Our top 10 around the lake – Borromean Islands, Brissago, Santa Caterina, Villa Taranto, viewpoints and valleys – with routes, prices and FAQ.
Top 10
Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful lakes in northern Italy and offers a wealth of attractions spread across two countries and three regions. First-time visitors face an almost overwhelming choice. To make planning easier, here is our top 10 of sights on Lake Maggiore – each one chosen from our own experience.
In the rest of the article we look at each of these highlights in detail, give concrete route tips and show how many of the finest sights can be experienced most atmospherically from the water – for example on a private boat tour with the Striga Constanze.
Anyone researching "Lake Maggiore sights" knows the problem: dozens of travel blogs, endless lists, contradictory tips. In the end you have an overloaded holiday plan that sounds more like a duty roster than relaxation. Yet this lake deserves the opposite – time, calm and an eye for what matters.
Lake Maggiore stretches across Italy (Piedmont and Lombardy) and the Swiss canton of Ticino, with completely different faces: baroque islands in the south, wild valleys in the north, botanical gardens on the shore, Alpine panoramas on the peaks and lively markets in small towns. This diversity is the lake's greatest asset – and at the same time the biggest challenge when planning.
We at Striga Constanze are based in Laveno-Mombello all year round and know the sights not only from land but above all from the water. This article helps you pick a clear, easily combinable selection from the wealth of destinations – including concrete suggestions for enjoying several highlights in a relaxed way on a single day.
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+ €20 p. p.Private tourThe lake of gardens
Lake Maggiore offers a mix of Italian flair and Alpine landscape that clearly sets it apart from the other northern Italian lakes. The Insubrian climate brings mild winters, few frost days and an exceptionally long growing season – the basis for the famous gardens with subtropical plants, camellias and palms you would otherwise expect on the Mediterranean.
In numbers: the lake is about 64 km long, reaches a maximum depth of around 372 metres and covers an area of just over 212 km². About 80% lies in Italy; the northern part belongs to the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. But what makes Lake Maggiore truly unique is the density of villas, parks and botanical gardens along its shores – from Villa Taranto to Isola Bella and the Brissago Islands. It's not for nothing it's called the "lake of gardens". And many of these sights only reveal their full impact from the water: the view of Santa Caterina del Sasso in the cliff or of Isola Bella's terraces from a boat is simply a different experience than from land.
Islands and gardens are the heart of Lake Maggiore. Nowhere else in the region do history, botany and landscape come together so densely. Two island groups deserve special attention – the Borromean Islands on the Italian side and the Brissago Islands in Ticino.
Borromean Islands near Stresa and Verbania
The Borromean Islands lie in the bay of the same name between Stresa, Baveno and Verbania-Intra. The islands are easy to reach by boat from Stresa – both by scheduled boats and private boats. The season for palace and garden visits usually runs from March to October.
Isola Bella is 320 metres long and 180 metres wide – and yet a universe of its own. Isola Bella is known for the Palazzo Borromeo and terraced gardens spread over ten levels across the island. Inside the palace, visitors find baroque halls with tapestries and pebble-mosaic grottoes. Isola Bella is famous for its baroque palace, built from 1632 by Carlo III Borromeo. Outside, white peacocks stroll among exotic plants. Visit time: 2–3 hours for palace and garden.
Isola Madre is the largest of the Borromean Islands and much quieter than Bella. Isola Madre has a botanical garden with exotic plants – including a historic Kashmir cypress, magnolias and camellias. The palazzo houses a remarkable collection of historic marionettes. If you're looking for nature and quiet, this is the place. Visit time: 1.5–2 hours.
Isola dei Pescatori is known for its picturesque fishermen's houses and its year-round inhabited fishing village with narrow lanes. There's no palace and no museum, but authentic restaurants with fresh fish dishes and a particularly atmospheric evening mood. Ideal stop for lunch or dinner: about 1 hour.
