Sunny and lush, Lake Maggiore is frequently likened to the Mediterranean, with its colourful and exotic plant varieties and bright blue water. Yet it’s fed by rivers running off Piedmont’s lower alps, which have cut its narrow shape, and which for many is one of the great appeals of the Italian Lake District — so much spectacular shoreline for your buck! The best places to stay on Lake Maggiore are dotted around the shoreline, from stylish Locarno and Mediterranean Ascona on the lake’s northern shores, to Cannero Riviera and Stresa on the western Piedmont side (good for walkers, and shoppers respectively), and Ranco on the southern, Lombardy shore. The hotels and guesthouses themselves are a broad collection of converted palazzos and villas, plus a few castles and farmhouses, traditional Italian hotels, grande dames, spa resorts and contemporary properties.
Because Lake Maggiore pushes down through Switzerland into Italy, there are some variations in accommodation style that run along the border. Swiss Locarno and Ascona have a number of extremely luxurious properties, whilst within Italy you'll find more traditional, low-key properties that have been run by the same family for generations. Our recommendations for the best places to stay on Lake Maggiore cover both.
Broadly speaking the lake doesn’t differentiate by borders, its equally lemon scented all around, with palm trees and camellias, and walking its wooded shoreline is one of Lake Maggiore’s simple pleasures. This is also a great destination for cyclists. And sailors, kayakers and canoeists. Like many Italians, our Gurus’ also pick out the best places to stay on Lake Maggiore to recommend to families. The lake’s beaches are calmer than the sea, and the water is crystal clear. The lake is also littered with beautiful and historic architecture, in pretty towns with regular market days and rich culinary histories. And all around are vineyards, and alpine views.