Swimming Lake
Lake Maggiore is a popular tourist destination in Europe due to its cross-border location with Italy and Switzerland. At around 212 square kilometres, the lake between the Alps is the second-largest lake in Italy after Lake Garda. With a length of around 65 kilometres and a width of just 10 kilometres, Lake Maggiore meanders from northern Locarno via Verbania and Stresa to southern Sesto Calende.
Bathing holiday
Besides exploring, you can also swim and relax at Lake Maggiore. Many swimming opportunities are available at the lake. Additionally, to the public bathing beaches, known as Spiagge, there are also swimming pools and private beaches on the lake. The most ideal time for swimming is from June to September, when the water reaches 20 to 24 degrees.
In the north of Lake Maggiore, entrance fees are usually charged. On the other hand, the beaches in Ticino are very clean. Among Ascona's beaches, there is one that is sandy. Admission to the public beach is free. You can also visit the beach and swimming pool Lido Beach in Brissago. In addition to a swimming pool, there is a sunbathing lawn, deckchairs with parasols, direct access to the pebble beach and a slide. If you're a diving enthusiast, check out the opposite side of the lake. San Nazzaro serves as a starting point for divers who want to explore wrecks. On such a wreck tour, sunken aircraft, ships and helicopters can be discovered.
At Cannobio beach, the hustle and bustle awaits you. Around the beach, there is a wide range of bars and restaurants, as well as a rental service for various water sports. If you are looking for a Mediterranean flair, visit Cannero Riviera on the western side of the lake. Besides the palm trees, a 400-metre-long sandy beach awaits you here.
Further south is Verbania with its gardens and parks. From here, excursions to the Borromean Islands are possible. There is a beautiful beach called Spiaggia di Suna. At the lower end of the lake there are numerous other bathing spots such as Lido di Arona, Spiaggia di Caravalle or Lungolago Ispra.
Things to do
Leisure activities
Lake Maggiore also offers water sports such as kayaking, pedal boating or motor boating, as well as windsurfing, sailing and stand-up paddling. There are diving schools for diving enthusiasts. They offer courses and guided dives.
Highlights: Island visit and botanical gardens
High mountains, small islands and a wide variety of vegetation characterise Lake Maggiore. One of the most famous sights is the Borromean Islands. They include Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori, as well as Isola San Giovanni. These islands have beautiful gardens, historic palaces and picturesque fishing villages. The islands should definitely be visited by boat. One of the most visited places on Lake Maggiore is Isola Bella. This island is also home to Palazzo Borromeo, which houses a museum with many exhibits.
In addition to the islands, Villa Taranto in Verbania offers another highlight with one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe. Covering 20 hectares, there are around 20,000 plant species to see.
Hiking, cycling and culture
For nature lovers, Lake Maggiore provides a multitude of hiking trails and cycle paths. They offer impressive views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Val Grande National Park and Campo dei Fiori Regional Park are popular hiking destinations. The lake also has a lot to offer in terms of culture. The town of Stresa hosts the renowned music festival "Settimane Musicali" with performances by famous musicians from all over the world. Locarno in Switzerland is known for its international film festival. This attracts filmmakers and film lovers every year.
Interesting facts
- The swimming lake / beach's average water temperature during the summer season is 22 °C (currently: 13 °C). The swimming lake / beach is normally warmest during July with an average water temperature of 25 °C.
- Taking your dog to the Lago Maggiore is permitted.
- Lifeguard supervision at Lago Maggiore is provided.
- Grab something nice to eat and a cold drink at the local kiosk or restaurant.
- Kids of all age groups will love the nearby playground and water slide, begging their parents to stay overnight.
- Planning an overnight stay? Close to the Swimming Lake there is a campground. You are in the campfire mood? Campfires are permitted at several spots around the Swimming Lake.
- There are parking spaces available in the vicinity. There are public restrooms close by at the Swimming Lake.
Videos about Swimming Lake Lago Maggiore
How to get there
You can get to Lake Maggiore by car and public transport.
If you travel by car, you must first take Germany's motorways towards the south. Depending on your starting point, you can drive through Switzerland or Austria. From Munich via Lake Constance, through Liechtenstein and Switzerland, it takes about five to six hours to reach your destination on Lake Maggiore.
There are also train connections from Germany to Lake Maggiore. First you have to travel to Milan in Italy and from there by train to Stresa, one of the main towns on the lakeshore.
Lake Maggiore is served by Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy and Lugano Airport (LUG) in Switzerland. From there, you can rent a car or take public transport to Lake Maggiore.