Lake Maggiore - the ideal place for a break from business
After Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy. A quarter of its 212 square kilometres lie in Switzerland.
The lake is not only set in wonderful surroundings. Its shores are lined with pretty towns that are well worth a visit.
Add to this the historic monuments and parks well worth seeing, and Lake Maggiore makes a unique destination for a break from business.
An easy journey
Getting here could hardly be simpler. The airport closest to Lake Maggiore is Malpensa. It is not only the rich and beautiful who land here when they go shopping in Milan. The airport is only a few kilometres from Arona, which makes the lake an attractive place to treat yourself to a short break.
The most comfortable way to arrive is by business jet. In addition to the high level of comfort on board these aircraft, travellers enjoy an exclusive service, including excellent catering and a wide selection of newspapers and magazines. Anyone wanting to deal with e-mails on board will be pleased with the unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi. At Malpensa Airport, three exclusive lounges are available to passengers.
Beautiful places on the west shore
First, though, it is time to discover the lake. One idea is to hire a car at the airport so that you can set off and explore at your own pace. Arona was already an important town in the Middle Ages, and the Archbishops of Milan and the Visconti lived in its castle. It is worth taking a stroll along the lovely promenade on the waterfront. From it visitors have a fantastic view of the impressive Rocca di Angera fortress, rising on the opposite side of the lake.
One of the most visited places is Stresa, the starting point for a visit to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella has a palazzo and a spectacular garden, both well worth seeing. Right next to it lies the Isola dei Pescatori, the only one of the islands inhabited all year round. Romantic lanes, balconies on which fish are hung to dry, and the promenade make the island a picturesque spot. A little further from the shore of Stresa lies Isola Madre, the largest of the islands. The garden, with its exotic plants and free-roaming peacocks, parrots and pheasants, makes a visit just as rewarding as the elegance of the palazzo's interiors.
More sights to the north
Isola Madre can also be reached by ferry from the north side. Here you will find Verbania, probably one of the loveliest places on Lake Maggiore. It is not for nothing that it is also known as the "garden on the lake". The highlight is the Villa Taranto, which has a 20-hectare park. In the elaborately designed grounds grow exotic plants that visibly thrive in the mild microclimate of northern Italy.
Walkers looking for a challenge will find it in the Valgrande National Park, today the largest wilderness area in Italy. A route through rugged rock formations climbs as high as 2,300 metres - with fantastic views thrown in. Further north of Verbania lies Ghiffa, nestling against the mountain slopes. The village is characterised by elegant villas and exotic plants. The most important sight is the pilgrimage site of Sacro Monte di Ghiffa. The church complex consists of a church and several chapels, and the colonnade is particularly magnificent. On nature trails, visitors can discover the rich flora and fauna.
Conclusion
Lake Maggiore is an ideal destination for a short break, perfect for recharging your batteries after the stress of business life.