Lake Maggiore and surroundings

Small town located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The historic center offers many shops, bars and restaurants, and is dominated by the majestic statue of San Carlo Borromeo that stands on the surrounding hills and the promontory of the Rocca borromea from which you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the rooftops of the city.

You can also take pleasant walks on the lakeside promenade from which you can admire the wonderful view of the Rocca di Angera and the surrounding mountain peaks.

The majestic statue of San Carlo Borromeo is located in Arona on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Dating back to 1624 it is more than 35 meters high and is considered one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi studied it before designing the statue of Liberty in New York. San Carlo is depicted with the cardinal’s robes, the miter and the pastoral in hand. The colossus dominates the surrounding landscape and offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Borromean Islands are a must-see tourist attraction. The first island, Isola Bella, is famous for its magnificent baroque palace and its beautiful Italian-style gardens.

The second island, Isola Madre, is known for its botanical gardens that house an incredible assortment of exotic plants. Finally, the smallest of the islands, Fishermen’s Island, is a picturesque fishing village characterized by its narrow streets known for its fresh fish restaurants of the lake.

The waterfall of the river Toce is a natural wonder located in Val Formazza. High 143 meters, it is a cascade of steps that, depending on the season, can be very impressive or more contained. The sound of water falling forcefully between the rocks creates a feeling of power and beauty unmatched.

Admiring the Toce waterfall is a unique experience that leads anyone to want to return to this enchanted place, unforgettable for lovers of nature and trekking.

The Mottarone is a mountain in the Ligurian Alps located in the Ossola, between the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and that of Novara.

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Its highest point reaches 1,491 m of altitude and from the summit you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore, the Alps and the surrounding hills.

The Mottarone is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and outdoor sports, such as hiking, skiing and paragliding

Villa Taranto in Pallanza is a magnificent summer residence surrounded by a 16-hectare park. The villa was built in 1930 by Captain Mc Eacharn, a Scottish gardener, and later acquired by the Italian state. Its beautiful park is home to over 20,000 plants of 1,000 different species from around the world.

From flowers to tropical plants, from fruit trees to alpine flora, Villa Taranto is a magical place where nature is the protagonist and time seems to stop.

Stresa is a historic and picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. It is characterized by luxurious Art Nouveau hotels lined up on the lakefront from which you can enjoy a magnificent scenery. The elegant architecture, cafes and restaurants make it a pleasant destination to spend a pleasant day.

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You can take a boat ride on the lake, visit the world-famous Borromean Islands or just stroll through the old town.

This villa is located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, a few kilometers from the town of Stresa. It dates back to 1855 and today is open to the public and you can admire the park and the fauna housed inside it: peacocks, kangaroos, goats, deer and many other animals. The park also houses a botanical garden with exotic plants. The view on the opposite shore of the lake and the Borromean Islands makes this place an attraction not to be missed during a visit to this area of Piedmont.

Lake Orta, located in north-eastern Piedmont, is a natural wonder with crystal clear waters in emerald green colors. Here you will find the island of San Giulio, famous for the beautiful Romanesque basilica and the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO heritage site. Along its banks there are small medieval villages that retain their ancient charm, such as Orta San Giulio and Pella. The landscape, the architecture, the local gastronomy and the tranquility of Lake Orta make it an unforgettable place.

The Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, located on the shore of Lake Maggiore, is a place of great beauty and spirituality. Founded in 1195, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Borromean Islands.

The complex consists of three buildings, the church, the convent and the tower, and there is also a small museum that tells the story of the construction. You can reach the monastery on foot through a steep staircase, or by boat from Locarno or Laveno.

Lake Mergozzo is a small and charming pearl located a few kilometers from the famous resorts of Verbania and Stresa. Surrounded by green mountains, the lake offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for regenerating and enjoying nature. Its crystal clear waters invite you to take a dip and enjoy water sports, such as rowing and sailing. Nearby you can also find equipped beaches, hiking trails and excellent restaurants where you can taste the typical Piedmontese cuisine.

The Lagoni Park of Mercurago is a fascinating natural and archaeological oasis. It covers an area of about 1,000 hectares, and includes numerous lakes, called "lagoni", which are home to many animal and plant species.

The park is ideal for lovers of trekking, ornithology and nature photography, and is a perfect place to spend a day outdoors in complete tranquility. Its unique beauty makes it an extremely suggestive place.

The Lago Maggiore Express train offers travellers a unique experience to discover the beauty of Lake Maggiore. Starting from Arona, the train journey offers incredible panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. After a short stop in Domodossola, the journey continues in a picturesque panoramic carriage of the Vigezzina-Centovalli train. Among vineyards, waterfalls and woods, passengers can admire the beautiful landscape to Locarno, Switzerland.

Owned by the Borromeo family, the castle was built in the 12th century by the Visconti, an Italian noble family. The fortress stands on the shores of Lake Maggiore as an imposing medieval fortress.

Built in the 11th century, the fortress has been enlarged and restored over the centuries. It houses the well-known Doll Museum, as well as a collection of 16th century tapestries and an archaeological museum and beautiful frescoes. The view is unique.