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Where to stay in Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is a long Alpine lake shared by Italy and Switzerland, with the Borromean Islands at its heart. The western shore around Stresa is the classic base for the islands, while towns such as Verbania, Cannobio on the Italian side and Locarno in Switzerland offer different moods, from grand hotels to quiet lakeside villages.
Stresa
Stresa has Belle Époque hotels on the lakefront, a promenade and the main boat piers for Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. It is the most convenient base, especially without a car, as it has a railway station.
Verbania (Pallanza and Intra)
Verbania is the largest town on the lake, with the lakefront of Pallanza and the Villa Taranto botanical gardens. Ferries cross to the islands and to the eastern shore. It has more everyday life and a wider choice of restaurants than Stresa.
Cannobio
Cannobio has a cobbled lakefront, a Sunday market and a small beach. It is close to the Cannobino valley and the Orrido di Sant'Anna gorge, and boats reach Switzerland. It is quieter than Stresa but further from the islands.
Locarno and Ascona (Switzerland)
At the northern end, Locarno has the Piazza Grande, home of the film festival, and the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, while Ascona has a lakeside promenade of cafes. Prices are higher, but transport is excellent and Switzerland is on the doorstep.
One thing to think about
The lake is long, and boats between the north and south take hours, so do not plan to stay at one end and visit the islands at the other every day. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic on the lakeside roads.
Other places to stay in Italy: lastminute.com · UNA Italian Hospitality · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Lake Maggiore are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
Which town is best for visiting the Borromean Islands?
Stresa and the nearby village of Baveno are the best bases. Frequent public ferries and private boats go from Stresa to Isola Bella, with its palace and terraced gardens, Isola Madre's botanical garden and the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. You can visit all three in one day.
Do I need a car at Lake Maggiore?
Not if you stay in Stresa, Verbania or Locarno. Trains reach Stresa and Locarno, and ferries connect the towns and islands. A car helps for the hill villages and valleys, but lakeside roads are narrow and parking is limited in summer.
When is the best time to visit Lake Maggiore?
April to June and September to October are ideal, with gardens in bloom in spring and mild weather for walks. July and August are warm and busy. In winter many hotels and some island attractions close, and ferry timetables are reduced.
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