Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore: Top Towns (and Hotels)
Northern Italy is famous for its stunning lakes. While most travelers head to the more iconic Lake Como or Lake Garda, I can really recommend adding Lake Maggiore to your list, especially if you want to beat the crowds and enjoy the beautiful Alpine landscape.
Lake Maggiore is Italy's second-largest lake, and its shores cross the border into Switzerland. The north of the lake offers the best hiking and scenery, especially if you're looking for snow-topped mountains and flower-covered meadows. The middle and southern sections of the lake are a little flatter and are popular with those living in Milan looking for a weekend break.
But, as Italy's longest lake, where to stay in Lake Maggiore can get confusing. Are some towns more beautiful than others? Which is best for access to the rest of the beautiful lake? And what if it's your first time in the area?
In this guide, I'm going to take you through my favorite towns and areas of Lago Maggiore so you can plan the perfect trip that perfectly suits your own style.
Getting to Lake Maggiore
One of the reasons why the northern Italian lakes are so popular is that they're pretty easy to get to. It takes just over an hour to drive from Milan to lakeside towns such as Stresa and Verbania and there are lots of rail options too. You can jump on a direct train from Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi which will take you to Arona, Stresa, and Verbania-Pallanza which are all towns on the western side of Lago Maggiore. If you want to go higher up on the western side, I'd recommend going to Laveno by train, which is on the eastern shore, and taking a ferry across to Intra or another town.
Lake Maggiore is also easily accessible from Switzerland. The first time I went to this area of Italy, I started in the ski resort town of Zermatt and drove for two hours. If you like winding mountain roads and stunning scenery, I can definitely recommend this route!
Getting around Lake Maggiore
As is the case with Lake Como and Lake Garda, there are several ways of getting around Lake Maggiore. One of the best is using the water taxis. These ferries leave the bigger ports regularly and they're an economical and fun way to see the towns from the water. Some busses and trains run between different towns although, depending on where you're staying, they're not always the most reliable way of exploring Lake Maggiore.
Hiring a car is another possibility. Almost all the towns are easily accessible via road but some don't have a lot of parking or it can work out quite expensive, so check this in advance.
1. Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore for a Lively Atmosphere and Easy Access to the Rest of the Lake: Verbania
Best for: Couples, explorers, and those wanting to do water sports
Verbania, also known as the Garden on the Lake, is Lake Maggiore's biggest town. It's made up of two smaller towns called Pallanza and Intra, and if I were you, I'd try to stay in the more central Pallanza-Verbania area, which is more beautiful.
Verbania is located on a section of land that juts out into the water on the western coast of the lake. Its unique location means you get stunning views up and down the lake and you can almost always see an impressive Alpine mountain in the background.
Pros of Staying in Verbania
Well connected to the rest of the lake
Lots of accommodation options
Great restaurants
Beautiful lake views
Lots of things going on
Cons of Staying in Verbania
It's the biggest town on the lake, so it might not be the peaceful location some are searching for
Where to Stay in Verbania
($$$) Grand Hotel Majestic
Set in a 19th-century villa, Grand Hotel Majestic offers private access to the lake, a tennis court, stunning gardens, and a full wellness center. The on-site Beola Restaurant offers outdoor dining and amazing, traditional Italian dishes.
($$) Intra Hotel
This hotel is located in central Verbania, right on the shore of Lake Maggiore. The rooms are traditionally decorated with spectacular views of the surrounding town and lake. There's also free parking.
($) Casa Adelina – Appartamento Pallanza Centro
This one-bedroom holiday home is located in central Verbania, in the Pallanza area. It's fully equipped and simply decorated with amenities nearby.
Things to Do in Verbania
Visit the Borromean Islands: You can't spend much time on Lake Maggiore without hearing about the Borromeo family. They're a noble and ancient family from Florence that was pushed out in an uprising, meaning they were forced to go to Lake Maggiore and basically bought most of the land there. The Borromean Islands are one of the top tourist attractions on the lake and are made up of 3 small islands and 2 islets. They're the perfect place to marvel at the incredible lakeside villas and the wonderful gardens that give Verbania its name!
Visit the Botanical Gardens: Even if you're not a lover of flowers, you'll be hard-pressed to say the Verbania Botanical Gardens aren't incredible. In fact, many people visit Lake Maggiore just to check out the sprawling lakeside gardens.
Eat on Isola Pescatori: Ok, so this is actually one of the Borromean Islands but it's my favorite – yes, even more than Isola Bella. Isola Pescatori is an old fishing island and it's the perfect place for a seafood lunch. Trattoria Imbarcadero is a great spot.
2. Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore for Elegance and Lakeside Charm: Stresa
Best for: Couples, families, relaxing, and typical lakeside architecture
There is nothing stressful about Stresa. In fact, the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful villas are two of the reasons I love this town so much. It's located on the banks of Lake Maggiore, on the other side of the inlet from Verbania, so also has wonderful views of the water and surrounding mountains.
The lungolargo, or lakeside promenade, is one of the main highlights of Stresa. It's perfect for an evening stroll and to watch the fancy boats zoom up and down the lake. It also offers great views of the Borromean Islands, which are really close by.
Pros of Staying in Stresa
Lots to see and do
Great bars and restaurants
Relaxed and charming atmosphere
Beautiful villas to admire
Cons of Staying in Stresa
Can be very busy in peak tourist months
Where to Stay in Stresa
($$$) Boutique Hotel Stresa
This is a new hotel with state-of-the-art facilities in a great location. There's an outdoor pool, an extensive garden, a fitness center, and a great restaurant. The best bit about this hotel is its rooftop bar which is perfect for that aperitivo!
