Lake Maggiore
Italy's second-largest lake, of glacial origin, famous for the Borromean Islands and for its "insubric" flora favoured by the mild climate. A short distance from Lake Orta, it's perfect for a day trip.
Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. Of fluvioglacial origin, it extends across Italian and Swiss territory.
It is home to several islands: the best known belong to the Borromean archipelago. On Isola Bella you can visit Palazzo Borromeo with its vast gardens; Isola Madre, the largest, has extensive gardens with rare plants suited to the mild climate. The Cannero castles are also worth a visit.
Lake Maggiore's flora is distinctive, known as "insubric": the climate has favoured both Mediterranean and Atlantic species. The Fondotoce reed bed is a reserve where many migratory bird species are recorded each year.
- Isola Bella and Palazzo Borromeo
- Isola Madre and its botanical gardens
- The Cannero castles
- Fondotoce reed-bed nature reserve