LAKE MAGGIORE (ITALY): 12 FUN ACTIVITIES NOT TO MISS IN SPRING
LAKE MAGGIORE (ITALY) IN SPRING
Spring is just the perfect season to visit the countless Italian lakes which are all-time favourite for visitors from all over the world!
How to blame them? There are more than 60 natural lakes and 180 artificial lakes in Italy! You are spoilt for choice. However, Lake Maggiore is the second largest (after Lake Garda)!
SEE ALSO: how to spend a weekend on Lake Garda.
Located in northern Italy about an hour and half from Milan and 3 hours from Verona, Lake Maggiore will treat you to fantastic views... of the Swiss landscape too, given that the northern lake shore straddle the border with Switzerland!
How to blame them? There are more than 60 natural lakes and 180 artificial lakes in Italy! You are spoilt for choice. However, Lake Maggiore is the second largest (after Lake Garda)!
SEE ALSO: how to spend a weekend on Lake Garda.
Located in northern Italy about an hour and half from Milan and 3 hours from Verona, Lake Maggiore will treat you to fantastic views... of the Swiss landscape too, given that the northern lake shore straddle the border with Switzerland!
IN SPRING... WHY?
Spring is the perfect time of the year when you can best enjoy on Lake Maggiore a whole range of fun adventures and activities, for families, couples and solo wanderers.
On top, comparatively prices tend to be slightly cheaper, especially if you choose b&b located on the outskirts of the main destinations.
Last but not least, some spots can be devoid of tourists in spring as tourists tend to swarm in July and August for the summer vacation.
On top, comparatively prices tend to be slightly cheaper, especially if you choose b&b located on the outskirts of the main destinations.
Last but not least, some spots can be devoid of tourists in spring as tourists tend to swarm in July and August for the summer vacation.
All guides suggest doing Lake Maggiore as a day tour from Milan as it is quite close (1.5 h). However, I would not recommend doing the whole length of the Lake (60 km) with a hit-and-run day tour: it's like gobbling a Nutella sandwitch down, rather than savouring it.
Even Ernest Hemingway -who got the hang of setting his books in beautiful spots around the world- featured Lake Maggiore in his "Farewell to Arms".
Interested in Ernest Hamingway's Farewell to Arms? You can listen to it here.
Here are 12 top activities that are suitable for anyone, and will make you love Lake Maggiore in spring.
Spring is the only season when you can still enjoy stunning views of the snow-peaked Mottarone mountain, the highest mountain on Lake Maggiore (near Stresa, southern side of the lake), while relaxing and getting your tan by the lake.
Get your bikini out and don't forget to dangle your feet from the lake dock (which I loved doing too)!
Tired of lying on the deck chair by the lake? The real fun starts when you get on the cable car to ride up the 1,491 metre-high Mottarone!
You ride up 2 stages by cableway, plus to the very top you need to get on a chair lift. The views of the lake are just unbelievable when the sky is clear!
Tip: whilst down on the lake the temperature may reach 25 degree centigrades in spring, up on the mountain it can still be windy and chilly. Make sure you dress properly.
For more info on the Mottarone cableway, click here.
Tip 2: if you or your kids are fearless, get on Alpyland toboggan (extra charge 5 euros adults; 4 euros children). Up on the Mottarone it is a serious fun roller coaster!
One common option to enjoy the lake is experiencing it from a boat or a sightseeing cruise. Of course, you can go crusing in other seasons; however, the balmy air, and soothing feeling of the gentle spring freeze will lift you to heaven!
Possibly you won't beat the crowds, because cruising is an unmissable activity to do on the lake in spring.
However, you will collect epic memories of views from the lake and the Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori): the lush green scenery, the manicured gardens, and the hidden beaches will make a lake cruise really a must-do activity!
Tip: cruises (hop on -hop off) will provide you with round trips of lake Maggiore. Best views: port side of the boat.
For more info on cruising on Lake Maggiore, click here.
You will have a hard time picking the best gardens amongst all the majestic villas on the lake: they will be all in full bloom in spring!
Visiting the gardens is the main reason to come to Lake Maggiore, even if you don't have much of a green thumb!
The Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori), just off Stresa, can boast stunning flower blooming.
However, head to Villa Taranto in Verbania-Pallanza to admire 50,000 blooming tulips that the founder, the Scot MacEwan, must have planted with painstaking work and love back in 1931!
