Dream destination Lake Maggiore: experience nature, culture and enjoyment!

Dream destination Lake Maggiore: experience nature, culture and enjoyment!

Lake Maggiore, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, stretches for almost 65 kilometers between Switzerland and Italy and offers a fascinating mix of nature and culture. The lake's picturesque shores are lined not only with magnificent landscapes, but also with charming villages and significant historical sites that attract tourists from all over the world. A highlight in this region is the idyllic Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands, known for its spectacular terraced gardens and magnificent Baroque palace.

Isola Bella, located 400 meters from Stresa in the Borromeo Gulf, was built in the 17th century by Count Carlo Borromeo III. Built out of love for his wife Isabella D’Adda. Its original name until 1632 was l'isola inferiore, a rocky place with a small fishing village. The construction of the palace, which forms the core of the island, began in 1632 under the direction of Angelo Crivelli and was interrupted during an epidemic of plague. Carlo III's sons, Cardinal Giberto III and Vitaliano VI, later took over the completion of the building. The gardens were inaugurated in 1671 and the island reached its social peak during the time of Giberto V Borromeo (1751–1837).

The beauty of Isola Bella

The size of Isola Bella is about 320 meters long and 400 meters wide. It is divided into the palace, an Italian garden and the small fishing village, which is still inhabited by residents today. The Baroque garden attracts numerous tourists every year, and famous guests such as Edward Gibbon, Napoleon and Caroline of Brunswick once visited the island. In addition to its historical significance, Isola Bella is also known for its annual music festival, which attracts numerous international artists.

Ascona, a picturesque town on Lake Maggiore, was visited at the beginning of the 20th century by dropouts seeking a lifestyle close to nature. Today Ascona is considered a social and cultural center of the region with three five-star hotels. The old town of Locarno offers romantic alleys and culinary experiences, such as the popular “Ristorante Cittadella”, known for Fritto Misto. Locarno also hosts the International Film Festival, which takes place every August and attracts international attention.

Arrival and accommodation

You can easily get to Locarno by train via Zurich and Bellinzona, while the nearest airports are in Zurich and Milan. For travelers planning to stay overnight, the following hotels are recommended:

• Eden Roc in Ascona: 95 Zimmer, Spa, Gourmetrestaurant.
• Hotel Lago Maggiore in Locarno: 46 Zimmer, Uferpromenade.
• Hotel Giardino Lago in Minusio: 15 Zimmer, Restaurant mit Terrasse.
• Hotel Cannobio in Cannobio: 19 Zimmer, Restaurantterrasse.
• Hotel Ghiffa in Ghiffa: 39 Zimmer, Privatstrand.
• Grand Hotel Majestic in Pallanza: 80 Zimmer, Garten mit Pool.

Lake Maggiore and its surroundings not only offer a rich culture and history, but also numerous opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment in the midst of breathtaking nature. The Borromean Islands, especially the enchanting Isola Bella, are a must for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Italy and the romance of the Italian lake landscape.