Lake Maggiore, also called Lake Verbano, is the most westerly of the three large Prealpine lakes and the second largest after Lake Garda. It has a surface area of about 213 sq.km, a maximum length of 54 km and, at its widest, is 12 km. The lake basin has tectonic-glacial origins. Its tributaries are the Ticino and Toce Rivers and its outlet is the Ticino. Its jagged banks are surrounded by the Prealps of Piedmont and Lombardy. The western bank is in Piedmont (Novara) and the eastern in Lombardy (Varese) while the most northerly section extends thirteen kilometres into Switzerland. The climate is mild in both summer and winter, producing Mediterranean vegetation, with beautiful gardens growing rare and exotic plants.

Along the lakeside, there are numerous villages, towns and tourist and health resorts which are very popular with Italians and foreigners. On the west side are Arona, Lesa, Stresa, Baveno, Pallanza, Intra and Cannobio. The most important towns on the east side are Angera, Laveno and Luino.

The lake has regular ferry services connecting the main towns and the islands, which are interesting for their lush vegetation and traditional buildings. The most interesting is the Island of Bella which is part of the Borromee group. Trains and motorways link the lakeside towns with each other and with the main towns in Piedmont and Lombardy.