Lake Maggiore, the 2nd biggest lake in Italy, mostly flies under the radar - Como garners more paparazzi snaps, and the huge visitor numbers and event options propel Garda. Yet this allows Lake Maggiore to retain a wonderful Swiss-Italian charm, just a short transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport.
Together, the three grand lakes of northern Italy offer a full spectrum of event opportunities, with Lake Maggiore providing the most tranquil experience, surrounded by stunning aquatic and mountainous landscapes. The waterfront of Lake Maggiore shares the grand hotels, villas, and promenades of the other Italian lakes.
The northern section of the lake is in the Swiss canton of Ticino, and the cultural mix is a real highlight. It is possible to combine event activities in Switzerland with a base in Italy. Mountain and lake-based activities are abundant on Lake Maggiore, and group dining locations and menus are truly special.
Not far from Lake Como, both culturally and geographically, meeting & incentive events on Lake Maggiore offer a great alternative to the more famous of the siblings. The weather, food, activities, and scenery are similar, and it is even possible to spend one hour or so transferring between activities or venues on Lake Como.
The western shore of the southern section of Lake Maggiore is home to the principal meeting & incentive event destinations on the lake. With national parks on either side of the lake, magical islands just off the coast and the fascinating Swiss canton of Ticino at the northern end of the lake, this is a special region to host an event.
Stresa is situated on the western shore of Lake Maggiore and is one of the region's principal destinations. It boasts grand hotels, a wonderful promenade with glorious views across the water, and offers excellent access to the stunning Borromean Islands.
The Borromean islands are sparsely inhabited and offer fantastic event and dining venues with awe-inspiring views of the alpine waters and mountains. Baveno is another resort, just north of Stresa, from where the Borromean islands can be viewed and accessed. Baveno offers lakeside event options amongst its historic centre.
Verbania is a further option on the western shoreline of Lake Maggiore. Located further north, the town offers a fantastic, scenic promenade with great views to the south and fantastic gardens.
Lake Maggiore offers an extensive mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation. Visitors can explore the Borromean Islands, with their ornate palaces, botanical gardens, and peacocks roaming the terraces of Isola Bella.
The lake is ideal for sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling, with its calm waters set against the backdrop of Alpine peaks. Hikers and cyclists can enjoy scenic routes along the lakeshore or venture into the Val Grande National Park, Italy’s largest wilderness area. The cable car to Mottarone offers sweeping views over the lake and the Alps from its hiking trails.
In Stresa and Verbania, elegant promenades, cafés, and historic villas create a timeless, Italian resort atmosphere. The nearby thermal spas of Premia and Baveno offer wellness experiences set amidst the mountain air.
Boat trips on the lake are possible, and the Swiss section of the lake is accessible. Lake Como is nearby and offers additional options for water, mountain, and village activities.
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Lake Maggiore straddles the Italian regional borders of Lombardy and Piedmont, and its cuisine is closely tied to the culinary traditions of these northern Italian regions. This part of Italy is famed for its Risotto, with fish and saffron varieties particularly special around Lake Maggiore.
The lake is a source of fresh fish, and perch can be found on menus throughout the area. Filled pasta, local cheeses, and, of course, pizza are all widely available. As with many locations in this part of northern Italy, expect to see Polenta added to many dishes.
Group dining options include event venues on the waterfront, on islands, and in the mountains surrounding the lake. Restaurant terraces with views over the lake and towering peaks are special, as are event venues dripping in history and Italian style – venues to match the cuisine.
No Italian dining experience is complete without wine, and the region around Lake Maggiore produces some wonderful wines. Paired with the local menu, these can be truly special group dining and gala event dinner experiences.
Lake Maggiore is the most serene of the three major Italian lakes. Como has its waterfront villa parties, and Garda its lakeside beach clubs. In contrast, Lake Maggiore is genteel, with waterfront venues serving wines amidst the serene beauty of the area. Waterfront terraces are the order of the day, providing stunning backdrops.
Stresa and Verbania offer some of the liveliest nightlife on Lake Maggiore, with historic venues or lakeside terraces offering a fabulous backdrop for the event. Privatised venues on the Borromean islands are another option to host a group event on Lake Maggiore – the setting and exclusivity are something to behold.
A variation on waterfront location, private cruises on the lake can offer the chance to host exclusive event parties in magical settings. Cruises can also head as far as the Swiss section of Lake Maggiore in the north, where the bustling resorts of Ticino can be enjoyed, complete with a casino to make (but most likely lose) a fortune.
For events hosted on Lake Maggiore, there are options for a night out in Milan or Lake Como. Milan offers a pulsating city experience with some incredible venue options, whilst Como provides the chance to host a private party in a lakeside villa.
