Embark on the Best boat tour for everybody at the Most Beautiful Lake in Italy
Nestled in the heart of northern Italy, Lake Maggiore is a captivating tapestry of serene waters, lush landscapes, and charming villages waiting to be explored. While Lake Como often steals the spotlight, Lake Maggiore is a treasure trove of hidden gems that beckon adventurers and dreamers alike.
Join us as we embark on one of the most enchanting boat tours that showcases the best of this stunning destination. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first Italian getaway, this journey promises to unveil the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences that Lake Maggiore has to offer.
Additionally, this tour is suitable for all types of individuals – couples, families, elderly persons, and those with limited mobility – as it can be easily customized to accommodate specific needs and preferences. Get ready to discover why this picturesque lake deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Video: 1 of Italy’s Most Beautiful Lakes: Don’t Miss Out on these picturesque & gorgeous islands
Discover one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes in our latest video! While Lake Como often steals the spotlight, Lake Maggiore is home to hidden gems that will take your breath away. Join us on a captivating tour of its stunning islands, each offering unique charm and picturesque views. From tranquil gardens to vibrant local culture, you’ll see why Lake Maggiore is a must-visit destination.
Join us for an unforgettable journey around Lake Maggiore, where adventure meets relaxation! This tour is designed for everyone—from seasoned explorers to those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Experience breathtaking views, charming villages, and the serene beauty of the lake without the need for extensive walking. Whether you’re looking to explore or unwind, this tour offers the perfect balance. Don’t miss out on the best activities Lake Maggiore has to offer—sit back, relax, and let us take you on an extraordinary experience!
Don’t miss out on exploring these gorgeous spots that are perfect for every traveler. Hit play and let the adventure begin!
Watch the following video directly here or on YouTube at the link: https://youtu.be/5TFu3Vgox08. If you are reading this article from your smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page and exit the mobile mode to view it directly on this page.
Table of Contents for Most Beautiful Lake in Italy
Why Lake Maggiore is Truly Italy’s Best Kept Secret
While Lake Garda and Lake Como are often named the top destinations, Lake Maggiore offers a compelling advantage that secures its place as Italy’s most complete destination. Unlike Lake Garda, where many tourist boat services stop running during the autumn and winter seasons, Lake Maggiore’s boat service (battello) operates year-round, ensuring you can access the charm of Isola Pescatori regardless of the month.
Furthermore, while Lake Como boasts stunning villas, it lacks islands that can rival the sheer historical and architectural majesty of the Borromean Islands. Lake Maggiore combines the accessibility of a year-round destination with unique, world-class attractions.
Borromean Islands: Where Baroque Palaces and Hidden Gardens Define the “Most Beautiful Lake in Italy”
While Stresa and the charming lakeside towns capture the spotlight, the true magic of Lake Maggiore lies within its jewels: the Borromean Islands. These islands—especially Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori—offer a journey through history, art, and nature, revealing an authentic and richly contrasted side of Italy.
The appeal extends beyond the architecture. The entire experience is enchanting: you navigate a stunning lake framed by majestic mountains, offering unique opportunities to walk, swim, and simply enjoy the water. The local villages, anchored by the beautiful coast of Verbania, boast excellent restaurants where you can savor delicious local specialties.
This unique blend of aristocratic elegance, natural splendour, and authentic local life is why this destination has captivated every visitor we’ve brought here, regardless of their background. We visit in summer, autumn, spring, and winter, and each season unveils its own unique beauty and charm. Even after countless visits, this beauty never tires; its absence is profoundly missed, proving its status as one of Italy’s most enduring jewels.
Text of the video
Are you ready to experience one of Lake Maggiore’s best tours and activities? This tour is perfect for the best explorers but also for those who can’t walk too much. So, relax, enjoy the tour, and find out our tips!
