Best time to visit Lake Maggiore
By the TravelCheap Editorial Team · Updated October 28, 2026
Visit between April and early October. The Borromean Islands are open, the full ferry timetable runs and the gardens are at their best. In 2026 the islands opened on 12 March and the summer ferry timetable ran from 29 March to 4 October.
From November to mid-March most island palaces, gardens and the Rocca di Angera are closed. Winter is cheap and quiet, but you'll see the lake mainly from the shore.
Opening dates to plan around
| What | 2026 dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Rocca di Angera | 12 March to 8 November | Isola Bella extended to 22 November; last entry 17:00, then 16:00 from 25 October |
| Villa Taranto gardens | 6 March to 8 December | Open daily in summer; weekends only in November and December |
| Ferries: summer timetable | 29 March to 4 October | Reduced winter timetable after that |
| Ferry to Santa Caterina del Sasso | Main season only | In the off-season you can only get there by road |
Sources: Isola Bella: hours and prices (Terre Borromeo), Autumn openings at Villa Taranto and Isola Bella (SiViaggia), Villa Taranto gardens 2026 (official leaflet), Summer timetable 29 March to 4 October 2026 (Navigazione Laghi), Rocca di Angera: hours and rates (Terre Borromeo). 2027 dates were not announced as of October 2026.
Check live prices for your dates. We compare hundreds of travel sites through KAYAK.
Compare hotels in StresaSeason by season
- Spring: camellias come first. The Spring Camellia Exhibition was held on 28 and 29 March 2026 at Villa Giulia in Pallanza, and Isola Madre's camellias open the island season (Spring Camellia Exhibition 2026 (Il Lago Maggiore)).
- Summer: the busiest months. The Stresa Festival of music ran from 16 July to 9 September 2026 (Stresa Festival 2026 (Il Lago Maggiore)).
- Autumn: shorter opening hours from late October, but calmer islands until they close in November.
- Winter: most sights close. Baveno makes its lakefront parking free in winter (Free lakefront parking in Baveno in winter (Verbano News)).
Check for rail works
From 7 June to 26 July 2026, works on the Simplon line disrupted EuroCity trains to the lake (Simplon timetable changes 2026 (SBB)). Check SBB and Trenitalia notices before you book a summer 2027 trip by train.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Lake Maggiore?
May, June or September: the islands and gardens are open, the full ferry timetable runs, and it is calmer than July and August.
Is Lake Maggiore worth visiting in winter?
For a quiet, cheap stay, yes, but most island palaces and gardens are closed from November to mid-March.
When do the Borromean Islands open?
In 2026 they opened on 12 March and closed on 8 November, with Isola Bella open until 22 November.
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
- Isola Bella: hours and prices (Terre Borromeo)
- Autumn openings at Villa Taranto and Isola Bella (SiViaggia)
- Villa Taranto gardens 2026 (official leaflet)
- Summer timetable 29 March to 4 October 2026 (Navigazione Laghi)
- Rocca di Angera: hours and rates (Terre Borromeo)
- Spring Camellia Exhibition 2026 (Il Lago Maggiore)
- Stresa Festival 2026 (Il Lago Maggiore)
- Free lakefront parking in Baveno in winter (Verbano News)
- Simplon timetable changes 2026 (SBB)
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.