If you go in May, then you can't miss the azaleas and the rhododendrons. Their colours and shapes are just breathtaking!
Tip: whilst walking along the manicured paths, take things very slowly and just enjoy being surrounded by colourful flowers and plants in pure mindfulness style! You are surrounded by nature at its best. Don't forget it!
I'm sure your kids will love the giant yellow palm tree flowers. I was actually dumbfunded myself. I had never seen palm trees blooming!
Actually, you are more likely to see them in the Mediterranean climate area; however, Lake Maggiore has a special climate with rather mild temperatures in comparison to the surrounding areas. Quite fascinating!
All the colourful plants and flowers that brighten up the gardens on the lake make it a perfect getaway for a romantic spring idea. However, you are not the only one ready to woo your other half.
In the amazing terraced gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella (one of the Borromean islands right in the middle of Lake Maggiore) you can spend hours watching the feathery male peacocks performing courtship rituals.
They display their stunning full-eyed tails in colourful wheels. When? Of course in spring! Well, there are also white female peacocks on the island, and they look as if they are wearing their white wedding dress on already!
People watching is one of the fun activities to do on the lake. Why should all activities involve moving muscles?
The whole lake towns and villages offer great opportunities to relax at a cafe or restaurant by the shore, or simply sit on a lakefront bench and watch the world go by.
In spring this activity is particularly pleasant as people start to get out a lot, and enjoy the gentle sun again. Why would you want to melt in the summer heat?
The best moment to people watch is definitely in the evening or before dinner when locals perform the ritual of "spritz time" and "passeggiare" (strolling in Italian), arm in arm: no pressure, no hurry at all. Combined with evocative sunsets, people watching by Lake Maggiore is an unmissable thing to do.
Did you know that Lake Maggiore has its Statue of Liberty too? Well, it is located in Arona (town in the southern side), but do not expect a woman with a torch.
The statue in Arona is the huge 35-metre copper and bronze statue of a man, San Carlo Borromeo (or as it is nicknamed "Sancarlone"). He is the much beloved archbishop of Milan who was born in Arona and was made saint.
In spring one of the fun activities to do is climbing the 35 metres up a steep staircase inside the statue. Once you reach the top through the statue's eyes and ears, you can admite the breathtaking landscape!
Tip: no lift available. Not recommended if you suffer from vertigo and in the summer heat.
For more info on the colossal statue of Sancarlone in Arona, click here.
For more info on Arona, click here.
In spring Lake Maggiore is packed with events, especially May, in Stresa, one of the charming "bella vita" towns.
Stresa is nicknamed "the pearl of the lake" since the upper class who performed the Grand Tour around Italy used to flock in and enjoy "la bella vita" by Lake Magiore shores in amazing hotels and gardens.
Who said that "la bella vita" was just in Rome?
Vips, writers, singers and actors have made this lake ever so famous, and Stresa in particular still retains that elegant Victorian feel to it. I loved strolling along the lakefront promenade flanked by historic hotels such as Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees.
That old time charm is still in the air!
Another way to relive "la bella vita" is watching (or taking part if you can) the historic car race (held in May) or experience excellent food in the Piedmontese markets that are held only in spring in Stresa. You can see all the events in Stresa by clicking here.
If you leave Stresa behind, reaching Baveno takes a good 3 km drive northwards, along the lake waterfront. The road has a more alpine feel, though you will be surrounded by palm trees!
Baveno has a 1.4 fabulous promenade overlooking the Borromean islands, perfect for jogging and to exercise, or to get on a cruise for the islands.
For more info on Baveno, click here.
If you keep on driving north towards Verbania, after just 5 km you get to the natural sanctuary of Fondotoce (Toce is the river which flows through a humid and rich cane field).
The nature reserve of Fondotoce is special because it houses an important bird sanctuary, and it is full of nature trails and cycling paths, perfect for nature lovers. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it!
For more info on Fondotoce, click here.
Though the western side of Lake Maggiore is considered by many the most attractive part, the eastern side has some gems too.
One of them is the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso which in spring enjoys longer opening hours (another good reason to visit the monastery in spring!).
Santa Caterina del Sasso has magnificant views of the western side of the lake as it was build on a cliff around the year 1100. The story goes that it was built by a moneylender who wished to do penance after being rescued during a storm on the lake.
