Valentine’s Day on Lago Maggiore: 5 Romantic Experiences

Romance and feelings: that’s the result when you mix Valentine’s Day and Lago Maggiore

Where should you spend the most romantic day of the year, if not in the most evocative places in the world? Valentine's Day on Lago Maggiore and Lago d'Orta is romance and emotions, and there are many couples who decide to celebrate this day in these magical locations every year. Here are five ideas to enjoy an unforgettable Valentine's Day.

STROLLING AROUND ORTA SAN GIULIO

Orta San Giulio is a magical place, hanging between the lake and the sky. Its little centre is a tangle of alleys and fine streets, wonderful views and nice corners. 

Lago d’Orta is just nearby, with its blue water, reflecting the central square and its historical buildings on the surface. From here you can also take the path leading to the Sacro Monte in Orta, described by Nietsche as one of the most evocative places in the world. 

Opposite the main square you can see San Giulio Island arising from the water, which can be easily reached by boat. On the island, largely dedicated to a nunnery, you can take the Silence and Meditation Path: a perfect experience to do hand in hand with your partner.

ENJOYING A GOURMET EXPERIENCE ON LAGO DI MERGOZZO

Small and romantic: we are talking about Lago di Mergozzo and the omonimous town on its shores, which is totally worth a visit. 

If you are looking for a refined cuisine, then you will find one of the most famous Italian restaurants here, with two Michelin-stars and a unique atmosphere. It’s the “Piccolo Lago”. The main features are the wide windows protruding towards the Lake and the possibility of pic-nicking on a little electric boat, a fantastic idea by the chef Marco Sacco. 

An unforgettable experience (which unfortunately has to be postponed until next summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic).

FROM THE LAKE TO THE MOUNTAINS, IN 20 MINUTES

Valentine’s Day on Lago Maggiore means also having the chance of admiring the Lake from high above, maybe the summit of a snowy mountain. An easily done and evocative experience, that you can enjoy by taking the cable cars from Stresa to Mount Mottarone. 

Made in 1970, the funicular railway is divided into two sections: the first one of 2,351 metres, linking Stresa to Alpino, the second one of 3,020 metres and reaching the mountain top. 

A 20-minute ride, where you can admire unique views of the Lake and the surrounding landscapes. In the middle station at Alpino, you can visit the Alpinia Botanical Garden, with its more than 1,000 plant species from the Alpine region. And for sport lovers, on one side of the mountain they can enjoy a ride on the Alpyland railtrack bob-sleigh. 

AN APERITIF IN CALDÈ, CONSIDERED AS THE PORTOFINO OF LAGO MAGGIORE

Caldè, a village not far from Laveno, was given the nickname “The Portofino of Lago Maggiore” thanks to its little pedestrian square, overlooking its small harbour. All around, a romantic hamlet has been preserved intact over the years.

The writer Piero Chiara described Caldè as “the most joyful, most spectacular and at the same time most quiet and untouched point of the whole shore”. After enjoying an aperitif in a bar, you can walk as far as the “Rocca”, along the path made of chestnut-trees and locust-trees, and admire the beautiful view and kiss each other romantically at sunset. 

Here you can also take a look at our beautiful houses for sale Laveno Mombello. The most romantic ones may fall in love with these places so much that they want to spend the rest of their lives here.

AGRA, WALKING ALONG THE “GIRO DEL SOLE”

Lovers who are passionate about nature trails have many opportunities to discover the surroundings of Lago Maggiore. For example in Agra, in the immediate proximity of the Lombard shore of the Lake, not far from Maccagno and Luino, there is a beautiful path, which runs through the birch woods, very easy to walk, but super romantic. Also thanks to the two panoramic viewpoints that open onto Lago Maggiore and Val Veddasca.

An alternative, but very very romantic way to spend Valentine's Day on Lago Maggiore, in a time when parties and gatherings are banned.