Let yourself be enchanted by Lake Maggiore
Old-worldly charm, stunning Italian beauty & a tranquil atmosphere: Welcome to the Lago Maggiore! Less crowded than nearby Lake Como and oh so scenic, the Maggiore offers an authentic Italian lake experience that will leave you totally in love with its shores.

Lake Maggiore offers miles of peaceful lakeside walks that thrill with one beautiful view after another. If you're feeling particularly energetic, you can hike up into the mountains that surround the lake for amazing panoramic vistas. For a nice day's break, take a boat trip to visit the Borromean Islands. This super-picturesque small island group offers an utterly magical, otherworldly experience.

Another activity we would highly recommend is a journey on the Lake Maggiore Express: This superbly-restored, narrow-gauge railway takes you right up into the hills above the lake. Stunning views guaranteed! The train's destination is Locarno, just across the Swiss border. Here you'll get time to explore, and even take the funicular to see the fabulous Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary, before catching the ferry back to the Italian side of the lake.

Our accommodation recommendation is the picturesque 3* Aries Hotel: A friendly, family-run establishment in Lesa, a small town on the Western shore of the lake, ithe Aries is ideally situated between Stresa & Arona. Lesa has its own jetty complete with ferry terminal, which makes getting around the lake a breeze. There are also lots of restaurants & shops on offer nearby, as well as numerous superb hiking trails & lakeshore walks.

Sample dates: beginning of September 2025
More dates are available (prices may vary): 15/07/2025 to 31/10/2025

Sample departure airport: London
Other departure airports are available: London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted

Our hotel pick: 3* Aries Hotel
• Destination: Lesa, Lago Maggiore, Italy
• Rating: Average 3/5 TripAdvisor traveller rating
• Cancellation policy: ATOL protected, refundable
• Whats around: the lakeshore, ferry terminal, Castellaccio, Chiesa San Martino, Monumento Ai Caduti
• Whats included: flights, free Wi-Fi, free parking
• Amenities: bar/lounge, restaurant, 2 x sun terraces, 24-hour front desk, concierge
• Duration: 5 nights
• Board: breakfast
• Price: from £ 251 per person (based on double occupancy)