Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore
Why not holiday in Lake Maggiore…a truly breath-taking lakeside destination in Italy.
We are proud to offer a unique collection of holiday rentals in Lake Maggiore, from villas with private pools to stunning apartments to rent in the beautiful towns of Stresa, Baveno and Verbania.
Lake Maggiore
Why not holiday in Lake Maggiore…a truly breath-taking lakeside destination in Italy.
We are proud to offer a unique collection of holiday rentals in Lake Maggiore, from Lake Maggiore villas with private pools to stunning Lake Maggiore apartments to rent in the beautiful towns of Stresa, Baveno and Verbania.
Lake Maggiore really is a gem of a lake - it may be one of the three most famous lakes in Italy but it is unfairly overshadowed by the better known and visited Lake Garda and Lake Como. As much as we love Garda and Como as holiday destinations, it is Lake Maggiore that really creates a refreshing change and demands to be a must-visit for your next Italian holiday.
Free of the noise and crowds of Garda and overt glamour of Como, Maggiore really is a breath of fresh air with vast open spaces, beautiful surrounding mountains and a feel of a bye-gone era with grand promenades, elegant properties and gardens. In spring and early summer months, the shores are lined with oleander, orange blossom, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, lemons and magnolias, which rightfully attracts plant lovers from all over the world.
If you are a fan of lakeside holidays, it's hard to beat Lake Maggiore with its Mediterranean vegetation, outstanding backdrop of the Alps and lovely resorts. It also offers a unique holiday experience as it allows you to not only discover the lake, but also the mountains and towns in one holiday with a great network of ferries, which make sure that there is always something new to explore.
The resorts
If you are concerned about where to stay in Lake Maggiore, don't be as all of the resorts are breath-taking; think pretty hillsides peppered with quaint fishing villages and multi-coloured houses leading down to the shoreline, you really are spoilt for choice...
Baveno has particularly taken us aback; a sleepy townwith its winding cobbled streets, small harbour and pretty lakefront promenade. It's a gem of a resort for a more traditional calm and relaxing stay on the lake.
Stresa, on the other hand isthe main resort and a lively option for those who like to be in the hustle and bustle of Italian life. Think stylish café' culture in busy piazza's, smart shops in the pedestrianized old town, art galleries and outdoor classical music concerts. It's also a great base to catch a boat to the nearby Borromean islands or take the cable car up the Mottarone mountain to take in the views.
Facing Stresa on the northern shore is the charming lakeside town of Verbania and another great place to base yourself. This area includes gorgeous pathways surrounded by lush vegetation leading down to the shore. Verbania is home to an abundance of beautiful gardens including the famous botanical gardens at Villa Taranto. This resort also offers many well-known villas such as Villa Giulia and nearby Villa San Remigio.
What to do
Island hopping! A visit to this area would not be the same without a trip to the Borromean islands of Madre, Bella and Pescatori, which are an absolute dream and one of the biggest attractions for travellers enticed by the charm of the belle-époque. Reached by a boat trip, they offer a real insight into the colourful past of this region and are awash with elegant palaces, jaw-dropping gardens and picture-perfect moments. Isola Bella with its fascinating 17th century palace and outstanding terraced gardens is an absolute must.
From the lido of Stresa, you can take a cable car up the mountain to see some of the most spectacular views of the lake and surrounding areas. The first stop gives you the opportunity to discover the alpine gardens but the last stop at the summit provides a magnificent viewpoint to see across the Alps and Po Valley as well as including several other lakes. Although Garda may be better at promoting itself for its outdoor activities and attracting sports lovers, Maggiore holds its own in this area and offers hiking, biking, golf, and horseback riding - it is a natural paradise for those loving the outdoors. The lake itself is also ideal for sailing, yachting, water-skiing and diving.
In terms of excursions, you will be spoilt for choice; enjoy wine tasting in nearby vineyards; Milan is only a short distance away and offers a wealth of culture, history and great shopping to match and it is even possible to visit neighbouring Switzerland for the day.
What to eat in Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore is located between the Italian regions of Piemonte and Lombardia, which means you get the best of both worlds in terms of excellent cuisine! Expect to find risotto and fresh pasta as well as stews and freshwater fish caught from local lakes and rivers.
The lake is renowned for its cheese and wine production - making it an ideal place for an afternoon tasting tour. The local cheeses are even more delicious when eaten with the high quality honey produced in the area.
In terms of wine, you will find both full-bodied and fragrant wines from the nearby hills of the Novara area, notably Nebbiolo and Barbera. Whether you are trying a gorgeous pastry from one of the numerous bakeries, sipping an aperitivo, tasting some of the local speciality meats or dining in a gourmet restaurant overlooking the lake, Maggiore doesn't disappoint on the food front.
How do I get to Lake Maggiore?
It is relatively easy to access Lake Maggiore as it is within easy reach of Milan.
The quickest way of getting to the lake from Milan is on the A8 motorway, which is only 50 miles (80 km) - approx. 80 mins by car. You can also take a train (60-90 mins) or bus (80 mins) from central Milan to resort of Stresa. In terms of airports, Lake Maggiore's nearest airport is Malpensa, a mere 50 mins by car and bus or 90 mins by train and you can also use Milan Linate.
Why Maggiore?
What's there not to like…imagine crystal clear waters, sparkling blue skies and idyllic lake islands. A lake that is breathtakingly beautiful but less visited than its better-known sister lakes in Italy.
The weather in Lake Maggiore is great with mild winters and long warm summers. Its lakeside promenades are simply perfect for afternoon strolls in the sun and its well-kept gardens and architecture will keep culture at the forefront of your holiday.
Excursions to the mountains, boat rides to islands, tours of botanical gardens, watching the world go by in bustling café's or simply relaxing with lakeside views… you'll have a hard time deciding what to choose on your visit to Maggiore.