No matter what the story is, the place is just breathtaking: the church has amazing frescoes depicting stories from Saint Catherine's life to whom the monastery is dedicated. To enjoy the views you need to either climb 200 steps up, or get the lift from the car park. Alternatively you can reach the monastery from the lake.
For more info on the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, click here.
BY TRAIN: from Milan Malpensa Airport you can reach Stresa by train via Milano Centrale (you need to change train). Time: roughly 2.5 h (21 euro, 1 way ticket); a train every hour (roughly). From Milan central train station you can reach Stresa by train in roughly over an hour (13 euro, one way). Click here to plan your train itinerary to Lake Maggiore.
BY BUS: from Malpensa Airport you need to get 2 buses: the first leg operated by the Comazzi bus company which takes you to Gravellona Toce (60 km, roughly one hour). From there you change to STN bus operator to reach Stresa in 20 minutes. Plan your bus trip here. There is also another company called Safduemila/Alibus which connects Malpensa to Stresa but you need to book in advance. For more info on the bus timetable, click here.
BY CAR: from Milan Malpensa you can reach Stresa by car via A26 (direction Gravellona, Toce), and then exit Baveno-Stresa. From Milan you can reach Stresa in 1 h and 20 minutes via A8 motorway. You can click here to plan your car route.
I particularly enjoyed the scenic road from Arona (southern part) going up on the western lake shore up towards Cannobio, but there are towns and villages to be seen all over the lake!
Interested in Ernest Hamingway's Farewell to Arms? You can listen to it here.
Here are 12 top activities that are suitable for anyone, and will make you love Lake Maggiore in spring.
#1 SUNBATHING WHILE GAZING THE SNOW-CAPPED MOTTARONE
 |
| Lake sun tanning facing the snow-peaked Mottarone |
Spring is the only season when you can still enjoy stunning views of the snow-peaked Mottarone mountain, the highest mountain on Lake Maggiore (near Stresa, southern side of the lake), while relaxing and getting your tan by the lake.
Get your bikini out and don't forget to dangle your feet from the lake dock (which I loved doing too)!
#2 RIDING UP THE MOTTARONE BY CABLEWAY
 |
| The view from the Mottarone by qwesy qwesy |
Tired of lying on the deck chair by the lake? The real fun starts when you get on the cable car to ride up the 1,491 metre-high Mottarone!
You ride up 2 stages by cableway, plus to the very top you need to get on a chair lift. The views of the lake are just unbelievable when the sky is clear!
Tip: whilst down on the lake the temperature may reach 25 degree centigrades in spring, up on the mountain it can still be windy and chilly. Make sure you dress properly.
For more info on the Mottarone cableway, click here.
Tip 2: if you or your kids are fearless, get on Alpyland toboggan (extra charge 5 euros adults; 4 euros children). Up on the Mottarone it is a serious fun roller coaster!
#3 CRUISING (PORT SIDE)
 |
| Cruising on Lake Maggiore is an unforgettable activity |
One common option to enjoy the lake is experiencing it from a boat or a sightseeing cruise. Of course, you can go crusing in other seasons; however, the balmy air, and soothing feeling of the gentle spring freeze will lift you to heaven!
Possibly you won't beat the crowds, because cruising is an unmissable activity to do on the lake in spring.
 |
| The Borromean islands as seen from the boat |
However, you will collect epic memories of views from the lake and the Borromean islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori): the lush green scenery, the manicured gardens, and the hidden beaches will make a lake cruise really a must-do activity!
 |
| Alluring Isola Bella park: a joy for the eyes! |
Tip: cruises (hop on -hop off) will provide you with round trips of lake Maggiore. Best views: port side of the boat.
For more info on cruising on Lake Maggiore, click here.
 |
| Fishing net art on Isola dei Pescatori? |
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| Cute corner (incidentally flowery!) on Isola dei Pescatori |
#4 SEEING THE SPECTACULAR SPRING BLOOM
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| Impressively manicured and blooming villa gardens |
You will have a hard time picking the best gardens amongst all the majestic villas on the lake: they will be all in full bloom in spring!
 |
| Fascinating artistic garden |
Visiting the gardens is the main reason to come to Lake Maggiore, even if you don't have much of a green thumb!
The Borromean Islands (Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori), just off Stresa, can boast stunning flower blooming.
 |
| Stunning blooming in spring on Lake Maggiore |
However, head to Villa Taranto in Verbania-Pallanza to admire 50,000 blooming tulips that the founder, the Scot MacEwan, must have planted with painstaking work and love back in 1931!
