February 18, 2025, 3:35 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

Located between the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and the Swiss canton of Ticino, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda. Here, romantic towns meet vast landscapes and breathtaking views. Whether in the north or the south – there are numerous exciting attractions to discover in both parts of the lake.

Isola Bella – the Beautiful Island on Lake Maggiore

Isola Bella, one of the lake’s most famous islands, is located in the Italian part of Lake Maggiore. Especially in the spring and summer months, the island shows its best side and delights visitors with a variety of ornate gardens and exotic flora. The odd white peacock can also be spotted wandering through the botanical gardens.

At the same time, Palazzo Borromeo, a magnificent Baroque-style palace, awaits in the center of the island. According to the Lago-Maggiore website, it was built in the 17th century, and the well-preserved interior of the palace can still be visited today. In addition to the historic halls, a particular highlight is the building’s light blue dome, which reflects the colors of the lake. Isola Bella can be reached by boat from Stresa, Baveno, Verbania, and Laveno.

Verzasca Dam – A Hollywood-Worthy Backdrop

Just 15 minutes from Locarno, a real adventure awaits anyone who is in the mood for a thrill. With a height of 220 meters, the Verzasca dam is the fourth highest dam in Switzerland according to Ascona Locarno – and gives you heart palpitations just by looking down. And film fans are also likely to recognize the dam in the Verzasca Valley. In the mid-1990s, 007 star Pierce Brosnan took a spectacular plunge from the walls of the concrete structure in the James Bond film Golden Eye.

In addition to its function as a tourist attraction, the Contra Dam is also used to generate electricity and feed renewable energy into the Swiss power grid. Those who prefer to take it easy between bungee jumps and pendulum swings can instead enjoy the view of the emerald-green Lago di Vogorno, which is nestled in the rocky Verzasca Valley.

Santa Caterina Del Sasso – A Monastery on the Edge of the Shore

Another impressive destination awaits on the eastern side of Lake Maggiore. The Santa Caterina Del Sasso monastery juts out of a steep rock face. According to LagoMaggiore.de, the first documentation about the monastery dates back to the 14th century. In the church of Santa Caterina, visitors can admire frescoes from the 14th to 17th centuries, an impressive cloister, and three chapels, in which murals can also be admired.

The former hermit monastery near Leggiuno can be reached either by boat or on foot. Those who dare to climb the 208 steps are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Maggiore from the numerous viewing platforms.

Madonna Del Sasso – a Popular Place of Pilgrimage on Lake Maggiore

Whether you are a pilgrim, art lover, or hiker, a visit to the Sacro Monte Madonna del Sasso is a real highlight. The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso is enthroned high above Locarno on a rocky spur. With its religious and cultural significance, the sacred mountain of the Madonna del Sasso is one of the most important places in the canton of Ticino, according to the website Ticino. Inside the architectural heritage, visitors can admire religious paintings, frescoes, and altars.

At the same time, the site, situated on a steep rocky outcrop, offers a spectacular view of the Alpine valley and Lake Maggiore. From Locarno, the Madonna del Sasso can be reached on foot via the Via Crucis, which leads through the forest up to the church. An equally beautiful alternative is the “Funicolare Madonna del Sasso” funicular, which also runs from Locarno.

Cardada-Cimetta – At the Highest and Lowest Points in Switzerland

Ascend to the panoramic peaks of Cardada-Cimetta via cable car. According to the Ascona Locarno website, from here, you can see both the highest (Dufourspitze in the Monte Rosa massif) and the lowest (Lake Maggiore) point in Switzerland at the same time. Two funiculars and chairlifts lead up to the summit. The route first leads from Orselina to Cardada, followed by a clear view of the Alpine panorama from Cimetta. The Cardada-Cimetta offers space for numerous activities in both summer and winter, such as hikes or mountain bike tours.

More on the topic

Overview The 9 Most Charming Places on Lake Garda

One of the most fascinating places on earth Why you should travel to the Dead Sea once in your life

Autumn vacation in the Gulf of Naples Why October is the most beautiful month on Capri

Villa Taranto – The Enchanting Botanical Garden

A colorful sea of flowers, exotic plants, and rare trees awaits visitors in the botanical garden of Villa Taranto. The site in Verbania, on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, extends over 20 hectares and, according to Alpen-Guide.de, is home to around 20,000 different plant species, including a dahlia labyrinth and a Japanese garden with waterfalls.

The garden was founded in 1931 by Scottish captain Neil Mac Eacharn, who had it designed in the English style. Today, it is a paradise for photography and nature lovers. As the portal Der Lago Maggiore reports, in addition to fragrant flowerbeds, there are also around seven kilometers of avenues running through the area, some of which also offer a view of Lake Maggiore. With a boat landing stage right at the foot of the park, it is possible to arrive by ferry from Stresa, Baveno, or Locarno.