Lake Maggiore- the complete guide to the fabulous flower treasure

11.06.2019.

The Italian lakes, what do you first come in mind upon mentioning it? Lake Maggiore, the name says it all- it’s the biggest one of the stunning Italian lakes. Though it’s so large, the main focus stays within few places: Stressa, Verbania and Bortolomean islands.

The lake will not disappoint anyone and give a true delight to the Bortolomean islands and its gardens. Even in the rainy time, the photos of the flowers can be enchanting which was very surprising. I’ve even got a compliment on instagram about having „the most beautiful petals they saw“.

Next time when you visit Milano don’t miss its stunning lakes and try to unveil the unusual things in Milano.

See also: Lake Como- pretty towns & hiking adventures

See also: Lake Garda- the perfect getaway for all tastes

Stressa- is it the prettiest town at lake Maggiore?

Easily reachable by train, Stressa is known as a major attraction of the lake. Stressa is lovely but not so extraordinary. I would even say that Verbania looks much more pretty, covering the wider offer. The ancient magnolia at the local park with its largeness is a such a special tree.

Except Borromean islands, Villa Palavicino holds the botanical treasure with its huge park and the zoo. The rare animals and beautiful lines of flowers are simply delightful. It’s only open from March to October. Once in the long past it was a private residence and now holds the centuries old trees.

Mount Mottarone & its stunning views

Few kilometres from Stressa is placed a cable car which leads to the Mount Mottarone (1491 m)  and the incredible views which include even the seven lakes: Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Mergozzo, Lake Varese, Lake Comabbio, Lake Monate and Lake Biandronno. The return ticket is 19 e. The fact is even more incredible when you find out that the Alpine gardens add its charm with just 300 m from the cable car station. Ticket to this ancient garden from 1934. is 4 e.

Rocca di Angera- stunning castle & gardens

Rocca di Angera is also reachable by the ferry in all- around trip, holds an ancient castle, Museum of Dolls and Toys with more than 1000 pieces and magnifiscient position at the rock. Medieval garden stands proudly with medicinal plants and ornamental plants.

Verbania- the charming but underrated town at Lake Maggiore

Verbania consists of two connected towns, Verbania Pallanza and Verbania Intra. Villa Taranto with its majestic gardens hides in the middle.

Even the Mount of Ghiffa can be walked from Intra within the distance of 1,45 min, the UNESCO World Heritage site and Roman Catholic complex as well as the beautiful views over the lake.

Intra is a charmant little fraction of Verbania located between two rivers, San Bernardino and the San Giovanni and thus comes the name (lat. Intra fiumina or between the rivers).

Verbania Pallanza is the last point of the train station at Lago Maggiore. Pallanza itself is maybe the most eye-capturing place at the Lake with its subtle promenade, historically decorated buildings and palaces like Dugnani which is an art hive. It even happens the Flower parade at Verbania Pallanza during September (the first Sunday) all the way from 1909. What a surprise!

Villa Taranto & its stunning gardens

Villa Taranto adds to the reachness of the area with its 20 000 plants. Though it was supposed to be The Days of Tulips while I was there, no lack of tulips was found. Between the masterpieces of flowers the special place hold magnolia, rhododendrons, camelia, dahlias- all are shaped in the hilly landscape between the ponds. Every season holds the special exhibition. Entrance fee is 11 e.

Borromean islands- the highlight of Lake Maggiore

The ferry goes from Verbania Intra/Pallanza or from Stressa stopping in all the places around the lake: Intra, Pallanza, Villa Taranto, Isola Madre, Isola Bella, Isola Superiore, Stressa, Pallavicino and Rocca di Angera. Price for the all-around trip is 20 e.

Borromean islands is the complex of 3 islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola Superiore dei Pescatori but also Isolino di San Giovanni and the rock of Malghera. Only Isola dei Pescatori is free of charge while Isola Madre and Isola Bella with luxurious gardens and the palaces comes with the following prices: Isola Bella + Isola Madre= 24 e; Isola Bella+ Isola Madre + Pallavicino Park= 29 e; Isola Bella+ Isola Madre+ Pallavicino Park + Rocca di Angera= 35 e; Isola Madre= 13,50; Isola Bella= 17 e.

The name comes from Borromeo family which holds the herritage from 16th century till today.

Isola Madre with the fabulous gardens of Lake Maggiore

Isola Madre is like little piece of extra-terrestial land with its majestic gardens, the largest of islands. Rare botanical species together with peacocks of all colours make it a perfect composition. Gardens are the large mundane mosaics where interwine Africa walk, Camelia Field (with 150 varieties, the oldest ones in Europe), Taxodium tree with its ancient large roots, Parrot  Square, Palm trees walk, the cypress of Kasmir. Protection of the Palace holds various collection of porculain, the puppets and marionettes.

Isola Bella & marvelous Palace at Lake Maggiore

Isola Bella is what you see upon representatives in the world of laggo Maggiore. Few street vendors will welcome you after a short walk to the Palace of Borromeo. The place is indeed majestic with various paintings upon the rooms of Queens and Napoleon, even more majestic with marble grottos in the lower floor. Wanderings of the house seem not to be able to enter the gardens until one moment you’re just there like in some novel. Its baroque garden together with sculpture complex shaped in the pyramide marvel in the face of lemons, roses, rhododendrons and camelias.

Isola dei Pescatori

Isola dei Pescatori or Fisherman’s island hosts some inhabitants and hotels, circular hilly streets artistically shaped with painted benches and street art invoke relaxedness and ancient habits.

Final thoughts

The ancient elegance reigns beautiful Lago Maggiore and its islands. I knew it holds magnificient islands and pieces of botanical art, but I didn’t know it’s such a richness of gardens, wisdom and beauty.

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