Lake Maggiore: beauty, relaxation, and opportunities for living in Italy

Geographical position of Lake Maggiore

The geographical position of Lake Maggiore, the second largest in Italy, is located in the northern part of the country, closer to the border with Switzerland. The Swiss part of the shore of this unique body of water is situated in the canton of Ticino, while the Italian territory encompasses the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.

Piedmont is often compared to a "gentleTuscany without the tourist crowds" due to its magnificent natural landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, while Lombardy is associated with a more developed and modern lifestyle.

The dimensions of the lake

The Italian name Lago Maggiore literally translates to "larger lake," which quite accurately reflects its impressive size.

• width: 10 kilometers
• length: 60 kilometers
• maximum depth: 370 meters

From a distance, this lake resembles a winding snake gliding through its picturesque waters. One of the most distinctive features of the lake is the numerous islands located on its Italian side, among which the Borromean Islands stand out: Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isolino di San Giovanni, Isola dei Pescatori, and Scoglio della Malghera.

Popular resorts

The most popular resorts located in Piedmont on the shores of the lake include well-known spots such as:

• Stresa
• Verbania
• Baveno
• Cannobio
• Intra
• Ascona
• Locarno
• Arona

Among the most visited resorts are Stresa, Verbania, and Baveno. Stresa is known for its refined atmosphere, charming waterfront, and stunning views of the lake and the surrounding islands.

Architectural features

Tourists are attracted not only by the ancient villas built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but also by the neglected dachas that need attention, as well as the restored architectural monuments that bring joy to their visitors. It's definitely worth visiting the famous villas, such as:

• Ducale
• Dell'Orto
• Palla-vichino

These villas are open for visits and allow you to experience the atmosphere of past years.

Stresa and its popularity

Stresa, thanks to its unique historical and architectural heritage, has become a favorite destination for aristocrats and the elderly. Young travelers are more likely to choose other cities in the region.

Hotels in Stresa offer a variety of accommodation options that can meet any traveler’s needs and budget. There is also a port here from which boats and ferries depart to the Borromean Islands.

Entertainment and festivals

For those who want to see the coastline from above, a trip on the funicular is offered, providing stunning views of the lake and inviting visitors to ascend to the top of Mount Mottarone. Every year, Stresa hosts numerous international music festivals, fairs, and concerts, creating a unique atmosphere.

Baveno: tranquility and calmness

Nearby Baveno retains much of the atmosphere of Stresa, but has a more relaxed and measured pace of life that attracts many travelers. The two towns together create a unique cultural and natural environment, providing a variety of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Maggiore.

The beauty of Cannobio and sports activities

The small town of Cannobio, located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Maggiore, is known for its vibrant and spacious beach, as well as a variety of sports activities. Here, you can easily engage in sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, have fun playing beach volleyball, ride a bike, and try many other exciting outdoor activities.

Matarone Ski Resort

Not far from Cannobio lies the modest ski resort of Matarone, located just 10 kilometers from cities like Stresa and Baveno. This resort is not as famous outside of Italy, but it is very popular among locals, especially Milanese. Although the local slopes cannot compete in length and difficulty with the Olympic runs in Turin, their easy access from the region surrounding Lake Maggiore makes them quite appealing to winter sports enthusiasts.

Verbania is an ecological paradise

Verbania is located very close by, just 3.7 kilometers from Stresa. This city is considered one of the most attractive resorts in Italy due to its high standard of living, safety, and outstanding environmental conditions. In 2014, Verbania was recognized as the best city for ecology in an annual study conducted by the environmental organization Legambiente.

If you want to take a step towards health, this is exactly the place where the most elite and expensive real estate in the area is located.

Nature and Heritage

The landscapes surrounding this region take your breath away with their pristine beauty, mild climate, and purest air. The unique coastal landscape has attracted dreamers and romantics for centuries. Here, outstanding writers and poets have stopped, including:

• Byron
• Goethe
• Dumas
• Flaubert
• Remarque
• Hemingway

In the 19th century, this corner became a popular retreat for the aristocracy, witnessing the construction of luxurious palaces and villas designed in the Empire and Art Nouveau styles. Today, many noble families fromMilan, Turin, and Switzerland own stunning properties on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Stendhal modestly remarked about this place:“If you have a heart and a shirt, sell the shirt and visit the surroundings of Lake Maggiore.”

Availability and prices of real estate

Despite the charm and appeal of this region, Lake Maggiore is not exclusively the privilege of wealthy citizens. This is due to the variety of available vacation options and reasonable housing prices. The starting price of apartments in this area is about120,000 euros...while for more affluent clients, prices can reach astronomical levels.20 million euros.

Amenities and active recreation

Living on the shores of Lake Maggiore, you will have quick access toMilan and Lugano, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains with plenty of outdoor activities. Also located in the area are:

• thermal springs
• golf courses
• equestrian arenas

In addition, there is a well-developed infrastructure of large cities available here. One of the major advantages of Lake Maggiore is its public promenades and beaches, which makes it particularly attractive compared to other Italian lakes, many of which are privately owned.

