Day trip to Lake Maggiore

Welcome to Lake Maggiore, a breathtaking alpine lake that stretches across the border between Italy and Switzerland. Surrounded amidst majestic mountains, this iconic destination offers stunning scenery, colorful towns, and a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the enchanting landscapes and hidden gems of Lake Maggiore, offering detailed recommendations for unforgettable day trips.

These guide showcase the lake’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Let’s explore three fantastic day trip ideas and discover the hidden gems of Lake Maggiore.

The historic and artistic day trip on Lake Maggiore

Let’s start with some of the most popular locations among Lake Maggiore: Stresa and the Borromean Island. Connected by ferry boat rides, it will be easy for you to enjoy a delightful “hop-on-hop-off” little journey between these historical destinations.

Stresa: the town-symbol of Lake Maggiore

Start your morning in Stresa with a visit to the Villa Ducale. This elegant villa, dating back to the 17th century, is a symbol of the town’s aristocratic past. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and learn about the history of the villa and its noble residents.

After visiting the Villa Ducale, take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade. Venture into the historic center of Stresa and discover its charming streets and squares. Explore the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore, a beautiful church with intricate frescoes and stunning stained glass windows. Visit the Palazzo Borromeo, a grand palace that once housed the Borromeo family

For a taste of local culture, head to the Weekly Market, a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food. Interact with the friendly locals and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this traditional market.

From Stresa to Borromean Islands

Isole Borromee: the beautiful sisters

Let’s embark on a day trip from Stresa, exploring the enchanting islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori.

Isola Bella: Begin your journey on 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.

Isola Madre: Discover the botanical paradise of Isola Madre, home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe. 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 based on fresh seafood.

The adventurous day trip on Lake Maggiore

This stunning lake offers a plethora of thrilling activities that will get your heart pumping. It’s the perfect destination for adventure seekers. Here’s a suggested itinerary for an adrenaline-packed day.

Verbania: a botanic paradise

Discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and thrilling activities that await you in this charming town.

For adrenaline seekers, Verbania is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on a challenging hike or bike ride in the surrounding mountains, such as the Mottarone or the Cima Piazzo. From up here, the majestic Lake Maggiore will appear more beautiful than ever, a spot that is picture worth.

If you prefer water-based activities, Verbania has plenty to offer. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the crystal-clear waters discovering hidden coves, swimming in secluded beaches, or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

After a day of adventure, indulge in a delicious lakeside lunch and recharge your energy. Then, embark on a scenic bike ride to the nearby town of Cannobio, known for its charming historic center and vibrant atmosphere.

From Verbania to Cannobio

Cannobio: the blue flag award multiple winner

Here’s how to make the most of your afternoon and evening in this vibrant destination:

Explore the charming historic center of Cannobio, wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful buildings and quaint shops. Visit the Piazza San Vittore, the main square, where you can admire the beautiful church and enjoy a leisurely walking.

Embark on a hike or bike ride in the nearby mountains, such as the Monte Piambello, and enjoy the fresh air that mountains can give you. Even here water activities are available. From kayak to water ski, you only have to choose. Ever rod a windsurf? And a sail boat?

As the day comes to an end, sit on a bench overlooking the lake, watch the sunset and let the tranquility of Cannobio envelop you. Take home the memory of a perfect day, between nature, culture, and relaxation.

The culinary and movie day trip on Lake Maggiore

Northern italian regions and Lake Maggiore’ surroundings are great locations to taste both authentic italian food and the switzerland one. As the sun paints the sky in hues of gold and pink, there’s no better way to start your day than by immersing yourself in the town’s gastronomic offerings.

Locarno: where the second oldest cinema festival is held

Begin your culinary adventure with a traditional Swiss breakfast, indulging in freshly baked croissants, savory cheese, and a steaming cup of coffee.

Venture into the Piazza Grande, the main square of Locarno, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy a morning walk, admire the beautiful buildings, and savor a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants offering local dishes. If you visit at the right time you will enjoy the Locarno Film festival, an historical cinema tradition.

Indulge in traditional Swiss specialties, such as fondue or rösti and don’t miss the opportunity to sample local wines and craft beers, produced in the nearby vineyards and breweries. Not full yet? Here two more traditional tasting solutions: Raclette and Birchermüesli. Raclette is a traditional Valaisan dish involving melting a half-wheel of cheese and scraping the melted portion onto a plate. It’s typically served with boiled potatoes, gherkins, and pickled onions, and often paired with a glass of Fendant wine.

On the other hand, Birchermüesli is a breakfast or snack consisting of oats, fruit, and milk. Invented by Swiss doctor Max Bircher-Benner in the early 20th century. When the afternoon comes, start head to Ascona, the close neighbourg of Locarno. Don’t worry, it won’t be a difficult journey, just half an hour walking.

From Locarno to Ascona

Ascona: Locarno twin sister

Ascona is a culinary paradise, offering a delightful combination of Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine. Indulge in fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local specialties, all prepared with the finest ingredients.

You should absolutely sample local wines too, produced in the nearby vineyards. Tons of activities are available to enjoy a vibrant experience. Culinary activities are more than just sitting down to a meal. The culinary art that brings a dish to life begins with the essentials and is enriched by small gestures, great minds, and ideas that balance genius, madness, and imagination.

Ascona experiences immerse you in our food and wine traditions, allowing you to discover how. Lake Maggiore and the Valleys region, is particularly proud of its local products, two of which—Cicitt from the Locarno valleys and Farina Bóna from the Onsernone Valley—are Slow Food Presidia. There are many ways to discover the flavors of the region without sitting at a table.

Tours like Bike&Wine and Wine Taste combine exploration with the pleasure of the palate, while guided winery tours offer a great opportunity to discover something new while tasting delicious vintages. Remember to visit the famous Tea House, and enjoy a relaxing hot tea.