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View of Lake Maggiore

What to See and What to Do on Lake Maggiore: Complete Guide

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Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake, stretches 212 km² between Lombardy, Piedmont and the Swiss canton of Ticino. It offers a variety of historical, natural and cultural attractions. Highlights include the Borromean Islands, with their palaces and gardens, and the Rocca di Angera, a medieval fortress on the Lombard shore. The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, carved into the rock, is a remarkable example of religious architecture. The Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens in Verbania and the Pallavicino Park in Stresa display the rich biodiversity of the region. The lake is accessible by public and private boats, while the Mottarone cable car offers panoramic views. Visitors can explore museums such as the Ceramic Design Museum in Laveno, as well as numerous beaches and local markets in the surrounding towns.
Borromean Islands Photos

The Borromean Islands: a prestigious archipelago in Piedmont

Explore the fantastic Borromean Islands in Piedmont on Lake Maggiore and be enchanted by the sumptuous gardens, magnificent palaces and majestic landscapes.

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Historical image of Isola Madre

Isola Madre: Nature, History, Art and More, on Lake Maggiore

Isola Madre, an enchanting place located in Lake Maggiore, is one of the pearls of North Italy, enchanting visitors with its idyllic atmosphere and lush nature

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Floral Walk at Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore

The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore

Discover the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens in Verbania: the quintessential floral attraction of Lake Maggiore, a 16-hectare park where you can live a dream

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Photos of the Park and Villa Pallavicino

Discover the Treasures Within The Park and Villa Pallavicino

Step into the world of the Pallavicino park and villa, featuring stunning flora & fauna, and let nature's beauty captivate you on picturesque Lake Maggiore.

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Santa Caterina del Sasso and Wall in Rock

Santa Caterina del Sasso: a Monastery on Lake Maggiore.

Explore the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso in Leggiuno in the province of Varese. An important religious monument on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore.

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Rocca di Angera Detailed View

The Rocca of Angera: an Ancient Fortress on Lake Maggiore

Explore the majestic Rocca Borromea of Angera in the southern area of Lake Maggiore, and admire a prestigious landscape and visit the inside of the fortress.

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Photos of the Castles of Cannero from Above

The Castles of Cannero: Wonderful Ruins on Lake Maggiore

See the Castles of Cannero: wonderful ancient ruins located on rocky islets in Lake Maggiore, opposite Cannero and Cannobio, soon to be turned into a museum

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External view of the Palazzo Verbania in Luino

Palazzo Verbania in Luino: Culture and More on Lake Maggiore

Visit Palazzo Verbania in Luino, a unique cultural centre on Lake Maggiore that hosts events, conferences, and the archives of Vittorio Sereni and Piero Chiara

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Luino's library and its garden

Luino Library: Culture, Study and More in a Historical Villa

Discover the Civic Library of Luino located in the Villa Hussy in the heart of Luino. Services include book lending, study rooms, cultural workshops and more.

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Artistic Detail Lake Maggiore Cable Car

The Lake Maggiore Cable Car: space in the sky for flying

The Lake Maggiore cable car in Laveno Mombello is one of the top attractions in northern Italy. Let yourself be surprised by the summit of Mount Sasso del Ferro

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Relaxation moment at the Library of Laveno Mombello

Laveno Mombello Library: a Dedicated Space for the Reader

Discover the enchanting Laveno Mombello Public Library, a gem on Lake Maggiore. Book loans, study rooms, art workshops, and cultural initiatives at your service

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Entrance to the International Ceramic Design Museum

Visit MIDeC, the International Museum of Ceramic Design

Discover the MIDeC of Laveno Mombello, a one-of-a-kind museum fully dedicated to ceramic design, in an experience of works of art, workshops and guided tours.

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Passeggiata dell'Amore di Ispra with Nature <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110844692953828981264"> Resevial </a>

La Passeggiata dell'Amore di Ispra: an Enchanting Place

Explore the Passeggiata dell'Amore di Ispra: an extraordinary, serene location to spend quality time with your loved ones near the beautiful Lake Maggiore.

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Lake View from Alpe San Michele

Alpe San Michele in Porto Valtravaglia: a Beautiful View

Climb and discover Alpe San Michele in Porto Valtravaglia, on Lake Maggiore: an extraordinary panoramic peak where you can have an unforgettable adventure.

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The Altar of the Rectory of Brezzo di Bedero

The Rectory of Brezzo di Bedero: a historical religious site

Discover the Brezzo di Bedero Rectory: a religious and artistic building in the mountains of Lake Maggiore. History, architecture and frescoes at your service.

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Parco Golfo della Quassa Cyclopean Boulder <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114002934609118550455"> Davide Ferrara </a>

Parco Golfo della Quassa: a Green Lung on Lake Maggiore.

Discover the tranquil winding path through the lush greenery of the Parco Golfo della Quassa, a place to spend your spring on Lake Maggiore in extreme serenity.

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Wooden plaque in Monteviasco

Monteviasco: magical village in the greenery of Curiglia

Explore the village of Monteviasco, a beautiful hamlet in the municipality of Curiglia. The cable car in the green will guide you on the unforgettable route

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FAQ

What are the main attractions of Lake Maggiore?
The main attractions of Lake Maggiore include the Borromean Islands, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, the Rocca di Angera, the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, and the Pallavicino Park. These offer a mix of history, art, and nature.
How do you get to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore?
The Borromean Islands can be reached by regular boat services that depart from several locations on the lake's shore, including Stresa, Verbania, and Laveno. Boats operate frequently during the tourist season.
What are the best panoramic points on Lake Maggiore?
The best panoramic points include the top of Mottarone (reachable by cable car), the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, the Stresa viewpoint, and the terrace of the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. These offer spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Are there attractions for children on Lake Maggiore?
Yes, Lake Maggiore offers several attractions for children. Parco Pallavicino in Stresa has a zoo, Parco Avventura in Baveno offers treetop trails. In addition, many beaches are family-friendly.

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