Planning a trip to Lake Maggiore and wondering how to make the most of your time? This 5‑day Lake Maggiore itinerary blends iconic gardens, charming lakeside towns, and slow‑travel moments that let you truly feel the rhythm of northern Italy. From the Borromean Islands and Villa Taranto to the Brissago Islands and the Alpinia Botanical Garden above Stresa, this guide takes you through the region’s most beautiful landscapes at a gentle, immersive pace. If you’re dreaming of a garden‑filled escape with shimmering lake views and elegant Belle Époque charm, this Lake Maggiore travel guide is your perfect starting point.
“Belle Époque” is a French expression meaning “Beautiful Era,” referring to the period between roughly 1870 and 1914 when Europe experienced a flourishing of art, architecture, and leisurely elegance. When a place like Stresa is described as having Belle Époque charm, it evokes images of grand lakeside hotels with ornate facades, wrought‑iron balconies, and promenades designed for slow, graceful strolling. It hints at a time when wealthy travelers arrived by train with steamer trunks, stayed for long summer seasons, and filled the town with a sense of glamour and optimism. Think of a soft, romantic, slightly nostalgic atmosphere — the feeling that life moves a little slower, beauty is intentional, and every detail invites you to pause and take it in.
💡 Travel Tips: Before we dive into the full 5‑day Lake Maggiore itinerary, stay with me until the end — you’ll find a set of handy insider tips covering how to get here, the best times to visit, what to eat, and the most convenient places to stay. They’re designed to make planning your Lake Maggiore trip beautifully simple.
⭐ Did You Know?
Lake Maggiore is a bit unique because it doesn’t sit in just one region — it stretches across two Italian regions and into Switzerland.
A gentle journey through iconic gardens, shimmering water, and slow, beautiful moments.
Your arrival in Stresa sets the tone: Belle Époque hotels, palm‑lined promenades, and the Borromean Islands floating just offshore. After settling in, take the short ferry ride to Isola Bella, where the 17th‑century Borromeo Palace and its dramatic Baroque terraces unfold like a theatrical set. White peacocks wander between statues, citrus trees scent the air, and the palace interior offers frescoed halls and shell‑encrusted grotto rooms. Return to Stresa for a slow lakeside evening, letting the light soften over the water.
Stresa sits on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, roughly halfway down the Italian side, directly facing the Borromean Islands, which you can see shimmering just offshore from the lakeside promenade. Although it isn’t the largest town on the lake, it’s very much the main hub — elegant, Belle Époque, and perfectly placed for exploring thanks to its excellent ferry connections. Its location makes it easy to reach all the major attractions, and its grand hotels and beautiful promenade give it a refined, old‑world charm. With convenient train access and a setting that feels both polished and deeply relaxing, Stresa is where Lake Maggiore reveals its most graceful side.
Standing on Stresa’s lakeside promenade, the whole geography of Lake Maggiore suddenly makes perfect sense. Right in front of you, the three Borromean Islands — Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre — sit like jewels on the water. Turn around and Mottarone rises behind you, the mountain that watches over the lake. Look north and you’ll see the direction of Cannero, Cannobio, and the Swiss border, while to the south the shoreline drifts toward Arona and the quieter lower lake. Directly across the water lies Verbania, the lake’s largest town, anchoring the opposite shore. Everything seems to radiate outward from Stresa, which is exactly why it makes such a natural, effortless base for exploring Lake Maggiore.
The Borromean Islands are often called the lake’s crown jewels, and it’s easy to see why — three enchanting islands clustered right in front of Stresa, each with its own personality. The most famous, Isola Bella, is just a quick 5–10 minute ferry ride away, yet it feels like stepping straight into another century. At its heart stands a 17th‑century Baroque palace created by the powerful Borromeo family, surrounded by gardens so theatrical they almost feel staged: grand terraces, ornate statues, and those iconic white peacocks strutting as if they own the place. Construction began back in the 1630s, and over the centuries the palace and gardens evolved into the dramatic showpiece visitors adore today. And yes — it’s absolutely worth going inside. The interiors are lavish and frescoed, filled with period furniture, and the grotto level is a marvel in itself, with rooms entirely decorated in shells and stones. It’s one of the rare places where you can genuinely feel the rhythm of aristocratic lake life. The Borromeos still own the island, and even Napoleon and Joséphine once stayed here in 1797. Walking through the palace feels like slipping into a preserved world of elegant summers — cool stone floors underfoot, sunlit salons overlooking the water, and a quiet sense of history that lingers long after you leave.