In the morning Isola Bella (2–3 hours), lunch on Isola dei Pescatori (1 hour), Isola Madre in the afternoon (1.5–2 hours), back to Stresa in the evening for a stroll along the promenade. If you'd like to avoid waiting at the scheduled boat piers, you can combine the islands on a private boat tour with flexible stops.
Ticino
The Isole di Brissago lie in the Swiss part of the lake, near Brissago and Porto Ronco. Of the two islands, only the larger one – San Pancrazio – is open to the public; the smaller one remains in its natural state. The botanical garden on the Brissago Islands has over 1,600 plant species from five continents, including palms, bamboo groves, agaves and eucalyptus trees. The particularly mild microclimate makes this diversity possible – a natural wonder on 2.5 hectares.
Boats leave regularly from Ascona, Locarno and Porto Ronco. The crossing from Ascona takes about 15 minutes. The garden is usually open from mid-March to mid-October, daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Allow 2–3 hours for the journey and garden tour.
Tip: Combine a visit to the Brissago Islands with a stroll through Ascona's lanes. Swiss prices are somewhat higher – also keep the exchange rate of the currency (Swiss francs) in mind – but the special atmosphere on the island makes the difference.
Lake Maggiore is a lake of villas and gardens – a blend of nature and culture that is unparalleled in Europe. Historic estates, botanical paradises and spiritual places line the shores.
Villa Taranto is home to over 20,000 plant species and is one of Europe's most famous botanical gardens. Villa Taranto covers 16 hectares in Verbania, the largest town on the lake with about 31,000 inhabitants.
The seasonal highlights change: in spring thousands of tulips turn the beds into a sea of colour, in late summer the dahlia maze impresses, and in autumn the foliage brings warm tones. Add lotus ponds and water features that keep the walk varied. The garden is open from March to early November.
For a thorough visit with photo stops and a break in the garden café, allow 2–3 hours. Morning or late afternoon offer the best light.
Tip: Combine with a walk through the old town of Verbania-Intra or a ferry trip to Laveno-Mombello – from there continue up to Sasso del Ferro.
Santa Caterina del Sasso was built in the 12th century – according to legend by a cloth merchant who survived a storm on the lake and, in gratitude, set a chapel into the cliff. Today the complex includes a convent, church and chapel with frescoes from the 13th to 17th centuries, arcades and viewing terraces looking straight out over the lake.
Access is via about 268 steps from above or via a lift in the rock. Alternatively, scheduled boats dock directly below the monastery. Admission is about €5 (reduced €3); opening hours vary by season – in summer usually daily 9:00–18:00. Visit time: 1–1.5 hours.
Photo tip: The most dramatic view of the hermitage is from the water. Our tour "Magical morning atmosphere: Santa Caterina" shows the monastery in the first light of day, when the façade is reflected in the calm water.
The south of the lake
The Rocca d'Angera dates from the 12th century and towers over the south of the lake. The castle has belonged to the Borromeo family since 1449. Inside, the fresco halls impress – above all the Sala della Giustizia with depictions of the Battle of Desio (1277). The Museum of Dolls and Toys shows over a thousand exhibits from different eras and materials, from the 18th century to today. The medieval castle garden, reconstructed in 2008, blends harmoniously into the complex.
The Rocca d'Angera is usually open from mid-March to early November. Admission costs about €18 for adults and about €13 for children (6–15 years). Combination tickets with the Borromean Islands are available for about €55.
The Colosso di San Carlo in Arona completes the trip to the south: the walk-in statue of Saint Charles Borromeo is over 23 metres tall, around 35 metres including the pedestal. Inside you can climb up into the statue's head and look out over the lake through small openings. It was completed in 1698.
Tip: Plan a half-day or day trip in the south of the lake – castle, statue and a walk along Arona's promenade combine well. Continuing south, you'll also reach Sesto Calende at the lake's southern tip.
