Things To DoThings To Do
Borromean IslandsBorromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are the jewels of Lake Maggiore. There are three islands you can visit, Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori. You can access the islands by ferry from the town of Stresa. Boats to the Borromean Islands run regularly throughout the day so it's easy to hop on and off at each island.
Explore StresaExplore Stresa
Walk along Lungolago to admire the lake. Head into Stresa's old town to shop and have a gelato. At the end of the day, head back to the water to catch the beautiful Lake Maggiore sunset.
Villa PallavicinoVilla Pallavicino
Along Stresa’s lakefront, Villa Pallavicino is a noble home and park with a botanical garden and 40 different species of animals like peacocks, deer, llamas, sheep, zebra, and goats spread across nearly 45 acres. The villa is a short walk from Stresa city center.
Garden Alpinia in AlpinoGarden Alpinia in Alpino
This botanical garden is just 20-minutes by car from Stresa up a winding road. The garden sits more than 2,600 feet up on the side of Mount Mottarone between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta with incredible vistas of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.
MottaroneMottarone
If you continue up to the top of Monte Mottarone from the Garden Alpinia, you’ll be up nearly 5,000 feet looking at one of the most spectacular views in northern Italy. From here, you can see views of the Alps into Switzerland, the Apennines in Liguria, and up to 7 lakes on a really clear day. There are numerous trails for hikers and bikers or you can simply make the ascent to marvel at the views. The moderately challenging L1 Trail goes between Stresa and Monte Mottarone. Hiking up and back will take a full day. I think a better option is to take a taxi up to the top of Monte Mottarone and walk back down so you get to enjoy the spectacular lake and mountain views and the scenery during the hike back without making the strenuous climb to get there. If you have a car, you can also drive up to the top of the mountain.
Rocca di AngeraRocca di Angera
This fortified medieval castle sits quietly overlooking Lake Maggiore with beautiful protective walls and several areas to see within the castle complex without any of the spotlight other places in Italy get. Inside the castle itself, which dates back to at least the 11th century, you’ll find an old wine press room and rooms displaying Borromeo portraits and other art exhibitions. Be sure to check dates and times in the website depending on when you want to visit. You can also purchase a combination ticket to see other top sights at Lake Maggiore like Isola Bella and Isola Madre. You can drive to the castle or travel by ferry, which runs between Angera and Stresa.
Other ActivitiesOther Activities
If you have more time to explore, Verbania and its smaller hamlets, Intra and Pollanza, Baveno, Cannobio, Arona, and Laveno-Mombello are among the most beautiful towns on Lake Maggiore with historic sites, stunning gardens, charming old towns, and access to amazing natural beauty and outdoor activities. Driving is helpful when there are places you’d like to stop between towns like to see the ancient village of Carmine Superiore. But in most cases, you could use the ferries that run on the lake to hop from town to town. You can check the linked website for Lake Maggiore ferry routes and schedules.