Begin with Isola Madre, the quietest and most botanical of the Borromean Islands. Its English‑style gardens feel serene and dreamlike, with exotic birds and rare plants creating a sense of floating tranquility. After lunch back in Stresa, ascend to the Alpinia Botanical Garden, perched above the lake. Alpine plants thrive in the crisp mountain air, and the views sweep across the Borromean Gulf. This is a contemplative afternoon — a place to breathe deeply and take in the lake from above.
Just north of Isola Bella lies Isola dei Pescatori, the only island on Lake Maggiore that’s lived in year‑round. It’s a tiny, timeless village where narrow lanes twist between fishermen’s houses, laundry flutters from balconies, and cats stretch lazily in the sun. A short hop from Stresa, it offers a completely different mood from the grand palaces — humble, authentic, and wonderfully human. This is where you feel the lake’s everyday rhythm, not its aristocratic past.
A little farther out sits Isola Madre, the most peaceful of the Borromean Islands and a dream for anyone who loves gardens and gentle wandering. The entire island is essentially one vast English‑style botanical garden, lush and quiet, with rare plants, free‑roaming birds, and shaded paths that invite slow exploration. Also owned by the Borromeo family, it’s the softest, calmest island of the trio — a place where time seems to stretch, and the lake feels like a sanctuary.
Ease into the morning with a stroll through Villa Pallavicino, a landscaped park just outside Stresa. Shaded avenues, flowerbeds, and quiet corners make it a gentle, grounding start to the day. Then cross the lake to Verbania to explore Villa Taranto, one of Europe’s most celebrated botanical gardens. Created by Scottish captain Neil McEacharn, it’s a vast, meticulously curated world of rare species, water gardens, and elegant avenues. Spend the afternoon wandering at your own pace — Villa Taranto rewards slow exploration. Enjoy dinner in Verbania or return to Stresa for a familiar lakeside glow.
Head north toward the Swiss side of the lake to visit the Brissago Islands, where a mild microclimate creates a subtropical paradise. Palm groves, bamboo forests, fragrant herbs, and rare subtropical plants make this garden feel lush and exotic — a striking contrast to the Italian gardens you’ve seen so far. After returning to the Italian shore, spend the afternoon in Cannobio or Cannero Riviera, two charming northern towns with colorful promenades, lakeside cafés, and a slower, more local rhythm. This is a day of gentle cross‑border wandering and sensory delight.
If you head north toward the Swiss border, you’ll reach Cannobio and Cannero, two charming lakeside towns that show a quieter, more local side of Lake Maggiore. Cannobio buzzes on Sundays with its lively market, while Cannero enjoys views of the mysterious lake castles just offshore. Both towns have colorful facades, intimate promenades, and a relaxed rhythm that feels worlds away from the busier southern shore.
Your final day is intentionally flexible — a gift of time to shape as you wish.
You might:
ascend Mottarone for sweeping views of seven lakes. On a clear day, its summit rewards you with sweeping views of seven lakes — a breathtaking panorama that gives you the literal “big picture” of the entire region.
take a dreamy half‑day trip to Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most romantic small lakes
revisit a favorite garden at a slower pace
or simply stay in Stresa, enjoying a long promenade walk, a quiet café, and the pleasure of feeling at home by the water
This day is about letting the lake settle into memory — the light, the gardens, the gentle rhythm of life here.
By the time you leave Lake Maggiore, the gardens, promenades, and quiet mountain views will linger with you like a soft afterglow. This 5‑day itinerary gives you space to explore the best gardens on Lake Maggiore, wander through historic villas, and discover the peaceful towns that make this region so unforgettable. Whether you’re a garden lover, a slow‑travel enthusiast, or simply someone craving beauty and calm, Lake Maggiore rewards you with moments that stay long after the journey ends.
Now for the handy insider tips that we promised to share, covering how to get here, the best times to visit, what to eat, and the most convenient places to stay. With these travel tips, you should be able to plan your Lake Maggiore trip beautifully and simply. But if we missed something, don’t hesitate to ask in the chat section further below.
