Best time to Visit Lake Maggiore
Italian Spring (March to May)
Italian Autumn (September to November)
• Isole Borromeo
• Monte Mottarone
• Museo dell’Ombrello e del Parasole
• Museo Europeo dei Trasporti
• Palazzo Borromeo
• Rocca di Angera
• Santa Caterine del Sasso
• Villa della Porta Bozzolo
• Villa Taranto
• Lago Maggiore – the lake itself
Italian Spring (March to May)
Italian Autumn (September to November)
Fun Facts about Lake Maggiore
- Lake Maggiore is Italy’s longest lake, spanning across 66km from end to end.
- The word “Maggiore” in Italian translates to “greater,” as the lake is significantly larger than the other surrounding lakes.
- The maximum depth of Lake Maggiore is 372 meters.
- Over 40 towns and villages surround the lake between Italy and Switzerland.
- The evidence of first human settlements around the lake dates back to the copper age.
Shortlist of all the Attractions and Activities available in Lake Maggiore
Attractions• Isole Borromeo
• Monte Mottarone
• Museo dell’Ombrello e del Parasole
• Museo Europeo dei Trasporti
• Palazzo Borromeo
• Rocca di Angera
• Santa Caterine del Sasso
• Villa della Porta Bozzolo
• Villa Taranto
• Lago Maggiore – the lake itself
Activities
• Canyoning between Lake Maggiore and Ossola Valley
• Gentle walking through the Ossola Valley
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking from Lake Maggiore to Mottarone
• Paddling in a kayak on Lake Maggiore
• Ride quad bikes off the beaten track
• See the sights on a Vespa scooter
• Take a helicopter flight over Lake Maggiore
• Trekking through the Ossola Valley
• Visit the Borromean Islands
• Visiting the Safari Park
Top 5 Attractions at Lake Maggiore
Isole BorromeoThe Isole Borremeo took over 400 years to construct under the instruction and funding of the Borromeo family. It was their vison and the work, together with over 100 men, which transformed a barren rock into an opulent island estate. This place is Italian aristocracy at its finest.
Monte Mottarone
Monte Mottarone is a mountain that overlooks Lake Maggiore, and can be accessed via a 30-minute cable car ride from Carciano. In the winter months, skiing on Monte Mottarone is very popular, as it offers 21 km of ski slopes to enjoy.
Rocca di Angera
The Santa Carolina del Sasso Photo Route, Borromeo Castle, the Sasso del Ferro Funivia, Lago Delio and Monte Lema & Tamaro.
Air – The Milano Malpensa Airport in Milan or the Il Caravaggio International Airport located in Bergamo, are the quickest options for the international traveler.
Rocca di Angera
The Rocca d’Angera overlooks Lake Maggiore and originally functioned as a vantage point to monitor the trade routes of ships. It now houses a museum filled with dolls and toys, which is said to be one of the greatest collections in Europe, showcasing dolls and toys from generations gone by.
Villa Taranto
Villa Taranto
Villa Taranto is a stunning botanical display featuring a rare species, a herbarium, a colorful dahlia exhibit, vertical gardens terrace gardens and a lotus garden. Open all year-round, Villa Taranto is worth adding to any itinerary.
Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
The botanical gardens of Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
charming and ancient hermitage was constructed in the 12th century, and is rich in devout catholic history. The magnificent architecture clings to the cliff face, overlooking Lake Maggiore, and is the picturesque setting for visitors to explore the stained-glass chapels.
This Top Events in-and-around Lake Maggiore
- The Stresa Festival – Yearly between July and September
- Around EXPO – Yearly between May and October
- L’Artigiano in Fiera – Yearly in December
- Spirit of Woodstock Festival - Yearly in October
- Festa Dell’uva Massera – Annually in September
What to eat in-and-around Lake Maggiore
- Share an Antipasto Platter: Enjoy uninterrupted views of Lake Maggiore while enjoying an antipasto platter from Ristorante Concordia , featuring all the local Italian delights.
- Enjoy a Glass of Vino: Italy is famous for its wines, thus why not quench your thirst with a local wine from the Angera area , while basking in the sunshine.
Itineraries in Lake Maggiore
There are quite a couple of places to visit. Find here a couple photo routes to inspire your next trip:The Santa Carolina del Sasso Photo Route, Borromeo Castle, the Sasso del Ferro Funivia, Lago Delio and Monte Lema & Tamaro.
