Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore (Italian: Lago Maggiore, also called Verbano) is a glacial lake at the foot of the Alps, shared by Italy and Switzerland. Its northern tip, with the town of Locarno, belongs to the Swiss canton of Ticino, while the remaining shores lie in the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. It ranks as Italy's second-largest lake and the biggest in southern Switzerland.

How big is Lake Maggiore?

The water surface covers roughly 212 km², and the deepest point reaches 372 m, with an average depth near 177 m. The surface sits about 193 m above sea level. The lake stretches as a long, narrow band from Locarno in the north to Arona in the south. Sources quote different lengths, from about 54 to 64 km, depending on how it is measured. The name simply means "greater" in Italian, setting it apart from nearby Lake Orta and Lake Varese.

What is there to see around the lake?

The headline sight is the Borromean Islands off the western shore, between Verbania and Stresa. Three small islands and two islets, about 20 hectares in total, have belonged to the Borromeo family for centuries. Visitors usually head for Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.

Worth a stop on the shore:

• Stresa, a resort town with a lakeside promenade and a cable car up Mount Mottarone,
• Verbania, home to the Villa Taranto botanical gardens,
• Cannobio and Arona, quieter waterfront towns,
• Locarno, the Swiss gateway to the lake,
• Luino and Laveno on the eastern side.

Above Stresa you will also find the Alpinia botanical garden.

How do you get there and get around?

From the south, the lake is reachable from Milan; from the north, through Ticino in Switzerland. Boats and ferries link the towns, so many visitors tour the lake without a car, hopping between landing stages. Boats to the islands depart from Stresa, Verbania and Baveno.

When is the best time to visit?

The mild climate suits the gardens, which look best in spring and early summer. Summer brings the biggest crowds and the densest boat timetables. Early autumn is a good balance of weather and quieter shores.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is Lake Maggiore in? Both Italy and Switzerland. Most of the lake is Italian, with the northern end in the canton of Ticino.

How deep is it? Up to 372 m at the deepest point, around 177 m on average.

Which islands should I visit? The Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. They combine easily into one boat trip.

Can I explore without a car? Yes. The main towns have landing stages, and boats connect both shores and the islands.