Baveno Holidays, Italy Famed as a spa and health resort in the 19th century, parts of the historical centre of this pretty little lakeside settlement date back a thousand years. There are modern spa facilities in town. The shore road to Stresa is delightful, flanked by grand hotels and villas – including Castello Branca where Queen Victoria stayed in 1879 – with views of the Borromean Islands.
Cannobio Holidays, Italy Close to Switzerland, this unspoiled, popular village is a good base for exploring the northern part of Lake Maggiore. Medieval houses line its long lake frontage, and on the piazza the Santuario della Pietà – which contains a miraculous icon – is the baroque focus of the town. There are picturesque walks through the woods including one to pretty Cannero Riviera, five kilometres south. The wind conditions are ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
Luino Holidays, Italy A picturesque small town built in the 18th century, Luino is graced with elegant baroque chapels, churches and ipalazzi/i. Around the little port is a promenade with huge plane trees. Behind this is the old village; beyond, a verdant hillside offers panoramic views of the lake and Luino. The vibrant 450-year old Wednesday market, one of the biggest in Europe, is a spectacle not to be missed and draws coach tours from as far as France.
Stresa Holidays, Italy Favoured by European aristocracy in the mid-19th century, and consequently endowed with several grand hotels and villas, Stresa is now a small, quiet lakeside resort. Villa Pallavicino has a fine wooded park, botanic garden and small zoo. The favourite excursion is to the Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella, for its palace and gardens. A cable car from Stresa to Monte Mottarone (1,491 metres) offers great views of the lake and islands.
Varese Holidays, Italy A prosperous, typically-Lombardian town, Varese is a summer home for many wealthy Milaneses. It lies four kilometres east of Lake Varese and around 20 kilometres east of Lake Maggiore. The centre retains its attractive 18th-century streets, with many monuments predating this period. Close by, Sacro Monte is an important 17th-century shrine, while the town of Castiglione Olona features antiquarian booksellers, antique shops and a palace.
Verbania Holidays, Italy Famous for its gardens and parks, Verbania enjoys a scenic location below Monte Rossa and looks across the lake to the Borromean Islands. The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto are internationally acclaimed while the Villa San Remigio garden is splendidly eclectic. The garden of Villa Giulia, directly on the lake shore, is a public park. A short ferry ride away, the picturesque Borromean Islands are also renowned for their palaces and gardens.