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Stresa became a popular resort in the mid-19th century and has kept its Belle Époque charm to this day. Grand hotels line the promenade, which looks straight out onto the Borromean Islands. Stresa is the starting point for island visits and for Monte Mottarone, which can be reached via a toll road.
Baveno lies just a few kilometres north: a quieter resort with a granite-quarrying history and a lovely promenade. Scheduled boats to the islands also leave from here.
Recommendation: An evening stroll along Stresa's promenade with a view of the illuminated islands is the ideal end to a day after an island visit or a boat tour.
The mountains are the second great pillar of Lake Maggiore's sights. Easily reached viewpoints with cableways, Alpine valleys and views across the whole lake make every ascent worthwhile – weather permitting.
From Laveno-Mombello – our home port with around 9,000 inhabitants – a cableway with open baskets (the famous "Bidonvia") runs up to Sasso del Ferro. The cableway to Sasso del Ferro climbs to over 1,000 metres and offers a 360° panorama of the lake, the Monte Rosa massif and, in clear weather, far into Ticino. At the top there's a restaurant, a bar and a paragliding launch site.
Practical tip: The most beautiful light is in the late afternoon. From our home port of Laveno-Mombello, a boat tour and a mountain ride combine perfectly in one day.
From Locarno (about 15,000 inhabitants) a chain of lifts leads up to Cardada and on to Cimetta: first the funicular to the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church, then the cable car to Cardada, and finally a chairlift to Cimetta. Locarno already offers the Piazza Grande and the Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church as sights in the valley. The Madonna del Sasso pilgrimage church is in Locarno; it was built after an apparition of the Virgin Mary on a rock. Madonna del Sasso is an important pilgrimage destination. The church impresses with a neo-Renaissance façade and baroque stucco work. The path to the church follows the historic "Via Crucis" Stations of the Cross.
At the top of Cardada and Cimetta, a panoramic walkway awaits from which, on clear days, you can see both the lowest point in Switzerland (the lake surface) and some of the highest peaks. Hikes of all levels, mountain biking and snowshoe tours in winter are possible.
Combination tip: Visit the pilgrimage church first, then continue up the mountain – combining culture and nature in one morning.
Monte Mottarone (1,491 m) lies between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. From its summit you can see up to seven lakes in clear air. The mountain can be reached via a panoramic toll road or on foot. Halfway up lies the Alpinia garden with its views.
Monte Verità above Ascona is also worthwhile – an easy viewpoint hill with cultural history, walking paths and a lovely view of the lake and the Brissago Islands.
Tip: Weather and visibility are decisive for panoramic trips. When the air is clear, prioritise the mountain over the beach day.
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Private tourLake Maggiore is surrounded by some of the region's most spectacular valleys – perfect for day trips that delight hikers and nature lovers alike.
The Valle Verzasca is 25 kilometres long and ideal for hiking. The emerald-green river winds through granite rocks and under historic stone bridges. The best-known photo motif is the double-arched Ponte dei Salti at Lavertezzo.
Activities: swimming in the natural rock pools (beware of currents!), hiking the "Sentierone" along the Verzasca, bungee jumping from the dam wall near Vogorno – the filming location of the James Bond film "GoldenEye". The starting point is Locarno; a PostBus line serves the valley. In high summer the valley can get very busy – early mornings and late afternoons offer the quietest atmosphere.
The Valle Maggia opens north of Locarno with wide valley floors, side valleys full of stone villages, waterfalls and old bridges. Trails of all levels follow the riverbanks, which invite you to swim in summer.
The Centovalli – the "valley of a hundred valleys" – lies west of Locarno and surprises with gorges, small villages and historic bridges. The Centovalli railway runs through the "valley of a hundred valleys" and is considered one of the most beautiful train routes. The Centovalli railway covers 52 kilometres through the Alps, from Locarno to Domodossola in Piedmont, in about two hours over more than 80 bridges and viaducts. The route is especially rewarding in autumn, when the foliage bathes the landscape in warm colours.
