Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting? I think it depends on what you’re looking for.
I visited Lake Maggiore in Italy as a short stop on my way home from Saas-Fee, Switzerland. I only had two days here, staying in Stresa, and honestly, I had a really nice time. I stayed in a lovely hotel with a view over the lake, had drinks by the water, wandered around town and enjoyed having nowhere in particular to be.
But would I say Lake Maggiore is a must-see destination in Northern Italy? Probably not.
And that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. If you’re looking for a quiet holiday by the water, Lake Maggiore can actually be a really lovely choice. But if you’re trying to decide between Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Lake Garda and you only have limited time, there are a few things I’d consider first.
Here’s my honest take after visiting.
So, Is Lake Maggiore Worth Visiting?
Yes, but I wouldn’t consider it a must-see in Northern Italy.
Lake Maggiore is beautiful, peaceful and much more relaxed than some of the better-known Italian lakes. I really enjoyed my time here, but after about two days, I felt like I had pretty much seen what I wanted to see.
For me, that’s the biggest difference between Lake Maggiore and places like Lake Como or Lake Garda.
Lake Maggiore works really well if your idea of a holiday is waking up with a lake view, having a slow breakfast, walking around a small town, grabbing a drink by the water and doing very little.
If you’re looking for lots of sightseeing, nightlife, different towns to explore or a packed itinerary, I think there are better choices elsewhere in Northern Italy.
So no, I wouldn’t skip Lake Maggiore if you happen to be nearby. But if you have to choose just one Italian lake, I understand why Lake Como and Lake Garda are more famous.
Why I Actually Liked Lake Maggiore
Despite everything I just said, I genuinely had a great stop here.
I had been travelling around the Alps and Northern Italy, and Lake Maggiore was a completely different pace. There was something really nice about arriving somewhere and not feeling like I had to see 25 things in two days.
I stayed in Stresa, which I would definitely recommend if you decide to visit Lake Maggiore. My brother has also been to several places around the lake and agreed that Stresa is a particularly nice base.
It’s small, pretty and right on the water, with restaurants, bars and places to sit outside.
And my accommodation definitely helped.
Stay in Stresa
If you’re visiting Lake Maggiore for a short trip, I’d stay in Stresa.
It’s one of the easiest places to base yourself because you have the lake right in front of you and most of what you’ll want to do during a short visit is within easy reach.
I stayed at Residence La Luna Nel Porto, and it ended up being one of my favourite stays of the trip.
The best part? The lake view.
The rooms were affordable, had kitchens and private terraces, and sitting outside with the water in front of me made the whole stay feel much more special.
If you’re only staying for one or two nights, I’d personally prioritise getting somewhere with a lake view. You’re coming here to enjoy the lake, after all.
How Long Do You Need in Lake Maggiore?
1–2 nights is enough for a short visit
For my trip, two days was enough.
I think you can easily enjoy Stresa in one full day, especially if you mainly want to relax, walk around, eat well and spend time by the water.
If you want to explore more of the lake, visit some of the islands or see other towns around Lake Maggiore, I’d stay longer.
But if you’re adding Lake Maggiore as a stop to a bigger Northern Italy itinerary, I wouldn’t feel the need to give it a huge amount of time.
For me, two days felt just right.
Things to Do in Stresa
You don’t need a massive itinerary for Stresa. Honestly, that’s part of its charm.
Walk Along Corso Umberto I
Take a walk through Corso Umberto I, the main street through Stresa.
It’s an easy way to explore the town, stop for food or drinks and wander towards the lake.
You don’t need to rush. Just walk around and see where you end up.
Have Drinks by the Water
One of my favourite things to do in Stresa was simply sit by the water with a drink.
You can find places such as La Verbanella and Willy’s Cocktail Bar for drinks and a relaxed evening.
And honestly, this is where Lake Maggiore makes the most sense to me. You’re not necessarily coming here to tick off attractions. You’re coming here to enjoy being somewhere beautiful and calm.
Have Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia
For dinner, I went to Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia.
Cheap wine, pizza and a relaxed atmosphere, basically everything I want after a day of travelling.
Sometimes the best travel experiences really are that simple.
Lake Maggiore vs Lake Como
If you’re wondering whether to visit Lake Maggiore or Lake Como, I think the answer depends on what you want from your trip.
Lake Como felt more impressive to me in terms of scenery, famous towns and the sheer amount of things people come to see. It also has a much bigger tourism scene.
Lake Maggiore felt quieter and more relaxed.
That doesn’t automatically make one better than the other. They’re just different experiences.
If you want a lake holiday where you can slow down and don’t need a packed itinerary, Lake Maggiore could be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you have limited time in Northern Italy and want somewhere with more famous sights and destinations to explore, I’d personally look at Lake Como or Lake Garda first.
Lake Maggiore vs Lake Garda
The same applies when comparing Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda.
Lake Garda is much bigger and has a lot more variety. You can spend several days moving between different towns, beaches and attractions, and there is simply more going on.
Lake Maggiore felt smaller and quieter during my visit.
So again, it comes down to the type of trip you want.
Lake Maggiore: slow, peaceful, lake views, relaxed days.
Lake Garda: more variety, more towns, more activities and a bigger itinerary.
