Savvy Sightseer - tips and insights for seasoned travelers!
Lake Maggiore
The westernmost of Italy's northern lakes, Maggiore is a glistening base on which rests several unique garden islands.
In addition to stunning Isola Bella's terraced gardens and Baroque palace, Isola Madre's exotic garden and birds, and Isola Pescatori's delightful lakeside dining, Maggiore has a true jewel - the world-class, but little known, 40-acre Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens. Captain Neil McEacharn set out in 1931 to create the most impressive botanical gardens in the world; he succeeded! With more than 80,000 blooming plants, including lotus flowers, azaleas, rhododendron, hydrangeas, water lilies, and rare botanical selections, a visit to this garden on the western shore of Lake Maggiore is an extraordinary experience.
Venturing out from the little but regal town of Stresa, an all-day ferry pass will provide easy and economical transport to these stunning islands. A short walk uphill from the lakefront is the train station for a comfy one-hour trip into Milan Central.
Mouse over images for more information about each, or click the set to view as a slideshow.
The Stresa waterfront is a charming place to soak up the beauty of the peaceful lake flanked by mountains.
Named for, Isabella, the beloved wife of Count Charles Borromeo, Isola Bella is a singular experience. A tour of the Baroque palace is capped by exploring the exquisite formal gardens.
A dramatic denison of the gardens is one of the white peacocks who call isola Bella home.
A wild combination of plantlife from cactus to palms.
Pescatori - Fisherman's Island - is lined with outdoor restaurants featuring local fish entrees. The ferry from Stresa stops briefly at each island.
Villa Taranto is not open to visitors since it is used by the government, but the gardens are open to public viewing.
One of the many unique and delightful gardens at Villa Taranto, a ferry ride across the lake from Stresa.
Photo by Val Q.
Photo by Val Q.
Continue your trip through Italy with a visit to the Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Como or Lake Lugano pages,
or go back to the Italy home page.
