Is Lake Maggiore in Switzerland be one of the countries best-kept secrets? It’s not the scenery the land locked country is best known for, it’s natural beauty and sunny climes make it the perfect holiday destination.
Palm trees flourish
Located in the south, the Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino is a favourite holiday destination for the Swiss. The climatic conditions allow exotic plants to flourish; palms grow next to chestnut trees, figs, bouganvilleas and grape vines to producing an abundance of fruit and flowers.
Lake Maggiore
The Lake Maggiore is the largest lake in the region (65kms long), with the northern end lying in Switzerland and the remainder in Italy. Originating in the Swiss city of Locarno, the lake winds it way down to Stresa in Italy. This Italian speaking region of Switzerland is an pretty as a picture.
Inspiration for creatives
Because of the lake districts easy access from cities like Milan and Zurich, the region has always been a favourite for writers and artists seeking creative inspiration. Writers like DH Lawrence, Goethe and Hemingway have all written about their magical time spend in the area.
Ernest Hemmingway described Lake Maggiore as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Local experiences
In addition to water activities, the region has plenty more to offer. If you prefer to stay on land, in the nearby Italian town of Pallanza, the shores are lined with historic lakeside villa’s, gardens and restaurants and where you can enjoy a visit to Villa Taranto’s garden below.
Ferries depart from the main towns from the Swiss city of Locarno to the Italian town of Stresa. A ferry excusion is a magical way to experience the lake stopping in various towns or to see the lakes islands of Brissago Island or the Italian Borromean Islands near Stresa.
Captivating views of the lake unfold from the surrounding mountains where peaks can reach over 3,000 metres. Well marked hiking trails traverse the scenic landscape and are dotted with stone houses, chestnut forests and rustic grotto’s for a lunch stop.
Our local tip
Spring and autumn are great times to visit the area as the lake is quieter than during the summer months.
Location
Read about our visit to the tiny Swiss mountain village of Mogno in the Ticino.