Properties for sale in Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps. It is the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. The lake and its shoreline are divided between the Italian regions of Piedmont, Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino.The climate is mild in both summer and winter, producing Mediterranean vegetation, with many gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Well-known gardens include those of the Borromean and Brissago Islands, that of the Villa Taranto in Verbania, and the Alpinia botanical garden above Stresa, the main town.The town of Stresa has been one of the favourite resort destinations since the second half of the 19th century: a former fishing village was bought by the Visconti family (a prominent noble family who used to rule Milan from the 13th through the 15th century) and it then went under the control of the Borromeo family.Since, Stresa has been a popular retreat for Europe's aristocrats, who have endowed the town with their villas; renowned authors and poets including the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Lord Byron, Stendhal and Charles Dickens visited the town and even wrote pieces taking inspiration by the beauty of its landscape.The town is the venue for the “Settimane Musicali”, one of Europe's important classical music international festivals which is held annually in the summer.Close by is another popular town, Verbania, if you want a wider choice of restaurants and shops and a buzz of life. For more of a whisper but just as mind-blowing is Cannobio.If you are uncertain which village or region to pick along the kilometres of water-lapped shores, opt for a multi-centre holiday or even camp in one or many of the numerous well-equipped camp-sites located right on the river's banks.There are also other small towns and villages clinging to its banks, which are stunning. A quaint and charming blend between Swiss order and function and Italian frivolity and classical art are at their most photogenic at dawn or dusk when a captivating mist swirls around the bays, coves, hills and into the streets and alleys.