Lake Maggiore stretches for around 66 kilometres along the southern edge of the Alps. At its widest point, it measures just under 10 kilometres. Its northern tip lies in Switzerland, whilst more than 50 kilometres of the lake lie in Italy. In between, elegant lakeside towns, green slopes, small bays and the famous Borromean Islands are strung together. Stresa and Baveno lie on the southern shore of the Borromean Bay, with Verbania stretching out opposite. Further north come Cannero and Cannobio, whilst on the Swiss side lie Ascona and Locarno.
Jewels in the lake: the Borromean Islands
The islands off Stresa are particularly impressive: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. On Isola Bella stands the Palazzo Borromeo, surrounded by a garden that stretches across ten terraces. On Isola Madre, white peacocks stroll through the botanical garden. Isola dei Pescatori, the Fishermen’s Island, however, does not belong to the Borromeo noble family. It is still inhabited today by families of fishermen and innkeepers. Narrow alleyways and a wide variety of restaurants make it a popular destination for a shore excursion.
Tips for alpine boaters
Preparing for a sailing trip: boat launching facilities
But Lake Maggiore is more than just a beautiful backdrop. Sailors and windsurfers will find good conditions, particularly in the north, whilst motorboats can be seen all over the lake. If your boat has a deeper draught, you should keep an eye on water levels: they can fluctuate by several metres over the course of the year. Trailer drivers should find out in good time about launching conditions, fees and storage facilities for their trailer and boat. Those wishing to launch their boat will find facilities in Cannobio, Magadino and Locarno, amongst other places, by prior arrangement. The boatyards around the lake also generally offer launching or crane services for a fee. In the morning, we set out from Verbania onto the lake. Even from a distance, the Borromean Islands present a picturesque sight. However, anyone wishing to sail there under their own steam and go ashore should arrange a permitted mooring in advance.
Travelling across borders: formalities
The journey then continues northwards. The formalities change at the national border. Different rules apply to those travelling to Ascona or Lugano, or entering Italy from Switzerland. For motorised boats 2.50 metres in length or more, a local supplementary licence plate (Contrassegno) is required on Lake Maggiore. Applications can be made by email or directly at the relevant local council offices in the lakeside towns. These licence plates are recognised throughout the lake. To moor in the Swiss part of the lake, a temporary permit is also required in the Canton of Ticino. Driving licences, documents and third-party liability insurance are also checked. Permits and customs are two separate matters: anyone mooring in Switzerland should therefore clarify the customs requirements.
On the water: bank protection and wind conditions
On the water, the boundary is barely noticeable. For motorised boats, a 300-metre shore protection zone applies across the entire lake. Within 150 metres of the shore, boats may navigate for the purposes of mooring, unmooring, lying at anchor or passing through a narrow stretch. The further north you travel, the more alpine Lake Maggiore becomes, with steeper mountain slopes and rougher wind conditions. Lake Maggiore offers visitors plenty to discover in terms of sport, culture and cuisine.
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