Lake Maggiore camping – A sparkling lake, green forests and turquoise mountain streams make Lake Maggiore a popular destination.
The lake in Italy offers you sunny days with a mild climate and balanced temperatures for hiking and water sports.
You can reach the lake from southern Germany via Switzerland in just a few hours.
This is particularly convenient with a car and a roof tent or tent trailer.
Here you can find more tips on choosing a campsite, the weather and exciting excursion destinations when camping by the lake.
Camping Ratgeber:
Lake Maggiore: large lake, mountains & water sports
Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake after Lake Garda in the north of Italy.
It is a large lake with bathing beaches, such as the sandy beach in Connero Riviera.
There are also charming islands and historic villas on the shore.
The five Borromean Islands are particularly popular.
The landscape offers rocky terrain, crystal-clear streams and green forests for hiking and exploring.
You can experience these very well in the Valgrande or Monte Mottarone National Park.
Finally, the Rocca d’Angera castle is well worth a visit.
These are five tips for your trip:
- Sandy beach Spaggia di Cannero in Cannero Riviera
- Valgrande National Park, for hiking in nature
- Borromean Islands, picturesque gardens & villas
- Monte Mattaore, beautiful view over the lake
- Rocca d’Angera Castle, historic castle with views over the lake
But first, where exactly is Lake Maggiore?
On the map: Lake Maggiore is here!
Lake Maggiore is located in the north of Italy.
The lake extends high into Switzerland and is divided by the border between the two countries.
The lake lies in the foothills of the Alps, which makes for a landscape criss-crossed by mountains.
It is also popular with holidaymakers from southern Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria, as it can be reached in around five to eight hours by driving through Switzerland.
The location of Lake Maggiore at a glance:
- North of Italy
- Reaches beyond the Swiss border
- Foothills of the Alps: mountainous landscape
- Popular with vacationers from southern Germany, such as Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria
Lake Maggiore from close up.
Here you can also see the Swiss border.
Sparkling water & turquoise mountain streams: drone
Blue water, green wooded mountains and villages with red roof tiles – that’s what awaits you on Lake Maggiore.
In this bird’s eye view video, you can see the glistening surface of the lake and the turquoise mountain streams running through the dense forests.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JploJtIP2Lw And here you can see a 360° view of the lake with its fantastic Alpine panorama.
Sandy beach, hiking & views: tips for campers
After you arrive at the lake, it’s worth jumping in for a dip.
This works particularly well on the sandy beach in Cannero Riviera.
After some time on the beach, it’s also worth exploring the surrounding area.
The Valgrande National Park is particularly beautiful.
In this nature reserve, you can see the typical plants and animals of the region.
Back on the lake, the Borromean Islands are a popular excursion destination.
These islands offer picturesque gardens and old villas.
If you have a view over the lake, you can see them.
This is particularly beautiful from Monte Mottarone, which you can reach via a hiking route.
If you also want to learn more about Italian culture, you can visit the Rocca d’Angera castle.
Let these five destinations inspire you for your trip:
- Sandy beach Spaggia di Cannero in Cannero Riviera
- Valgrande National Park, for hiking in nature
- Borromean Islands, picturesque gardens & villas
- Monte Mattaore, beautiful view over the lake
- Rocca d’Angera Castle, historic castle with views over the lake
Spaggia di Cannero in Cannero Riviera: sandy beach on the lake
There is a bathing beach in the small municipality of Cannero Riviera.
The beach is located in a somewhat sheltered bay, so it is often a little warmer here.
The entire town enjoys a mild climate, which even allows the cultivation of lemons, oranges and bananas.
These plants give the landscape an almost Mediterranean atmosphere.
In addition to swimming on the beach, the place is also popular for sailing.
You can also see the white boats on the lake from the beautiful lakeside promenade.
This is a popular place for a stroll.
You can experience this at the Spaggia di Cannero and the town of Cannero Riviera:
- Bathing beach in a sheltered bay
- Mild climate: therefore quite warm in summer
- Orange, lemon & banana cultivation
- Particularly popular for sailing
- Additional beautiful promenade for walking
And this is the view of the beach from the promenade. The Valgrande National Park lies to the south-west of the village.
Valgrande National Park: hiking, climbing & mountaineering
This national park is the largest protected wilderness area in Italy.
This region is criss-crossed by chestnut and beech forests.
These provide shade and conjure up a picturesque landscape.
Several hiking trails lead through the area.
