Territory Guide

Guide to Lago Maggiore

Events, products, traditions and curiosities of the area

calendar_todayUpdated: 27 March 2026·location_onLago Maggiore, Piemonte
1

Introduction

Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands frame celebrations where lake fish meets alpine cheeses.

The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition.

2

Upcoming Events & Festivals

Here are the upcoming events in Lago Maggiore:

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Recurring Events

These events take place every year in Lago Maggiore:

Settimane Musicali di Stresa

Agosto-Settembre

Stresa · Dal 1961

Festival internazionale di musica classica sulle rive del Lago Maggiore.

Lago Maggiore Film Festival

Marzo

Verbania

Festival cinematografico dedicato al cortometraggio.

Sagra del Pesce di Feriolo

Agosto

Feriolo

Sagra del pesce di lago con frittura e risotto sul lungolago.

4

PDO, PGI and local products

The protected-designation products of Lago Maggiore represent the excellence of the area:

5

What to eat in Lago Maggiore

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Traditions & Culture

celebration
Luminarie di CannobioLuglio

Lakeside procession featuring illuminated boats and fireworks on the water.

celebration
Giardini delle Isole Borromee

Centuries-old tradition of artistic gardening on the lake's islands.

7

Nature Parks & Protected Areas

park
Parco Nazionale della Val GrandeParco Nazionale

Italy's and the Alps' most extensive wilderness area, located behind Lake Maggiore.

park
Riserva Naturale di FondotoceRiserva Naturale

Wetland area at the mouth of the Toce river in Lake Maggiore.

8

Historical Figures

person
Famiglia BorromeoNobility

Milanese noble family that has owned the Isole Borromee since the 15th century and created the celebrated gardens.

9

Local Communities

The festivals and events in Lago Maggiore are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:

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10

Curiosities

1

The Val Grande behind Lake Maggiore is Italy's largest wilderness area.

2

The Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo in Arona (1698) was the world's tallest statue before the Statue of Liberty.

3

The Isole Borromee host baroque gardens with white peacocks and exotic plants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1What DOP and IGP products are found in Lake Maggiore?expand_more

Lake Maggiore is home to 3 protected designation products, including: Gorgonzola (DOP), Riso di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese (DOP), and Miele del Verbano (PAT).

2What should you eat in Lake Maggiore?expand_more

Typical dishes of the Lake Maggiore region include: Risotto con pesce persico, Tapulone, and Ossa dei morti. Each dish tells the story of the territory's gastronomic heritage.

3What are the most famous food festivals in Lake Maggiore?expand_more

Among the most important festivals and events in Lake Maggiore: Settimane Musicali di Stresa (Stresa, August-September); Lago Maggiore Film Festival (Verbania, March); Sagra del Pesce di Feriolo (Feriolo, August).

4What natural parks are there in Lake Maggiore?expand_more

Protected natural areas in Lake Maggiore include: Parco Nazionale della Val Grande (National Park) and Riserva Naturale di Fondotoce (Nature Reserve).

5Who organizes the food festivals in Lake Maggiore?expand_more

Food festivals in Lake Maggiore are organized by local communities such as Pro Loco Stresa and Pro Loco Cannobio. These associations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.