LakeItaly

Maccagno – Italian Open Water Tour

Aug 2, 2026
Last edition date
Distances from 2.5km to 5km
Awaiting confirmation of the next edition

About the race

A few kilometers from the border, the clearest stretch of water on Lake Maggiore provides the perfect setting to circumnavigate the Castelli di Cannero and swim through pristine nature as only open water swimming can offer. The event is the third stage of the second edition of the Challenge dei Laghi.

Maccagno
Maccagno · Photo: pyraniton · CC BY 3.0

The Challenge dei Laghi features cumulative rankings for lake events scheduled in Monate, Leggiuno, Maccagno, Peschiera del Garda, and Caldonazzo, with prestigious end-of-year award ceremonies that in recent years have been held in prestigious venues such as the Teatro Sociale in Camogli, Palazzo Castiglioni in Milan, and the Aula Magna of the University of Genoa.

Sources: Maccagno · Torre Imperiale · Giona (river) · Roncovalgrande Hydroelectric Plant

Course

3 km

1K x 3

Awards

Prestigious end-of-year awards for the Challenge dei Laghi.

Previous editions

How to get there

Maccagno, Varese. Accessible via the local road network.

✈️ Search flights to MXP

Maccagno – Italian Open Water Tour

Where to stay

Maccagno offers a mix of lakeside accommodations ranging from traditional family-run guesthouses and historic apartments, once serving as local fishermen's quarters, to small boutique hotels near the harbor. For those preferring proximity to the water, several camping sites are situated directly along the shoreline. Prices typically range from €80 to €160 per night for a double room, depending on the proximity to the Lido and the level of service.

Things to do nearby

The area is ideal for exploring the lake’s geography through non-motorized watersports, with kayak and SUP rentals available for those wanting to scout the shoreline. Beyond the water, the hills surrounding Maccagno offer extensive trekking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints of the lake basin. Visitors can also explore the local heritage through guided tours of the nearby mountain villages or visit the engineering installations of the hydroelectric plants, which provide a unique perspective on the region's industrial history.

Swimmers

Comments

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