When I Would Recommend Lake Maggiore
I think Lake Maggiore is worth visiting if:
- You want a quiet holiday by the water
- You prefer smaller towns and a slower pace
- You’re already travelling through Northern Italy or Switzerland
- You only want a short, relaxing stop
- You don’t need a packed itinerary
- You want to stay somewhere with beautiful lake views
It’s particularly nice as a stop between destinations, which is exactly how I experienced it.
I had just come from Saas-Fee and was making my way home, so having two slow days at the lake was actually a really nice way to finish the trip.
When I Would Choose Somewhere Else
On the other hand, I wouldn’t make Lake Maggiore a priority if you’re looking for:
- Lots of sightseeing
- A busy nightlife scene
- Many different attractions
- A packed itinerary
- The most dramatic Italian lake scenery
- A destination where you can easily fill a week with different experiences
There simply wasn’t enough for me personally to do to make it feel like a longer stay.
After two days, I was ready to move on.
And that’s completely fine.
Not every destination needs to keep you busy for a week to be worth visiting.
My Honest Verdict: Should You Visit Lake Maggiore?
Yes, but don’t feel like you have to.
I had a really successful two-day stop at Lake Maggiore. Stresa was cosy, my hotel was lovely, the lake views were beautiful and I enjoyed the slower pace.
At the same time, Lake Maggiore wasn’t as impressive to me as Lake Como, and I felt like I’d seen enough after two days.
So if you’re planning a big Northern Italy trip and have to make choices, I’d understand prioritising Lake Como or Lake Garda.
But if you’re looking for a peaceful few days by the water, especially as part of a longer trip, Lake Maggiore can be a really lovely addition.
For me, it was a good stop, just not a place I’d say you absolutely have to visit.
And honestly, I think that’s a pretty good thing to know before planning your itinerary.
FAQ About Lake Maggiore
Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful destination by the water. I enjoyed my two-day visit, although I wouldn’t consider it an absolute must-see in Northern Italy.
How many days do you need in Lake Maggiore?
For a short visit focused on Stresa, 1–2 nights can be enough. Stay longer if you want to explore more towns and attractions around the lake.
Where should you stay in Lake Maggiore?
For a short visit, I recommend Stresa. It’s a convenient and pleasant base with restaurants, bars, lake views and plenty to do without needing a packed itinerary.
Is Lake Maggiore better than Lake Como?
They offer different experiences. Lake Maggiore felt quieter and more relaxed to me, while Lake Como has more famous towns and attractions. Which one suits you depends on the kind of trip you’re looking for.
Is Lake Maggiore good for a relaxing holiday?
Yes. If your idea of a holiday is sitting by the water, enjoying good food and taking things slowly, Lake Maggiore is a good fit.
Final Thoughts
I think Lake Maggiore is one of those destinations where your expectations really matter.
If you arrive expecting another Lake Como, you might wonder what all the fuss is about.
But if you arrive wanting two quiet days by the water, a nice hotel, good food and a break from constantly sightseeing, you might absolutely love it.
That’s pretty much how I experienced it.
It wasn’t the highlight of my Northern Italy trip, and I wouldn’t rearrange an entire itinerary just to visit it. But as a little stop on my way home from Switzerland?
I really enjoyed it.
And sometimes that’s all a place needs to be.
Planning Your Trip to Italy?
Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.
That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.
→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides
FAQ About Lake Maggiore
Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing destination by the water. I enjoyed my two-day visit to Stresa, although I wouldn’t consider Lake Maggiore a must-see if you have very limited time in Northern Italy.
Is Lake Maggiore better than Lake Como?
Lake Maggiore and Lake Como offer different experiences. Lake Maggiore felt quieter and more relaxed during my visit, while Lake Como has more famous towns, sights and things to do. If you’re looking for a slower lake holiday, Lake Maggiore can be a great choice.
How many days do you need at Lake Maggiore?
For a short trip focused on Stresa, I think 1–2 nights is enough. If you want to explore more of Lake Maggiore and visit different towns or attractions, staying for several days gives you more time to do so.
Where is the best place to stay at Lake Maggiore?
For a short visit, Stresa is one of the easiest places to stay. It has restaurants, bars, lake views and plenty to do within walking distance, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Is Stresa worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a small and relaxed lakeside town. Stresa is a good base for a short Lake Maggiore trip, and I particularly enjoyed simply walking around, having drinks by the water and enjoying the lake views.
What are the best things to do in Stresa?
Some of the best things to do in Stresa include walking along Corso Umberto I, having drinks by the lake, enjoying the waterfront and exploring the town at a relaxed pace. For me, the main appeal is the atmosphere rather than having a packed sightseeing itinerary.
Is Lake Maggiore good for a relaxing holiday?
Yes. Lake Maggiore is a good option if you want a slower holiday with lake views, relaxed meals, walks and time by the water. It’s less suited to travellers who want a busy itinerary packed with attractions.
Should you visit Lake Maggiore on a Northern Italy trip?
If you have enough time, Lake Maggiore can make a lovely addition to a Northern Italy itinerary. If your time is limited and you have to choose between several Italian lakes, you may prefer to prioritise Lake Como or Lake Garda depending on what you want to see and do.
