I wish it was that simple to look in a magic mirror and be told which Italian lake is the most stunning and should be your next holiday destination! 

I've been to many of the Northern Italian lakes. Como, Garda, Trasimeno, Lugano. But northern Italy has quite a collection of beautiful lakes. They all have a certain beauty to them. Their own personality.

So far I've felt most at home in Como, and it's not that I just like to hang out at Harry's Bar looking for George Clooney! I find the countryside around the lake very relaxing and the perfect environment for my city dweller children. Como is also the most famous lake in Italy. However, recently we discovered a new lake, Lago Maggiore. 

Our accommodation was called Golfo Gabella in the village of Maccagno. A beautiful lakeside resort with superb facilities and very attentive staff. All booked through the Italian holiday specialists Bookings For You, which are an English firm who handpick properties in Italy to make sure they perfectly suit their customers. I wrote about our stay last week, so now it's time to find out why Maggiore is the 'greatest' as its name suggests!

Lake Maggiore has so far been much overlooked by British holiday makers as we only really get told about Como through the celebrity press it brings, but there's plenty of things to do here as well. Lake Maggiore is popular with Northern Europeans, Belgians, French, German, Swiss. Those who can drive south and be at this wonderful lake with ease. 

We shouldn't be letting them keep it all to themselves though as it's quite a treasure!

The Most Beautiful Lakes in Italy: Discover and Travel the Best Northern Italian Scenery

Como or Maggiore

What struck me most about Lake Maggiore on this recent trip is just how wild and unspoiled it is. While the mountains around Lake Como are very green, they're also steep so there's less space for gardens and parks. You can get down to the lake shore but it's generally more of a promenade than being on a beach. There are some small areas of beach far north on the lake but they are quite a way from the main visiting spots. 

Maggiore on the other hand has gently sloping mountains and hills, large grassy banks along the shore. Trees and beach. It is no less beautiful than Como, just less frenetic and and maybe a more authentic lake side experience! 

Family friendly

So what is there for families? Apart from finding areas as I've described above and having wonderful picnics whilst exploring, there are plenty of days out to suit everyone. 

Specifically aimed at families are: 

Swissminiatur which is a park attraction comprising a mini village of Switzerland! Complete with delicate houses, a mascot and activities for children. 

Alpyland is a bobsled roller coaster at the top of the Mottarone mountain! It's suitable for children from age 4 and upwards.  

Villa Pallavicino is a beautiful stately home with parkland which has wonderful gardens and a zoo with over 40 different species of animals. Perfect for the little ones to run around and slightly less daunting than Alpyland! 

If it's swimming pools you're after there are lidos at both Locarno and Lugano. Locarno is very well laid out and has a beach club feel.  Lugano is more functional but does have a fine sandy beach as well. 

Sightseeing

If all that seems like too much effort why not visit one of the most famous attractions on Lake Maggiore.

The four beautiful Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola Superiore dei Pescatori and Isola San Giovanni. They are all accessible from Stresa by boat. The main two to visit are Isola Bella which is an island entirely taken over by an incredible palace, distinctive gardens and white peacocks! And Isola dei Pescatori which was allowed to continue as a little fishing community and due to this has some excellent fish restaurants to try. 

Stresa itself is a pretty place with a promenade and is much more bustling if you'd like something more lively. They also host a music festival in July each year. 

We visited Cannobio a beautiful picturesque village with winding streets and wonderful local food on display. Cannero another gem and has a lovely market on Sundays. Both can be visited by boat from Maccagno, which is where we stayed. 

Luino a larger town hosts the biggest weekly market in Europe every Wednesday. We really enjoyed getting lost here and doing some shopping.

We found a very sweet family friendly cafe/ristorante I Segreti del Caffe' (The secrets of coffee) in  the heart of the market but through a little archway. It had simple pasta dishes and lots of ride on toys outside to keep the little ones happy. 

