Straight out of a fairy tale: discover everything about this spectacular European lake

Some describe it as "a dream trip." Others say it's "a beautiful journey to take, whether by car or train." "And hopping from one town to another," adds a traveler who has already visited.

What destination are they talking about? Lake Maggiore. What makes this destination special is that, in a single trip, you can visit a Baroque palace, have lunch in an old fishing village, and end the day strolling along the waterfront, with the Alps in the background.

It's hardly surprising, then, that NiT magazine describes it as a "European destination that looks like something out of a fairy tale." One look at the islands off the coast of Stresa helps explain the comparison.

Here, you'll find historic residences, sculptures, fountains, and pathways surrounded by lush vegetation, along with narrow streets, colorful houses, and restaurants serving fish caught in the lake.

Stretching approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles), Lake Maggiore is Italy's second-largest lake. It extends across the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and reaches into the Swiss canton of Ticino. What makes it particularly captivating is how the scenery changes along its shores, from mountain slopes and gardens to charming towns that deserve much more than a quick photo stop.

"Long before tourists began arriving on the shores of Lake Maggiore in search of beautiful scenery, the region already had a story to tell. Along its shores, stretching from Italy to Switzerland, are small villages, historic palaces, gardens, islands, and elegant towns that have left their mark over the centuries," the publication notes.

The islands that made Lake Maggiore famous

For some visitors, there's one main reason to come here: exploring the Borromean Islands, an archipelago associated with the Borromeo family, which began investing in the area during the 17th century. Today, these islands are among the lake's most famous attractions.

Of them all, Isola Bella is perhaps the most striking. Palazzo Borromeo occupies a significant portion of the island and features richly decorated rooms, art collections, and spaces that reveal how one of the region's most influential aristocratic families once lived. Outside, the Baroque gardens unfold across terraces adorned with sculptures, fountains, and carefully manicured greenery.

Isola Madre offers a different atmosphere. It is known for its botanical garden, home to plants from around the world, and its historic palace. Meanwhile, Isola dei Pescatori is an inhabited island village characterized by narrow streets, traditional houses, and restaurants overlooking its small harbor.

All three islands can be reached by boat, with departures from Stresa. One recommendation: allow enough time to explore at least two of them rather than rushing through all three. If you're planning to visit the palaces and gardens, be sure to check opening hours before your trip. You'll also want to plan ahead, as the 2026 season for the main attractions on the Borromean Islands ends on November 8.

From Stresa to Locarno: plenty to discover along the lake

Stresa is one of the best starting points for exploring Lake Maggiore. Its grand hotels and historic waterfront buildings recall the period when the town began attracting wealthy visitors, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it remains a convenient departure point for visiting the islands and a lovely place for an evening stroll.

"The beauty of the mountains, the mild climate, and the lakeside scenery began attracting travelers, writers, and members of the European aristocracy. Stresa quickly became one of the most sought-after destinations, and it was there that grand hotels and luxurious villas began to appear."

Farther north, Cannobio retains a historic center filled with colorful houses and streets that lead directly to the waterfront. Nearby is Cannero Riviera, known for its mild climate and views of the Castles of Cannero, whose ruins rise from small islands in the lake. In Verbania, the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens are another attraction worth visiting. The gardens feature plants from different parts of the world, and their development began in 1931 under the direction of Neil McEacharn, a Scottish gardening enthusiast.

In Verbania, the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens are another attraction worth visiting. The gardens feature plants from different parts of the world, and their development began in 1931 under the direction of Neil McEacharn, a Scottish gardening enthusiast.

The journey can continue into Switzerland. Ascona features a lakeside promenade lined with outdoor terraces and colorful buildings, while Locarno combines its proximity to the lake with charming squares, historic landmarks, and a diverse cultural scene.

When to visit and how to plan your trip

Those who have already visited are convinced: "It's absolutely worth it, no matter when you go, because the scenery remains beautiful throughout the year."

Spring, for example, is an excellent time to explore the gardens, while summer is perfect for boat trips and outdoor activities. In fall, the surrounding hillsides take on different colors, and crowds are smaller than during the peak tourist months. Winter brings a quieter atmosphere, although some attractions close or operate on reduced schedules.

So, what's the best way to explore this destination? To travel along the lake's shores, you can rent a car or combine train journeys with the boats connecting various towns. Stresa has a train station and ferry connections, making it easy to organize visits to the islands.

If you want to see the main attractions, three or four days is a good starting point. With a full week, you can also explore the Swiss side of the lake and make additional stops along the way.