Lake Maggiore highlights

Lago Maggiore Express combines a boat ride with an unforgettable train journey. We embarked at Arona (Italy) and disembarked at Locarno (Switzerland) zig zagging across the lake, past the Borromean islands and calling in at some very pretty ports along the way including Stresa, Baveno and Luino. The lunch on board was at an extra cost but good value. After a quick walk round Locarno we then boarded the Vigezzina railway which took us through the Centovalli Valley (one hundred valleys) – over bridges, through vineyards and forests and past villages clinging to mountain slopes before reaching Domodossolo. A regular train service took us back to Arona. Fabulous day out!

Not something you come across every day and a bit off the beaten track however the quirky ‘painters’ village of Arcumeggia is an open-air fresco gallery and worth the hair pin bend journey to get there!

Not for the faint hearted - a walk up to the three waterfalls at Cittiglio – a refreshing swim in the Summer is worth the climb. Relaxed and laid back, Cerro is a popular ‘beach’ resort for many locals with a pebbly beach access to the lake for swimming, sailing and stand up paddle boarding. Both the pizzeria and the fish restaurant offer a choice of lunch options as well as Aperitivo or dinner in the evenings. The local gelateria is pretty good too!

Just up the coast from Cerro and picturesquely perched on a sheer cliff above the water is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso. Stunning views of Maggiore and delightful little chapel.

The ‘bucket lift’ (see photo) takes you high above Laveno-Mombello and provides fabulous views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps from the top, particularly on a clear day.

The Borromean Islands are well worth a visit and accessible via small boats leaving from Stresa, they are jaw-droppingly beautiful. This unusual Archipelago is made up of Isola Bella, with its 17th-Century Palazzo Borromeo, Isola dei Pescatori (or Fishermen’s Island), very picturesque and perfect for a long leisurely lunch and Isola Madre, noted for its botanical gardens and rare plants. Last September we visited Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori.

Lake Maggiore really does tick many boxes and provides a wonderful location for an unforgettable holiday. You can consider combining it with a city break in Milan or with Lake Como perhaps?