Val Grande National Park covers 14,600 hectares and was officially founded in 1992. The park is Italy's largest wilderness area – largely uninhabited and with limited infrastructure. Pizzo Mottac is 1,695 metres high and lies within the park. The core zone of the park is uninhabited and hard to reach.
For experienced hikers, Val Grande is a paradise: long, demanding tours through untouched nature. Shorter entry points exist above Intra or near Cicogna and Val Pogallo – these are also doable for sporty day-trippers. If you feel unsure alone, guided tours are a safe option.
Much of Lake Maggiore's flair comes from the towns and villages on the shore – each with its own character, history and often lively weekly markets.
Cannero Riviera has orange trees and palms on the shore of Lake Maggiore thanks to its mild climate. From the promenade you look out onto the Castelli di Cannero – castle ruins standing picturesquely in the lake.
Verbania unites the districts of Intra and Pallanza with lovely squares, waterside cafés and Villa Taranto as its main attraction. All three places can be combined into a day route, whether by car along the shore or by boat.
Locarno is the starting point for numerous trips into Ticino's valleys and mountains. The Piazza Grande, the international film festival in August and the camellia show in spring define the town. From here the routes lead into the Valle Maggia, the Valle Verzasca and up to Cardada–Cimetta.
Ascona charms with pastel houses, narrow lanes, the historic Collegio Papio and a relaxed, slightly glamorous atmosphere at the harbour. Those seeking relaxation will find everything for a perfect evening here.
Tip: Dinner in Ascona with a view of the Brissago Islands, Verzasca or Valle Maggia during the day; a combination of bus and boat keeps the trip flexible.
Luino is famous for its Wednesday market – a tradition since the 16th century. Art Nouveau buildings, a wide promenade and the bustle on market days make the town lively. Tip: arriving early pays off because of parking and crowds.
Laveno-Mombello has 9,000 inhabitants and is our home port. The town offers a ferry connection to Intra (car ferry), the Sasso del Ferro cableway, a small old town and the ideal base for trips across the whole lake. More on the east shore.
Tip: Market day in Luino in the morning, followed by a leisurely boat trip or a swim stop on the shore. Our private tours start directly from the harbour in Laveno.
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On the water
A boat trip on Lake Maggiore is more than transport – it opens up views of monasteries in the cliffs, castles on the shore, island gardens and villas that can't be seen like this from land. Many of the top sights – from the Borromean Islands and Santa Caterina del Sasso to the Castelli di Cannero – can be ideally bundled into "lake days".
Scheduled boats & classic lake cruises
The Navigazione Lago Maggiore network connects the main ports: Stresa, Baveno, Verbania-Intra, Laveno, Locarno, Ascona, Cannobio and Luino. Typical cruises include island hopping from Stresa, day tickets for the upper lake or the Lago Maggiore Express – a popular combination of train and boat.
Practical: in peak season (July/August) scheduled boats are quite full at peak times. Timetables vary seasonally, and bikes can be taken on larger ferries. More in our timetable article.
Striga Constanze
We offer private boat tours with a skipper on a traditional gaff cutter from Laveno-Mombello – for 3, 4 or 7 hours, for up to 8 guests at a fixed price (up to 12 on request). Every tour belongs exclusively to one group.
Especially atmospheric are: Santa Caterina del Sasso in the morning light, the Borromean Islands without waiting times, the Castelli di Cannero, the shores of Stresa, Pallanza and Cerro, and hidden bays no scheduled boat calls at. Every tour runs at your own pace – a swim stop, aperitivo or a spontaneous restaurant visit on land are possible at any time.
What makes it special: a traditional sailing boat instead of a motorboat, the sound of wind and water instead of loudspeakers, red gaff sails instead of a plastic roof. Rebooking is free in bad weather. There are also special themed tours – from romance to the family pirate tour and the exit game "The Treasure of the Mazzarditi" – but the focus is always on rediscovering the sights from the water.
