The Lake Maggiore is situated between Piedmonte, Lombardia and Switzerland (The northern extremity) and is of a world fame thanks to the susceptibility, in soft climate and in the wealth of the landscapes.
Historically importing, because along banks, takend the life of the civilization of Golasecca, developed in the first Iron Age.
Il Basso Verbano
The zone of hill which dominates the western part of the Lake Maggiore, included between Arona and the river Toce, is called Vergante.
Of Arona, Lakeside city and importing tourist center which gave birth to San Carlo Borromeo, we rise to the esplanade of the grand statue of San Carlone.
We meet the centres of Nebbiuno, Massino Viconti with the castle Visconteo of Aragon, Gignese with the Museum of the umbrella and Alpino in whom is the botanical garden ” Alpinia “.
At this stage a detour is compulsory to go on the panoramic road of the rise in Mottarone (on 1491 m).
Of the summit, in clear weather, you can take advantage of a panoramic view on seven lakes, alpine summits up to the valley of the Pô.
You will get down to Stresa, important tourist destination with beautiful villas, luxury hotels in the style Art nouveau and a beautiful walk by the lake; Stresa in one Ideal situation in front of Golf and of the famous Islands of the same name. In September is organized by the international called events ” Weeks Musical “.
From there, we can join by boat l’Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori, Isola Madre. Just outside of Stresa, in the direction of Arona, is the Park di Villa Pallavicino in perfect English style.
It is also necessary to visit Baveno in the direction of Verbania and Belgirate direction of Arona.
L’Alto Verbano
The route begins from Verbania, capital of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. It consists of villages of Intra and Pallanza, and between these two places, there are the gardens of the Villa Taranto.
Of intra we can rise to Premeno (840 m), and in Miazzina, ” balcone on Lake Maggiore “, along a panoramic road.
Come down again to Intra to set off to the lake, by way of the centres of Ghiffa (the Museum of the hat and the Sacro Monte della Santissima Trinità; Cannero Riviera in the soft climate, a beautiful walk romantic by the lake and two islands on which raise ruins, castles of Cannero.
Finally we arrive at Cannobio, picturesque walk by the lake lined with hotels and with arches; visit the Santuario della Pietà.
With a bend (approximately 2 km) you arrive at a dug in the rock of the river Cannobino and called ” orrido di Sant’Anna.