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 are 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 spectacular 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 variety of restaurants make it a popular destination for a day trip. But Lake Maggiore is more than just a beautiful backdrop. Sailors and windsurfers find interesting wind conditions, particularly in the north, whilst motorboats can be found all over the lake.
Tips for alpine sailors
Preparing for a sailing trip: boat launching facilities
Anyone sailing a boat with a deeper draught should keep an eye on water levels: these can fluctuate by several metres over the course of the year. Those travelling with a trailer should find out in good time about launching conditions, fees and parking facilities for their vehicle and trailer. If you wish to launch your boat, there are facilities available – subject to prior arrangement – in Cannobio, Magadino and Locarno, amongst other places. 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. Anyone sailing to Ascona or Locarno, or travelling from Switzerland to Italy, must observe specific local regulations. For motorised boats 2.50 metres or longer, a local supplementary licence plate (Contrassegno) is required on Lake Maggiore. Applications can be made by email or in person 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 regulations.
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 harsher wind conditions. Lake Maggiore offers visitors plenty to discover in terms of sport, culture and cuisine.
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