Romantic promenades and an alpine train ride through the green mountains: experience it from your Lago Maggiore holiday home!

Enjoying a holiday at Lago Maggiore in northern Italy offers a colorful mix of highlights! These range from attractions like a scenic train ride from Locarno to visits to flower-filled gardens. Characteristic of the region are the stately villas along the shores and the steep mountains you can ascend by cable car. Do Italy’s lakes tempt you as a candidate for your next getaway? Discover in this guide what there is to explore from your Lago Maggiore holiday home!

Visit the gardens of Isola Bella from your Lago Maggiore holiday home

Isola Bella, “the beautiful island” of Lago Maggiore, truly lives up to its name. This jewel of the Borromean archipelago is essentially a vast park filled with meticulously designed gardens. The island is laid out in terraces with fountains, flowers, and baroque elements. The gardens are beautifully intertwined with the island’s architecture, including a palace adorned with sculptures. Keep your camera ready—the elegant white peacocks roaming here are impossible to ignore!

Parco Pallavicino: a lush arboretum with a deer park in Stresa

To visit the small archipelago on the lake, take the ferry from the luxurious resort town of Stresa. From here, you can also travel by boat to the opposite shore of Lago Maggiore or to Locarno in Switzerland. If you decide to stay in Stresa itself, Parco Pallavicino is the must-see attraction! The parkland features flowerbeds, an impressive collection of trees, a pond with ornate gazebos, and even a deer enclosure. Particularly photogenic are the natural green archways trimmed from hedges, framing scenic views of the lake.

Take the cable car to Sasso del Ferro

One of the most appealing towns along Lago Maggiore is the pastel-colored Laveno. Nestled between the lake and the towering green mountains, this charming town is especially known for its cable car ride to the summit of Sasso del Ferro. Once at the viewpoint, you’ll have ascended over a thousand meters—high enough to spot the snow-capped Alps on a clear day! Laveno itself is also worth a visit, with its inviting restaurants, ceramics museum, and the many sailboats dotting the harbor.

Ride the Centovalli Railway

One of the most memorable experiences from a holiday home at Lago Maggiore is the scenic train journey through a landscape of gorges, waterfalls, forested mountains, and vineyards—the Centovalli Express! The name of this spectacular route means “100 valleys.” The trip starts in Locarno, Switzerland, and ends 52 kilometers later in Domodossola, Italy. Along the way, you can hop off for various attractions, such as a cable car over a ravine in Verdasio or another one up to Monte di Comino. The latter also leads to several panoramic hiking trails with mountain huts and small chapels.

Hiking from your Lago Maggiore holiday home

If you set off from Mergnano, you’ll encounter a number of mountain huts—an absolute blessing during the climb to Monte Gridone, which covers 10 kilometers and plenty of altitude gain. The hike takes around five hours, but the rest stops make it doable even for less experienced walkers. Another scenic trail known for its constant views is the Sentiero Collina Alta, a gentle pilgrimage route leading to Orselina. From there, you can take the cable car to Cimetta.

Visit the castle on Rocca di Angera

Visiting a doll museum might not sound like everyone’s idea of fun—but what if it’s located inside a medieval fortress perched on a cliff? The Rocca di Angera houses a beautifully preserved castle that’s well worth the trip. The museum is surprisingly engaging—it includes not only dolls, but also board games and books from the 18th century. The castle’s interior is magnificent, particularly the Hall of Justice with its arches and frescoes. Round off your visit at the café with a panoramic view of the lake below!

Tip: Bring a bottle of water if you’re hiking, or drive up to the parking area near the castle if it’s a warm day!

Panoramic dining spots with a view

To complete your holiday at Lago Maggiore, seek out the best spots for dining with stunning views. Book a table at Restaurant Marina, a waterfront venue with a terrace right by the lake. For a cozy evening atmosphere filled with twinkling lights, head to La Gabella in Lagocamp for delicious pizza on its Mediterranean-style terrace. If you prefer a higher vantage point, visit the agriturismo Al Rocollo in Dumenza, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the mountains and the lake. The food here is equally delightful, featuring mouth-watering desserts and cheeses.

Rent a Lago Maggiore holiday home

Lago Maggiore is a vast lake surrounded by steep Alpine slopes. Cable car rides and the Centovalli train journey are among its top highlights, while its beaches offer plenty of relaxation and water sports. At Cannero beach, you can swim in crystal-clear water and go snorkeling. Don’t miss the lungolago promenades lined with benches, trees, and flowers—especially magical at sunset when locals and visitors stroll by the shimmering water. Looking for a romantic getaway surrounded by the rising green Alps? Rent a holiday home at Lago Maggiore for an unforgettable stay in northern Italy!