Trips Thereabouts

Borromean Islands - Gulf of Stresa
Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori
Deservedly the most famous destination on the lake Maggiore.
A museum inside the home of the Borromeos, gardens with rare plants and exotic flowers and a picturesque fishing village attract visitors from all over the world.

Mottarone 1491 m asl
A picturesque landscape embraces Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
In winter, 21km of ski slopes with a breathtaking view. Accessible by car or cable car from Stresa.
For nature lovers the visit of the "Botanical Garden Alpinia",
in the Alpine resort, is recommended.
During summer and spring time you can go trekking, paragliding, ride downhill with mountain-bikes (also renting the bike on the spot) and finally relax sitting in front of a typical menu in characteristic restaurants.

Villa Taranto – Pallanza
A 16 acres Botanical garden with more than ten thousands catalogued plants It was created in the thirties of the last century by captain Neil McEacharn of Scottish origin. It is considered as one of Europes most beautiful garden thanks also to the microclimate that allows the growth of many non native plant species.

Villa Pallavicini – Stresa
One of the lakes’ most beautiful places. The park, of about 20 hectares, develops between bloomed paths, secular trees and a beautiful garden botanist.
The main attraction is a zoo with more than 400 species of mammals and birds.

Rocca Borromeo – Angera
A  rare example of a fully preserved medieval fortified building.
It houses the doll museum and that of children clothing.

One hundred valleys Express - from Locarno to Domodossola
A comfortable scenic train journey from Switzerland to Italy between
mountains, waterfalls, tunnels, forests, vineyards and small mountain villages that seem to have stopped in time. You may also reach the starting station of Locarno by boat from Arona.

Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage
A fourteenth century monastery overlooking the lake in the Lombardy side. It can only be reached on foot by land or by water. At the beginning of the last century it was declared a national monument. Currently, after decades of restoration, it is run by Dominican friars dedicated to the production of herbal medicines.

Lake cruises
With the boats of the Lake Navigation is possible to cruise
day, night and at sundown over the lake with dinner on board and live music.
For further information please contact the Navigazione Lago Maggiore

The Rocca Borromeo in Arona
Together with the twin castle of Angera, it was a defensive construction and one of the key control points of the lake. The first construction was built around the year 1000. In the fifteenth century it passed from the Visconti to the Borromeo family. The future Cardinal St. Carlo Borromeo was born here in 1538, whose copper statue powerfully stands (it is 23 meters high) within walking distance.

Mergozzo Lake
Wonderful expanse of unspoiled water, surrounded by woods and
dominated by Mount Orphan. In ancient times it was the far western end of Lake Maggiore. Its waters are among the cleanest of Italy for the absence of industries and for the prohibition of motor navigation.
The most popular sports include canoeing / kayaking and fishing. You must visit the village square where an ancient elm reigns.

Orta San Giulio
One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, the center of which completely
restricted to cars; it is characterized by narrow streets and alleyways.
You must also Sarco Monte (UNESCO World Heritage) and square Motta, a wonderful living room on the lake with a sixteenth century broletto.

San Giulio Island
It 's the only island Orta Lake, almost entirely occupied by Mater  Ecclesiae monastery. It is about 400 meters from the shore and is reachable by a boat service from Piazza Motta. You must also visit the Romanesque basilica, the Bishop's Palace and Villa Tallone.

Val Grande National Park
The largest "wilderness" area in Europe, where nature has taken over after the abandonment of man after World War II: breathtaking views for hikers with local guides. Access point is the village of Cicogna, not far from Fondotoce.

Premia thermae
Wellness and relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, with spring water at   40°C. The center is located between the Ossola mountains a few kilometers away from the Toce Falls.