Life around the lake moves at its own pace, shaped by ferry timetables, mountain light and long lunches that drift into the afternoon. These are the best places to explore on Lake Maggiore, each with a distinct personality and a strong sense of local identity.
Getting to know Lake Maggiore
Straddling Piedmont and Lombardy and stretching up towards the Swiss border, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s second-largest lake and one of the most varied in character.
It's one of the best Italian lakes for short breaks, thanks to its mix of Belle Époque villas, idyllic islands, mountain backdrops and towns that still function as real communities.
Ten places to discover on Lake Maggiore
Arona
Arona is an Orange Flag town, a quality mark awarded to small Italian destinations that manage tourism and heritage particularly well. The lakeside promenade is wide and sociable, with cafés that fill up at aperitivo time.
Between Romanesque churches and nature reserves, Arona blends culture and outdoors in a way that suits slow living.
Top thing not to miss:
Climb inside the 35-metre Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, then wander through the Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park for woodland trails and prehistoric remains.
Baveno
Baveno tends to feel calmer than neighbouring Stresa, though the views are just as striking. The waterfront is framed by pink granite buildings, a local stone that shaped much of the area’s architecture.
It’s compact, walkable and well placed for exploring the islands without staying in the busiest hub.
Top thing not to miss:
Step inside the 19th-century Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, then take a short boat ride across the gulf for island-hopping.
Stresa
Stresa is often considered one of the most elegant towns on Lake Maggiore, sitting opposite the Borromean Islands. Grand Liberty-style hotels line the waterfront, and there’s a slightly faded glamour that hints at its Belle Époque heyday.
The setting, with mountains rising behind the lake, gives it a cinematic feel without losing its Piedmontese roots.
Top thing not to miss:
Take a boat to Isola Bella and explore the Borromeo Palace with its baroque gardens cascading down towards the water, some of the most beautiful in Italy.
Luino
Luino sits on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, close enough to Switzerland to feel a subtle cross-border influence. It’s particularly lively on Wednesdays, when its vast open-air market spreads through the centre with more than 400 stalls.
Food is a highlight here, with lake fish, risotto and solid trattorias that cater to regulars rather than passing crowds.
Top thing not to miss:
Spend a morning at the Luino market, then head up to Parco a Lago and on to nearby viewpoints for sweeping views across the water.
Cannobio
Right near the Swiss border, Cannobio is one of the prettiest villages on Lake Maggiore and a great Italian lake town to call home. It boasts colourful houses and a Blue Flag beach, and its medieval lanes open onto a surprisingly broad lakeside promenade.
It’s a favourite with families and second-home owners who value clean water and a relaxed pace.
Top thing not to miss:
Visit the Santuario della Santissima Pietà, built after a reported 16th-century miracle, and take in the lake views from its elevated position.
Mergozzo
A few kilometres from Lake Maggiore, Mergozzo sits beside its own smaller lake and feels more Alpine than Mediterranean. Stone houses, cobbled alleys and flower-filled balconies give it a storybook quality.
It’s quieter and greener, which appeals if you prefer mountains and hiking trails over boat traffic.
Top thing not to miss:
Explore Val Grande National Park, one of Italy’s wildest protected areas, for serious hiking and dramatic, untouched landscapes.
Cannero Riviera
Cannero Riviera enjoys a particularly mild microclimate, which explains the citrus trees and lush gardens dotted around town. The historic Linea Cadorna fortifications run through the hills.
It’s compact and low-key, with a small beach and an easy-going waterfront.
Top thing not to miss:
Take a boat out towards the Castles of Cannero for close-up views of these atmospheric medieval ruins rising straight out of the lake.
Angera
Angera sits directly opposite Arona, with a long promenade edged by green spaces and small harbours. The town centre has a lived-in feel, with independent shops and traditional cafés rather than glossy boutiques.
Above it all towers the Rocca di Angera, a fortress that has watched over the lake for centuries.
Top thing not to miss:
Explore the Rocca di Angera and its Museum of Dolls and Toys, then walk along the battlements for wide-open views across Lake Maggiore.
Laveno-Mombello
Laveno-Mombello connects Lombardy to Piedmont via ferry, making it practical as well as scenic. The old town has small shops and straightforward trattorias, and it’s less polished than Stresar.
It’s also a gateway to the mountains, so you get both lake life and altitude in one place.
Top thing not to miss:
Ride the cable car up to Sasso del Ferro for panoramic views over Lake Maggiore and, on a clear day, as far as the Alps.
Castelletto Ticino
Castelletto Ticino lies at the southern end of Lake Maggiore, where the Ticino River begins its journey towards the Po. Surrounded by the Ticino Valley Natural Park, it feels wilder and less manicured than the central lake towns.
It’s popular with locals who are into cycling, kayaking and long riverside walks.
Top thing not to miss:
Follow the cycle path towards Pombia through the Ticino Valley, keeping an eye out for wildlife in this protected stretch of northern Italy.
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