There are different levels of difficulty, but an experienced hiking guide is generally recommended for beginners.
The area is also popular for climbing and mountaineering.
The Valgrande National Park at a glance:
- Italy’s largest protected wilderness area
- Chestnut & beech forests
- Many hiking trails
- Tip: With a hiking guide, as many hiking trails are a little more complicated
- Also popular with mountaineers and climbers
Here you can take a look at one of the pretty mountain streams in advance. The Borromean Islands lie to the south-east of the national park.
Borromean Islands: Island paradise in the middle of the lake
The Borromean Islands are five small islands in the middle of the lake.
They are particularly famous for their old villas and well-tended gardens.
These open up a diverse world of flora and fauna.
On Isola Madre, you can see wild peacocks, parrots and pheasants.
Isola Bella, on the other hand, boasts a palace from the Baroque period and extensive gardens for walks.
Isola Superiore, also known as Fisherman’s Island, has a charming village with a market selling arts and crafts, where you can stroll and store for souvenirs.
You can reach the islands by boat from Stresa.
The Borromean Islands at a glance:
- Five islands in the middle of the lake
- Old villas & manicured gardens
- Diverse animal & plant species
- Isola Madre: free peacocks, parrots & pheasants
- Isola Bella: Baroque palace with large garden for walks
- Isola Superoire/Fisherman’s Island: inhabited island with picturesque village with market and arts and crafts
- Boats go to the islands
Gardens like these await you on the Borromean Islands. 
From the Borromean Islands, you can return to the shores of Lake Garda.
From Baveno (just north of Stresa), a hiking trail leads from the coast to Monte Mottorone.
Monte Mottarone: hiking trail & view over the lake
You can head west from the small town of Baveno, directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
This hiking route takes six hours, without longer breaks.
It is around 21 kilometers long and you will climb around 1,400 meters in altitude.
On the way, you should pass Monte Zughero, which offers you a wonderful view over the lake and the wooded area.
Once you have conquered Monte Mottarone, you even have a view as far as the Monterosa massif in Switzerland.
Skiing is also possible on Monte Mottarone in winter.
The cable car, which also takes you up to the summit in the summer months, is particularly helpful.
This is what awaits you on your hike to Monte Mottarone:
- Possible starting point Baveno directly on Lake Maggiore
- About 6 hours without longer breaks
- Approx. 21 km long
- Total ascent: approx. 1400 m
- Picturesque views from Monte Zughero, which is on the way
- View over the Monterosa massif & lake
- Skiing also possible in winter
- There is also a cable car to the summit of Monte Mottarone
You can view the route on the map here: A little further south and on the eastern shore is our last tip, the Rocca d’Angera castle.
Rocca d’Angera Castle: landmark & Italian culture
This particularly well-preserved medieval castle is considered a landmark of the south of Lake Maggiore.
Almost intact, it sits enthroned on a limestone cliff above the lake.
The mountains in the background provide an impressive backdrop.
From the towers of the castle, you can also see them better and have a breathtaking view over the lake.
After your tour of the castle, you can visit the gardens.
These are kept in a medieval style and are therefore a real experience!
You can experience this at the castle:
- Landmark in the south of Lake Maggiore
- Intact castle on limestone with a picturesque backdrop
- View from towers over the lake
- Gardens in medieval style
This 360° view shows you the fantastic view from the castle.
Day trip or road trip: Lake Como & Milan
Lake Maggiore has a lot to offer, but it’s also worth visiting a destination nearby.
We suggest Lake Como, where you can experience more of the landscape on the Swiss border.
Or you could take a trip to Milan.
In the famous city, you will find impressive testimonies to Italian history, such as the cathedral, as well as beautiful routes for hiking in the surrounding countryside.
Lake Como: alternative in the east
This lake is located in the north of Italy, very close to the border with Switzerland.
This makes for an environment with many mountains and a mild climate.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful villas, small colorful villages, exotic plants and various hiking trails, so you can experience the full beauty of the lake.
The varied landscape makes it ideal for an excursion from Lake Maggiore.
This is what Lake Como looks like: 
It takes you about two hours to get to Lake Como by car.
It’s an hour and a half if you drive through Switzerland.
Milan: day trip to the south
Milan is one of the most famous cities in Italy.
Whether it’s the cathedral, the elegant streets or the beautiful surroundings of Lombardy, you’ll always find something to see in the northern Italian city.
With the whole family, you can experience Italian cultural history, such as paintings by Da Vinci, or go on an exploration tour of the surrounding villages.
