Hi Friend,
When you think of the Italian Lakes, Garda and Como tend to be the first destinations that come to mind. But Lake Maggiore is a place that deserves just as much recognition as its neighbours, located to the south of the Alps mountain range and crossing over the border between Italy and Switzerland.
As the second largest lake in the country, there are plenty of places to visit around the shore of Lake Maggiore. The towns and villages have a historic charm, there are plenty of brilliant hiking routes in the hills and mountains nearby, and the Borromean Islands in the western area of the lake are known in particular for their incredible villas and gardens.
Lake Maggiore spans both the Lombardy and Piedmont regions, so it’s easy to get to from various locations around Italy or the nearby Swiss region of Ticino. Despite its proximity to the Alps, the area still enjoys warm, Mediterranean weather in the summer months and has a wonderfully mild climate from early spring to late autumn.
Whilst Lake Maggiore was once one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north of Italy, it’s grown less busy in recent years which makes it an ideal choice for travellers looking to avoid the crowds that places like Lake Como will see over the summer months. It’s still an outstanding part of the country to visit, with stunning scenery, a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of hidden gems to discover. | 
