Luxurious villas and breathtaking scenery: these are the principal characteristics of Lake Maggiore and the little towns and villages which adorn its shores.
An itinerary designed to introduce visitors to the Piedmont side of this large alpine lake might well commence in Arona, enchanting little town where the Saint, Carlo Borromeo, was born. An enormous 35m bronze statue of the saint takes pride of place in the center of town. The Borromea castle, now in a state of ruin, is an indication of Arona's glorious past, as are the town's beautifully conserved houses of worship: the Collegiate Church Natività di Maria Vergine, the Church of the Santissimi Martiri, and the 17th century Church of the Madonna of Loreto.
From Arona, our journey continues northbound to the enchanting little village of Meina and the Villa Faraggiana, before heading to the town of Lesa and Villa Stampa, another of the lake's major attractions. This impressive residence contains a fascinating Museum dedicated to the writer Manzoni, who spent long periods of time here. From Lesa, we travel to Belgirate where to admire the magnificent Villa Carlotta.
Stresa, arguably Lake Maggiore's most famous tourist destination, is home to any number of patrician residences, many of which now transformed in luxury hotels. Whilst in Stresa, holiday makers should be sure to visit the Church of St Ambrogio and Villa Ducale, this latter the one-time residence of the famous Italian philosopher Antonio Rosmini. The botanical gardens of Villa Pallavicino are well worth a visit, so as to observe the impressive variety of plants and to admire what is, perhaps, the most magnificent of all the views of the lake.
From Stresa, boats transport visitors to the lake's Borromeo islands in just a few minutes. The Isola Madre is the largest of the islands and home to a beautiful palazzo belonging to the Borromeo family. On Isola Bella, the manicured gardens of Villa Borromeo ensure that the island more than lives up to its name. The Isola dei Pescatori may not be able to boast the aristocratic villas and gardens of the other Borromeo islands, but, with its attractive little village, the island is, perhaps, the most picturesque.
From Stresa we travel to Baveno, town famous for the quarries from which the pink granite used to construct the Cathedral of Milan was extracted. Baveno became a popular tourist town in the late 19th century, period in which the liberty-style pier was built. The town's Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, complete with Romanesque bell tower, baptistery and 18th century portico more than merit a visit.
Also known as the Garden of Lake Maggiore, Verbania is home to numerous elegant gardens overlooking the lake and the islands of Borromeo. Particularly worthy of visit, the Park of Villa Taranto provides the unique setting for a great number of rare plant species and is at its most spectacular in spring.
