If you are not planning to rent a car during your stay in Italy, below are a few options to get around Lake Maggiore.
RENT A BOAT OR VESPA
Discover Lake Maggiore by Boat, SUP, Vespa or Bike. Rentals are available on site at Hotel Ghiffa through Living Lake. You can reserve a rental for a few hours or a few days!
FERRY
We recommend downloading the Dream Lake App to view the ferry map and detailed timetable. Note the ferry schedule changes seasonally.
VISIT THE BORROMEAN ISLANDS
The Borromean Islands are a group of islands owned by the Borromeo family since the 14th century. Most notable are Isola Bella and Isola Pescatori. Isola Bella is famous all over the world for its Italian-style garden and Baroque art. Isola Pescatori is the only island inhabited year-round. Among the island’s preserved buildings you’ll find charming houses, a notable church and traditional trattorias serving up the island’s signature seafood.
PLAY 18 HOLES AT THE GOLF CLUB
Just 15min down the road is Golf Continental Verbania. This course is situated by charming Lake Mergozzo with a beautiful view of the Alps.
GRAB A BITE WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE ALPS
Venture across the lake to Laveno-Mombello. From there you can grab a two-seater gondola ride to the top of Mount Sasso del Ferro.
€12 roundtrip
TOUR SANTA CATERINA DEL SASSO
Take the public boat service to explore a spectacular cliff-side monastery overhanging Lago Maggiore.
DAY TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a 40min car ride from Ghiffa or a short ferry ride. There are two towns worth visiting - Locarno that hosts a famous film festival every summer and Ascona a quaint lakeside town.
EXPLORE STRESA
Shop, stroll and eat in Stresa, the largest town on the Italian part of the lake. Accessible from Ghiffa via car (25 min drive) or boat (35 min ferry ride from Pallanza)