Getting to Lake Maggiore
There are five ways to get to Lake Maggiore:Air – The Milano Malpensa Airport in Milan or the Il Caravaggio International Airport located in Bergamo, are the quickest options for the international traveler.
Rent a Car – Best option for flexibility and there are various rental companies in numerous towns surrounding Lake Maggiore. For tips on renting a car in this area please visit.
Bus – Great for families and groups.
Train – Efficient and cost effective way to access the surrounding towns of Lake Maggiore, including the Swiss town of Locarno and the Italian town of Luino.
• Costello del Sole
• Giardino Ascona
• Villa Orselina
Price / Quality ratio:
• Regina Palace
• Villa Belvedere Hotel
• Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Budget options & Family options:
• Hotel Splendid
• Camin Hotel Colmegna
• B&B Casabella - Bed and Breakfast sul Lago Maggiore
Unusual accommodation:
• Locanda de Mai Intees
• Local pottery and glassware – From Murano glass to handmade local pottery, the Ferri Cristina gift store has a special piece of Lake Maggiore to take home.
Exchange Rate: In this part of the world, it’s important to remember that you’ll get a better currency exchange rate in a bank, as opposed to a standard currency exchange stand.
Venture North: The southern part of Lake Maggiore is more highly populated and built up. Therefore, if it’s natural beauty you are looking for, then be sure to venture to the northern banks which are much more picturesque.
Follow The Sun: When planning a trip to Lake Maggiore, ensure you do your research on the position of the sun during your time there. Some of the lakeside accommodation has less sunlight due to the mountains surrounding the lake.
• Get Walking – Walking is free and an excellent way to see Lake Maggiore in all its glory. Don’t forget to walk along the water’s edge to experience the lake and its vastness.
• Eat Local - There are plenty of cafés, trattorias and restaurants around Lake Maggiore, so there are plenty of fresh food options which won’t break the budget.
- Go skiing at the Mottarone Ski Centre which is a short drive or bus trip form the lake.
Getting around and about in Lake Maggiore
As with anywhere in Italy or Switzerland, the best way to get around is on foot or by bicycle, so you have time to take in all the stunning landscape backdrops. For traveling further distances, buses are a cheap and cheerful option, and/or hiring your own car will give you the ultimate flexibility.Where to stay at Lake Maggiore
Luxury accommodation:• Costello del Sole
• Giardino Ascona
• Villa Orselina
Price / Quality ratio:
• Regina Palace
• Villa Belvedere Hotel
• Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
Budget options & Family options:
• Hotel Splendid
• Camin Hotel Colmegna
• B&B Casabella - Bed and Breakfast sul Lago Maggiore
Unusual accommodation:
• Locanda de Mai Intees
List of Recommended Souvenirs
• Fine Italian Chocolates – Silky smooth Italian chocolates from La Chocolaterie Des Iles.• Local pottery and glassware – From Murano glass to handmade local pottery, the Ferri Cristina gift store has a special piece of Lake Maggiore to take home.
Top Tips for Travelers to Lake Maggiore
Currency Advice: If you are intending to travel from one end of the lake to the other, then you will need to ensure you have both Swiss Francs and Euros available. Although there are a lot of places in Switzerland accepting euros, there are also a great deal who don’t. It’s best to be prepared with both currencies on hand.Exchange Rate: In this part of the world, it’s important to remember that you’ll get a better currency exchange rate in a bank, as opposed to a standard currency exchange stand.
Venture North: The southern part of Lake Maggiore is more highly populated and built up. Therefore, if it’s natural beauty you are looking for, then be sure to venture to the northern banks which are much more picturesque.
Follow The Sun: When planning a trip to Lake Maggiore, ensure you do your research on the position of the sun during your time there. Some of the lakeside accommodation has less sunlight due to the mountains surrounding the lake.
Enjoying Lake Maggiore on a Budget
• Plan Your Boat Trips - If riding on the transport boats across Lake Maggiore, it is important to know that every time you hop on and hop off you will be charged an extra free. Try to plan you boat trips carefully to avoid high travel costs while on the water.• Get Walking – Walking is free and an excellent way to see Lake Maggiore in all its glory. Don’t forget to walk along the water’s edge to experience the lake and its vastness.
• Eat Local - There are plenty of cafés, trattorias and restaurants around Lake Maggiore, so there are plenty of fresh food options which won’t break the budget.
Day trips from Lake Maggiore
- Visit Bergamo which is a stunning Italian city about a 1.5 hour drive south east of Lake Maggiore. Bergamo is famous for its winding cobblestone laneways and rich Italian heritage- Go skiing at the Mottarone Ski Centre which is a short drive or bus trip form the lake.