A day trip from Lake Maggiore is therefore well worthwhile.
It will take you an hour and a half from there.
Good sleep is important: campsite recommendations
After an exciting day on the lake, here are three tips from the top campsites for a good night’s sleep.
Here you can set up the camping chair, extend the awning and set up the camping kitchen.
And, of course, get a good night’s sleep.
Camping Village Isolino
- Rating: 4.4 / 5.0 (1,484 ratings)
- Address: Via per Feriolo 25, 28924 Fondotoce (VB)
- Phone: +39 0323 496080
- Website: Camping Village Isolino
Camping Sole
- Rating: 4.5/ 5.0 (640 ratings)
- Address: Via Sotto i Chiosi 81/a, 28822 Cannobio (VB)
- Phone: +39 0323 70732
- Website: Camping Sole
Camping Village Lago Maggiore
- Rating: 4.2 / 5.0 (644 ratings)
- Address: Via Salvador Dalì 2, 28040 Dormelletto (NO)
- Phone: +39 032 2497193
- Website: Camping Village Lago Maggiore
Weather: Sunny, but not too hot
The lake boasts mild weather with many hours of sunshine all year round.
It is therefore not too warm in summer.
Ideal for long hikes and walks.
The highest average temperature is 23°C in July and August.
The temperature of the water can even climb to 24°C in July.
This makes the lake so popular for water sports.
Due to the warm temperatures, the lake is also a heat reservoir in winter, which makes the shores warmer than the surrounding area.
What you should know about the weather:
- Mild weather with many hours of sunshine
- Not too warm in summer
- Highest average temperature: 23°C in July & August
- Average water temperature: 24°C in July
- Lake acts as a heat reservoir in winter
You can view the current weather on this map:
Swimming, water sports & hiking: Experiences at the lake
There is hardly anything better than getting out into nature or the lake, especially when on vacation in the open air and camping by the lake.
Whether it’s swimming, water sports or hiking along the shore.
You can find more tips here, including for beginners.
Swimming: Floating through the lake with a mountain panorama
Bathing and swimming are popular leisure activities for families, couples or even alone.
Especially when camping on Lake Maggiore.
The warm water and beaches, such as the Spaggia di Cannero in Cannero Riviera, make swimming in front of the mountain panorama an unforgettable experience.
Here you will find tips on how to learn to swim, how to teach others how to swim and how to improve your existing technique.
Water sports: motorboat & water skiing – or would you prefer sailing?
Whether in a canoe, motorboat, on a surfboard or water skiing, water sports are a popular pastime on vacation.
Especially on Lake Maggiore, with its warm water and pleasant temperatures in the air, water sports have established themselves as a leisure activity.
Whether swimming or sailing, you’ll find lots of tips for beginners here.
Hiking: Whether mountain or island – tips for beginners
One of the most popular activities on Lake Maggiore is hiking, as you can experience so much of nature and challenge your physical limits.
Whether over the Borromean Islands or to Monte Mottarone, hiking keeps you fit and is fun for the whole family, in many areas even with your dog.
To make planning easier, you can find lots of tips for hiking in the mountains here.
These include advice on equipment, routes, safety, orientation and two videos.
More lake: Camping on Lake Garda & Italy
Italy is a country that scores points above all for its wide range of bathing opportunities.
Be it the Mediterranean or our next travel tip, Lake Garda.
If you want to see even more of Italy, you can find more travel tips for the country here.
Lake Garda: swimming on the beach & hiking in the mountains
North of Verona is Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, making it a size larger than Lake Maggiore.
The southern shore is lined with beaches and surrounded by low hills, while in the north mountains and steep cliffs surround the lake, especially along the western shore.
Therefore, you will find a variety of attractions for sports-loving tourists, from steady winds for sailing and windsurfing to mountains for climbing, abseiling and mountain biking, all with views of the lake.
Families in particular are drawn there every year, which is more than understandable given the breathtaking views.
Camping in Italy: lakes, the Mediterranean and city breaks
Italy is not only known for design and fashion, but also for its vast mountain landscapes, seemingly endless coasts and sandy beaches, rich history and paradise for gourmets.
The southern European country is more varied than almost any other, so a vacation alone would not be enough!
Whether city trips, camping in Tuscany or a road trip with a roof tent through South Tyrol past the Alps, it certainly won’t be boring.
Here we show you the most beautiful destinations for camping and relaxing.
