SallItalia

Lago Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is the most famous and second largest of the three lakes and being sheltered by the Alps it enjoys a mild and gentle climate as well

as beautiful and spectacular scenery. The west side of the lake is in the Piedmont area whilst the East is the region of Lombardy. To the north is Switzerland. The three principle towns on the lake are Arona, Stresa and Verbania (also called Intra). Each town is unique and offers its own individual charm, but you are always assured of a warm welcome. All the areas of the lake are easily accessible by boat, train, bus or taxi all of which run on a regular basis.

Arona is the main town on the lake and its oldest part is served by a pedestrianised cobbled shopping area, which plays host to some of the most beautiful fashionable ladies and gentlemen’s clothes shops as well as interior designers, and everything you could wish for the home. Above the town stands the gigantic statue of San Carlone of St. Charles Borromeo- archbishop of Milan. He was born in the castle (which now lies in ruins) and during his lifetime he was an important figure of the Counter-Reformation.

Every Tuesday morning a large market visits the town.

Stresa faces the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island) and Isola Madre. Regular boat trips run throughout the season and each island is worthy of visiting as they each offer an individual atmosphere and experience. Stresa itself has many hotels (the most famous being the Hotel Borromea) whilst its centre enjoys many restaurants cafes and shops. During the summer season there are a variety of shows, acts and musical evenings hosted in the cobbled square. For children there is a play area and mini golf whilst the Villa Pallavicino is a wonderful parkland setting with wildlife park/zoo. From Stresa the Mottraone provides access up to the mountains where on a clear day all seven lakes can be seen whilst in the winter the ski slopes provide winter sporting activities.

Every Friday morning is market day.

Verbania (which include the towns of Intra and Pallanza) has a pedestrianised shopping area, whilst Intra is an important commercial centre. Whilst here it is worth visiting Villa Taranto, which has wonderful botanical gardens, created in the Thirties by a Scottish soldier. Ice-cream shops, bars and hotels line Pallanza’s lakefront.

Wherever you choose to purchase you’ll be able to immerse yourself into the Italian lifestyle.