Best places to stay on Lago Maggiore and Lake Como?
Lago Maggiore is surrounded by a magical atmosphere that makes it a great spot to visit in the North of Italy. This Lake is brimmed with unique locations where you can enjoy your stay and that will make it unforgettable. Make sure to take a look at our amazing boutique hotels on Lake Maggiore and beautiful holiday apartments.
At Secretplaces, we have handpicked for you charming holiday apartments on Lake Maggiore, however in a lesser-known part of it, in Vacciago di Ameno to assure a real authentic experience.
When visiting this Lake, you can stay also in Verbania, a peaceful and relaxed city situated on the western shore of Lago Maggiore or in Canobbio, located on the northern tip of Lago Maggiore, a charming town with a delightful waterfront promenade.
Lake Como is a dazzling jewel, hidden in the Italian Alps, enchants with its calm blue waters, gorgeous shorelines, and small lakeside communities. A refuge for peace, romance, and overwhelming magnetism, Lake Como is surrounded by lush landscapes and opulent mansions.
Lake Como is anticipated by its fame, thanks to the many celebrities who have been fascinated by its beauty and have decided to buy holiday homes in the area, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Madonna and Donatella Versace.
But we understand why! The magic of Lake Como is unmatched and when visiting it, you will feel immersed in the landscapes and the natural beauty around. Be inspired by our handpicked boutique hotels on Lake Como, as well as romantic bed and breakfasts and stylish luxury hotels on Lake Como.
To assure you the perfect visit to this perfect place, we have selected for you small luxury hotels on Lake Como and holiday homes on Lake Como, which will allow you to soak up the charm and enjoy your permanence. You can savour the ambiance in the cities of Lezzeno, Torno, Laglio, Pigra and Como, where you will be where you will be immersed in the lakeside beauty of the area. Get ready to live an authentic adventure in Lake Como!
What to do in Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
Lago Maggiore captivates with its enchanting atmosphere, where the serene waters, picturesque landscapes, and elegant towns seamlessly blend to create a sense of timeless beauty and tranquillity.
When visiting, we recommend to stop by Isola Bella, a jewel of Lago Maggiore, which captivates with its grandeur and charm as an exquisite island retreat adorned with an ornate palace, terraced gardens, and beautiful views, leaving visitors in awe of its elegance and historical significance.
Lago Maggiore offers many fantastic experiences, such as the cable car from Stresa to the summit of Mottarone Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of Lago Maggiore, the surrounding Alps, and even as far as the Monte Rosa massif. Explore hiking trails, visit the Alpine Gardens, or simply relax and take in the spectacular vistas.
Moreover, you should make time for a visit to Verbania, and its magnificent Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens. Admire the vast array of plant species, the immaculate landscaping, and the magnificent flower displays. For wildlife lovers, the gardens provide a peaceful harbour. Lago Maggiore teems with beaches, like Canneno Rivera and Meina, which will allow you to relax and experience the atmosphere of the area.
Or, if you prefer a more adventurous vacation, it offers the possibility to engage in water sports. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat to explore the waters at your own pace. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wakeboarding are popular activities for adrenaline seekers.
Lake Como emanates an aura of timeless elegance and natural grandeur, where the blue waters, lush greenery, and charming lakeside towns create an exciting atmosphere that effortlessly blends sophistication with relax.
When visiting Lake Como, there is plenty to choose from as far as things to do.
Starting from the must-visit cities, such as Bellagio, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, where to discover the picturesque streets dotted with vibrant structures, speciality stores, and quaint cafes. Visit the amazing Villa Melzi and take in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains while strolling along the lakeside promenade and seeing the magnificent gardens.
Another spectacular city of the Lake is the romantic Varenna, which offers a postcard-perfect setting with its colourful houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a picturesque waterfront. Explore the medieval heart of the town with its charming alleyways, visit the historic Villa Monastero with its beautiful gardens, and enjoy a lakeside meal at one of the local restaurants.
Furthermore, don't forget to make time for Cernobbio, a charming town known for its elegant villas and its privileged lakeside location. Explore the town's charming streets, visit the stunning Villa d'Este with its magnificent gardens, and take in the serene beauty of Lake Como.
And of course, you can’t miss Como, a thriving centre that serves as the entrance to Lake Como. Discover the historic centre’s quaint squares, magnificent architecture, and cobblestone streets. The Duomo di Como, with its Gothic splendour and rooftop vistas, is a sight not to be missed.
For the ones on the lookout for some natural adventures, hike in the surrounding mountains, thanks to the many hiking trains, such as the Greenway del Lago di Como, or take a boat tour, to enjoy panoramic sights of the majestic mountains and villas that adorn the lake's shores.
Gastronomy of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
A variety of culinary experiences that highlight the abundant resources of the lakes and the surrounding areas are accessible at both Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. These areas offer culinary delights that showcase the unique flavours and traditions of Northern Italy.
In Lake Maggiore, make sure to taste the famous Risotto, prepared with local ingredients such as saffron, asparagus, and mushrooms. Another staple food is the Gorgonzola cheese, which pairs perfectly with local honey and is used as an ingredient in various dishes. And, of course, Lake Maggiore is renowned for its freshwater fish, including perch, whitefish and pike. These fish are central to the local gastronomy and are often prepared in simple and delicious ways.
When in Lake Como, a staple dish is Polenta uncia, a traditional dish made with creamy polenta and a sauce called uncia. The uncia sauce is typically made with butter, garlic, sage, and bits of pancetta or bacon. Another great option is Missoltini, small fish, typically shad, that are salted and air-dried. This traditional specialty of the region has been enjoyed for centuries. And the most common dessert is the Torta di Mele, or apple cake, made with fresh apples, often thinly sliced, and mixed with a sweet batter that is baked until golden and fragrant.
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