Lake Maggiore, both on the Lombardy and Piedmontese shores, offers a variety of places to discover. There are several stunning routes that can be covered by bicycle or trekking, but also on the water. So, what is the most beautiful town on Lake Maggiore? We're going to let you decide for yourself, with this selection of 10 places to discover on Lake Maggiore, Italy suggested by the SiViaggia portal.
Arona, in the province of Novara, is an historic Orange Flag town and rich in points of interest. Known in Italian as the Bandiera Arancione, the Orange Flag is a mark of excellence awarded to Italian towns that meet certain criteria in terms of tourism and the environment.
From the long lakeside promenade dotted with cafés to the Romanesque-style Church of the SS Martyrs to the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, a 35-metre statue that you can even enter and which dominates the view of the lake, to the Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park, this Unesco World Heritage site on the shores of Lake Maggiore has plenty to be discovered.
In the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Stresa includes three of the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori). It includes a spectacular lakeside promenade full of hotel buildings and Art Nouveau villas, including the Villa Pallavicino, with its English garden and zoo.
Stresa has long been a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, mild climate, and easy access to many of the region's top attractions. Visitors come to Stresa to enjoy the town's charming old-world atmosphere, stroll along the lakefront promenade, and explore the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Luino is yet another charming town located on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore in the Lombardy region of Italy. Close to the Swiss border, Luino is a great place to sample the local cuisine. The town has a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Italian dishes, such as homemade pasta, risotto, and fresh seafood from the lake, and every Wednesday Luino hosts an international market with over 400 stalls. The market is a lively affair, with vendors selling everything from local produce and cheeses to handcrafted goods, clothing, and jewelry.
Another must-see attraction in Luino is the Villa Serbelloni Park, a beautiful botanical garden that is home to over 900 species of plants and trees from around the world. The park offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and relaxing in nature.
Overlooking the Borromeo Gulf with a view of the islands of Lake Maggiore, Baveno is another elegant village on Lake Maggiore. It is known for its picturesque waterfront, historic architecture, and stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
One of the main attractions in Baveno is the beautiful 19th-century Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, which features a striking neoclassical façade and a magnificent bell tower. The church is located in the heart of the town and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Cannobio is a village on the shore of Lake Maggiore, the last before crossing into Switzerland, which has been awarded a Blue Flag for the quality of its water and beaches. Among the narrow streets and alleyways are monuments, churches, remarkable 16th and 17th century buildings and old fishermen's houses just waiting to be discovered.
One of the most famous landmarks in Cannobio is the Church of Santuario della Santissima Pietà, which is located on a hill overlooking the town. The church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
A few kilometres from Lake Maggiore and known for its 'little lake' with its Blue Flag beaches, Mergozzo is a pretty Alpine village with characteristic stone houses and cobbled alleyways. Mergozzo is also home to several historic landmarks, including the 16th-century Church of Santa Marta, which features a beautiful Baroque façade and stunning frescoes inside.
In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Mergozzo is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and countryside. The nearby Val Grande National Park is a beautiful wilderness area that is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. The park is home to several scenic trails, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools.
Mergozzo is also known for its excellent cuisine, including fresh fish from the lake, delicious local cheeses, and wines from the surrounding vineyards. The town has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars where visitors can sample the local specialties and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful lakeside town.
Cannero Riviera is a village overlooking Lake Maggiore in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area, set against a backdrop of lush nature favoured by a mild climate. Historical buildings dot the historic 'Linea Cadorna' and the castles of Cannero rise on mysterious islets.
One of the main attractions in Cannero Riviera is the beautiful lakefront, which features a small marina and a promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The town also has a small beach and several rocky coves that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
In the province of Varese, Angera, is embellished by a lakeside promenade with wide green spaces alternating with pedestrian streets, small harbours and a centre full of shops, historic buildings, and the Museum of Dolls and Toys, housed in the castle atop the Borromean Fortress.
The Rocca di Angera Castle is one of the town's main attractions and has a history dating back over a thousand years. The castle features a variety of architectural styles, from medieval towers to Renaissance palaces, and houses a museum that showcases the history of the castle and the town. Visitors can explore the castle's ramparts, towers, and courtyards, as well as the castle's rooms and exhibits, which include medieval artifacts, Renaissance paintings, and antique furniture.
On the Lombard shore, Laveno-Mombello connects Lombardy with the Piedmontese shore at Intra Verbania. In addition to a stroll along the lakeside promenade, the old town is home to charming little shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants (including the Locanda Pozzetto with its spectacular view of the lake).
Another popular attraction in Laveno-Mombello is the cable car that runs from the town to the nearby mountaintop village of Sasso del Ferro. The cable car offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the panoramic views.
In the province of Novara, Castelletto Ticino is part of the protected area of the Ticino Valley Natural Park, and is known for the vastness and variety of the natural landscape in which it is set. Near the La Torbiera Fauna Park, the village is the starting point of the cycle path to Pombia where the Gottard Park is located.
Castelletto Ticino is a popular destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. The town has several trails that lead through the surrounding hills and forests, and visitors can also rent boats and kayaks to explore the lake.