Brissago on Lake Maggiore: Complete Guide 2026
Just 7 km from Ascona, Brissago is one of the most authentic gems of the Swiss Lake Maggiore. Discover what to see, what to do and why staying at Garden Hotel Primavera is the perfect choice for exploring this wonderful region.
6/8/20265 min read
Brissago: Lake Maggiore's Best-Kept Secret
While Ascona and Locarno attract thousands of tourists every year, Brissago retains a more intimate and authentic charm. Nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore, just 7 km from Ascona, this small Ticino town is the ideal base for exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the region — without giving up tranquillity.
The Mediterranean microclimate, the palm trees lining the lakefront and the wisteria-scented alleyways create an almost surreal atmosphere for Switzerland. Not coincidentally, this is where the famous Brissago Cigars are produced, one of the symbols of Canton Ticino.
The Brissago Islands: A Botanical Garden on Water
The first unmissable stop is right on your doorstep: the Brissago Islands, reachable by boat in just a few minutes from the lakefront. Open for the 2026 season until 18 November, the islands are home to over 1,700 botanical species from around the world.
Only the Isola Grande (San Pancrazio) is open to the public, but a single walk through its 2.5 hectares is enough to understand why this place is so special: the lake's microclimate allows the growth of subtropical plants that could not survive outdoors elsewhere in Switzerland. Palms, citrus trees, exotic flowers and breathtaking lake views at every turn — the path is completely flat and suitable for everyone.
On weekends and public holidays, the entrance ticket includes a short guided tour. On the island you will also find Villa Emden, the historic residence of Baron Max Emden dating back to the 1920s, now a refreshment stop with panoramic terraces overlooking the lake.
How to get there: boats depart regularly from the Brissago lakefront and from Ascona (approximately 15–20 minutes by boat).
Ascona: Ticino's Most Stylish Town, Just 7 km from Brissago
Just 7 km from Brissago, Ascona is one of the most charming towns in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Its pedestrian lakefront promenade, dotted with restaurants and boutiques, is perfect for an evening stroll. The historic centre, with its colourful houses and medieval alleyways, hides art galleries, cafés and design shops.
Ascona is also famous for JazzAscona, one of the most important jazz festivals in Europe, and for its vibrant cultural life throughout the summer season. Art lovers should not miss the International Centre for Painting, housed in the Collegio Papio complex.
Stresa and the Borromean Islands: A Must-Do Day Trip
About an hour's drive from Brissago lies Stresa, the elegant Piedmontese town overlooking the Borromean Islands — named by the New York Times as one of the ten most fascinating places in the world.
The three main islands — Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori — offer completely different experiences:
- Isola Bella: the Baroque palace of the Borromeo family, with richly decorated rooms and a magnificent 17th-century Italian-style garden featuring exotic and rare plants.
- Isola Madre: the largest island, with a spectacular botanical garden and a palace housing an extraordinary collection of Sicilian puppets and a marionette theatre.
- Isola dei Pescatori: the only inhabited island, an authentic fishermen's village with narrow streets, traditional trattorias and an old-world atmosphere — perfect for lunch.
The islands are open in 2026 until 8 November. Boats depart from Stresa with a hop-on hop-off system (approximately €15 per person), allowing you to visit all of them in a single day.
Tip: set off early in the morning, visit Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori, have lunch on the island, then head to Isola Bella in the early afternoon.
The Cannobio Market: A Step into Italy's Colours and Scents
Just 20 minutes from Brissago, just across the Italian border, Cannobio is one of the most picturesque lakeside towns on Lake Maggiore. Every Sunday morning, its lakefront transforms into one of the most beloved markets in the region: stalls selling local produce, cheeses, cured meats, honey, flowers and crafts fill the streets of the historic centre.
It's well worth stopping for a coffee or aperitivo in the village squares, strolling under the historic arcades and perhaps visiting the Oratorio di San Vittore, a small Renaissance gem on the lakefront.
