We continue the discovery of the six most beautiful lakes in Italy in Piedmont, a treasure trove of rare beauties, which are also expressed through its wonderful lakes surrounded by valleys and mountains; among these, impossible not to mention Lake Maggiore, one of the most important lakes, and beautiful, of Italy.
Fonte: isoleborromee.it
Lake Maggiore is the second Italian lake by surface (the record remains at Lake Garda), is located at a height of about 193 meters above sea level and has an extension of 212 square kilometers. On its shores you can visit artistic and landscape treasures of inestimable value and extraordinary beauty, while the adjacent towns guard villas, gardens, palaces and attractions you should definitely see at least once in your life!
What to see on Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is, in itself, an attraction without equal: its landscapes and its waters are so wonderful to leave breathless anyone visiting. It is impossible to resist the photo opportunities or get lost among its paths and its secular trees; if, then, you have a car, it is highly recommended to take a tour around the area to discover other places really suggestive!
Stresa
The town of Stresa can be considered the queen of Lake Maggiore; it is located on the western side of the lake and its territory includes three of the four Borromean Islands, namely Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.
Fonte: expedia.it
Once in town, you should visit Villa Pallavicino, with its English-style garden that houses a zoological park inhabited by kangaroos, deer, llamas and zebras. Another thing to do, then, is to take the cable car Stresa – Alpino – Mottarone, which leads right to the famous ski resort of Mottarone that offers, among other things, a beautiful view of much of the Po Valley and Monte Rosa.
Verbania
Verbania can be considered “a garden on the lake”; it is located on the western shore and takes its name from that of Lake Maggiore, also known as Verbano.
Fonte: expedia.it
Its main attraction is Villa Taranto with its botanical gardens, considered the most beautiful in the world. A visit is also recommended to the Basilica of San Vittore, located in the center, and to the lakefront, where you can admire sumptuous palaces such as Villa Giulia and Villa San Remigio.
Arona
Awarded with the Orange Flag for the variety of its historical and cultural offer, the village of Arona is a small jewel in the province of Novara. Famous for the Lagoni Natural Park of Mercurago, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2011, Arona also hosts other interesting attractions, such as the Broletto (or Palace of Justice), the Church of SS. Martyrs and the statue of The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo.
Fonte: tiraccontounviaggio.it
Mergozzo
A few kilometers from Lake Maggiore is Mergozzo, the ideal place for those who want to get away from the chaos of the city and enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation. Located in the same territory as Lake Maggiore, its lake is also called “small lake”, whose shores host several Blue Flag beaches.
Fonte: oastatic.com
The historic center of Mergozzo has been awarded as Borgo dei Borghi, along with its Olmo, a centuries-old plant located in the center of the main square, and undisputed symbol of the town.
Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands perfectly combine nature, art and culture. It is an archipelago located in the Borromean Gulf and consists of three islands, an islet and a large rock; the three islands and the rock belong to the municipality of Stresa, while the islet belongs to Verbania.
Fonte: italia.it
Not to be missed is the Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Madre, with its English botanical park, and the other Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, named after Isabella, wife of Charles III Borromeo. On the Isola dei Pescatori, however, you can sit at the tables of excellent trattorias and stroll through historic markets.
Angera
On the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore there is, instead, Angera, a town in the province of Varese that hosts over 40 historical monuments, artistic works and scenic wonders.
Fonte: italia.it
The symbol of the place is the Rocca Borromea, which dominates the surrounding area and houses the Doll and Toy Museum. The old town is full of characteristic alleys, historic buildings and shops of all kinds.
Cannobium
The last country you meet before arriving in Switzerland is Cannobio, a village awarded with both the Blue Flag and the Orange Flag. Starting from the lakeside promenade, you can follow a precise itinerary of palaces, monuments, churches and highly evocative corners.
Fonte: italia.it
At the same time, its beaches allow those who wish to practice water sports, while trekking lovers can take advantage of Cannobio as the main access point to the Cannobina Valley, full of paths and predefined paths.
Locarno
The city of Locarno is located on Swiss soil, is the most populous after Lugano and Bellinzona and is a favorite tourist destination both for its microclimate and for the Film Festival.
Fonte: ascona-locarno.com
Those who visit Locarno should definitely see the Piazza Grande, where the Locarno Film Festival takes place every August, the Palazzo Municipale, the Castello Visconteo, the Chiesa Nuova and the Parco delle Camelie, where you can admire 950 varieties of camellias and enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Maggiore.
Luino
A short walk from Switzerland but in Lombardy is Luino, a city known mainly for its International Market, which takes place every Wednesday and attracts many tourists (including foreigners) every week.
Fonte: expedia.it
Luino is advised to see the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, the Palazzo di Verbania and the Church of San Giuseppe e della Madonna del Carmine. Do not miss, then, its beaches very popular and frequented at any time of the year.
Baveno
Finally here is Baveno, among the villages overlooking the Borromean Gulf, characterized by a spectacular view of the islands of Lake Maggiore.
Fonte: expedia.it
Its lakeside promenade is super elegant, while its historic center is largely suggestive; certainly worth visiting the Renaissance Baptistery, the Church of Saints Gervaso and Protaso, the Arcade of the Way of the Cross and the different sumptuous villas, captained by Villa Fedora and Villa Barberis.
Food and wine tradition of Lake Maggiore
The typical cuisine of Lake Maggiore draws from the catch of the day, so everything that the lake itself can offer.
Fonte: lombardiafood.it
The gourmet who is visiting can sit in a local restaurant and enjoy delicious first and second courses, in particular:
- fried fish: typical street food of Lake Maggiore, today unfortunately it is increasingly difficult to find it because this type of fish is scarce;
- perch risotto: the fillet of fish is breaded and fried and then placed on a bed of risotto with butter and parmesan;
- trout risotto: fish can be cooked with risotto or fried and added at the end as a garnish;
- tagliolini al lucioperca e gardon: a simple dish in which the tagliolini are seasoned with a kind of fish sauce based on oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes and basil;
- lake fish in carpione: the fresh fish is marinated “in carpione” with vinegar, onions and herbs;
- smoked lake fish: in particular, the fillets of smoked whitefish and whitefish are a must try, as well as the classic trout.
To these dishes it is recommended to match a local wine, typical of Lake Maggiore, choosing not only among the most famous such as Ghemme Doc and Nebbiolo, but also between Tarlap and Prunent.
