Lake Maggiore, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland, is home to some of the most charming towns I’ve ever visited. These lakeside gems offer a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Italian culture that’s impossible to resist.
The most popular towns like Stresa, Verbania, and Arona are easily accessible within 1.5 to 2 hours from Milan by train. This makes Lake Maggiore an ideal destination for travelers exploring northern Italy.
When I first discovered Lake Maggiore, I was captivated by how each town has its own unique character. From elegant Stresa with its famous islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori) to the historic streets of Cannobio, there’s something magical about these waterfront communities. The lesser-known spots around the lake, such as Cannero Riviera and Leggiuno, offer equally beautiful experiences without the crowds.
My journeys around Lake Maggiore have convinced me that this region deserves more than just a day trip. The combination of Alpine views, Mediterranean climate, and Italian hospitality creates an atmosphere that’s both relaxing and inspiring.
Whether you’re interested in exploring historic villas, enjoying local cuisine, or simply soaking in the magnificent lake views, these 12 towns represent the very best of what Lake Maggiore has to offer.
The Enchanting Ambiance of Stresa
Stresa captivated me from the moment I arrived at this lakefront gem. As Lake Maggiore’s most popular town on the western shore, it serves as the perfect gateway to discover the famous Borromean Islands. Stresa also offers its own distinct charm and elegance.
The Grand Hotels and Lush Gardens
Walking along Stresa’s waterfront promenade, I was immediately struck by the Belle Époque architecture of the grand hotels that line the shore. These magnificent buildings with their pastel facades and ornate details transport visitors to a more elegant era.
Many hotels feature spectacular gardens that burst with color during spring and summer. The Villa Pallavicino Park deserves special mention with its:
- Botanical gardens featuring rare plant species
- Small zoo with exotic animals
- Walking paths with stunning lake views
- 19th-century villa at its center
I found the best time to explore these gardens is early morning when the light is soft and the crowds are sparse. The scent of camellias, azaleas, and Mediterranean flora creates an intoxicating atmosphere.
Live Music and Cultural Events
Stresa’s cultural scene surprised me with its vibrancy and variety. The town hosts the renowned Stresa Festival each summer, bringing world-class classical music performances to breathtaking venues around town.
I caught an evening concert at the magnificent Palazzo dei Congressi, where the acoustics perfectly showcased the orchestra. Throughout summer, outdoor performances take place in:
- The lakeside gardens of grand hotels
- Historic piazzas in the town center
- The beautiful Borromean Islands
Even outside festival season, Stresa maintains a lively calendar of events. Local cafés frequently feature live jazz music that spills into the streets on warm evenings, creating an enchanting soundtrack for an after-dinner passeggiata.
The town’s cultural richness extends to art exhibitions in smaller galleries and historic buildings, showcasing both Italian masters and contemporary talents.
Cannobio’s Historical Charm
Nestled on Lake Maggiore’s northwestern shore, Cannobio captivates visitors with its colorful buildings and rich history dating back to Roman times. This charming lakeside town offers a perfect blend of historical architecture and natural beauty.
A Stroll Through the Old Town
Walking through Cannobio’s historic center feels like stepping back in time. The pastel-colored houses create a picturesque backdrop as I wandered through narrow medieval streets. I was particularly struck by the Palazzo della Ragione with its distinctive clock tower overlooking the main square.
The town’s religious heritage is evident in the Sanctuary of SS. Pietà, a stunning 16th-century church built to commemorate a reported miracle. Inside, I found remarkable frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the lively town outside.
Don’t miss the Sunday market that transforms the old town into a bustling hub of activity. Locals and tourists alike gather to browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs.
The Lido and Lakeside Promenade
Cannobio boasts one of Lake Maggiore’s most beautiful waterfronts. The palm-lined promenade stretches along crystal-clear waters, offering spectacular views of the mountains that frame the lake.
I spent hours at the lido, a pristine beach area where families gather to sunbathe and swim. The water here is exceptionally clean – Cannobio has been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality for years running.
The lakeside area comes alive in the evenings when restaurants open their terraces. Enjoying fresh lake fish while watching the sunset over the water was a highlight of my visit. Small boats bob in the harbor, creating a tranquil scene that perfectly complements the town’s historical charm.
Verbania: Nature Meets Artistry
Verbania, the largest town on Lake Maggiore, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and artistic charm without the tourist crowds. I discovered this lakeside gem combines breathtaking gardens with distinctive neighborhoods that showcase the region’s creative spirit.
Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto
The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto are truly a paradise for nature lovers. Created in the 1930s by Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn, these gardens house over 20,000 plant varieties from around the world. When I visited in spring, the dahlia maze displayed vibrant colors that took my breath away.
The meticulously designed landscape includes terraced gardens, water features, and themed sections that change with the seasons. My favorite spot was the lotus flower pond, where pink blooms emerge from the water on summer days.
Don’t miss the villa itself, though the main attraction remains the gardens with their rare plant collections and thoughtful design. I recommend allowing at least two hours to fully appreciate this botanical masterpiece.
The Artistic Vibes of Suna and Pallanza
Verbania is divided into charming districts, with Suna and Pallanza being the most captivating. Walking through Pallanza’s lakefront promenade, I encountered beautiful Belle Époque architecture alongside modern art installations that reflect the town’s creative spirit.
