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Lake Maggiore
The Italian Lakes - Maggiore and Orta
Back to Routes
Descending Mottarone
The lake from Monte Orfano
The quay at Isola Pescatori
Romanesque church in Monte Orfano
Monte Rosa from Mottarone
Lago d'Orta
Birth of Saint Francis Sacro Monte
Lake Maggiore from above Stresa
Isola San Giulio
Travellers Blog
The Italian lakes – new final day added for 2023
Wednesday 23rd November | Posted by On Foot Staff
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At a glance
Lake Maggiore 7 night option (the full walk). Add extra nights on Isola Pescatori or at Orta to enjoy each lake to the full, or on the top of the mountain (Mottarone). This walk has some short walks that can easily be condensed so if you're looking for a more challenging walk, please see our shorter options. See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Ligurian Hills, Dolomites, Southern Tuscany or Classic Slovenia
How much walking?
Full days: 9½-18km per day, 3½-5¾ hrs walking
Using shortening options: No feasible shortening options (other than to miss whole days).
A journey from lake to lake
This walk – On Foot’s first in the Italian Lakes – brings the glory of the Alps to walkers of modest abilities. The area was the first Italian stop on the Grand Tour, and the resorts around Lake Maggiore developed early in a style pleasing to the eye. The three Borromean islands, notable for their gardens, are worth an extra day exploring via the frequent public ferries linking them.
The fishing villages of Isola Pescatori (the “Fishermen’s isle”) and Orta retain their medieval charm, and these two form the beginning and end of our route. The central section, and the real walking, heads up to the mountain top of Mottarone (and includes a night on the top, with its stunning views of Monte Rosa, the Alps’ second highest mountain), before returning to the lakeshore at Orta San Giulio. Lake Orta is quieter compared with its larger brother, and has more spiritual attractions, most notably the Franciscan assembly of chapels on Sacro Monte and the peaceful convent on Isola San Giulio.
Walked by On Foot staff: Simon, Mary and Heather
Consider pairing this route – Lake Maggiore/Ligurian Hills (4 hrs by taxis and train), Lake Maggiore/Dolomites (9 hrs by train with recommended overnight stop at Milan or Verona), Lake Maggiore/Southern Tuscany (6 hrs by train with recommended overnight stop at Florence) or Classic Slovenia/Lake Maggiore (7 hrs by train with recommended overnight stop at Venice, Verona or Milan) – for more details click here.
MORE INFORMATION: Read our blog about how to reach Lake Maggiore by train, and another about the gardens and museums you can visit during the holiday.
REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews of this route submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit AITO.com.
ARTICLES: Read an article about the Lake Maggiore holiday from The Guardian newspaper here.
GUIDED TOURS: Join our local contact for guided tours of the delights of Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta – see details here.
TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to Italy, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.
Route Highlights
- The islands of Lake Maggiore – Pescatori, Bella and Madre
- Taking the ferries around Lake Maggiore
- The hike up to Mottarone
- Dining in a mountain-top hotel
- The chapels of Sacro Monte
- A walk to Lake Orta viewpoint
- Orta San Giulio and the convent on the island
This route features the following characteristics and interests: Mountains, Drive to route
Things you should know
- Transfers from Milan Malpensa airport are best by pre-bookable shuttle. Returning to the airport from Orta is best by taxi unless heading north.
We Recommend
Extra nights at the start and finish to appreciate the lakes, and time in Orta to really explore the 20 chapels of Sacro Monte. Combine with a visit to Milan or explore Piedmont further.
How much Walking?
Using shortening options: No feasible shortening options (other than to miss whole days).
Mainly on signed paths and tracks, though with occasional quiet asphalt. Attention to written directions required. Highest point on route 1420m.
Easy-medium: Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 535m (100m – 790m) per day. Some short days.
Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: None.
On Foot Holidays Companion app available from 2025, for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.
Important note: Times given for each day are walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.
When to go?
