Camping at Lake Maggiore

Camping on one of Italy's most beautiful lakes: the picturesque Lake Maggiore in the sunny south of the Alps is the ideal destination for anyone who can't decide between the mountains and the sea - and is still surprisingly uncrowded. Ready for the perfect camping holiday by the lake? Then here are 12 of the most beautiful campsites on Lake Maggiore.

Lago Verbano, Lagh Maggior or Lago Maggiore: no matter what you call Lake Maggiore - the northern Italian lake is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations for camping fans in Italy. This is where Mediterranean flair meets the impressive mountains of the Southern Alps. Densely wooded mountain slopes and mighty peaks in the background, while you lie in the sun between palm groves and blossoming orchards - simply marvellous!

But what is really surprising: In contrast to Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore is still a pretty tranquil place to this day. If you don't fancy the crowds, you'll find a real paradise here. But that doesn't mean you'll get bored on Lake Maggiore. The blue waters of the lake offer plenty of opportunities for active leisure activities, such as hiking, cycling, sailing or diving.

Only one question remains: where to stay? Don't worry - you don't need to do much research to find out. We'll show you our 12 favourite campsites on Lake Maggiore.

Campofelice Camping Village

Start on the north-east shore in Switzerland at Campofelice Camping Village. If you prefer an active holiday to a quiet one, this is the place for you! Barbecues on the banks of the emerald-green Verzasca River are just the beginning. There are also exciting activities such as archery, tennis and pedal boating. Cyclists can let off steam on the BMX track. The wash station and repair workshop at the harbour help to keep bikes in good condition. Various leisure activities, festivals and shows are also organised in the large circus tent. A visit to the falconry park Falconeria Locarno is something special: here guests can experience spectacular demonstrations with birds of prey!

Camping Residence Orchidea

Camping Residence Orchidea is located in a sheltered bay at the mouth of the River Toce. Many excursions await you here. Pay a visit to the red-brick Villa Henfrey Branca with its English garden. Explore the Borromean Islands on a boat trip or hurtle down from the summit of the Mottatore towards the valley on the bobsleigh run at the Alpyland adventure park. A ride on the zipline, a 1,850 metre long steel cable, provides a special adrenaline rush. A visit to the Safari Park in Pombia, where not only animals but also an amusement park are waiting to be discovered, is somewhat more relaxed.

Camping Solcio

The next campsite offers marvellous views of the picturesque Alpine panorama of northern Italy. The nearby village of Solcio di Lesa has many architectural sights to offer with its medieval villas and early modern buildings. Hikers can explore the peaks of the Alps on long or short hiking trails. Water sports enthusiasts are drawn to windsurfing or other sports on Lake Maggiore. Prefer a bit of culture? Then visit the famous marble cathedral in Milan or marvel at the outstanding ceiling paintings in the Vecchia dedicata a Santa Maria church in Belgirate.

Camping Tamaro Resort

Back to Switzerland, to the Camping Tamaro Resort near Tenero. From here you can embark on a truly action-packed holiday. Bungee jumping from the Verzasca dam, parachuting or the climbing garden at Ponte Brolle in the Maggia Valley will get your adrenalin pumping! A walk along one of the art and culture trails is a quieter option. At the arts and crafts centre in Gordola, everyone can test their skills and make their own souvenirs. If you still haven't seen enough after a stroll through the market in Bellinzona, visit one of the three castles and learn more about their fascinating history.

Camping Melezza

We stay on the Swiss side of the lake and head to Camping Melezza in Losone. You can easily reach the river of the same name with its unspoilt banks, which are perfect for swimming, via a flight of steps. Our tip for the best view over the valley and the surrounding mountains: the terrace of the Madonne del Sasso pilgrimage church. Bad weather is no problem either. This is the perfect time to visit the fossil museum in Meride and discover the regional flora and fauna at the time of the dinosaurs. A great alternative is an extended shopping tour through the FoxTown outlet centre in Mendrisio.

Camping Village Isolino

Our number 6 is Camping Village Isolino on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Fondotoce di Verbanie. Boat trips are offered directly from the campsite jetty, for example to the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto with its various themed areas. Or how about an evening panoramic cruise with sunset and dinner on the fishing island of Isola Pescatori? Would you prefer to explore the surrounding area by bike? Then grab a hire bike at the campsite! And if the lake isn't enough fun for you: The Aquadventure Park in Baveno offers plenty of adventures on the water.

Continental Camping Village

A stone's throw from Lake Maggiore is the Continental Camping Village on Lake Mergozzo. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are ideal for swimming, canoeing and other water sports thanks to a ban on motorboats. You can even go fishing in the lake - fishing licences are available at the campsite reception. The Val Grande National Park is very close by. It is home to the largest wilderness area in Italy and, with its impassable mountain ranges and gorges, is ideal for extensive hiking tours. The Walser House Museum in Macugnaga offers exciting insights into the life of the ethnic group that lived here for over 7 centuries.

Camping Lido Toce

The small but beautiful Lido Toce campsite is located on the edge of the Fondotoce nature reserve in the estuary of the River Toce and is a great nature campsite surrounded by greenery. The spacious pitches under shady trees offer plenty of space for you to enjoy your holiday to the full. It is just a few steps from the campsite to the small sandy beach on Lake Maggiore. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the famous Borromean Islands. A wonderful place for anyone who appreciates peace and quiet and a family atmosphere!

Camping Eden

In the very south of Lake Maggiore, Camping Eden near the lively holiday resort of Arona is your very own camping paradise. The campsite is located directly on the lake and borders the picturesque green "Lagoni di Mercurago" nature park to the west. Guests can look forward to large pitches, a well-kept pool and a beautiful sandy beach. Our tip if you are not travelling with your own vehicle: Spend the night in the comfortable mobile homes or treat yourself to a few days in the wonderfully natural lodge tents.

Camping Residence Campagna

Great pitches right on the shores of Lake Maggiore, beautiful holiday homes, comfortable mobile homes with a fantastic view of the lake: it's hard to make a recommendation at Camping Residence Campagna. No matter where you stay - you'll love it! The holiday resort in a bay near Cannobio on the western shore of the lake is a real insider tip and will appeal to those who prefer smaller, family-run campsites without the crowds. Many of the guests have been coming to this campsite for years - perhaps you will find your new favourite place in Italy here too.

Camping Italia Lido

The beautiful Italia Lido campsite is located on the south-west shore of Lake Maggiore and is particularly popular with families. The gently sloping sandy beach invites you to spend relaxing days by the lake. There is also a large children's playground, an extensive entertainment programme for children and a truly unique feature: the "floating pool" - a pool of water that floats above the lake. The shady pitches are mainly on grass and some are just a few metres from the water - dream views guaranteed. The great Italian restaurant on site is also highly recommended!

Camping Village Conca D'Oro

The Camping Village Conca D'Oro near Feriolo di Baveno, at the mouth of the River Stronetta, is the final stop. If you want to explore the region by bike, there are tours along the lake or over the serpentine mountain slopes. Cultural sights include the castle in Feriolo and the Castello della Rocca, a fortress above Arona with the mighty copper and bronze statue of St Borromeo. If you want to get active, you can let off steam with paintball or rafting. A different kind of wet fun is a visit to Acquapark Ondaland - great fun for young and old!