Suna offers a more intimate feel with narrow cobblestone streets lined with artists’ workshops and boutiques. I stumbled upon numerous galleries showcasing local artwork inspired by the lake’s ever-changing moods and colors.
The Museum of Landscape on Via Ruga provides fascinating insights into the region’s artistic heritage. Many artists throughout history have been drawn to Verbania’s unique light and scenic beauty.
Local cafés often double as exhibition spaces for emerging artists. I enjoyed sipping espresso at Caffè dell’Arte while admiring paintings by local creators that perfectly captured Lake Maggiore’s essence.
The Timeless Elegance of Baveno
Baveno captivated me with its peaceful lakefront charm when I visited Lake Maggiore. This laid-back town sits just five minutes from bustling Stresa yet offers a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the Borromean Islands.
Admiring the Baveno Pink Granite
The town’s most distinctive feature is its famous pink granite, which has been quarried since Roman times. I spent a fascinating morning exploring the Granite Museum, where I learned how this beautiful stone has shaped the town’s history and economy. Many impressive buildings around Europe, including columns in Paris’s Opera House and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, were built using Baveno’s pink granite.
The colorful stone gives the town’s buildings a warm, rosy glow, especially at sunset. Walking through Baveno’s historic center, I noticed how many local structures incorporate this beautiful material in their facades and decorative elements.
Local artisans still work with the granite today, creating everything from small souvenirs to architectural elements.
Exploring the Borromean Islands
From Baveno’s picturesque harbor, I caught a ferry to explore the magnificent Borromean Islands. The town serves as an excellent, less crowded departure point than neighboring Stresa. In just 15-20 minutes, I reached Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens.
The ferry schedule is convenient, with boats departing regularly throughout the day in tourist season. I recommend buying the island-hopping ticket to visit all three islands: Bella, Madre, and Pescatori.
During my visit in spring, the islands’ gardens were in full bloom, creating a colorful paradise against the blue lake backdrop. Pescatori, the only inhabited island, offered charming seafood restaurants where I enjoyed a delicious lunch of locally caught fish.
Baveno’s waterfront promenade provides perfect views of these islands even if you don’t have time for the boat trip.
The Idyllic Simplicity of Orta San Giulio
Just a short distance from Lake Maggiore lies the enchanting town of Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta. Its historic charm and stunning lakeside setting make it one of northern Italy’s most romantic hidden gems.
The Mystique of San Giulio Island
The tiny island of San Giulio sits like a jewel in Lake Orta, visible from the town’s picturesque waterfront. I spent a magical afternoon exploring this small island, which you can reach via a short boat ride from Orta’s main square. The island is dominated by the Basilica di San Giulio, a stunning 12th-century church filled with remarkable frescoes and an ancient pulpit carved from serpentine stone.
Walking along the island’s only pathway, called “The Way of Silence,” I was struck by the peaceful atmosphere. Stone houses with wrought-iron balconies line the narrow cobbled path. The Benedictine monastery that occupies much of the island adds to the sense of tranquility and spiritual calm.
Sacred Mount of Saint Francis
Perched on a hill overlooking the town is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. I climbed the winding path through lush gardens to discover 20 chapels built between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Each chapel contains life-sized terracotta figures and vivid frescoes depicting scenes from Saint Francis’s life. The artistic details are extraordinary – from the expressive faces of the statues to the brilliantly colored wall paintings.
The peaceful woodland setting makes the sacred mountain a perfect retreat from the bustle of tourism. From several vantage points, I enjoyed breathtaking views over the lake and town below. The combination of natural beauty, religious significance, and artistic achievement makes this one of Lake Orta’s most remarkable attractions.
Ascona: The Swiss Riviera
Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, Ascona is Switzerland’s Mediterranean gem with about 5,600 residents. This picturesque town blends Italian charm with Swiss precision, creating a unique lakeside paradise that feels worlds away from typical alpine scenes.
Lakeside Relaxation and Water Sports
I love strolling along Ascona’s stunning promenade, lined with colorful buildings and swaying palm trees that create a true Riviera atmosphere. The lakefront here is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, with a pedestrian-friendly walkway perfect for enjoying gelato while watching boats bob on crystal-clear waters.
Water activities abound for every energy level. You can rent paddleboards for a peaceful morning on the lake or book sailing lessons from one of the many local schools.
The beach areas offer perfect spots for sunbathing, while numerous cafés provide front-row seats to breathtaking mountain-meets-lake views. Unlike busier Italian towns across the lake, Ascona maintains an uncrowded, upscale feeling even during summer months.
The Charm of the Old Town and Jazz Festival
Wandering through Ascona’s Old Town, I’m always charmed by the narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings. The heart of town is Piazza G. Motta. Locals and visitors gather at outdoor tables to enjoy aperitivos while watching the sunset paint the mountains pink.
Art galleries and boutiques fill historic buildings, showcasing both traditional crafts and contemporary works. The town has long attracted artists and creative minds, giving it a sophisticated cultural atmosphere.
The highlight of Ascona’s cultural calendar is JazzAscona, held annually in late June. This renowned festival transforms the lakefront into a music lover’s dream with performances from international jazz artists. Streets fill with music, food stalls, and dancing until late into the night.
Local restaurants serve excellent Swiss-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Fresh lake fish features prominently on menus alongside risotto and polenta dishes.