Many visitors plan too many individual destinations per day – and come home exhausted rather than refreshed. Here are three tried-and-tested sample days for different preferences:
In the morning by scheduled boat or private boat tour to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella with palace and gardens, a fish lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Madre in the afternoon. In the evening a stroll and aperitivo in Stresa.
In the morning Villa Taranto in Verbania, followed by a walk through Verbania-Intra. In the afternoon the ferry to Laveno-Mombello, ride the cableway up Sasso del Ferro and enjoy the sunset over the lake.
In the morning Locarno with Madonna del Sasso and the ride up to Cardada–Cimetta. Alternatively: a whole day in the Valle Verzasca with Ponte dei Salti and swimming in the granite pools. Dinner in Ascona by the harbour.
A hike in Val Grande National Park (for the experienced) or a relaxed half-day in the south with Rocca d'Angera, the Colosso di San Carlo and a lakeside walk in Arona.
Depending on the length of your stay, these building blocks can be moved around flexibly. A private boat tour "in the middle" of the holiday brings welcome variety between land and water experiences. More ideas in our short-break article.
Full boats, rigid departure times, crowds at the piers – that's the reality of many lake cruises in summer. If you really want to experience the sights on Lake Maggiore, you need a different rhythm.
Not every sight suits every holidaymaker equally. Here's some guidance by interest:
Isola dei Pescatori to explore, Villa Pallavicino with animals and park, the doll museum in the Rocca d'Angera, Cannobio beach with water sports, the family pirate tour on the Striga Constanze. More: Lake Maggiore with kids.
Sunset from Sasso del Ferro, evening mood in Ascona or Stresa, a private sunset boat tour, Santa Caterina del Sasso in the evening light, a walk through Pallanza to Villa Taranto.
Valle Verzasca, Valle Maggia, Val Grande National Park, Mottarone, Cardada–Cimetta, Gambarogno hiking trails.
Borromean Islands, Brissago Islands, Villa Taranto, historic churches such as Madonna del Sasso and Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, villas in Stresa and Verbania.
Small villages like Cannero Riviera, Cerro, Ranco, lakeside walks, a slow boat tour with swim stop and aperitivo. More: hidden bays & quiet places.
Prices vary by season and provider, but this overview gives a solid frame of reference for planning:
Striga Constanze prices: 3 hours from €490, 4 hours from €690, 7 hours from €990 – each a fixed price for the whole group, skipper included. Up to 8 guests at a fixed price, up to 12 on request. Extras like the exit game or meditation cost an additional €20 per person.
Money-saving tip: In peak season (July/August), book tickets for popular sights such as the Borromean Islands or the Rocca d'Angera online in advance – it saves waiting time and secures your preferred date.
No-obligation enquiry, reply within 24 hours. Weekends in the 2027 season go fast.
This section bundles the typical planning questions holidaymakers ask us most often before their trip.
At least 3–4 full days for the main highlights. Ideally 7–10 days, to enjoy islands, a viewpoint mountain, a valley and several lakeside towns at a relaxed pace – without turning the holiday into a checklist.
Next step
The variety at Lake Maggiore is huge – but with good planning your holiday will be relaxed rather than stressful. Instead of ticking everything off, it's worth picking 2–3 personal highlights from this article and building your itinerary around them. A day on the islands, a day in the mountains, a day on the water – often that's enough for memories that last.
If you'd like to experience the finest sights from a completely different perspective, you're welcome aboard the Striga Constanze. Our private boat tours on the traditional gaff cutter start from Laveno-Mombello and fit flexibly into any travel plan.
For questions or a no-obligation enquiry, reach us via WhatsApp at +39 333 3802 383, by email at info@striga-constanze.com or via our contact form. We usually reply within 24 hours. Reservations for the season from 1 March 2027 are already possible.
Skipper of the Striga Constanze
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