The best months to walk: May, June, July, September, early October
Other possible months: April, August
The season starts as early as April (though there can still be snow on Mottarone). A good time to go to the Lakes is May/June – it can get a little hot and crowded in July and August, but mid-September to the middle of October is a colourful time to enjoy pleasant walking weather. Late October is also possible and as the walks are not long, the lessening daylight is not an issue.
Note that Villa Pizzini on Mottarone is closed on Tuesdays all year, and Wednesdays from March to May and October to December (except for larger groups).
Start Dates
Weather Chart
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive on Isola Pescatori
Your journey to this magical island on Lake Maggiore may be by train or by taxi but it will always end with a ferry - a boat trip makes the start of a holiday such a joy. Settle into your comfortable hotel and have an explore of the narrow streets of "Fishermen's Island".
Option
It's always best to factor in an extra day here if you can so that you can indulge yourselves both with exploring the lake and walking our featured first walk (see below)
Day 2 - Discovering Lake Maggiore
If you have not booked an extra day here, you have two choices – we recommend using the ferry system to explore the Borromean Islands – Bella and Madre and their gardens in particular, the old town and resort of Stresa, and even the Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso on the opposite shore of the lake.
Walkers may prefer our featured walk from Mergozzo to Pallanza, with a pretty path along Lake Mergozzo (Medium: 4 hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 14½ km (9 miles), CUSs 540m), but you can decide when you are there.
Option
In place of this walk, or as an extra day, consider spending some time with Beatrice, our local contact and guide. who can show you the very best of Lake Maggiore and its surrounds. Explore the three Borromean Islands, their gardens and palaces and villages. Full or half day tours available, pay locally - see details here or contact On Foot.
Day 3 - Baveno to Gignese
Following a short ferry transfer to Baveno, the walk swiftly climbs and gains lovely views of the Borromean islands dotted across Lake Maggiore. Leave behind the grand lakeside villas and hotels, and pass through hamlets and woodland offering you a view of the simpler side of life. Ensure you save enough time for a visit to the ‘Giardina Alpina’, botanical gardens showcasing many species of rare alpine plants and a chance to see what’s widely regarded as one of the most spectacular views of the lake. A mule track and some quiet roads lead you to sleepy Gignese for the night. (Medium-hard: 3¾ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 11 km (7 miles), CUSs 740m).
Day 4 - Gignese to Mottarone
Today’s walk may not be very long but you’ll want to take your time as you leave Gignese to climb up through beech and chestnut woods to Mottarone, the highest point of the walk. Mottarone is known as the mountain of the lakes and you’ll see why as you ascend towards the top. From here you will have spectacular 360 degree views of six lakes, as well as the Alps (snow capped if you’re lucky) in the distance. (Medium-hard: 3½ hrs walking (allow 4¾ hrs), 9½ km (6 miles), CUSs 790m)
Settle into your hotel before heading off to the very highest point to watch the sunset and its rainbow of colours from there.
Day 5 - Mottarone to Armeno
An easy day to allow you plenty of time for a lazy breakfast and then to enjoy the views (or even a trip on the chair lift to the top of the peak) from Mottarone before setting off to Armeno for your next night’s stay. The first part of the day retraces the end of yesterday’s walk but gives you the chance to look at the views from another perspective. Then it’s downhill all the way on relatively gentle paths which lead through birch woodland and pasture to Armeno and its Romanesque church. (Easy: 3¼ hrs walking (allow 4¼ hrs), 10 km (6½ miles), CUSs 100m)
Day 6 - Armeno to Orta
Today’s walk takes you from Armeno, at the foot of Mottarone, and over a more gentle countryside to finally reach Lake Orta, but not before visiting some charming villages along the way, including Pisogno, Ameno and Lortallo. Follow the Ways of the Cross to Monte Mesma, a place of absolute peace, and later, having passed through the quirkily painted village of Legro, climb up to the World Heritage site of Sacro Monte di Orta, with 20 chapels housing life-size statues that tell the story of Saint Francis.
From here it’s a short walk downhill to the main square in Orta, right on the edge of the lake and crammed with restaurants and bars.
