Lake Maggiore travel guide for 2026 and 2027
By the TravelCheap Editorial Team · Updated October 28, 2026
Lake Maggiore is a 64 km lake shared by Piedmont, Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino. Most visitors base themselves in Stresa or Baveno for the Borromean Islands, but Arona and Verbania were cheaper in our price check and are just as practical by train or ferry.
The islands and their gardens open from mid-March to early November. In 2026 Isola Bella cost €27 for an adult, and a ferry day ticket from Stresa to Isola Madre, with stops at Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, cost €19.50.
Lake Maggiore quick facts
- Size
- 64 km long; the northern 13 km are in Switzerland
- From Milan
- About 1 hour by EuroCity or 1 h 15 by regional train to Stresa
- Island season 2026
- 12 March to 8 November (Isola Bella extended to 22 November)
- Isola Bella ticket
- €27 adult, €18 ages 6 to 15, under-6s free
- Island-hopping ferry
- €19.50 day ticket Stresa to Isola Madre with stops
- Mottarone cable car
- Closed since 2021; no reopening date yet
Which side of the lake?
- West shore (Piedmont): Arona, Stresa, Baveno, Verbania and Cannobio. This is where the Borromean Islands, Villa Taranto and the trains from Milan are (Lake Maggiore (Wikipedia)).
- East shore (Lombardy): Angera, Laveno and Luino, with the Rocca di Angera and the Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage (Lake Maggiore (Wikipedia)).
- North end (Switzerland): Locarno and Ascona. Hotel guests in Ticino get free public transport with the Ticino Ticket (Ticino Ticket conditions 2026 (Ticino Turismo)).
Check live prices for your dates. We compare hundreds of travel sites through KAYAK.
Compare hotels in StresaWhat the islands cost in 2026
| Ticket | Adult | Ages 6 to 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Isola Bella | €27 | €18 |
| Isola Bella and Isola Madre | €40 | €23 |
| Three sites (adds Rocca di Angera) | €55 | €28 |
| Isola Madre only | €23 | €15 |
| Isola dei Pescatori | No entry ticket (a fishing village) |
Prices from Isola Bella: hours and prices (Terre Borromeo) and Isola Madre: hours and rates (Terre Borromeo). Prices vary by date and sales channel, so check online before you go. Ferry fares are on our getting there page.
Our Lake Maggiore guides
A cheaper island day
- Stay in Arona or Verbania and take the train or ferry to Stresa.
- Buy a free-circulation ferry ticket for the island stretch instead of single tickets.
- Pick one paid island, Isola Bella or Isola Madre, and walk Isola dei Pescatori for free.
- Eat at a mainland trattoria: La Vecchia Scogliera in Feriolo came in at about €25 a head.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay on Lake Maggiore?
Stresa or Baveno for the islands, Arona or Verbania to pay less, and Locarno or Ascona on the Swiss side if you want free transport with the Ticino Ticket.
How much does Isola Bella cost?
In 2026 an adult ticket was €27, ages 6 to 15 paid €18 and under-6s were free. A ticket for Isola Bella and Isola Madre together cost €40.
When are the Borromean Islands open?
In 2026 from 12 March to 8 November, with Isola Bella extended to 22 November. They close in winter.
Is the Mottarone cable car open?
No. It has been closed since the May 2021 accident. In October 2026 the region and Stresa agreed a plan to rebuild it, but no reopening date has been set.
Plan the trip
Compare prices from many travel sites in one search. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
More Lake Maggiore guides
Sources
- Lake Maggiore (Wikipedia)
- Isola Bella: hours and prices (Terre Borromeo)
- Isola Madre: hours and rates (Terre Borromeo)
- Navigazione Laghi fares from 1 April 2026
- Autumn openings at Villa Taranto and Isola Bella (SiViaggia)
- Ticino Ticket conditions 2026 (Ticino Turismo)
- Mottarone cable car restart plan (VCO News)
- EuroCity 36 Milano to Stresa (Orario Treni)
- Stresa station timetable (e656)
Prices, timetables and trail status change. We checked the figures on this page on October 28, 2026. Found something out of date? Email contact@travelcheap.online.