The most westerly of Italy’s large lakes, Lake Maggiore (also known as Lago Maggiore or Lago Verbano in Italian) is bordered by Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. Flowing out to the Adriatic via the Ticino and Po Rivers, this lake has been popular with visitors for many centuries. Renowned for its mild climate and stunning beauty, the Lake’s surrounding gardens are filled with exotic and colourful plants. Picturesque panoramas are found all around the lake, and the 3 small islands off the coast of Stresa are unforgettable. 

Hotspots around the Lake:

• Stresa - Being one of the more popular towns on the Lake, hotels and recreational facilities line its shores and beautiful mansions clad the hillsides.  It is also an ideal starting point to visit the Borromean Islands.
• Borromean Islands - This group of islands off the coast are easily visited by private boats from Stresa.  Isola Bella and Isola Madre are famous for their palaces and gardens.  Isola dei Pescatori (or Isola Superiore) is home to an old fishing village, and is the only island of the group that is still inhabited. 
• Locarno - At the northern tip of the lake, in Switzerland, Locarno is has many sights of interest such as the Castello Visconteo (Visconti Castle), and the beautiful sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso.
• Arona - Near Stresa, this town is very close to Malpensa International Airport.  What was once the largest standing bronze statue in the world is here, construction beginning in 1614.  There are also ruins of a 9th century fortress. 
• Angera Castle - Atop a hill across the water from Arona, this magnificent castle dominates the landscape, and houses a large museum of dolls.
• Cannobio - Like many towns around the lake, Cannobio offers plenty of water sports and recreational activities such as sailing, swimming, cycling and minigolf.