Best Sunset Spots on Lake Maggiore

I’ve spent a fair bit of time chasing sunsets around this lake, and let me tell you, it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! Forget your fancy cocktails because the real star of the show here is Mother Nature, painting the sky in shades you didn’t even know existed.

“Okay, a sunset is a sunset, right?” Wrong! On Lake Maggiore, each spot offers its own unique vibe and a slightly different angle on the fiery farewell.

I’m about to spill the beans on some of the absolute best places to witness these breathtaking displays. Trust me, your future self, the one who’s just experienced an unforgettable Lake Maggiore sunset, will thank you. Let’s dive in!

Lakeside spots

You know that feeling when the day’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, and all you really need is that golden hour to wash over you? Well, let me tell you, if you’re anywhere near Lake Maggiore, you’re in for a treat.

Sunset on Borromean Islands

Catching the sunset on the Borromean Islands is one of those “pinch me” moments that actually feels even better in real life than in any photo. I was recently kicking back on a boat, the kind that doesn’t break the bank but still gets the job done, and as the sun started its slow-motion dip behind the Alps, the whole scene just went bonkers in the best way possible.

As the sun goes down, the colors just pop against all that greenery – it’s like nature’s own light show. And finally, my personal favorite, Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island). It’s the only one that’s actually inhabited year-round, and as the sky turns all sorts of crazy oranges and pinks, the little fishing boats bobbing in the water create this really charming, almost postcard-perfect view.

Honestly, it’s not just about the pretty colors, though there are plenty of those. It’s the whole atmosphere. The air gets a little cooler, the lake becomes this mirror reflecting all the fiery hues above, and there’s this sense of peacefulness that washes over everything.

Sunset in San Giulio Island

Now, everyone raves about San Giulio Island‘s history and its whole ‘island of silence’ vibe, which is cool and all, but let me tell you, stick around for sunset. Seriously. As the day starts to wind down, and the crowds thin out (because, let’s be honest, who wants to leave this place?), the whole island gets bathed in this unreal light. The ancient basilica, that imposing stone fella right in the middle, starts to glow like it’s got its own internal light source.

The lake itself transforms into a giant, shimmering mirror. And the best part? Because the island is small and pretty much car-free (bliss!), there’s this amazing stillness. You can actually hear the gentle lapping of the water against the shore, which just adds to the whole magical feel.

I found myself wandering along the narrow, winding paths, and every corner seemed to offer a new, even more breathtaking view. The old stone buildings, with their weathered walls and quirky little windows, suddenly looked even more charming, almost as if they were blushing in the fading light.

Sunset in Orrido di Sant’Anna

I know, I know, the name sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, but trust me, the real deal is even better. So, there I was, standing on the edge of this incredible gorge – Orrido di Sant’Anna, if you want to get technical – and the sun was starting its grand finale for the day.

Now, I’ve seen a few sunsets in my time, some pretty spectacular ones too, but this one was different. The way the light hit the rugged rock faces of the gorge was just… wow. Seriously, no fancy filter could ever capture it. The colors started shifting, you know? From this bright, almost blinding gold to a softer, warmer orange that just seemed to hug the whole place.

What made it extra special was the setting itself. Orrido di Sant’Anna isn’t your average viewpoint. It’s this deep, dramatic ravine carved out by the Anza River over, like, a gazillion years. So, as the sun dipped lower, the shadows in the gorge got longer and deeper, creating this amazing contrast with the still-lit upper parts.

Altitudes spot

While a lakeside Aperol Spritz at sunset is never a bad idea, if you really want your eyeballs to have a proper feast, you gotta gain some altitude. Forget those ground-level peeks; we’re talking panoramic, “pinch-me-am-I-dreaming” vistas.

Sunset on Mottarone

I’m about to tell you about this time I saw the sun dip down behind the mountains from Mottarone, and honestly, it was less ‘Zen master meditating’ and more ‘kid in a candy store’ levels of awesome. Anyway, the sky was doing its whole dramatic thing, going from this bright, almost aggressive blue to these softer shades of orange and pink.

You’ve got Lake Maggiore sprawling out below, looking all twinkly as the light started to fade. And then, in the distance, you could see the Alps doing their majestic mountain thing. Honestly, it felt like I could see half of Italy from up there.

There were a few other folks around, mostly couples looking all loved-up and families trying to wrangle their kids. But even with the chatter, there was this sort of quiet awe in the air. Everyone was just kind of… watching. No phones glued to faces (mostly!), just people taking it all in.

Sunset on Rocca Borromea (Angera)

You’ve climbed the towers of the Rocca, maybe even pretended to be a medieval knight (don’t worry, I won’t tell). But trust me, the real show starts when the sun decides to call it a day. Forget your fancy dinners for a moment, because the sunset from up there is something else entirely. Seriously, it’s like Mother Nature decided to put on a free light show just for you.

From your vantage point atop the Rocca, you get this killer panoramic view of Lake Maggiore. And let me tell you, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the water with all those warm colors, is pretty darn special. You see the little boats bobbing around, looking like tiny toys in this vast, shimmering expanse.

The towns dotted along the shoreline start to twinkle as their lights come on, adding another layer of charm to the whole scene. So, if you’re planning a visit to Rocca Borromea, do yourself a favor and stick around for sunset. It’s the perfect way to cap off your day of exploring.

Sunset inside Sancarlone

I’m standing inside this colossal statue, Sancarlone – you know, the big fella overlooking Lake Maggiore. It’s not every day you get to hang out inside a giant saint, right? But trust me, it’s way cooler than it sounds, especially when the sun decides to put on a show.

So, I’d hoofed it up the winding stairs inside (and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a climb, definitely earned my gelato later), and popped out onto this little platform near his head. The view? Absolutely bonkers. You’ve got the lake shimmering down below, the Alps doing their majestic thing in the distance, and all the little towns looking like toy sets.

But the real magic starts when the sun begins its slow-motion dip towards the horizon. The light just does this incredible thing, painting everything in these warm, golden hues. The lake turns all sparkly, and the mountains get this soft, almost pinkish glow. And being inside Sancarlone while all this is happening? It’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s best performance, but with the added bonus of being inside a historical landmark.

So there you have it. My slightly biased opinion? Catching a sunset inside Sancarlone is one of those travel moments that sticks with you. It’s a bit quirky, undeniably beautiful, and definitely beats your average sightseeing tour.