Beautiful Pictures of Lake Maggiore Italy, 50 Vacation Bliss Snaps

Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting? See why we say absolutely! 50 beautiful pictures of Lake Maggiore, Italy including the Borromean Islands.

On the south side of the Italian Alps 650 feet above sea level lies a sapphire jewel named Lago Maggiore. The Italian shore of Lago Maggiore is split between Piedmont and Lombardia. The picturesque mountain ridge backdrop on the northern shore is none other than the Swiss Alps. If it sounds idyllic, it is. Here are my top 10 favorite photos from our visit followed by a quick list of absolute must-see ideas for Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore).

Beautiful Pictures of Lake Maggiore Italy

In case you were wondering, yes you can swim in Lake Maggiore! Check out the photo below Paolo captured of a child taking the plunge into Lake Maggiore off of one of the swimming docks. Shall we dive into the pictures? At the end of the post is a summary of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore featured below.

Pictures of Lake Orta, The Beautiful Sister of Lake Maggiore

Harper’s Bazaar recently published an article about Lake Orta calling it “quite simply, a film set.” The pictures they used did not do one of my absolute favorite romantic vacation destinations in Italy justice. So in honor of doing this hidden gem justice, I gathered 30 photos of Lake Orta in our Pictures of Lake Orta gallery. Here are a few of my favorites.

Video of Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands

Below is a video I like that shows some beautiful aerial footage around Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands. Spoiler alert, Paolo and I have been to all the locations featured in this video and cannot wait to share those photos next. Follow ALOR Italy by subscribing below to catch our next Pictures of Italy Photogallery.

Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore

Named after the Borromeo family who acquired them in the early 16th century this small bejeweled chain of islands makes up arguably the most beautiful part of Lago Maggiore.

Isolino di San Giovanni and Malghera are so small they are technically islets and San Giovanni is off-limits to tourists. Isola Madre (the largest) Isola Bella (the most beautiful) and Isola dei Pescatori (the liveliest) are however easily accessible by boat.

Isola Bella (Beautiful Island)

With its famous white peacocks, sculpted garden, and sweeping views, Isola Bella was originally a barren rock until Count Carlo III and his son Vitaliano chose it as the location for a summer palace now turned museum. Reminiscent of a wedding cake, meticulously groomed garden terraces rise up 10 levels providing sweeping panoramic views of Lago Maggiore.

Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island)

As the only inhabited island, Isola dei Pescatori is a small fishing village with almost as many restaurants (15) as residents (20ish) making it the perfect mid-day spot for lunch. A stop at Ristorante Casabella includes a terrace view and the fresh pasta including my favorite, a delicate squid ink ravioli stuffed with cuttlefish.

Isola Madre (Mother Island)

The wild gardens of Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands, provide the perfect post-meal stroll. Colorful peacocks, hens, and pheasants roam the gardens freely posing and squawking much to visitors’ delight.

Beautiful Pictures Italy Beyond Lake Maggiore

Italy goes by the nickname Bel Paese, meaning beautiful country in English for a reason. Check out or recent pictures of Italy photo galleries to see why.

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