Lake Maggiore, Italy
An Italian Jewel of Lakes, Gardens, and Palaces
An Italian Jewel of Lakes, Gardens, and Palaces
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Overview
Lake Maggiore, the second-largest lake in Italy, is a stunning glacial lake that offers a serene and picturesque escape. With its shores dotted with elegant villas, charming lakeside towns, and magnificent botanical gardens, the lake has been a favored destination for European aristocrats and artists for centuries. The most famous attractions are the three Borromean Islands—Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre—each offering its own unique charm and history.
A day spent at Lake Maggiore is a journey into Italian elegance and natural beauty. The tranquil waters, framed by the backdrop of the Alps and the lush landscape, create a perfect setting for exploration. Visitors can take a ferry to explore the islands, wander through the historic town centers, or simply relax and take in the magnificent views. Lake Maggiore is a true gem of northern Italy.
Take a ferry to Isola Bella, the "Beautiful Island," to explore the extravagant Borromeo Palace and its stunning terraced gardens. The palace is a Baroque masterpiece filled with art and lavish rooms, while the gardens are a theatrical marvel of architecture, statues, and exotic flora.
Tip: Allow ample time to wander through the ten terraces of the gardens and to appreciate the intricate details of the grotto-like rooms in the palace.
Visit Isola dei Pescatori, or "Fishermen's Island," the smallest of the Borromean Islands and the only one that is still home to a small, permanent population. Its narrow, winding alleys, traditional houses, and excellent seafood restaurants offer an authentic and charming glimpse into lakeside life.
Tip: This island is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Find a restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy fresh fish with a view of the lake.
Known as the "Mother Island," Isola Madre is celebrated for its lush botanical gardens and peaceful atmosphere. It features an English-style garden with a vast collection of rare plants and flowers, including a magnificent cypress tree, along with a charming palace that offers a look into the island's history.
Tip: Isola Madre is often less crowded than Isola Bella, making it a wonderful place for a quiet stroll and a moment of reflection among the exotic plants.
The town of Stresa is a popular gateway to the Borromean Islands and is worth exploring on its own. Wander along its elegant lakeside promenade, lined with grand Art Nouveau hotels, vibrant flowerbeds, and stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Tip: From Stresa, you can also take a cable car up to Mottarone for a spectacular view of seven lakes on a clear day.
Located in the town of Verbania, the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens are an extraordinary collection of over 20,000 plant species from around the world. The gardens, created by a Scottish captain in the 1930s, are a testament to his passion for botany and design.
Tip: The gardens are a seasonal attraction and are generally open from spring through autumn. Check their operating dates to ensure they are open during your visit.
Since Lake Maggiore straddles the border, a unique experience is to take the public ferry all the way to the northern end of the lake to the Swiss town of Locarno. You'll be treated to spectacular scenery, and in Locarno, you can explore the Piazza Grande and the medieval Visconti Castle.
Tip: Remember to bring your passport if you plan to cross the border into Switzerland by ferry.
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