Things to Do on Lake Maggiore - Activities and Excursions

There is plenty to experience around Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta: hikes with lake views, trips to the Borromean Islands, culture, water sports and, in winter, even ski resorts nearby. Here you will find an overview of our topic pages.

Hiking and nature

Hiking near Trarego Viggiona - three suggested walks in the hills above Cannero Riviera, with sweeping views over the lake.

Sentiero d'arte - the artists' trail through the old, winding village of Trarego.

Val Grande National Park - Italy's largest wilderness area in the hinterland of the lake, for experienced hikers.

Val Verzasca - famous Ticino valley with its dam, emerald-green river and stone villages.

Vallemaggia and Centovalli - the valleys behind Locarno and Ascona, with the Centovalli railway to Domodossola.

Valle Vigezzo - a wide high valley on the Swiss-Italian border.

On and in the water

Borromean Islands - Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori; reached by boat from Stresa, Baveno and Verbania.

Castelli di Cannero - the castle islands off Cannero Riviera, to be admired from the shore or from a boat.

Boat hire - sailing and motor boats as well as canoes and SUP boards at several places around the lake.

Diving - easy dives in Lake Maggiore and river diving in the Verzasca.

Fishing - information on permits for Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

Gardens, culture and sights

Villa Taranto - the 20-hectare botanical garden near Verbania, also reachable by boat.

Santa Caterina del Sasso - the monastery built into the sheer cliffs above the lake.

Orta and the island of San Giulio - the Sacro Monte and the monastery island in Lake Orta.

Varese and the Sacro Monte - a town at the southern edge of the Alps with a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Excursions on Lake Maggiore - the most beautiful sights around the lake.

Divignano and the Safari Park Pombia - a day out for families with children.

Active holidays and sports

Bungee jumping - jumps from the bridge in Intragna and from the Verzasca dam.

Golf - around 10 golf courses around the lake.

Winter on Lake Maggiore - tips for holidays and day trips in the cold season.

Ski resorts - skiing in the area, with distances and directions.

Sports at a glance - all sports options on one page.

Shopping, food and practical information