If you go in May, then you can't miss the azaleas and the rhododendrons. Their colours and shapes are just breathtaking!
 |
| Spectacular spring blooming azaleas |
Tip: whilst walking along the manicured paths, take things very slowly and just enjoy being surrounded by colourful flowers and plants in pure mindfulness style! You are surrounded by nature at its best. Don't forget it!
 |
| Well-groomed gardens in Villa Taranto |
#5 ... EVEN OF PALM TREES...
 |
| Stunning palm tree flowers |
I'm sure your kids will love the giant yellow palm tree flowers. I was actually dumbfunded myself. I had never seen palm trees blooming!
Actually, you are more likely to see them in the Mediterranean climate area; however, Lake Maggiore has a special climate with rather mild temperatures in comparison to the surrounding areas. Quite fascinating!
#6 GETTING IMPRESSED AT COURTSHIP RITUALS
 |
| Peacocks have a visual crush: flashy tail feathers |
All the colourful plants and flowers that brighten up the gardens on the lake make it a perfect getaway for a romantic spring idea. However, you are not the only one ready to woo your other half.
In the amazing terraced gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella (one of the Borromean islands right in the middle of Lake Maggiore) you can spend hours watching the feathery male peacocks performing courtship rituals.
They display their stunning full-eyed tails in colourful wheels. When? Of course in spring! Well, there are also white female peacocks on the island, and they look as if they are wearing their white wedding dress on already!
 |
| White peacock with the bridal wedding gown on? |
#7 PEOPLE WATCHING
 |
| People watching: hey, you down there! |
People watching is one of the fun activities to do on the lake. Why should all activities involve moving muscles?
The whole lake towns and villages offer great opportunities to relax at a cafe or restaurant by the shore, or simply sit on a lakefront bench and watch the world go by.
In spring this activity is particularly pleasant as people start to get out a lot, and enjoy the gentle sun again. Why would you want to melt in the summer heat?
The best moment to people watch is definitely in the evening or before dinner when locals perform the ritual of "spritz time" and "passeggiare" (strolling in Italian), arm in arm: no pressure, no hurry at all. Combined with evocative sunsets, people watching by Lake Maggiore is an unmissable thing to do.
#8 STATUE CLIMBING IN ARONA
 |
| The colossal statue in Arona - photo by Marco Assini |
Did you know that Lake Maggiore has its Statue of Liberty too? Well, it is located in Arona (town in the southern side), but do not expect a woman with a torch.
The statue in Arona is the huge 35-metre copper and bronze statue of a man, San Carlo Borromeo (or as it is nicknamed "Sancarlone"). He is the much beloved archbishop of Milan who was born in Arona and was made saint.
In spring one of the fun activities to do is climbing the 35 metres up a steep staircase inside the statue. Once you reach the top through the statue's eyes and ears, you can admite the breathtaking landscape!
 |
| What you see from inside Sancarlone's statue - photo by Luca Galli |
Tip: no lift available. Not recommended if you suffer from vertigo and in the summer heat.
For more info on the colossal statue of Sancarlone in Arona, click here.
For more info on Arona, click here.
#9 ENJOYING "LA BELLA VITA" IN STRESA (NOT IN ROME!)
 |
| Enjoying "la bella vita" on Lake Maggiore |
In spring Lake Maggiore is packed with events, especially May, in Stresa, one of the charming "bella vita" towns.
Stresa is nicknamed "the pearl of the lake" since the upper class who performed the Grand Tour around Italy used to flock in and enjoy "la bella vita" by Lake Magiore shores in amazing hotels and gardens.
Who said that "la bella vita" was just in Rome?
Vips, writers, singers and actors have made this lake ever so famous, and Stresa in particular still retains that elegant Victorian feel to it. I loved strolling along the lakefront promenade flanked by historic hotels such as Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees.
That old time charm is still in the air!
Another way to relive "la bella vita" is watching (or taking part if you can) the historic car race (held in May) or experience excellent food in the Piedmontese markets that are held only in spring in Stresa. You can see all the events in Stresa by clicking here.
 |
| Living the good life, ehm, ehm, "la bella vita" on Lake Maggiore |
#10 JOGGING IN BAVENO
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| Jogging on the waterfront in Baveno is a great activity |
If you leave Stresa behind, reaching Baveno takes a good 3 km drive northwards, along the lake waterfront. The road has a more alpine feel, though you will be surrounded by palm trees!
