Lake Maggiore between Island Gardens and Fortresses

Lake Maggiore combines impressive island gardens, medieval fortresses and nature-oriented experiences into a varied travel experience. Isola Bella is located in Lake Maggiore and was transformed from a barren rock into an architectural and cultural ensemble in the 17th century. Isola Madre is an eight-hectare, lushly vegetated island in the Gulf of Borromeo, known for its impressive blossoms and brightly colored birds. Botanical tours of the plant collections are offered on Isola Madre and are led by expert gardeners.

Fortresses, Palaces and History by the Lake

Rocca di Angera is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress with historic rooms, towers, courtyards, a museum and a period-style garden. It includes a 2,000-square-meter medieval garden between a vineyard and the battlemented walls facing the lake. Admission to Rocca di Angera includes a guided tour of the historic rooms as well as a visit to the Doll and Toy Museum and the medieval garden.

The Castelli di Cannero are located on two rocky islands in Lake Maggiore. In the northern part of the lake, they form a fortified complex with a main fortress and a former prison building. Cannero Walking Tales presents the history of the Castelli di Cannero in an immersive museum experience that combines technology and tradition.

Gardens and Nature in Many Forms

Victoria Cruziana is cultivated in the greenhouses. The gardens can be reached via the “VILLA TARANTO” boat landing served by navigation on Lake Maggiore, which is located directly in front of the main entrance.

The landscape along the shore also offers various possibilities. Nature trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding begin there. A reserve on Lake Maggiore encompasses around 30 hectares of reed marsh as well as narrow strips of shoreline with willows and diverse flora. During bird migration, it is considered an internationally important stopover site for numerous bird species. The range therefore extends from botanical collections and gardens to habitats where nature and wildlife observation come together.

Excursions for Different Interests

In the vicinity of Lake Maggiore, Sacro Monte della SS. Trinità di Ghiffa offers a sanctuary, three chapels and a covered Stations of the Cross in a nature reserve with woodland paths. The Villa Pallavicino zoological park is home to more than 40 animal species that move freely there, alongside a neoclassical villa overlooking the lake. Nearby, the Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo can be climbed via an interior staircase; the statue’s eyes offer a panorama.

Palazzo Flaim is a palace in the vicinity of Lake Maggiore. Villa San Remigio and Villa Baumann are palaces in the wider regional surroundings of Lake Maggiore. The Collezione Giancarlo e Danna Olgiati is a museum there, while Falconeria Locarno is a zoo. Poncione di Breno, Pòla and Pizzo Marona are peaks in the vicinity of Lake Maggiore. These different destinations broaden the view beyond islands and lakeshores, without limiting culture, nature and activity to the same place.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment on Lake Maggiore, you can first consider which priorities should shape your days: island gardens such as Isola Bella and Isola Madre, fortresses and museums, botanical gardens or paths along the shore. Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso can be reached by boat from Arona or Stresa; there are several trips per day. Such boat connections provide practical guidance when comparing the location of your accommodation with the excursions you would like to take. The key question remains whether you would rather focus on historic sites, garden art, wildlife observation or paths through the landscape.

Other Regions of Italy

Umbria, Lombardy, Campania, Aosta Valley, Sicily, Molise, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Lake Maggiore Holiday: Places, Islands & Getting There | Piazze.