Lake Como has been a hit for holidaymakers this year, with social media apps such as Instagram flooded with stunning photographs of the magical lake. However, a second of Italy‘s lakes has seen a surge in search volume, according to a new study.
Global data from Airbnb shows a spike in searches for stays for what it describes as “trending destination dupe locations”, including a 224 percent increase in search volume for Lake Maggiore.
“Offering a more affordable alternative to typical tourist hotspots, ‘destination dupes’ share similar qualities to their doppelgänger location, but are usually lesser known,” explained Airbnb.
Whether Lake Maggiore is more affordable than Lake Como is arguable, both destinations offer holidaymakers the chance to save money by budgeting accordingly, but equally, there is room for a luxurious experience at both.
Lake Maggiore is also a well-known spot in Italy, so it remains popular with tourists, especially in the peak season.
However, for those who love the vibe of Lake Como but want to experience an alternative, Lake Maggiore offers similarly enchanting views. Often likened to the shape of a wobbly dolphin, Lake Maggiore spans 40 miles long, with the top portion poking into Switzerland.
The lake is littered with tiny islands and surrounded by stunning mountains. The Borromean Islands, as they are known, have inspired artists and poets for years, including Ernest Hemingway.
The lake and its islands are so magical that French philosopher Montesquieu described the destination as “the most beautiful place in the world”.
Isola Madre and Isola Bella, also known as the “sisters,” are popular with tourists hoping to explore the well-kept palazzos and their gardens. Isola Madre is home to a stunning English garden, which blooms with colour in the spring and summer.
The closest airport to Lake Maggiore is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately two hours.