($$) Hotel Regina Palace
If you want traditional luxury when visiting Lake Maggiore, then this hotel is perfect. All rooms are decorated with antiques and the building is beautiful. There's a swimming pool and it's perfectly located for exploring Stresa.
($) Affittacamere Via Mazzini
This is a great hotel offering really well-priced rooms in central Stresa. They're fitted with basic amenities, are clean, and are just 60 meters away from the lake shore!
Things to Do in Stresa
Have an Aperitivo: There's nothing quite like enjoying a tasty aperitivo with a beautiful view when you're in Italy. As you can imagine from elegant Strasa, there are lots of great places to enjoy an evening drink. El Gato Negro has a great selection and a beautiful courtyard to sit in.
Visit Villa Pallavicino: This is another Lake Maggiore/Borromeo Family legacy and one that's definitely worth visiting. It has a huge garden that's wonderful to walk around and it even has a zoo!
Hike Up Mount Mottarone (or Just Take the Cable Car!): Mount Mottarone is the mountain that separates Lake Maggiore from Lake Orta and, as you can imagine, it offers incredible views from the top. It's a great hiking trail to the top or you can get the cable car up. When at the top, head to Alpyland and enjoy over a kilometer of alpine bobsleigh track – it's the perfect way to get 360-degree views!
Go for a Swim: Lake Maggiore's water is beautiful and it's great for swimming. There are a couple of little beaches a short walk away from central Stresa. My top tip is to wake up early and head to one before anyone else – it's the perfect way to imagine it's your private beach and that you own one of the nearby villas!
3. Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore for History and Nature: Laveno Mombello
Best for: Hiking, water sports, and a relaxed vibe
Laveno Mombello is on the other side of the lake from Verbania and Stresa, in the Lombardy region. It was once one of the most important ceramic-making towns in all of Europe, and you can still see beautiful tiles all around town. Although another popular tourist spot, Laveno feels a little more secluded than other towns on the lake's edge, although that may just be my perception.
It's the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon walking around the cobbled streets, eating gelato in the squares, and watching the sunset over the lake from the main promenade.
Pros of Staying in Laveno Mombello
Plenty of things for everyone to do
Amazing views
Very beautiful town to wander around
Great hiking nearby
Cons of Staying in Laveno Mombello
Fewer accommodation options
Where to Stay in Laveno Mombello
($$$) Hotel de Charme Laveno
Hotel de Charme Laveno is a stunning hotel with heated outdoor pools and lake views in a really peaceful setting. There's a spa and wellness center as well as a fabulous restaurant and bar.
($$) La Casa Sul Porto
These wonderful apartments have stunning mountain and lake views and a terrace to enjoy them from. There are different, fully-equipped units to choose from and there's free parking too.
($$) La Dama del Porto
La Dama del Porto is located right on the lakefront and is perfect for an afternoon dip. It's easy to walk to all the nearby attractions and there's a great Italian restaurant on site too.
Things to Do in Laveno Mombello
Visit the International Museum of Ceramic Design: The museum is in the Palazzo Perabò and is a great way to get a feeling for what Laveno Mombello was like in its industrial heyday.
Go to Poggio Sant'Elsa: Poggio Sant'Elsa is a beautiful little village behind Laveno Mombello that you can reach by cable car. There's a panoramic terrace in the village which gives you a perfect view of the Alps, Monte Rosa, and the lake. It's the perfect spot for a romantic holiday.
Go Hiking: There are so many fantastic hiking trails around Lake Maggiore and many of them pass through Laveno Mombello. The Alta Via Vararo is one of the most famous and offers incredible views of the lake and mountains.
See the Underwater Nativity Scene: Yes, you did read that correctly. Every year on the 5th of December, divers lay an underwater nativity scene in the lake in front of Laveno Mombello. It's difficult to see it during the day but, at night, underwater lights illuminate the stone figures and it's so beautiful to see!
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Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore: Frequently Asked Questions
📅 When's the Best Time to Visit Lake Maggiore
Some of the towns around the lake are very seasonal and there's not a lot going on out of season. However, some of the bigger ones, such as Verbania and Stresa are inhabited all year long. The best times to visit are spring and fall when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are smaller. I also love the lakes in winter as the snow-covered mountains add extra beauty.
👨👩👧 Is Lake Maggiore a Good Place to Take Kids?
Yes! There are lots of great things for kids to do. Of course, they can enjoy splashing around in the lake's shallows but there are also some aqua parks dotted around the lake and plenty of sports for them to try out. Most of the restaurants are very family-friendly too.
💰 Is Lake Maggiore Expensive?
The Italian lakes aren't exactly a go-to for budget holidays but, saying that, Lake Maggiore tends to be cheaper than the likes of Lake Como, especially if you cook in your accommodation. You can also find luxury and there are plenty of 5-star hotels and fine-dining restaurants to choose from too.
Where to Stay in Lake Maggiore – Final Words
Lake Maggiore may not be as well-known as Como or Garda but I definitely think it's worth visiting. There are lots of towns and villages dotted around the lake's edge and these are just three of my favorites.
There's plenty to do in each of them and they're really well connected to other parts of the lake too. Whether you fancy lying on the beach, trying as many pasta dishes as possible, or hiking through very impressive scenery, Lake Maggiore won't disappoint.
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