Reaching Lake Maggiore is wonderfully easy, especially if you’re flying into northern Italy. The closest airports are Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate, with Malpensa being the most convenient — you can step off the plane and be in Stresa in under an hour by direct train. If you’re coming from Switzerland via Locarno or Lugano, you will enjoy one of Europe’s most scenic rail routes. Whether you arrive by train, car, or ferry, the approach to the lake always feels like a gentle unveiling: mountains rising, water shimmering, and palm trees appearing as if by magic.
The most beautiful months on Lake Maggiore are April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm, the gardens are in full bloom, and the lake feels calm and spacious. Spring brings camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons in riotous color, while autumn offers golden light and quieter promenades. July and August are lively and hot — perfect for swimming and long evenings outdoors — but they’re also the busiest. Winter is peaceful and atmospheric, though many attractions operate on reduced hours.
The easiest way to explore Lake Maggiore is by ferry, which connects all the major towns and islands with effortless charm. Ferries run frequently between Stresa, Verbania, the Borromean Islands, and the northern towns, making it simple to hop on and off as you please. Buses link the lakeside villages, while trains connect the larger towns. If you prefer independence, renting a car gives you flexibility for mountain viewpoints and hidden beaches, but for most travelers, the ferries alone create a wonderfully relaxed rhythm.
💡 Travel Tip: For Lake Maggiore transport (Stresa ↔ Borromean Islands ↔ Verbania ↔ Cannobio, etc.), always use Navigazione Laghi, the official Lake Maggiore ferry network. Tickets are purchased directly through them, either online or at the dock.
The crown jewels of Lake Maggiore are the Borromean Islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori — each offering its own blend of gardens, history, and lakeside charm. The dramatic Baroque terraces of Isola Bella, the botanical sanctuary of Isola Madre, and the timeless fishing village on Isola dei Pescatori together create the lake’s most iconic experience. Add in Villa Taranto, the Brissago Islands, and the sweeping views from Mottarone, and you have a destination where nature, culture, and elegance meet in perfect harmony.
Lake Maggiore’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Piedmontese flavors, fresh lake fish, and Swiss influences. Try risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto), polenta with mountain cheeses, and delicate pastries from local bakeries. Aperitivo is a ritual here — a spritz or a glass of crisp local white wine enjoyed with olives and lake views.
If you have even the slightest sweet tooth, you have to try Stresa’s famous little biscuits, the Margheritine di Stresa — or as I like to think of them, the lake’s most charming bite‑sized history lesson. These delicate “Stresa daisies” were created back in 1857 by local pastry chef Pietro Antonio Bolongaro, who ran the town’s beloved pastry shop. He originally baked them for a very special guest: Princess Margherita of Savoy, the future queen of Italy, on the day of her first communion.
Well… she absolutely adored them. So much so that when she eventually became queen, she declared that these buttery little biscuits would be the official sweet served every August at the House of Savoy’s grand reception. Imagine loving a cookie so much that you make it royal tradition — that’s how good they are.
The recipe itself is beautifully simple but wonderfully rich: sifted hard‑boiled egg yolks, soft butter, flour, starch, vanilla, and a whisper of grated lemon zest. The result is a melt‑in‑your‑mouth, delicately crumbly biscuit with a sunny, citrusy lift. They’re the kind of treat you buy “just to taste one” and suddenly the whole packet is gone.
If you’re in Stresa, pop into a local pasticceria and pick up a box — they make the sweetest edible souvenir.
💡 Travel-Inspired Living: Easily make about 80 Margheritine di Stresa cookies at home! You’ll get the recipe here.
The most convenient base on Lake Maggiore is Stresa. It sits at the heart of the lake, directly opposite the Borromean Islands, with the best ferry connections and easy train access from Milan. Stresa combines Belle Époque elegance with practical convenience: grand hotels, a beautiful promenade, and effortless access to all major attractions, including Mottarone and the Alpinia Botanical Garden. Whether you’re exploring gardens, hopping between islands, or simply soaking up lakeside calm, Stresa makes everything feel close and beautifully simple.
🕮 Suggested Read: If you love the calm, scenic charm of Lake Maggiore, you might also enjoy exploring more of our hand‑picked escapes in the Lakeside Vacation collection — it’s filled with beautiful destinations that share that same peaceful, waterside magic.
Chat ╰┈➤ We’’d love to hear from you — which part of this Lake Maggiore 5‑day itinerary speaks to you most. Are you dreaming of the Borromean Islands, the Brissago Islands, or the peaceful gardens of Villa Taranto. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments so we can inspire even more travelers to explore the best of Lake Maggiore together.
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