A Weekend Escape to Lake Maggiore the Jewel of Italy

This article was adapted from the original video published through Amanda Longhurst’s YouTube channel Discover EUROPE living and citizenship 50 +.

There’s a place tucked along the shores of Lake Maggiore where everything slows down just enough for you to notice the wisteria swaying overhead, the hush of mountain air, and the glint of sunlight skipping off the water. That place is Arona—and it quietly stole my heart.

What began as a low-key weekend escape turned into one of those rare finds that feels like it’s been hiding in plain sight. One moment you’re sipping espresso on the lakeside promenade, the next you’re gazing at snow-dusted peaks or climbing inside a  massive copper statue’s head (yes, really).

Mountains, Lakes and Views That Stay With You

The mountains around Arona don’t just frame the town—they are breathtaking and encircle you wherever you are. Going up to the Rocca you can see across to Stresa and the Borromean islands. Here the border between Piedmont and Lombardia runs in the middle of the sparkling inland sea. On clear days, Monte Rosa and Monviso rise in the distance like silent sentinels.

A Breeze from Milan

 Tired of Lake Como and the hordes of lost tourists? The joy of Arona is just how easily you can reach it. Hop on a train from Milan and you’ll be lakeside in just over an hour. Easy, effortless, and wonderfully scenic. Driving offers more freedom—windows down, clean air in your face, and a few charming diversions en route. Ferries criss-cross the lake, linking Arona to the Borromean Islands and neighbouring towns. It’s the perfect launchpad for exploring Lake Maggiore—just enough bustle, never overwhelming.

Wonderful shopping, and many gorgeous cafes and restaurants lakeside to soak up the sun and take in the views.

When to Visit?

Arona is beautiful all year round, but my personal favourite? Late April to mid-October. Spring wakes the town with wisteria and camellias, while summer hums with life—lakeside lunches, boat trips, warm evenings and clinking glasses. Come autumn, things quieten down. The light softens, the streets hush, and the place takes on a sort of gentle nostalgia. Winter? Serene, yes. A little bracing. But for those in need of solitude, it’s quietly spectacular.

My Favourite Spots in Arona (and a Few You Might Miss)

• Rocca Borromea di Arona – This ancient fortress delivers a sweeping view of the lake and mountains—terracotta rooftops, glassy water, Alpine snow covered peaks. It’s a proper postcard moment. Theres a lovely charming trattoria up there for long lazy lunches.
  
• San Carlone (the largest statue in Europe) – I’ll admit I was sceptical, but climbing inside this 35-metre statue of San Carlo Borromeo turned out to be oddly moving. You emerge at the eyes, peering out over the lake like a giant saint with a view.
  
• Lungo Lago – The promenade is classic Italian elegance. Think cafés, clipped gardens, a well-timed aperitivo and the Alps glowing pink in the distance. Bliss.
  
• Historic Centre – Cobbled streets, artisan shops, frescoed churches, and the kind of piazzas that beg you to sit, linger, and order another gelato.
  
• Lagoni di Mercurago Natural Park – A peaceful retreat on the town’s edge, this patch of wetland and woodland is pure slow travel: all bird calls, dappled light, and prehistoric remains.
  
• Boat Trips to the Borromean Islands – Each island has its own rhythm. Palatial Isola Bella, with its magnificent palazzo and classical  Italian gardens. Lush Isola Madre with its nature walk, and the sleepy fishing charm of Isola dei Pescatori, where I had what may have been the best grilled lake fish of my life and every Italian dish is on offer.

Spring and Summer in Bloom

If you’re even vaguely partial to flowers, Arona in spring is impossible to resist. The flowering cherry trees line the main shopping streets walking from the station. Wisteria tumbles in soft violet clouds over pergolas, buzzing with bees. I couldn’t stop photographing it.

By summer, nature turns the volume up. Wildflowers, butterflies, birdsong—it’s all vivid, alive, and beautifully choreographed.

Why I’m Already Planning to Go Back

There’s something about Arona that lingers. Maybe it’s the scent of jasmine drifting from a garden wall. Or the way the lake catches the late-afternoon light. Or just the ease of slipping from city life into a slower, softer rhythm.

Whatever it is, it got under my skin. And if you’ve already been—let’s swap notes. If not? Go. Take the train, catch the ferry . Arona’s waiting.