Lake Maggiore: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
At Lake Maggiore, travelers can visit the Borromean Islands with their exotic gardens, admire the Villa Taranto, or stroll along the promenade of Stresa. The Mottarone offers breathtaking views, and historical monasteries like Santa Caterina del Sasso tell old stories. Cultural festivals further enliven the region.
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Lake Maggiore - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Veglia-Devero Nature Park
During the warm season, the best way to explore the Veglia-Devero Nature Park is by hiking. It leads through larch, fir, and pine forests to cool alpine lakes. Occasionally, the whistling of marmots can be heard, and snow hares and golden eagles also inhabit the natural paradise. More than 500 plant species are native to the Alpe Devero. For seven months of the year, the Veglia-Devero Nature Park is covered with snow. No wonder winter sports enthusiasts love the region. In the ski area on Monte Cazzola, there are four slopes and magnificent deep-snow routes as well as 7 km long cross-country trails. At the valley station, there is a magic carpet for the youngest skiers.
Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands owe their name to the Borromeo family, who once owned them. Unique is Isola Bella, which was artificially created to build a garden on ten terraces and a magnificent palace. Ferries connect the island from Stresa, Baveno, and other places on Lake Maggiore. Isola Madre is the largest island in Lake Maggiore. According to records, there was already a church here in the 9th century. Gardeners from Monza designed the enchanting English gardens in the 19th century, which are among the most famous attractions on the lake. Isola dei Pescatori offers excellent fish restaurants.
Verzasca Valley
The Verzasca Valley, located in the Swiss canton of Ticino, is a picturesque and fascinating natural paradise. With its emerald-green rivers, dense forests, and charming villages, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The Verzasca River meanders through the valley, with its crystal-clear water sparkling in the many pools and waterfalls. The area offers numerous hiking and trekking routes surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The Verzasca Valley is also a mecca for water sports such as canyoning and white-water rafting. The picturesque villages, including Lavertezzo with its famous stone bridges, provide an insight into traditional Ticino life.
Mount Mottarone
During the cable car ride to Monte Mottarone in Italy, you enjoy a breathtaking view. In clear weather, you can see Lake Maggiore and the Swiss Alps. From the mountain station, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to the summit. On foot, it takes about 4 hours to reach the summit. In winter, Monte Mottarone transforms into a paradise for skiers, offering 18 kilometers of slopes. During the warm season, a visit to the Botanical Garden, located at the cable car's mid-station, is worthwhile. The 4-hectare area features numerous alpine plants.
Val Grande National Park
In the hinterland of Lake Maggiore near the Swiss border, the Valgrande National Park, with 15,000 hectares, is Italy's largest wilderness reserve. A network of trails leads hikers through the wild and romantic nature, from easy walks along river valleys to mountain tours, such as to the 2,300-meter-high Monte Togano. Water enthusiasts will enjoy the streams and rivers. While white-water rafting or kayaking, the rugged mountain landscape passes by. Clear mountain lakes invite you to swim and relax. Impressive is the Valley of Silence, the Valle Silenzio, surrounded by majestic rock walls.
Lake Maggiore - Climate
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.