You can reach the Lake Maggiore in 40 minutes by car: with its blue waters, it offers nature, parks, mountains, gardens, islands, flowers …and more!. A sequence of mountains surrounds the lake basin; the chain of the Alpine arc and the Monte Rosa massif dominate the scenario: only 50Km as the crow flies separate the waters of the Lake Maggiore from these peaks, which push as far as 4000 meters in height.
Moving away from the lake, a visit at several hill and mountain places is a must; in addition to offering breathtaking views, they protect a precious heritage of folklore and ancient traditions.
You can set out in fascinating courses and excursions, discovering the valleys overlooking the Lake Maggiore: Val Formazza, with its Toce Falls; Val Vigezzo, called “Valle dei Pittori” (Valley of painters); Valle Anzasca, which culminates in the Walser house of Macugnaga and Valle Antrona, dotted with fascinating Alpine lakes.
The National Park of Valgrande – the largest wild area of central Europe – is located among these jewels of nature, in the area of Upper Lake Maggiore.
Following the shore of the lake, renowned by the presence of the Borromee Islands, located in the Gulf with the same name in front of Stresa, there are several points of interest: the luxurious villas and the wonderful gardens created between the nineteenth and twentieth century along the Piedmont shore. Stresa and Verbania are worth a visit to admire the Borromeo gardens, Villa Taranto and Villa San Remigio, respectively.
The nearby Lake of Orta also enhances the charm of this tourist area. Lead by Omegna, point of reference for all the Cusio area, this expanse of water houses the wonderful San Giulio island.
From Omegna you can go up towards Val Strona, famous for wooden manufactured items, including the Pinocchio of Collodi, and for the production of musical brass wind instruments.
Finally, you can visit the hills of Novara, where precious wines will accompany you in excellent wine-and-food itineraries.enogastronomici.