This Italian Lake Is A Scenic Alternative To Lake Como, According To Rick Steves

The beautiful countryside of Italy has called to tourists for centuries. In its extreme north, where the country shares a border with Switzerland, visitors and lovers of history have flocked to Lake Como. This large body of water is spotted with historic gems and charming villages, making it a top holiday destination. It's beautiful, sure, but it can also be crowded.

That's one reason why European travel expert and author Rick Steves calls nearby Lake Maggiore a "suitable backup" to its more popular neighbor in a blog post. Sitting in the foothills of the Alps, just under 40 miles from Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is believed to be the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes. Steves points to the retreats in the center of Lake Maggiore as the region's main attractions. Most of the destinations here were built by the wealthy Borromeo family and date back centuries. For a bird's-eye view of the lake, consider a trip on the Mottarone Cable Car for some spectacular photos. The lake makes for a great day trip, since it's just a two-hour car or train ride from Milan, home to Armani Hotel, considered by many to be one of the best, most chic places to stay in Italy.

Within Lake Maggiore are three accessible islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Each island offers a different experience and can be accessed from the town of Stresa, made famous by Earnest Hemingway, who recovered in the local Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées during World War I and later used the location in his masterpiece "A Farewell to Arms."

Isola Bella is Rick Steves' favorite of the islands, and in a blog post, his protege Cameron Hewitt suggests having a good zoom lens on your camera to capture just the right shots of the peacocks there. Art lovers and historians alike will want to tour Isola Bella's grand palace, Palazzo Borromeo, boasting over 20 rooms. Guests on a tour of the building will learn that each room has a specific name, reflecting its original purpose, a famous guest, or a historical event. Construction on this 17th-century palace began in 1632, so there is a lot of history to cover. Today, the palace houses more than 130 paintings, and beautiful tiered gardens surround it.

Even larger and more diverse gardens are nearby on the 20 acres of Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands. Even with the extensive flora, Steves describes this island as "dark and somber." The palace on this island is open to tours, but centuries of exotic plants have been grown and harvested here, making the gardens the tourist highlight. For those looking to capture a glimpse of what life is like in Lake Maggiore, or for a delicious local meal, Isola dei Pescatori is a must-visit. While this fishermen's village is the smallest of the three islands, it's the only one with permanent residents. Tourists can take time to explore its inviting row of cafes and restaurants that serve fresh seafood. The island also offers a small museum, as well as the 11th-century Church of San Vittore.

The closest major airport to Lake Maggiore is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). This Italian intercontinental airport is just an hour's drive from the ferries, charters, and taxi boats available at Stresa — it's no wonder Rick Steves calls the small town a "jumping-off point" for accessing the islands here. These services all transport tourists to the islands in the lake, including the three most popular above. Boat rides last between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on your destination.

There really isn't a bad time to visit Lake Maggiore, with its northernmost point stretching into some of Switzerland's most iconic destinations. Summers are hot and winters are mild, but many tourists visit in the fall months, when you can expect cooler weather and vibrant foliage. Fall also brings rain, however, so visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately and take advantage of local shops and restaurants as showers pass. Temperatures tend to stay above freezing, and highs average between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit between October and December.

October is also festival season at Lake Maggiore. Sagra della Castagna is an annual festival at the beginning of the month celebrating the chestnut, while Crodo d'Autunno celebrates all the tastes of fall mid-month. Festivals, of course, bring out more visitors, so don't be surprised to encounter more robust crowds during these special celebrations.