Lake Maggiore, the water appearing over the horizon, bringing a sense of genteel manners, one refined dwelling after the other. The lake is in fact home to many exclusive locations, its decadent atmosphere counterbalanced by exciting discoveries, like the gorgeous Borromean Islands, a quick ferry ride from lovely Stresa.
Tour Isola Bella and its Italian style gardens, then visit Palazzo Borromeo and its majestic art collection. Save some time for Isola Madre and pretty Isola dei Pescatori, revelling in their unique setting.
Be stunned by the striking flowers of Villa Pallavicino in Stresa and its lovely gardens: the park also includes a farm, a bookshop, a cafeteria and a playground.
Day2 - Villa Taranto and beyond
Enjoy the lakeshore to attractive Baveno, home to the stunning Romanesque church of Saints Gervaso and Protaso, then head to Verbania, the superb Villa Taranto and its botanic gardens. The dream of a Scottish captain, Neil MC Eacharn acquired the 19th c villa in 1931 and made it the world-famous garden where rare species, tulips and dahlias, a waterlily pond, a rhododendron wood and a centuries-old chestnut tree welcome guests in a maze of scents and blooms.
Head north and explore attractive Cannero Riviera, its mild climate more akin to the Mediterranean and ideal for a maze of blooms. Do not miss the spring Camellia show and the Citrus fruit festival. Close to the shore, the ruins of the Cannero castles seem to float on the water and are an idyllic sight. Further on, Cannobio is the last place before the border with Switzerland and a lovely historic town, the ravine of Sant’Anna and the hamlet of Carmine Superiore, perched on a hill above the lake make this location outstanding.
Day3 - Santa Caterina del Sasso and Rocca d'Angera
A ferry ride from Stresa, the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, on the Lombardy shore of the lake, is evocative and dreamlike. Its initial chapel dates back to the 12th c. and you can walk the several steps from the shore to enjoy a stunning view. An elevator was also recently built within the rock, unveiling a marvel of engineering.Do not miss Angera and its fairy-tale Rocca, famous for the timeless charm of its historic rooms and its medieval garden overlooking the lake.
Hike your way Adventurous souls will enjoy the remote and wild Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy. Zigzagged by several trails, the views are simply sublime, but make sure you know your way round, as mobile phones will not work! If in doubt, contact a local guide.
Day4 - Lake Orta
Lake hopping. Take the panoramic, mountain road from Stresa via Gignese and end in sublime Orta San Giulio. Lake Orta is a hidden gem. The jewel of the lake is Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval village with narrow cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and intimate cafés overlooking the water. Just a short boat ride away lies the mystical Isola di San Giulio, home to an ancient basilica and a silent convent, adding a spiritual touch to the lake’s already magical setting.
Lake Orta is perfect for those who appreciate slow luxury—where nature, history, and culture blend harmoniously. For lovers of understated elegance, Lake Orta offers a unique sense of place: intimate, soulful, and deeply Italian
Brand NEW
The Cammino del Lago Maggiore has recently opened. 240 km for 11 stages of waymarked trails along the shores of the lake for marvellous views and adventurous outings, or sections at a slower pace. The choice is yours!
Did you know that?
You can cycle all the way from Lake Maggiore to Milan! The cycleway goes via the Ticino and the Naviglio rivers along the Ticino park. You may also do a loop via Sesto Calende and Abbiategrasso, then up from Milan via Legnano, along Varese lake and back to Verbania. Gravel bikes are recommended!
NOT to be missed
Lake Maggiore is more than a destination—it’s an experience for the senses. Surrounded by majestic mountains and elegant historic towns, this enchanting lake offers a wide variety of refined and authentic excursions for every kind of traveler.
Charming towns like Stresa, Verbania, and Cannobio invite slow exploration, with boutique shopping, artisan gelaterie, lakeside cafés, and vibrant weekly markets. For a more exclusive touch, guests can enjoy wine tastings in historic cellars, helicopter tours over the lake, or curated art and garden visits with private guides.
Whether you’re seeking serenity, culture, or a touch of adventure, Lake Maggiore offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories in an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Not to be missed
- Nature park of Alpe Veglia and Devero
- Toce Waterfalls – Formazza Valley
- Nature park of the upper Antrona Valley
- Cableway Stresa-Mottarone
- Alpinia Botanic Garden, Stresa
- Fantasy Park Gianni Rodari, Omegna
- Painted murals in Legro and Pogno
- Hot springs and natural spas in Premia, Crodo and Bognanco
- The colossus of San Carlo, Arona
- Lake Mergozzo
- Macugnaga, the wild side of Monte Rosa
WHERE TO STAY: Villa e Palazzo Aminta Hotel & SPA
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