Locarno: Cinema, Culture and the Piazza Grande
Just 15 km from Brissago, Locarno is world-famous for its Film Festival, which every August transforms the Piazza Grande into an open-air cinema for over 8,000 spectators. But Locarno is worth a visit at any time of year: the Visconti Castle, the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary reachable by funicular and the picturesque Muralto district are all unmissable.
Boats for the Brissago Islands and the entire Swiss side of the lake also depart from Locarno.
Things to Do in and around Brissago: Activities for Everyone
- Bike rental: you can hire bicycles and ride the panoramic road from Brissago to Ronco, then on to Arcegno and Monte Verità — a forest route with breathtaking views over Lake Maggiore.
- Mountain hiking: the trails above Brissago offer incredible panoramas over the lake and the Alps.
- Swimming in the lake: the free public beach of Brissago is just a few minutes from the centre, with clean water and a gentle seabed. There is also a beautiful municipal lido with a children's pool, a main pool, lake access, diving boards, a floating platform and all the comforts for a great day out: changing cabins, spotless shower facilities and a restaurant open from morning to evening.
- Lake cruising: the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore is served by regular NLM (Lake Maggiore Navigation) ferries connecting all the main towns. From Brissago you can also easily reach the Italian side, with stunning destinations such as the Castles of Cannero, Stresa, Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Borromean Islands.
- Yoga and wellness: for those seeking relaxation, Garden Hotel Primavera offers Hatha Yoga and Pilates classes with teacher Kallu Diamante, and four-handed holistic massages by appointment.
Where to Eat in Brissago: A Plant-Based Experience
Ticino has a rich culinary tradition built around grotti — rustic mountain taverns where you can enjoy local classics such as polenta with braised meat, red wine risotto or grilled luganiga sausage.
For those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, Brissago and the surrounding area are becoming increasingly welcoming. At Garden Hotel Primavera, a rich plant-based buffet breakfast is served every morning, made with fresh and homemade products — the perfect way to start a day of exploration.
Other restaurants worth knowing: Ristorante Kalea offers a special menu for Garden Hotel Primavera guests, both vegan and omnivore, available every day except Wednesday. Ristorante Villa Caesar has a menu entirely dedicated to plant-based cuisine. Pizzeria Portico is also vegan-friendly, with excellent pizzas and pasta dishes — ideal for those on a budget.
Where to Stay in Brissago: Garden Hotel Primavera
If you are planning a holiday on the Swiss Lake Maggiore, Garden Hotel Primavera is the perfect base. The first vegan and pet-friendly hotel in Canton Ticino, with 20 bright rooms in a panoramic position, garden and terraces overlooking the lake.
Just a few minutes' walk from the lakefront and the free public beach, the hotel offers everything you need for a restorative stay:
- 🌿 Plant-based buffet breakfast every morning
- 🐾 Dogs welcome everywhere: in rooms, in the garden and in all common areas
- 🚲 Bike rental
- 🧘 Hatha Yoga and Pilates classes
- 💆 Four-handed holistic massage by appointment
- 🅿️ Free private parking
- ☕ Lobby with coffee machine, snacks and library, open 24/7
- 🌳 Panoramic garden
In keeping with the hotel's sustainable philosophy, rooms are equipped with high-quality fans instead of air conditioning — for guests who love sleeping naturally, in tune with the lake breeze.
How to Get to Brissago
By car: Brissago is on the A2 motorway (exit Bellinzona Sud or Locarno), approximately 30 minutes from Bellinzona and 1h30 from Milan.
By train: the nearest station is in Locarno, served by SBB trains. From Locarno you can continue by PostBus or by boat.
By boat: Brissago is regularly connected to Ascona, Locarno, Porto Ronco and the Brissago Islands by NLM ferries.
Ready to discover Brissago and Lake Maggiore? Book your stay at Garden Hotel Primavera and set off to explore one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland.
[Book now at gardenhotelprimavera.com