Be warned, it’s not a long walk but with so much to see, don’t fall into the trap of starting out too late. (Easy-medium: 4½ hrs walking (allow 6 hrs), 14 km (9 miles), CUSs 500m)
Alternative: For those wishing to save time and to head straight to Orta, a direct route is available. (2¼ hrs walking (allow 3 hrs), 8 km (5 miles), CUSs 165m)
Day 7 - Madonna del Sasso Circuit
On the opposite side of the lake, the church hovering over Lake Orta (Madonna del Sasso) is the destination of today’s walk. First take a ferry to Lagna or Pella (see timetables) – the walk up from Lagna is prettier but there are fewer boats (you will return from Pella). A strenuous ascent brings you up to the viewing platform in front of the church, where you can buy a snack from the kiosk and admire the view over to Orta and Mottarone, before descending to Pella.
On the way back, consider stopping off at Isola San Giulio to tour the Monastery complex – then continue back to Orta. Celebrate the end of your walking holiday with a meal in one of the many small restaurants. (Medium: 3½ hrs walking (allow 4¾ hrs), 11km (7 miles), CUSs 560m)
Alternative: None – except to stay in Orta, or visit Sacro Monte or Isola San Giulio.
Option
Consider booking Beatrice to help you get the most out of your time in Orta. Here you can discover Sacro Monte di Orta (Unesco Site) and Isola San Giulio with its basilica and fascinating tales. Full or half day tours available, pay locally - see details here or contact On Foot.
Depart for home
It’s time to go – unless you can spend an extra night here – or maybe go and experience sophisticated Milan.
Travel Information
ARRIVING BY TRAIN
Nearest railway stations:
Start: Stresa (has the most connections) or Baveno (best for walk to ferry port)
Finish: Orta-Miasino, or take a taxi to Stresa (30 mins) for more options
Sample rail journey via Paris:
TGV from Paris to either Geneva or Lausanne for overnight stop before travelling on to Stresa or Baveno the following day. Other route options include taking a high-speed TGV from Paris to Milan* for an overnight stop and direct journey of approx 1 hr to Stresa or Baveno the following day.
* The Paris/Turin/Milan route was blocked by a landslide at Modane in August 2023, and is likely to be out of use until at least spring 2025. As of Nov 2024, one TGV train per day runs in each direction between Paris and Milan, with a bus connection around the landslide. See alternative routes here.
We suggest thetrainline.com for times, ticket booking and other information or raileurope.co.uk (formerly loco2.com) for times, prices and booking. reiseauskunft.bahn.de also shows full timetables. See also our blog on travelling to Lake Maggiore by train here.
ARRIVING BY CAR
Park at Hotel Cortese in Armeno (no charge). For taxis to start and back at end see Prices.
ARRIVING BY AIR
The best airports are Milan (Malpensa, followed by Linate and Bergamo), with connections from most regional airports in the UK and Ireland. Other international flights use Milan Malpensa.
Land by: 14:00 for Malpensa, 12:00 for Linate and 11:00 for Bergamo for public transport connections to Stresa/Baveno (for Isola Pescatori). Later flights to Malpensa possible with pre-booked taxi transfer.
Return flight earliest: 12:00 (Malpensa), 14:00 (other Milan airports) for connections from Orta (see transfer information below)
Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.
For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.
See “getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.
Getting to the start of the walk
The first accommodation is normally on Isola Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore). The last hotel is in Orta San Giulio. Transfer times and methods are suggested for train stations and the three Milan airports below.
Transfers from train stations:
Outwards: From Stresa station 15 mins walk downhill to Stresa ferry port for Isola Pescatori, or five mins walk from Baveno station to Baveno ferry port.
Return: Orta-Miasino station is a short local taxi ride from your hotel.
Transfers from airports:
Outwards: Train from Malpensa (shuttle/train from Linate or Bergamo) then short walk to ferry – 2½ hrs, shared shuttle (Alibus – 1 hr)/ferry from Milan Malpensa OR Pre-bookable taxi transfer (1 hr) from Milan Malpensa airport to ferry for Isola Pescatori.
Return: pre-booked taxi included to Milan Malpensa Airport (1 hr), with possible supplements for larger groups or to other Milan airports.
