APRIL BOAT EXCURSION, around Lago Maggiore

What are the attractions around Lago Maggiore?
1. Arona
You can also walk from the city center to the free La Rocca park, where you can enjoy the panorama of the lake. When visiting Arona, it is also worth seeing the bronze statue of St. Charles Borromeo, a native of the town, which is the second largest statue in the world. Its height is as high as that of a 10-story building, 35.1 meters. Those who are not claustrophobic can climb up to the head of the statue on a ladder.
2. Stress
Stresa is one of the most beautiful and prestigious resorts on Lake Maggiore. Its main attractions are the Alpine garden (Giardino Botanico Alpinia), which offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the nearby islands, the umbrella museum, and the 20-hectare parks and zoo of Villa Pallavinico. From the city, we can take a boat trip to the picturesque Borromean Islands, the most famous of which is Isola Bella, where we find a magnificent 4-story baroque villa and its garden. The narrow streets of Isola dei Pescatori, inhabited by 50 people, are also charming and the botanical garden of the less touristy Isola Madre is also amazing. For the best view, take the Mottarone cable car and walk back to the center of Stresa.
3. Baveno
Although there aren't that many attractions in Baveno, accommodation prices are cheaper compared to Stresa, so anyone who comes just for a quick weekend visit should spend the night here. From Baveno you can also get to the already mentioned Borromean Islands, so there is absolutely no shortage of program options.
4. Verbania
With a population of 30,000, Verbania is the largest settlement on Lake Maggiore, where many restaurants and bars await those who want to relax. The most visited landmark of the city is the botanical garden of Villa Taranto, which has a unique collection, where you can find many plants that cannot be seen anywhere else in Europe and, of course, the panorama is also beautiful.
5. CannobioCannobio is the perfect location for alpine hiking, camping and active recreation, as the Val Grande National Park is nearby. Click here for hiking trails.
6. Ascona
Ascona is already on the Swiss side, where the snow-capped mountains and palm trees present a truly special view. If you are not tired of the incredibly beautiful villas and gardens with a fantastic panorama, then get on the boat and visit the island called Isola di Brissago.
7. Locarno
Locarno is also on the Swiss side, next to Ascona. In the first two weeks of August, the city hosts an international film festival, during which the largest projector in Europe is set up in the main square. Don't miss the funicular up to the Santuario della Madonna del Sasso monastery, from where you can take the cable car up to 1,600 meters, where you will enjoy a wonderful view.
8. Tenero
Tenero is also located on the Swiss side of Lago Maggiore. If you would like to bathe in the lake, then it is worth it here, since the water is a little shallower in this part and built-up beaches have also been created.
9. Maccagno
We have already returned to Italy in Maccagno. The area is a popular spot for hikers, several routes start from the city to the surrounding mountains.
10. Luino
Luino's most famous attraction is the Wednesday market, where you can choose between various antiques, local foods, food specialties, Italian clothes, shoes and bags in a huge area. The market is also very popular among foreigners, many people come to shop here from the Netherlands and Germany.
11. Laveno
If we were to make a trip with a rented car, but we don't have enough time to go around the lake, we can take a ferry from Verbania to Laveno, where we can take a cable car and admire the view from the other side of the lake.