James Bond

You may be wondering what Mr Bond has to do with all this?! If you remember the film Goldeneye with THE famous bungee jump scene into a dam? Well you can visit the Verzasca dam and even bungee jump into it yourself if you are so inclined! 

Sports

If you're a particularly active family or would just love the opportunity to try something new, there is so much on offer here. 

You can wind and kite surf with La Darsena School. They have a base near Pino-Trozano which is the windiest spot on the lake. They offer lessons and hire of equipment. 

In Locarno you can try canyoning and rafting! You'll be taken through thrilling, beautiful canyons in hidden valleys around Locarno. The minimum age for children is 6 years old. I'm not sure if we should be excited or afraid that the company who organise this are called Indepth Outthere Adventures!

If you'd love to get out on the water you can hire a motor boat. These can be organised through your accommodation in most cases. Our resort Golfo Gabella, pictured below, do all of this for you. They can also arrange bike hire, babysitters and much more! 

If you want to get in the mountains and have the views of the Lake Maggiore from above, you can also go hiking or do some mountain biking.

Where to stay

We stayed in a lovely village called Maccagno on the Eastern shore. We booked through Italian holiday specialists Bookings For You and they found us the wonderful resort of Golfo Gabella.

Golfo Gabella is situated right on the lake shore, with pools, apartments, gardens and a very helpful reception/concierge. You can read my review of the whole resort and booking process here. 

We found Maccagno a very useful location as it has a train station and this connects directly to Milan Malpensa airport.

Other Italian lakes

Are you looking for great places or hidden gems that are worth visiting in Northern Italy? Consider their large lakes, which are a great way to experience Italy’s spectacular scenery and soak in the Mediterranean climate. One of the best ways to see medieval castles and beautiful lakes both is to plan one or more day trips as part of your itinerary in Italy. 

Here are some of Italy's best lakes:

1. Lake Maggiore as we’ve mentioned above is nestled between the borders of Italy & Switzerland, and is an outstanding area of natural beauty, particularly when the flowers on its surrounding hills are in bloom. Want an ideal experience of Italy’s second largest lake? Take the Mottarone cable car up the mountains to get a higher view of one of Italy’s most picturesque lakes.

2. Lake Garda. Need somewhere even bigger than Maggiore? Garda is Italy’s biggest lake and boasts crystal clear water and panoramic views of its surrounding mountain ranges. Get inspired (like many writers have) by Garda’s charming village and plan a day trip to the Lemon Groves of Limone Sul Garda. Want to take things easy? Take a boat ride and soak in Garda’s best views. Or you can also find the famous amusement park Gardaland; the perfect day trip for the rollercoaster enthusiasts among us.

3. Lake Como. One of the best ways to spot relaxing celebrities is to visit Lake Como, a popular place for A-listers like George Clooney to take a trip - he even bought a home here. It’s Como’s status as a celebrity destination that makes it one of the most popular lakes and certainly one of the best italian lakes. The Roman Empire was drawn to its strategic position and built a number of historic buildings including the first villas around the lake. 

4. Lake Iseo is an ideal destination for those seeking something a little more quiet. Something of a hidden gem, it is an offbeat destination which means savvy tourists can avoid having to endure long queues at every bar and cafe in the town of Iseo and can immerse themselves in the local culture that much more easily. Lake Iseo is most famous for its vineyards, forests and surrounding medieval churches.

5. Lake Bolsena. One of the best things to enjoy at Bolsena is its many outdoor activities - in particular water activities. A family friendly destination situated in a volcanic crater, it’s situated in Central Italy and as such is one of the best places to plan a day trip to while on your travels in Italy. As a crater lake, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most picturesque lakes in all of Europe.

