The most beautiful villages and towns on Lake Maggiore

The village of Stresa

One of the most beautiful towns on the shores of Lake Maggiore is Stresa.

Strolling through the alleys of the old town, caressing the elegant buildings and palaces with your gaze, or relaxing on one of the quiet little beaches that slope down into the lake's clear mirror of water, are just some of the best ways to experience and get to know the village of Stresa. A mandatory stop is Villa Pallavicino. Its priceless English garden houses a zoological park where you can admire kangaroos, deer, zebras and llamas.

Thrill-seekers and adventure lovers can admire the panorama from a privileged position, taking advantage of the numerous cable cars, from which to enjoy views of the lake, a good part of the Po Valley and Monte Rosa.

The territory of borgo Stresa also includes three of the four Borromean Islands: Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori. From the small port of Stresa, in fact, evocative boat tours depart to visit them in the day.

Once landed on Isola Bella, a visit to the Borromeo Palace and its gardens built in the Baroque style in the 17th century is a must. IsolaMadre, the quieter and more peaceful island, also has its own palace, enhanced by a botanical park full of flowers.

The village of Cannero riviera

Another of the smallest and prettiest towns overlooking the shores of Lake Maggiore is the village of Cannero Riviera.

Surrounded by lush green vegetation favored by a mild climate, the village of Cannero Riviera is the perfect setting for a walk along the lakefront, from which to admire all its historical and natural beauty. The ancient defense system known as the Cadorna Line slowly parades before visitors' eyes. From here, the castles of Cannero, shrouded in charm and ancient legends, can be seen in the distance on three rocky islets.

The village of Arona

Arona stands on the shore of the lake that embraces the province of Novara and is the custodian of the prestigious Lagoni di Mercurago Nature Park, which has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2011.

The historic center is rich in attractions: The Broletto, or Palace of Justice, erected in the medieval heart of the town, the Church of the Holy Martyrs that holds the remains of the town's patron saints, and the approximately 35-meter-high statue of The Colossus of St. Charles Borromeo.

The Arona lakefront features ancient defensive walls and a scenic footbridge, suspended over the water and covered with climbing plants. Finally, just outside the town, on a high spur overlooking the lake stands the spectacular Rocca Borromea, an 11th-century manor house that dominates the landscape.

The village of Leggiuno

On the shores of the lake in the province of Varese, however, one of the most beautiful villages worth visiting is Leggiuno.

It's an important cultural and artistic center: it is most famous for the Hermitageof Santa Caterina del Sasso, an ancient monastery perched sheer above the waters of the lake, a place of worship and pilgrimage. The Hermitage can be reached on foot and by boat.

Among its main attractions, Leggiuno boasts ideal locations for moments of peace and relaxation, such as the beaches of Arolo and Reno. Lying between sand and grass, what better opportunity to enjoy your stay in tranquility, in front of a breathtaking landscape?

And to end one's day in the best way possible, one only has to go to one of the nearby restaurants overlooking Lake Maggiore where one can enjoy local specialties such as lake fish or polenta with game, excellent on cold winter evenings.

The Fortress of Angera

Also in the province of Varese, another stop not to be missed is the beautiful village of Angera.

Angera is a small old town where landscapes worthy of ending up right on a postcard open up to your eye: from the characteristic lakefront with pedestrian streets where you can stroll peacefully to the wide green spaces, interrupted by pretty little harbors such as the Hapsburg Harbour, where you can indulge in moments of peace and carefree time with yourself.

Its town center is dotted with a wealth of historic buildings, architectural gems, cobbled alleys, stores and rare collections such as that of the Doll and Toy Museum. Also located along the banks of Angera is the charming Sanctuary of the Madonna della Riva.

Find the ideal accommodation for your vacation in Lombardy

The shores of Lake Maggiore are full of opportunities to make a pleasant out-of-town trip full of relaxation, in the company of friends and loved ones.

Escaping the chaos of the city is indeed the dream of many. Yet, spending a stay in Milan can prove to be anottima solution to set out to discover the surrounding area, moving from the urban center to the scenic views in a quick and easy way.

Thanks to BarbarHouse, you can make the most of your experience in the capital of Milan, taking a look at the catalog of apartments in Milan and choosing the one that best suits your desires. Relaxation, comfort and design will make your stay in the city unforgettable.