I go to Milan pretty often — my brother lives there, and so does one of my best friends. But I’ll admit something: I hadn’t explored the famous lakes nearby until recently. And I was completely unprepared for how stunning Lake Maggiore would be.
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan to Lake Maggiore — all doable by train and ferry — this post is for you. Northern Italy is packed with breathtaking destinations, and Lake Maggiore is one of the easiest (and most underrated) escapes you can reach without a car.
In just over an hour, you can swap city traffic for lakeside views, island-hopping adventures, historic villas, and panoramic aperitivos. From the palace and gardens of Borromean Islands to the botanical beauty of Villa Taranto and the hilltop cable car in Laveno, this region is full of hidden gems.
I recently explored it all myself — and it genuinely took my breath away. From stepping off the train in Stresa and smelling sunscreen in the air (the epitome of Italian summer), to feeling the wind in my hair as I hopped from one dreamy island to the next. The scenery was so beautiful it made me emotional.
Wondering how to get to Lake Maggiore from Milan and what to do once you’re there? Here are three of my favorite Lake Maggiore day trips, perfect for a relaxing, scenic escape — no car needed.
The Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore often gets overlooked in favor of Lake Como — which is exactly why you should go. In just an hour by train from Milan, you’ll reach Stresa, a peaceful lakeside town where you can hop on a ferry to explore the three Borromean Islands:
I recommend this day trip from Milan t to people who want a mix of lake views, palaces and gardens — all in one experience. If you’re staying in Milan, this is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can do by train and ferry. Here’s how I’d plan your day, and what to expect on each island.
First Stop: Isola Madre
Isola Madre is the largest and most peaceful of the three islands, and I suggest starting here because it’s also the furthest away from Stresa. The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by green. The entire island is basically a botanical garden, with peacocks roaming around!
Expect wide gravel paths, lotus ponds, ancient cypress trees, and bright bursts of color from camellias and rhododendrons (especially in spring). You can also explore the historic Palazzo Borromeo, which is smaller and less dramatic than the palace on Isola Bella but full of character. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture, quirky puppet theaters, and a peek into 18th-century noble life.
*you’ll need a ticket to visit Isola Madre. I suggest you purchase it online on their official website. And if you plan on visiting Isola Bella as well, get the combo ticket.
Second Stop: Isola dei Pescatori (aka Isola Superiore)
This is the smallest island, and also the only one that’s still inhabited year-round. Unlike the grandeur of the other two, Isola dei Pescatori has a more rustic vibe. You’ll find narrow alleys, waterfront homes, and fishing boats bobbing by the shore. If you’re into sculptures, there’s also the Andrea Ruffoni museum.
It’s also the perfect lunch stop. There are several trattorias serving lake fish and pasta, plus gelato shops if you’re just after a quick break. I got gelato at Riva Est, super recommend the watermelon flavor!
Final Stop: Isola Bella
If you’re into grand palaces and dramatic gardens, save Isola Bella for last. I think it’s the most iconic of the three and truly feels like the crown jewel. The island is almost entirely occupied by the 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, which is filled with frescoed halls, marble sculptures, and an unforgettable shell-encrusted grotto.
But what steals the show are the gardens: they’re built on ten terraced levels that seem to rise right out of the lake. Expect fountains, statues (yes, even a unicorn), citrus trees, manicured hedges, and white peacocks strutting past like they own the place.
The view from the top terrace? One of my favorite spots on Lake Maggiore.
*you’ll need a ticket to visit the gardens and palace of Isola Bella. I suggest you purchase it online on their official website. And if you plan on visiting Isola Madre as well, get the combo ticket.
How to get to the Borromean Islands from Milan:
Take the Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Stresa (approx. 1 hour). From the Stresa train station, walk 10 minutes until you reach the ferry dock of Navigazione Laghi and board the ferry to Isola Madre (ferries every 30 minutes).
🎟️ Best option: Book your combined train + ferry ticket online on Discovera.it — it bundles everything into one booking so you can skip the planning. Use the code “DISCOVERA-WHERETOGOIN5” to get €5 off your first order.
2. The Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
If you’re into gardens, photography, or just a peaceful walk surrounded by beauty, Villa Taranto is a must. Located across the lake from Laveno in Verbania Pallanza, this 16-hectare garden is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy — and yes, it’s absolutely doable as a day trip from Milan.
It was created in 1931 by Scottish captain Neil Boyd McEacharn, who dedicated his life to collecting plants from all over the world. The result is a lush, almost surreal landscape filled with 10,000 exotic species, over 20,000 plants, mirror-like water features, and winding paths that offer views of both Lake Maggiore and the Alps.
Come in spring for the tulips, or early autumn for golden foliage. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and surprisingly easy to get to. Open from April to October.
How to get to Villa Taranto from Milan:
Take the Trenord regional train from Milano Cadorna to Laveno-Mombello Lago (approx. 1.5 hours). Then cross the road to the ferry dock and board the ferry. There are direct ferries to Villa Taranto throughout the day, but you can also take the ferry to Intra (10 minutes) and then another one to Villa Taranto (10 minutes).
🎟️ Best option: I got my train, ferry and entrance ticket to Villa Taranto directly on Discovera.it. It’s the official platform form day trips around the Lombardy region of Trenod, and they bundle everything together in one ticket. Use the code “DISCOVERA-WHERETOGOIN5” to get €5 off your first order.
Want to see what it looks like? Here’s a quick peek from my visit:
3. The Laveno Cable Car
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the typical boat-and-palace Lake Maggiore experience, head to Laveno — a quiet town on the lake’s eastern side — and take a ride on one of the most unique cable cars in Italy.
The Lake Maggiore cable car (also called the Funivia di Laveno) consists of open-air “bucket” cabins that slowly climb to the top of Monte Sasso del Ferro (1,100 meters). It’s a gentle, 15-minute ride with breathtaking 360° views of the lake, the valleys below, and the distant Alps.
At the top, you’ll find a panoramic terrace with views across the whole region, a small bar-restaurant, perfect for a scenic aperitivo or light lunch, and trails for short walks or hikes to Mount Sasso del Ferro.
How to reach the Lake Maggiore cable car from Milan:
Take the Trenord regional train from Milano Cadorna to Laveno-Mombello Lago. Once at the station, walk 10 minutes to the cable car station. Ride the cable car to the top for views and aperitivo.
🎟️ Best option: Book everything on Discovera.it includes this entire route (train, ferry, and cable car) in one click. Use the code “DISCOVERA-WHERETOGOIN5” to get €5 off your first order.
Want to see what it looks like? Here’s a quick peek from my visit:
