Lake Maggiore
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 13 March 2022
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Stretching some 50 kilometres from top to bottom but only five kilometres across at its widest point, Lake Maggiore is a vast, narrow expanse of water, one of the most beautiful in Italy.
It's situated in the north of the country, divided east and west between the two Italian regions of Lombardy and Piedmont while its northern section encroaches into Switzerland. At 212.5 km² it's the second largest lake in Italy (behind Lake Garda), and also the second deepest at 372 metres. |
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What we now know as Lake Maggiore was once called Verbano, or Verbanus in Roman times; the old name coming from the verbena plants that flourish brightly around the lake. This heritage is further in evidence with the name of one of the main towns on the lake: Verbania.
Another name that's never far from the lips around Lake Maggiore is that of Carlo Borromeo. A catholic cardinal in medieval times, he was the chief patron of the lake and his family name is lent to the castle in the town of Angera, a series of islands in the middle of the lake and a colossal statue in the town of Arona.
The Borromean Islands are one of the biggest draws of the lake. Situated just off the shore from the glamorous town of Stresa, itself one of the most important tourist destinations around the lake, are the islands of Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. Isola Bella is home to the Palazzo Borromeo which also lays claim to one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy. Neighbouring Isola dei Pescatori offers a contrast; a tiny fishing island that doesn't enjoy the grandeur of its illustrious neighbour but matches it in charm with its narrow walkways and excellent restaurants. Further out towards the middle of the lake is Isola Madre with its own beautifully-manicured gardens. All three of the islands are accessible by ferry during the summer months, which incidentally is the best way to get around and visit all of the major sights.
Across the water, north-east of Stresa is the city of Verbania. Until 1939, there were three small, independent towns here called Intra, Pallanza and Suna which the Fascist government of the time then decided to unite. This is one of the best places to base yourself for a holiday around the lake: being a city it offers a wide range of accommodation options, a great selection of shops and of course beautiful places to relax by the water. Nowhere is more beautiful than Villa Taranto that sits at the water's edge; simply one of the most elegant and colourful gardens in Italy.
Another name that's never far from the lips around Lake Maggiore is that of Carlo Borromeo. A catholic cardinal in medieval times, he was the chief patron of the lake and his family name is lent to the castle in the town of Angera, a series of islands in the middle of the lake and a colossal statue in the town of Arona.
The Borromean Islands are one of the biggest draws of the lake. Situated just off the shore from the glamorous town of Stresa, itself one of the most important tourist destinations around the lake, are the islands of Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. Isola Bella is home to the Palazzo Borromeo which also lays claim to one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy. Neighbouring Isola dei Pescatori offers a contrast; a tiny fishing island that doesn't enjoy the grandeur of its illustrious neighbour but matches it in charm with its narrow walkways and excellent restaurants. Further out towards the middle of the lake is Isola Madre with its own beautifully-manicured gardens. All three of the islands are accessible by ferry during the summer months, which incidentally is the best way to get around and visit all of the major sights.
Across the water, north-east of Stresa is the city of Verbania. Until 1939, there were three small, independent towns here called Intra, Pallanza and Suna which the Fascist government of the time then decided to unite. This is one of the best places to base yourself for a holiday around the lake: being a city it offers a wide range of accommodation options, a great selection of shops and of course beautiful places to relax by the water. Nowhere is more beautiful than Villa Taranto that sits at the water's edge; simply one of the most elegant and colourful gardens in Italy.
Verbania sits in a central position on the western shore in Piedmont. Heading north from here along the pretty coast road brings you to the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, before you reach the attractive lakeside towns of Cannero Riviera and Cannobbio. Continuing beyond those two towns for a short distance brings you to the Swiss border where you'll eventually find the main lakeside town of Locarno. Depending on your stomach for heights, you can take a breathtaking cable-car ride from here and enjoy remarkable views of the lake.
On the eastern shores of Lake Maggiore, the Lombardy side, there are dozens of little towns and villages to explore. If you're on the western shore of the lake at its southernmost point you can take a road bridge across the River Ticino to the town of Sesto Calende and then make your way north along the lake shore. The two main towns on this side of the lake are Laveno-Mombello and Luino, a little further up. Also, not to be missed on this side of the lake is the religious complex of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 12th century monastery.
Lake Maggiore sits at the centre of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Apart from the lake itself, there are dozens of fascinating places to visit close by including the slightly smaller Lake Orta and Lake Mergozzo, both in Piedmont, while across in Lombardy another great option for an accommodation base is the town of Varese which also has its own, eponymous lake.
International travellers to Lake Maggiore have a number of airport options with the closet being Milan Malpensa Airport which is around 50 kilometres away and less than an hour by car. The next best option is Milan Linate while Turin Airport and Bergamo Airport represent alternative, if slightly further away possibilities.
Train travel around the lake can be limited in some circumstances but you can for example, travel from Milan to Stresa in an hour and 7 minutes and then make your way around by the lake's ferry network with stops at all of the major locations during the summer months.
Undoubtedly the most liberating way to explore the lake and its environs is by car. Not only will you enjoy some spectacular scenery from the roadside but you'll also be able to travel slightly further afield and visit the many fascinating places close by.
On the eastern shores of Lake Maggiore, the Lombardy side, there are dozens of little towns and villages to explore. If you're on the western shore of the lake at its southernmost point you can take a road bridge across the River Ticino to the town of Sesto Calende and then make your way north along the lake shore. The two main towns on this side of the lake are Laveno-Mombello and Luino, a little further up. Also, not to be missed on this side of the lake is the religious complex of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 12th century monastery.
Lake Maggiore sits at the centre of an area of outstanding natural beauty. Apart from the lake itself, there are dozens of fascinating places to visit close by including the slightly smaller Lake Orta and Lake Mergozzo, both in Piedmont, while across in Lombardy another great option for an accommodation base is the town of Varese which also has its own, eponymous lake.
International travellers to Lake Maggiore have a number of airport options with the closet being Milan Malpensa Airport which is around 50 kilometres away and less than an hour by car. The next best option is Milan Linate while Turin Airport and Bergamo Airport represent alternative, if slightly further away possibilities.
Train travel around the lake can be limited in some circumstances but you can for example, travel from Milan to Stresa in an hour and 7 minutes and then make your way around by the lake's ferry network with stops at all of the major locations during the summer months.
Undoubtedly the most liberating way to explore the lake and its environs is by car. Not only will you enjoy some spectacular scenery from the roadside but you'll also be able to travel slightly further afield and visit the many fascinating places close by.
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Regions: Lombardy and Piedmont
Surface area: 212.5 km² Depth: 372 metres Elevation: 194 metres Highlights: Isola Bella, Villa Taranto, Isola Madre, Verbania, Stresa Recommended accommodation: Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees |
Selected Locations around Lake Maggiore
Santa Caterina del Sasso
Santa Caterina del Sasso, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Sesto Calende
Sesto Calende, Lombardy
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Castelveccana
Castelveccana, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Ispra
Ispra, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Porto Valtravaglia
Porto Valtravaglia, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Maccagno
Maccagno, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Ranco
Ranco, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Germignaga
Germignaga, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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Angera
Angera, Lake Maggiore, Lombardy
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