6. Lake Orta, also known as Lago d'Orta in Italian, is a picturesque lake located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, near the Swiss border. It is often referred to as the "hidden gem" of the Italian Lakes, as it is not as well-known as its larger and more famous neighbours, such as Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Despite its smaller size, Lake Orta is just as beautiful as the other lakes in the region, with crystal clear waters surrounded by green hills and charming villages. It is home to the island of San Giulio, which is famous for its beautiful basilica and cloister, as well as the small fishing village of Orta San Giulio, which is known for its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

7. Lake Ledro is a picturesque alpine lake located in Trentino, a region in northern Italy. It is situated at an altitude of 655 meters above sea level and has a surface area of approximately 2.2 square kilometers. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters, which are ideal for swimming, boating, and other water activities. It is also surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Ledro is also steeped in history. During World War I, the lake was the site of a major battle between Italian and Austrian forces, and visitors can still see the remains of trenches and fortifications along the lakeshore.

8. Lake Bracciano. This lake is surrounded by picturesque hills and forests, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature walks. Visitors can also enjoy water activities such as swimming, sailing, and windsurfing, and there are several beaches and waterfront areas for picnics and sunbathing. Lake Bracciano is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several medieval towns and villages, including Bracciano, which is known for its stunning medieval castle. The castle was built in the 15th century and features beautiful frescoes and artwork.

9. Lake Caldanazzo is known for its crystal-clear waters, which are ideal for swimming, boating, and other water activities. There are several beaches and waterfront areas along the lake where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Caldonazzo is also surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains, making it a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking. The area around the lake is home to several scenic trails and paths, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lake Caldonazzo is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The area around the lake was inhabited by the Celts in ancient times, and there are several archaeological sites and museums in the area where visitors can learn about the region's history.

10. Lake Varese is surrounded by lush green hills and is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Varese is also home to several cultural and historical landmarks. The Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located on the hill overlooking the lake and features 14 chapels decorated with beautiful frescoes and sculptures. The city of Varese, located on the shores of the lake, is also a popular destination for visitors. It is known for its beautiful gardens, parks, and historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Estense and the Villa Mylius.

Italy has stunning lakes and great things to be found in its surrounding little towns situated on each lake shore. As such, it is a popular destination for water sports and mountain biking both.. What better way is there to enjoy such clear waters and Alpine lakes? 

The Italian Lakes are a group of stunningly beautiful freshwater lakes located in the northern part of Italy. They are known for their crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, and breathtaking scenery. Whilst the lakes are a beautiful place to visit for families or solo travellers alike, the Italian Lakes are also renowned for their romantic atmosphere, with many luxurious villas, gardens, and historic buildings providing a perfect setting for a romantic getaway. From the stunning natural scenery, to the historic sites and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in these beautiful places in Italy. Which of these will you explore on your next itinerary around Italy?

If you'd love to learn more about Lake Maggiore and why it's the perfect destination for families, visit Katy of 'Otis and Us'. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Italian lake for swimming?

Lake Garda or Lake D’Orta are the best for swimming. However, many Italian lakes have access to the water with beaches and pools next to the lake.

What to do in the Italian lakes?

There are so many different activities to enjoy beside the lake. From shopping, hiking, viewpoints, cycling, motorcycling, windsurfing, paddleboarding and much more.

What is the best place to stay on the Italian lakes?

There is definitely a lake for everyone. Como has stunning backdrops and villages. Maggiore is wilder and great for families. Garda suits those wanting to sunbathe. Really you can find something to suit all of your group with a lake holiday.

What is your favourite Italian lake and why?

Our favourite Italian lake is Como. However, we discovered Maggiore a few years ago and were really taken with it. It feels like the undiscovered Como. You have more space to yourself. It’s not as touristy. It’s perfect if you’re quite an active family and need lots of activities in the fresh air.

What are your recommendations for a town to vacation in the Italian Lakes District?

On Lake Como, we love Varenna, Argegno and Menaggio. On Lake Maggiore, we spend time in Maccagno, Stresa, Luino and Cannobio. All make a great base to explore the rest of the lakes.

**This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.**