Lake Maggiore in the rain: what is actually worth it
The short answer: the best rainy day starts on foot – the Parisi Valle art museum is on the same street as our entrance, and at our bathhouse you can rent a private bathroom with a tub and a television. If you want to get out, drive about 40 minutes to the Lido in Locarno: four water slides, a thermal pool at 34 degrees and a 25-metre indoor pool, open all year. And if you want to write the day off entirely, the outlet at Mendrisio is an hour away.
Sorted by distance from THE CAMP in Maccagno – from walking distance to a whole day out.
By distance: Without a car · Under an hour away · A whole day · Things that happen in the rain anyway
Without a car – on site and in Maccagno
The underrated thing about a rainy day: you do not have to go anywhere.
Our bathhouse
on site
A private bathroom with a tub, a toilet and a television, bookable by the hour. This is exactly what we renovated it for. The tub option costs extra – ask at reception.
Civico Museo Parisi Valle
on foot, Via Leopoldo Giampaolo 1
Modern and contemporary art in a building by Maurizio Sacripanti, together with the collection from the Parisi Valle donation. It is on the same street as our entrance. Opening days change with the exhibitions – call +39 0332 561202 or check museoparisivalle.it. Google Maps
Our bar and lounge
on site
The obvious plan: coffee in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon, and at some point half the campsite is sitting together. Rainy days are the most sociable days here.
Under an hour away
All driving times are approximate, measured from Maccagno in normal traffic.
Lido Locarno
about 40 minutes
The best bad-weather destination in the region, and open all year. Indoors: a thermal pool at 34 degrees with hydromassage, a 25-metre sports pool, a teaching pool with an adjustable floor and a toddler pool. Plus four slides, including the first looping slide in Switzerland – though that one only runs at set times. Bring Swiss francs. Google Maps
Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso
about 35 minutes, Leggiuno
A 13th-century hermitage built into the cliff above the lake, with frescoes. The way down is by steps and slippery when wet, so wear proper shoes. With low cloud the place looks better than it does in sunshine. Google Maps
Museo della Ceramica, Palazzo Perabò
about 30 minutes, Laveno-Mombello
A ceramics museum in a 16th-century palazzo. Small, quiet, good for a morning – and Laveno has the ferry to the western shore if the weather clears after all. Google Maps
A whole day
For when the rain has settled in and you are writing the day off anyway.
Rocca di Angera
about 50 minutes
A medieval castle at the southern end of the lake with a doll and toy museum holding more than a thousand pieces. With children it is the safest bet on this list. Google Maps
Villa e Collezione Panza
about 50 minutes, Varese
Contemporary art in a baroque villa with a park. Even if the art leaves you cold, the house is worth the trip. Google Maps
FoxTown Factory Stores
about 1 hour, Mendrisio (CH)
Around 160 outlets under one roof. Honestly: not a cultural programme, but on a thoroughly wet day it is the plan everyone eventually agrees on. You cross a border, so bring ID. Google Maps
Things that happen in the rain anyway
The Sunday market in Cannobio
Sundays, 15 minutes by ferry
The market runs even in the rain – it is locally famous for it. An umbrella between the stalls, an espresso afterwards: a better wet Sunday than any museum. Google Maps
The Wednesday market in Luino
Wednesdays, 10 minutes
One of the biggest markets on the lake. In bad weather it is far emptier than usual, which for many people is exactly the right day to go. Google Maps
Just take the boat
from Maccagno
The scheduled boats keep running in the rain and the cabin is dry. The lake with cloud down in the mountains is a different lake – and it costs almost nothing.
Three things we would tell you first
- Rain here rarely lasts all day. On Lake Maggiore the weather often passes through in a few hours. Before driving an hour to the outlet, it is usually worth a look at a rain radar app.
- Monday is the worst rainy day. Many Italian museums close on Mondays and many restaurants on Monday or Tuesday – exactly when you need them most.
- Locarno and Mendrisio are in Switzerland. Bring ID and francs or a card, and the motorway there needs a vignette.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do on Lake Maggiore in the rain with children?
The most reliable answer is the Lido in Locarno, about 40 minutes away: four water slides, a toddler pool and a teaching pool, all indoors and open year-round. Second choice is the Rocca di Angera with its doll and toy museum, about 50 minutes away. On site, our bathhouse with a tub and a television can be rented by the hour.
Is there a museum in Maccagno itself?
Yes. The Civico Museo Parisi Valle at Via Leopoldo Giampaolo 1 shows modern and contemporary art in a building by Maurizio Sacripanti. It is on the same street as the entrance to THE CAMP, so you can walk there. Opening days change with the exhibitions, so call ahead: +39 0332 561202.
Do the boats on Lake Maggiore run in the rain?
Yes, the scheduled boats run as normal in the rain and have dry cabins. Services can be suspended at short notice in storms or thunderstorms.
Does the Cannobio market take place in the rain?
Yes. The Sunday market in Cannobio is known for going ahead in any weather. So does the Wednesday market in Luino, which is noticeably emptier when it rains.
Which day should you not plan a museum visit for?
Monday. Many Italian museums close on Mondays and many restaurants on Monday or Tuesday. If the rain falls on a Monday, the Lido in Locarno and the markets are the safer targets.