Almost inspiring place of great natural beauty,blessed with a fine climate,a rich history,cultural distinction and the ultimate in outdoor activities-welcome to Lake Maggiore.The second italian lake for size(216sq.kms),Lake Maggiore(or Verbano) is certainly the first for beauty.Visitors are first dazzled by the glistening expanses of water , surrounded by verdant hills and luxurius gardens.Mountain itineraries offer opportunities to admire seven lakes, the Po valley and the italian and the swiss Alps.Then the discerning eye takes in the three beautiful islands-the jewels-Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre,define this very special archipelago.Including the Castles of Cannero and the small isle of San Giovanni Battista(the personal favorite of Arthur Toscanini),one could wander, drinking in the atmosphere,seemingly forever.Magnificent palazzos,botanic gardens with rare plants and exotic birds,picturesque lanes and narrow passages-it is no wonder this region has become such a coveted destination among discerning travelers.They have discovered what many of the famous, from Da Vinci to Hemingway,grew to love.
There are various small and large towns,resorts and villages spaciously terraced on the lake shore and the mountain slopes.Stresa is the most important town on Lake Maggiore,in the area Verbano Cusio Ossola Province,which has been nicknamed "The Garden of Europe" for its mild,balmy climate,which has spawned a wealth of exotic flowers and vegetation that enrich and define the local landscape.Stresa also is famed for its magnificent location,the smartness of its hotels,its many villas and gardens and its good sport facilities. A favourite,from the end of the last century,among princes and nobles( Elisabeth of Saxony and the Duchess of Genoa) Stresa was admired by artists and men of letters:among the greatest names we may mention Dickens,Flaubert,Stendhal,Fogazaro and Valery,it still has interesting cultural ventures inluding Jazz Festival and the"Musical weeks" in autumn.
We are among the lucky people who had, this summer,unforgettable romantic holidays there
Woman's Voice