For pre-bookable taxi costs, see “Prices”
Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.
Where You'll Stay
The range of accommodation on the complete route here is from the traditional “old resort” hotels in the village centre (Isola Pescatori and Orta), through restaurant with rooms over (Gignese), a mountain top “Villa” (Mottarone) to modern, family-run (Armeno). All rooms except for some in Villa Pizzini have ensuite facilities, and while none are luxurious, all are comfortable.
Night 1 & 2
Isola Pescatori – Albergo Belvedere (B&B)
One of the oldest hotels on the island, quietly positioned and with a noted restaurant.
Night 3
Gignese – Osteria delle 3V (B&B)
Family run restaurant-with-rooms with great charm and good cooking. The rooms are simple, but comfortable. (This hotel has no wifi.)
Night 3 (Upgrade)
Gignese – Hartmann Villa (B&B)
Gorgeous villa with extensive gardens and a contemporary feel.
Night 4
Mottarone – Villa Pizzini (dinner, B&B)
Ivan and Sabina have created this great little albergo at 1400m, with simple bedrooms, a great position and renowned Pietmontese cooking. Closed Tuesdays all year, and Wednesdays from March to May and October to December.
Night 5
Marco's family hotel is a surprise - modern in style and facilities but old-fashioned in charm. A new restaurant promises well.
Night 6 & 7
Orta – Albergo Leon d’Oro (B&B)
Lakeside hotel in the heart of the village, and one of the oldest too. Quixotic charm, including breakfast service by Grandma. Spa and suites available (extra charge). This hotel has limited wifi.
Isola Pescatori – Albergo Belvedere (B&B)
One of the oldest hotels on the island, quietly positioned and with a noted restaurant.
Website
Isola Pescatori – Il Verbano (B&B)
Comfortable hotel with Michelin 2* chef and the best views on the island.
Website
Gignese – Osteria delle 3V (B&B)
Family run restaurant-with-rooms with great charm and good cooking. The rooms are simple, but comfortable. (This hotel has no wifi.)
Website
Gignese – Hartmann Villa (B&B)
Gorgeous villa with extensive gardens and a contemporary feel.
Website
Armeno – Hotel Cortese (B&B)
Marco's family hotel is a surprise - modern in style and facilities but old-fashioned in charm. A new restaurant promises well.
Website
Orta – Albergo Leon d’Oro (B&B)
Lakeside hotel in the heart of the village, and one of the oldest too. Quixotic charm, including breakfast service by Grandma. Spa and suites available (extra charge). This hotel has limited wifi.
Website
Orta – Hotel La Bussola (B&B)
Large modern hotel with lake views and pool, ten minutes walk from the town.
Website
Prices
Total 7 nights in double/twin room, 1 evening meal, 1 picnic lunch, all breakfasts; luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; taxi from Baveno to start of Mergozzo to Pallanza walk; taxi from Orta San Giulio to Milan Malpensa Airport at the end (see below); full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support. Locally levied tourist taxes are not included.
Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app (from 2025), providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): Discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room) from 2025.
All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.
Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £420
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £340
Maximum party size: 12
Add Ons
Extra nights in any hotel: Contact On Foot Holidays (seasonal pricing)
Taxi from Milan Malpensa Airport to Stresa ferry port (for Isola Pescatori):
From £133 1-3 pers, £149 4-7 pers
Taxi from Orta San Giulio to Milan Malpensa Airport: included. Possible supplements for larger groups or to other destinations; discount for own travel arrangements.
Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £20-60 (per pack, location dependent)
Travellers Blog
The Italian lakes – new final day added for 2023
Wednesday 23rd November | Posted by On Foot Staff
view article
Our local team
Beatrice Bariletta
Beatrice Bariletta lives in the Ossola Valley, close to Lakes Mergozzo, Maggiore and Orta at the foot of the Pennine and Lepontine Alps, with her husband and two cats. She loves walking, hiking, climbing, discovering and living with nature, and she feels very lucky to live in a wonderful place and to be able to share it with many different people she walks with as she works as a hiking and tour guide in this region.
