Famous bathing lake · Italy

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore has 87 officially rated bathing spots, 61 of them currently with excellent water quality according to the EEA (as of July 2026).

Excellent 61Good 21Sufficient 3Poor 2

Lake Maggiore is one of Europe's most iconic alpine lakes, stretching across the border between Italy and Switzerland. Framed by snow-capped peaks and lush Mediterranean gardens, it offers warm summer water temperatures around 24 °C and a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Of 87 rated bathing spots, 82 are classified as good or excellent – a remarkable quality record.

The Piedmontese western shore is perfect for families seeking calm waters, with beaches like Isola Bella, Pallavicino and Spiaggia Regina Blu. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the livelier eastern Lombardy side, including Lido Di Maccagno and Arolo. On the Swiss shore in Ticino, Bagno Pubblico Ascona and Albergo Castello Del Sole offer a refined bathing experience.

nextlake.eu aggregates official EU bathing water data to help you find the perfect spot at Lake Maggiore – filtered by quality, region and amenities. Discover your ideal beach today.

FAQ
Can you swim in Lake Maggiore?

Yes, you can absolutely swim in Lake Maggiore. The lake is a freshwater lake with 87 officially rated bathing spots, making it one of the most popular swimming destinations in the region. Its long shoreline offers plenty of options for every type of swimmer.

Is Lake Maggiore clean?

Lake Maggiore is impressively clean. Of 87 rated bathing spots, 61 achieve an 'excellent' rating and 21 are rated 'good', meaning 82 out of 87 spots meet high EU water quality standards. Only 2 spots were rated poor, which is a very small number for a lake of this size.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Maggiore?

Yes, swimming in Lake Maggiore is safe at the vast majority of locations. With 82 out of 87 rated spots classified as good or excellent, the water quality is reliably high across most of the shoreline. It is always a good idea to check the current rating of your chosen spot before you go in.

Where can you swim at Lake Maggiore?

There are 87 officially rated bathing spots around Lake Maggiore, spread across both the Italian and Swiss shores. You can find all of them with their current water quality ratings on nextlake.eu. Spots with an 'excellent' rating are the best choice for a worry-free swim.

Which countries share Lake Maggiore?

Lake Maggiore is shared between Italy and Switzerland. The larger southern part of the lake belongs to Italy, while the northern tip lies in the Swiss canton of Ticino. This makes the lake a unique destination where two cultures and landscapes meet.

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