Climate of Lake Maggiore

On the shores of the picturesque Lake Maggiore, there is an exceptionally mild and comfortable climate, largely thanks to the majestic mountain range of the Alps, which provides protection from strong winds. During the warm months, from May to October, temperatures range from +22°C to +28°C, creating ideal conditions for relaxation.

In the summer, the water warms up to a pleasant temperature of around 20-22°C, and in the winter, the lake does not freeze, making it attractive at any time of the year. Such climatic conditions contribute to a flourishing flora, evident in the diversity of plant forms: even in the winter months, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and many other plants continue to delight the eye, giving this place a unique beauty and charm.

Culinary traditions of the region

The culinary traditions of the region are rich with unique local dishes, among which fish from the water bodies is the most popular.Perchhas become a kind of symbol of Lake Maggiore due to its gastronomic qualities.

Buying real estate on Lake Maggiore

Purchasing real estate on the shores of Lake Maggiore is often seen as an alternative for creating a second home or for permanent residence. The concept of private rentals in this region is not very developed, which can be attributed to the pressure from numerous hotels located along the picturesque shores of the lake. Many people choose Maggiore for its proximity to Switzerland, as Italian regulations do not prohibit foreigners from acquiring property.

Neighborhood with Switzerland

The northern areas of the lake belong to Switzerland, and although this proximity has a minor impact on the market value of housing in the border zones, many see this aspect as an important advantage. Lake Maggiore attracts not only fans of beautiful natural landscapes but also professionals working in Switzerland and families with children studying in local educational institutions.

Long-term investment

According to experts, investing in real estate in this area is considered a stable and long-term investment. The process of obtaining construction permits here is quite complex, which results in housing prices remaining stable and not subject to sharp fluctuations. Villas that have characteristic features of the Maggiore region stand out as unique examples in the market, and each one has its own individuality. In some cases, buyers have the opportunity to negotiate, which can lead to a reduction in the purchase price by as much as 25% compared to the market price.

Price categories

According to expert assessments, the price categories for housing in Maggiore are lower than those in the surroundings of Lake Como and are similar to the prices at Lake Garda. The cost per square meter can vary from€1000 to €5000and above. Various real estate options are available to the investor, such as:

• Apartments with one or two bedrooms in well-maintained complexes with a pool and garage (cost around€250,000—€300,000).
• Elite villas located near the water, with prices that can reach€20 million.
• The average price for villas located away from the shore starts at€800,000.

Examples of prices

For example, in Stresa, the cost of home repairs can vary from€3300 to €5600per square meter. A spacious apartment with a magnificent view of the lake of about 50 square meters can be purchased for an amount from€170,000More affordable options can be found in Arona — here the cost per square meter is approximately€200 lowerthan in Stresa. In communities such as Luino and Sesto Calenda, prices can be even more attractive: a house of 95 square meters sold for€170,000—€200,000In Bavaria, you can expect apartment prices to be around€90,000.

Rental cost

When it comes to renting, in Stresa or Arona, the monthly rent for an apartment can range from€750 to €1300The real estate market is seeing a high demand for villas and apartments from the late 19th century, which have become a distinctive symbol of the Lake Maggiore region. These historic buildings add a unique atmosphere to the local landscapes, positively influencing investor interest.

Conclusion

Lake Maggiore is truly a gem of northern Italy, combining incredible natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and diverse opportunities for recreation. As I discovered myself while traveling through these picturesque areas, there are accommodations for every type of tourist here—whether you are a seeker of tranquility or an enthusiast of active leisure.

My trip through the towns and villages scattered along the coasts left me with unforgettable impressions, from romantic evening strolls along the waterfronts of Stresa and Verbania to breathtaking views from the cable car on Mount Mottarone.

At the same time, the constant presence of art, music, and culture creates a unique atmosphere where it's easy to feel like a part of the history of this region. Remembering the climb to the villas and the walks through the ancient streets, I realize that Maggiore is not just a geographical point on the map, but a place where everyone can find something for themselves, even if you are traveling on a limited budget.

Don't forget about accessibility — thanks to convenient transportation, you can easily explore both the picturesque surroundings and major cities likeMilan and Lugano.

This region attracts not only with its beauty but also with the opportunity to enjoy life surrounded by nature, which is carefully preserved by the locals. I felt a special integration of humans and nature, which is becoming a rarity in the modern world.

Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that any trip to Lake Maggiore is not just a getaway, but an opportunity to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of tranquility and harmony that has prevailed here for centuries.

So, if you've ever thought about a travel destination, the resulting combination of nature and culture, be sure to put Lake Maggiore among your priorities. It will leave a vivid mark in your memory and in your heart. I myself am already planning my next visit, looking forward to new discoveries and experiences.