- Visit Borromeo Castle - Borromeo Castle (Rocca Borromeo di Angera) is an old castle in Lombardy. Before the Borromeo family bought the castle in 1449, it was owned by Visconti since the Battle of Desio in, 1277.
Website Link: http://www.illagomaggiore.com/en_US/home
Contact: info@illagomaggiore.com
Discover Lake Maggiore
Website: http://www.discoverlakemaggiore.com/
Photo Gallery – Lake Maggiore
Sources
Lonely Planet – Lago Maggiore; Illagomaggiore; Discover Lake Maggiore; Isole Borremeo; Monte Mottarone; Rocca di Angera; Villa Taranto; Stresa Festival; Around EXPO; L’Artigiano in Fiera; Spirit of Woodstock Festival; Festa Dell’uva Massera; Ristorante Concordia; Angera area; Milano Malpensa Airport; Costello del Sole; Giardino Ascona; Villa Orselina; Regina Palace; Villa Belvedere Hotel; Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees; Hotel Splendid; Camin Hotel Colmegna; B&B Casabella - Bed and Breakfast sul Lago Maggiore; Locanda de Mai Intees; Ferri Cristina; Mottarone Ski Centre; Fine Italian Chocolates; Ferri Cristina; Hospitals in Tronzano Lago Maggiore; Farmacia Maggiore.
Visitor Information & Useful Links
Lake Maggiore Official Tourism GatewayWebsite Link: http://www.illagomaggiore.com/en_US/home
Contact: info@illagomaggiore.com
Discover Lake Maggiore
Website: http://www.discoverlakemaggiore.com/
Medical Help
There are multiple medical centers around Lake Maggiore called Hospitals in Tronzano Lago Maggiore. Information on their locations can be found by visiting their website.Via del Lago, 2, 28053 Castelletto sopra Ticino NO, Italy
+39 0331 913622Related Blogs in-and-around Lake Maggiore, Italy & Switzerland
- Top 10 Fun Facts about Lake Maggiore
- Top 10 Fun Facts about Lake Garda
- A Short Guide to Bergamo
- Top 10 Fun and Must-do Activities in the city of Lugano
- The Top 10 Attractions in Como
Related Routes in-and-around Lake Maggiore & Italy
Monte Lema & Monte TamaroOne of the most beautiful hikes in the whole pre-alpine region. The amazing panoramic views from this ridge cover Lake Maggiore, the Centovalli, the Maggia Valley, the Verzasca Valley and Locarno to Bellinzona to the north and Lugano and its valleys and lake to the south, with the Alps, with Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. This hike is usually referred as Ticino's classics. This particular route goes in the opposite direction from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro. This variation brings more uphill walking but allows better scheduling due to rare buses going to Miglieglia.
Borromeao Castle
Borromeo Castle or the Rocca Borromeo di Angera is a very old castle in Lombardy. Before Borromeo family bought the castle in 1449 it was owned by Visconti since the Battle of Desio in 1277. Until then Della Torre family owned the castle. The castle is known for the Hall of Justice (Sala di Giustizia) which still contains its original late 13th century drawings depicting the victory of Ottone Visconti.
Santa Caterina del Sasso
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso is certainly one of the most interesting sights of Lago Maggiore. They say that the Hermitage was founded by a wealthy local merchant who, having survived a storm while crossing the lake, decided to go into retreat on this part of the lake side, and conduct the life of a hermit. So, the construction of a chapel was ordered. The chapel dates back to the 12th century!
Video’s about Lake Maggiore
Photo Gallery – Lake Maggiore
Sources
Lonely Planet – Lago Maggiore; Illagomaggiore; Discover Lake Maggiore; Isole Borremeo; Monte Mottarone; Rocca di Angera; Villa Taranto; Stresa Festival; Around EXPO; L’Artigiano in Fiera; Spirit of Woodstock Festival; Festa Dell’uva Massera; Ristorante Concordia; Angera area; Milano Malpensa Airport; Costello del Sole; Giardino Ascona; Villa Orselina; Regina Palace; Villa Belvedere Hotel; Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees; Hotel Splendid; Camin Hotel Colmegna; B&B Casabella - Bed and Breakfast sul Lago Maggiore; Locanda de Mai Intees; Ferri Cristina; Mottarone Ski Centre; Fine Italian Chocolates; Ferri Cristina; Hospitals in Tronzano Lago Maggiore; Farmacia Maggiore.
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