Day trip To Lake Maggiore
Fed by the Ticino River, the Maggiore Lake is the second largest lake in the whole of Italy. It is around 212 square km / 82 square miles in size, with a maximum depth of around 370 metres / 1,220 feet. In 1826 the introduction of ferry services helped to develop the area. This large lake features many attractions on its shores and highlights include:
* Isole Borromee - one of three islands on the lake
* Castles of Malpaga - opposite the Cаnnero Riviera, these castles belonged to the Mazzardites, who were pirates of the lake, and were built in the 13th to 14th century
* Stresa - an old fisherman's village that became popular after articles by famous writers, such as George Byron and Charles Dickens
* Villa Taranto - featuring one of Italy's most well-known botanic gardens which was founded in 1931, containing specimens of plant species from all over the world
* Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro - this monastery is perched on a rocky outcrop near Laveno and was built in the 12th century by a local merchant
* Rocca di Angera - an imposing medieval fortress, with 14th-century frescoes and a doll museum
* Sesto Calende - the town museum in Piazza Mazzini features many interesting Bronze Age artifacts excavated nearby
* Arona - an enormous statue of San Carlo Borromeo includes a 35 metre / 115 foot staircase, leading to some superb panoramic views