Are you yearning for a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking scenery? Lake Maggiore, divided between Italy and Switzerland, offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. In just three days, you can do whatever you can think of.
In just three days, you can go from sipping wine in a vineyard to visit more nearby lakes. You’ll see castles, taste amazing food, and probably even win some prizes (okay, maybe not).
Let’s embark on a 3-day itinerary to explore its hidden gems and immerse yourself in its tranquility. Follow this guide and you’ll have the best weekend vacation already planned, just remember to choose the perfect accomodation for you.
Day 1 – An historical full immersion
Start your journey in Stresa, a charming town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. From here, take a boat trip to the enchanting Borromean Islands, a group of three islands renowned for their beauty and historical significance.
Morning – Visit Stresa
Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, taking some fresh air and treating yourself with a delicious breakfast at one of Stresa’s charming cafes, savoring fresh croissants, stuffed brioches, or the traditional sbrisolona cake, accompanied by a hot cappuccino.
For history and culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Villa Pallavicino is a must. This stunning villa, surrounded by lush gardens, houses an impressive collection of art and sculptures. Explore the elegant interiors, admire the beautiful gardens, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake.
To continue your relaxing morning, take a boat trip to the nearby Borromean Islands. Discover the enchanting Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, each offering unique attractions and stunning scenery.
From Stresa to Borromean Islands
Afternoon and evening – Hopping between Borromean Islands
Once you arrive at Stresa shore, you can choice you first destination between these incredible islands:
Isola Bella: the most famous of the Borromean Islands. Ascend the terraced gardens, adorned with exotic flowers, fountains, and statues. Explore the magnificent Baroque palace, filled with exquisite artwork and antique furnishings. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the greenhouse, where you can encounter a variety of colorful flowers and plants.
Isola Madre: discover the botanical paradise of Isola Madre, home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe. Wander through the lush gardens, filled with exotic plants, towering trees, and vibrant flowers. Explore the historic villa, filled with elegant furnishings and stunning views of the lake.
Isola dei Pescatori: visit the quaint fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori, known for its colorful houses and charming atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants, specializing in fresh seafood.
Day 2 – Activities on Lake Maggiore are calling!
Verbania and Mottarone offer a perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Explore the leisury town, immerse yourself in the Mottarone nature, and create live incredible experiences.
Morning – Campbase in Verbania
Explore the historic center of Verbania, discovering its narrow streets, elegant villas, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Villa Taranto, a renowned botanical garden showcasing a diverse collection of exotic plants and flowers.
For nature enthusiasts, Verbania offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Rent a bike and explore the scenic paths along the lake. As lunchtime approaches, head to the lakeside and find the perfect waterfront restaurant. Those will grant you outdoor seating with stunning lake views.
After have satisfied your buds, get ready for an incredible hike on Mottarone mountain, around 1h away from Verbania.
From Verbania to Mottarone
No train ride connect Verbania to Mottarone
It takes 53 minutes to drive from Verbania to Mottarone. The distance is 22.1 miles (35 km).
It takes 3 hours and 18 minutes to bike from Verbania to Mottarone. The distance is 19.5 miles (31 km).
Afternoon and evening – A enchanting hike on Mottarone mountain
Take a cable car ride to the summit of Mottarone, enjoying stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The journey offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. Once at the top, explore the charming Alpe Mottarone, a mountain village with restaurants, shops, and a playground.
Mottarone is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through the scenic trails, offering varying levels of difficulty and stunning vistas. Enjoy a picnic amidst the alpine meadows or simply relax and soak up the tranquility of the mountain environment.
For adrenaline seekers, Mottarone offers challenging mountain bike trails, allowing you to explore the rugged terrain and enjoy exhilarating descents.
Day 3 – Enjoy nature and landscapes of nearby Lakes
Mergozzo and Orta Lakes offer a serene escape from the more popular towns of Lake Maggiore. Explore their charming towns, discover their clean water, and chill on the beach or on a boat, navigating around on the Lakes.
Morning – Mergozzo Lake Overview
Step out of your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. The crystal-clear waters of the lake shimmer in the sunlight, reflecting the majestic mountains that surround it. Enjoy a peaceful day at the beach in one of the most cleanest and clearest water of Italy. Need something more active?
Hike up to Montorfano mountain and explore San Giovanni complex, immersed in the woods. For a less tiring activity you can reach the nearby town of Candoglia. Here you’ll find an massive cave where marble is extracted. I know what are you saying… what the heck of useless information is this? But no, it is not an useless information, and I tell you why.
Back in the 14th century, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the Duke of Milan, had a vision: to build a cathedral that would surpass any other in Europe. He realized that ordinary building materials wouldn’t suffice. So, he turned his attention to the Candoglia quarry. So, approaching the Candoglia cave you can experience a guided tour to discover how they used this marble to build the majestic duomo di Milano.
From Mergozzo Lake to Orta Lake
The train ride is 25 miles (41.5 km) and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. You’ll need to transfer once in Gravellona Toce.
It takes about 45 minutes to get from Mergozzo to Orta San Giulio by car
The bike ride is 18 miles (30.9) km and takes about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Afternoon and evening – Orta Lake full immersion
After arriving in the town of Orta San Giulio, take a ferry ride to San Giulio island. Once here, walk through its peculiar streets. Admire the stunning architecture, including the Romanesque church of San Giulio, perched atop a hill overlooking the lake.
For nature lovers, Orta Lake offers plenty to explore. Take a boat tour back to Orta San Giulio town and hike up to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the series of chapels adorned with intricate frescoes and sculptures.
As the day comes to an end, relax on the waterfront promenade and stop at one of the many traditional restaurants to try some of the regional specialties like fishes (baked coregone, fried alborella, trout or pike), some cheese (Bettelmatt, Toma del Mottarone or l’Ossolano d’Alpe) and a dessert (apple pie or butter biscuits).
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: morning in Stresa and afternoon in Borromean Islands.
- Day 2: morning in Verbania and afternoon in Mottarone mountain.
- Day 3: morning in Mergozzo Lake and afternoon in Orta Lake.
Lake Maggiore is just the beginning. With its water adventures, charming villages, and delicious cuisine, it will ignite your desire to explore italian lakes even more. What’s your next destination?