We embark from the pier of Verbania Intra on a boat called “battello” in Italian, and our destinations are the Fisherman Island and Beautiful Island. Arrive at the pier or “imbarcadero” at least 15 minutes before departure because you need the time to get the boat ticket. Buy the ticket for 2 islands: the Fisherman Island and the Beautiful Island. Embarking from Verbania Intra, we can admire the beautiful Verbania coast from Intra to Pallanza. In this part of the tour, it’s better to sit on the right side of the boat because on the side from where you can see the panorama better.
We embark in the late morning; this way, after the beautiful panoramic navigation, we disembark on Fisherman Island for lunch in one of the good restaurants on the island.
While navigating from Verbania Intra to Verbania Pallanza, we can see how many things there are to visit in Verbania. In front of Verbania Intra, there is the mountain Sasso del Ferro, which offers a breathtaking view and a unique cable car experience. Along Verbania shore is the Arena beach, suitable for relaxation, aperitifs, and dinner. There are the must-visit gardens of Villa Taranto. There is a beautiful pedestrian lakeside promenade that connects Verbania Intra to Verbania Pallanza. There is the Isola San Giovanni. It is a private island you can’t visit, but it is known for having been the residence of the conductor Arturo Toscanini. There is Villa Giulia, a villa with many exhibitions throughout the year, and its beautiful garden is public and free, a must-visit place in Verbania. During summer nights, there is also music and you can dance.
Just in front of Verbania Pallanza is the Mother Island, which is also the first island we stop at on this tour. We only admire its beauty from the boat. We don’t visit it because we have two other islands to visit, and I think three islands in a day are too many to enjoy fully. It is better to dedicate another day to visiting the Mother Island. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of the fantastic gardens and villa. You need to buy a ticket to visit the island. Usually, you don’t need to buy it in advance. You can buy it directly on the island.
While we start seeing the Fisherman Island and the Beautiful Island, our panoramic tour continues with the next stop: Baveno. Also at this stop, we don’t get off the boat but remain seated.
At this point, move to the left part of the boat because, in a few minutes, you will arrive at Fisherman Island. Fisherman’s Island is tiny and picturesque, and you can’t miss admiring it from the boat.
At the Fisherman Island, you can have a good lunch in one of its best restaurants, relax, or explore the island. In summertime, you can’t resist putting your feet in the water.
After spending a few hours on the island, you can return on board the boat and go to the Beautiful Island.
The most of the Beautiful Island is occupied by the gorgeous palace and its gardens that need a ticket for the visit. Anyway, there is one part of the island that is freely accessible. So you can reach the island and decide whether to visit the palace. For those with mobility problems, it is better to relax on a bench with a spectacular view of Lake Maggiore. But for all the others, at least one visit to the palace and gardens is a must.
If you want to visit the palace, be sure to arrive at the island at least 1 hour before the palace closes. 1,5 or 2 are even better, so you need to check the boat timetable. The palace and gardens are gorgeous. Anyway, the day spent on this tour will be unforgettable, with or without the visit.
This place is nice, isn’t it?
One time you’ve finished your visit, get on board the boat for a final beautiful tour. At the conclusion of the day, nothing is better than admiring all this beauty from the boat just before sunset. The light is unique at this time of the day.
The sunset on the lake is the last marvel of our beautiful day.
Wow, what a beautiful day on Lake Maggiore. We’re now back at Verbania Intra. So, I greet you. Please like and subscribe so we can meet each other again in the next video. Bye!
Boat tour timetable
Where can I check te boat timetable? Here the official link: https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-maggiore/
In what season can I do this tour?
Experience the beauty of this tour in every season. The boat service operates year-round, allowing for accessibility to Isola Pescatori throughout the year. Even during the winter, the low season, the restaurants remain open. The Beautiful Island welcomes visitors in every season and month. The only exception is the palace and gardens, usually open from spring to the first part of autumn. Go tot the following post and discover the Borromean Island in autumn.
Lake Maggiore in autumn: Can I visit the Borromean Islands also in the fall season🍂?
FAQs
Which island is best to visit on Lake Maggiore?
Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori are the must-visit stops on the Borromean Islands tour. Isola Bella boasts the stunning Baroque palace and terraced gardens, while Isola Pescatori offers a picturesque village perfect for lunch. We recommend skipping Isola Madre if you only have one day to fully enjoy the others.
Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting instead of Lake Como?
Absolutely. While Lake Como is famous, Lake Maggiore offers a less crowded, more authentic experience with equally breathtaking scenery and luxurious villas. It’s truly one of Italy’s hidden gems.
How long is the boat tour of the Borromean Islands?
A full boat tour itinerary visiting two islands (Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori) usually takes between 5 to 7 hours, including the navigation time and time spent exploring each island.
Do I need to buy tickets for the palace and gardens on Isola Bella?
Yes. Entrance to the main Palace and the famous gardens on Isola Bella requires a separate ticket, which you can purchase directly on the island. Note that the palace is usually closed during the winter months.
Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes! This boat tour is designed to be accessible to everyone. While the islands involve some walking, the boat trip itself is relaxing, and there are areas on Isola Bella where you can enjoy spectacular views from a bench without navigating the stairs of the palace gardens.
Where should I embark for the island tour?
We recommend embarking from the pier in Verbania Intra. This location offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Verbania coast during the initial leg of the tour, as detailed in our guide.
Which side of the boat is best for views?
For the best views of the Verbania coast (Villa Taranto, etc.) at the start of the tour, sit on the right side of the boat. As you approach Isola Pescatori, move to the left side for the best scenic view of the arrival.
What is the best time of day to take the boat tour?
We suggest leaving in the late morning. This allows you to have a beautiful panoramic navigation before stopping at Isola Pescatori for lunch. Crucially, it ensures you are on the final boat ride just before sunset for a truly unforgettable view.
Are the restaurants on Fisherman’s Island open in winter?
The boat service operates year-round, and many of the characteristic restaurants on Isola Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) remain open even in the low season, making it a great winter destination.
What is special about Lake Maggiore?
Lake Maggiore is unique for its blend of natural beauty and historical elegance, featuring the Baroque architecture of the Borromean Islands, the world-famous gardens of Villa Taranto, and a cultural history, including Isola San Giovanni, which was the residence of conductor Arturo Toscanini.
Do I need a ticket to see the famous Isola Bella Palace and Gardens?
Yes, the Borromeo Palace and the magnificent Teatro Massimo Baroque Gardens (as pictured) require a paid entrance ticket. You can purchase this directly upon arrival at Isola Bella. However, a small part of the island’s historical village is freely accessible, allowing you to decide your itinerary on the spot.
Is Fisherman’s Island a good place for lunch on the tour?
Yes, absolutely! The island, Isola Pescatori, is famous for its narrow streets and traditional restaurants offering delicious local fish and Italian specialties, making it the ideal mid-day stop.
Is Fisherman’s Island a good place for lunch on the tour?
Yes, absolutely! The island, Isola Pescatori, is famous for its narrow streets and traditional restaurants offering delicious local fish and Italian specialties, making it the ideal mid-day stop.
Can I visit the Borromean Islands during the winter or low season?
Yes, absolutely! The main reason Lake Maggiore is a superior year-round destination is that the public ferry service (battello) to Isola Pescatori operates throughout the low season, including autumn and winter, as seen in this photo. While the palace and gardens of Isola Bella are closed from late autumn to spring, you can still enjoy the picturesque village and local restaurants on Fisherman’s Island all year long.
What makes the scenery of Lake Maggiore more unique than other Italian lakes?
Lake Maggiore’s scenery is unparalleled because it perfectly combines two elements: the aristocratic elegance of the Borromean Islands’ architecture with the dramatic, raw natural grandeur of the surrounding Alps mountains. This panoramic blend of historical beauty and towering peaks creates a majestic and unforgettable backdrop that few other lakes in Italy can match.
Featured image
Featured image for the article: Embark on the Best boat tour for everybody at the Most Beautiful Lake in Italy
