Travel Guide Lac Majeur

A horse on Piedmont, Lombardy and Ticino, Lake Maggiore seduced travelers by the mild climate, exuberance of its flora and the romantic enchantment of its small archipelago. With an area of 212 km 2, it is the second Italian lake by extension after Lake Garda. Its coastline grows about 170 km and its average depth is 175 m, so the visit is just as pleasant by car as by public transport (bus and train) as well as by boat, which allows to capture some points of view on the coasts. A region with two souls, Lake Maggiore is divided between the undeniable attraction of its western Piedmontian shore and the quieter of its lombard coast to the east.Its banks were the cradle of the prehistoric civilization of Golasecca. Inhabited by the Romans and prey to barbarian invasions, the region remained subject to several seigneurial families until 1439, when it became the fief of the Borromée, which remained until 1713. Under the influence of the Austrians, it was not until 1743 that the western bank joined the kingdom of the Savoy. It will then follow the fate of rest of the Kingdom of Italy.At the end of the nineteenth century, Lake Maggiore was dedicated as an international resort, leading to the construction of luxury hotels and beautiful villas. The Mediterranean climate and flora give many gardens a clean air. Gardens, villas and other palaces are the essential attraction of the peaceful villages that mark the banks. Stresa in particular offers breathtaking views of the Borromés islands, the greenery of the sumptuous Borromée palace. We must not forget water sports, mountains and hiking, as well as shopping in the beautiful shops.Finally in a boat tower we join Italian Switzerland: change of scenery but no framework. In Locarno, melted with cheese, a little art and culture, beautiful walks and the film festival in August are the program. But be careful: in Swiss francs this time!TransportCar: From Milan to the Piemmonttaise bank by car A 8-A 26, exit for Castelletto Ticino (for Arona) Stresa, Baveno and Gravellona Toce (for Verbania Pallanza). For the lombard bank, motorway A 8 direction Varese, exit Azzate Buguggiate, continue on SP 1 to Laveno.Train. Arona, Stresa, Baveno and Verbania are served by the Milan-Domodossola line, from the central station (www.trenitalia.it). To reach Laveno and the eastern shore, train from Cadorna station, via the Ferrovie Nord Milano lines (www.trenord.it).Boat. The boat is the simplest and most picturesque way to reach the lake. From April to September regular daily connections to all major towns and Borromés islands. Ferry for vehicles between Laveno and Verbania Intra, about 8 € for car with passenger (www.navlaghi.it).Bus. Some bus lines connect the piedmontese communes (Verbania-Stresa-Arona line via www.comazzibus.com); however the train is faster and its races more frequent. The bus can be a good solution to reach Lake Orta from Verbania (Stresa Line - Gignese-Orta via www.safduemila.com). The Alibus shuttle connects Milan Malpensa Airport to Verbania-Stresa-Arona, only on reservation 24 h in advance. +39 0323 552 172, [email protected].