Lake Maggiore runs forty kilometres from the Italian lowlands into the Swiss Alps, and crosses a border on the way. That border is the real choice when you book: the Italian shore around Stresa means belle-epoque promenades and the Borromean Islands; the Swiss shore around Ascona and Locarno means piazzas, film festivals and an Alpine hinterland of stone villages.
The shores at a glance
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Stresa and the Borromean coast | Grand hotels, island gardens, classic lake style |
| Ascona | Lakefront piazza, boutique calm, Swiss polish |
| Locarno | Town life, rail links, valley excursions |
| The quieter west and upper shores | Small harbours, slow mornings |
Stresa: the belle-epoque address
Stresa faces the Borromean Islands across a short stretch of water, and its waterfront still carries the grand-tour atmosphere that drew Hemingway and generations of travellers. Boats to Isola Bella and Isola Madre leave constantly in season. Start with our selection of the best hotels on the Italian shore of Lago Maggiore.
Ascona: the Swiss lakefront jewel
Just over the border, Ascona curls around a south-facing bay, its pastel lakefront lined with cafe terraces. It is smaller and calmer than Locarno, with a long artistic history and some of the lake's most refined addresses, see our picks for staying in Ascona.
Locarno: the practical Swiss base
Locarno pairs its famous Piazza Grande with real-town amenities and direct trains, including the scenic Centovalli line toward Domodossola. It is the strongest base for travellers mixing lake days with valley excursions into the Ticino Alps. Compare addresses in our guide to hotels in Locarno, or see the whole Swiss shore of Lake Maggiore at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Italian or Swiss shore, which is better?
Italy for the islands, the gardens and grand-hotel romance; Switzerland for polish, piazzas and Alpine valleys behind the towns. Prices generally run higher on the Swiss side.
Where should first-time visitors stay?
Stresa, if the Borromean Islands top your list, they are the lake's signature sight. Ascona, if your idea of a lake holiday is a quiet waterfront and long dinners.
Can you visit both shores in one trip?
Easily: boats and trains link the shores, and the drive from Stresa to Ascona takes about an hour. Many itineraries split their nights between the two.
Is Lake Maggiore better than Lake Como?
It is quieter and less celebrated, which is exactly its appeal: comparable scenery, fewer crowds, and the unique two-country flavour.
When is the best season?
April to June for the island gardens in bloom; September for warm water and thinner crowds. August is lively, especially during Locarno's film festival.
Do you need a car?
No on the Swiss shore, trains and boats suffice. On the Italian shore a car helps for the hill villages, though Stresa itself works car-free.