Baveno has a 1.4 fabulous promenade overlooking the Borromean islands, perfect for jogging and to exercise, or to get on a cruise for the islands.
For more info on Baveno, click here.
#11 BIRDWATCHING IN FONDOTOCE
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| Birdwatching in Fondotoce - photo by Irene Grassi |
The nature reserve of Fondotoce is special because it houses an important bird sanctuary, and it is full of nature trails and cycling paths, perfect for nature lovers. Kids and grown-ups alike will love it!
For more info on Fondotoce, click here.
#12 SOAKING UP MAGNIFICENT VIEWS FROM SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO MONASTERY
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| Amazing views from Santa Caterina del Sasso on Lake Maggiore |
Though the western side of Lake Maggiore is considered by many the most attractive part, the eastern side has some gems too.
One of them is the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso which in spring enjoys longer opening hours (another good reason to visit the monastery in spring!).
Santa Caterina del Sasso has magnificant views of the western side of the lake as it was build on a cliff around the year 1100. The story goes that it was built by a moneylender who wished to do penance after being rescued during a storm on the lake.
No matter what the story is, the place is just breathtaking: the church has amazing frescoes depicting stories from Saint Catherine's life to whom the monastery is dedicated. To enjoy the views you need to either climb 200 steps up, or get the lift from the car park. Alternatively you can reach the monastery from the lake.
For more info on the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, click here.
IN BRIEF
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| Map of Lake Maggiore - map by Ian Spackman |
HOW TO GET THERE
BY AIR: Milan Malpensa airport is about 60 km south of Lake Maggiore, while Milan Linate airport is about 100 km.BY BUS: from Malpensa Airport you need to get 2 buses: the first leg operated by the Comazzi bus company which takes you to Gravellona Toce (60 km, roughly one hour). From there you change to STN bus operator to reach Stresa in 20 minutes. Plan your bus trip here. There is also another company called Safduemila/Alibus which connects Malpensa to Stresa but you need to book in advance. For more info on the bus timetable, click here.
BY CAR: from Milan Malpensa you can reach Stresa by car via A26 (direction Gravellona, Toce), and then exit Baveno-Stresa. From Milan you can reach Stresa in 1 h and 20 minutes via A8 motorway. You can click here to plan your car route.
HOW TO GET AROUND
To tour the lake at your own pace (especially if you are short on time), you definitely need a car!I particularly enjoyed the scenic road from Arona (southern part) going up on the western lake shore up towards Cannobio, but there are towns and villages to be seen all over the lake!
WHERE TO STAY
Paolo and I booked a hotel along the scenic road leading to Stresa.
The hotel is outside Stresa with great views of the lake (ask for the front rooms with a balcony), and has a free-of-charge private car parking! Click here for the hotel.
The hotel is outside Stresa with great views of the lake (ask for the front rooms with a balcony), and has a free-of-charge private car parking! Click here for the hotel.
WHERE TO EAT
Ghiffa
If you fancy a car ride to Ghiffa, north of Verbania (50 min.) there is a hotel/restaurant which provides a different experience.
If you are into organic vegetarian food, this is the place. It's a bit of a posh experience with the open space kitchen and the waiter speaking 3 or 4 languages! From the terrace at sunset you have a stunning view of the lake. Click here for the restaurant in Ghiffa.
Verbania-Pallanza
We wanted to try something local and we bumped into this rustic but comfortable osteria. It is actually off the main street in Verbania-Pallanza. The owner was fun to talk to and the food was good beef...beef...beef. For the osteria in Verbania-Pallanza, click here.
Baveno
We enjoyed an authentic Italian food experience (but don't go if you expect the standard pasta/pizza pair as the owners have lots of culinary creativity!). Top quality. Click here for the restaurant in Baveno.
For more information on Lake Maggiore, click here.
I'd love to hear from you!
Have you ever been to Lake Maggiore? What's your favourite spot?
Thanks for reading!
For more information on Lake Maggiore, click here.
I'd love to hear from you!
Have you ever been to Lake Maggiore? What's your favourite spot?
Thanks for reading!
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| My bushy hair is NOT part of Lake Maggiore's garden landscape |