Move Over Lake Como! This Lesser-Known European Lake Straddles 2 Countries With Epic Views  

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The Italian Lakes are the right solution to take pleasure in low-key Italian luxurious on the water, unimaginable views, and far milder temperatures than on the scorching Italian shoreline.  

If you’re in search of an Italian Lake break, then it’s possible that you just’ll make a beeline for Lake Como. Just like everybody else!  

But I’m right here to inform you that which may not be the most effective thought.  

Here’s why it’s time to forget the crowds and overrated glamor of Lake Como and discover a lesser-known, low key, and downright lovely Italian lake as an alternative.  

I’m speaking about Lake Maggiore.  

Move Over Lake Como? Why It Might Not Be The Best Choice  

Lake Como is the most famous of the Italian Lakes, due to its excellent magnificence, abundance of historic points of interest, and celeb connections.  

George Clooney famously lives in a mansion on the lake, and celeb {couples} corresponding to John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and Emily Blunt and John Krasinski mentioned ‘I do’ by the lake too.  

But the place there are celebrities and a world fame, there are crowds. And boy is Lake Como crowded in the summertime!  

Lake Como receives 1.4 million vacationers a yr and locals wrestle beneath the burden of the customer numbers.  

In April native authorities proposed introducing a Venice-style entry price to fight this overtourism.

Measures that haven’t been launched but however which appear inevitable given the overwhelming crowds.  

You received’t expertise any of those issues on the lesser-known Lake Maggiore.  

Enter Lake Maggiore: The Perfect Alternative To Lake Como  

Lake Maggiore is breathtakingly lovely and is so large that it straddles two international locations.  

Lake Maggiore is the second-largest lake in Italy and the biggest in southern Switzerland. It sits to the south of the Alps, which means you’ll enjoy epic mountainous views. 

This additionally implies that Lake Maggiore is a comparatively cool spot to flee the unrelenting Italian summer season warmth.  

Between June and August, temperatures round Lake Maggiore vary between 20°C – 30°C (68 F – 86 F), making it the perfect temperature for water actions corresponding to swimming and boating.  

Of course, until you’re fortunate sufficient to be touring on a yacht, you may’t really keep on the lake itself.

So you’ll want to remain in one of many cities that fringe the lake as an alternative.  

One of essentially the most picturesque and in style spots is the city of Stresa. This sits on the western, Italian facet of Lake Maggiore, within the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. 

Stresa boasts lovely church buildings, genuine Italian markets, and woodland walks with panoramic lake views. It is an unimaginable place to flee the hustle and bustle of the most well-liked Lake Como cities and villages.  

Incredible Islands To Explore 

One of the issues that makes Lake Maggiore so distinctive and a standout characteristic is its islands.  

If you’re visiting Lake Maggiore then there are 3 principal islands that it’s essential find out about. These are Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and Isola dei Pescatori.

Each island has its personal distinctive charms and every is value visiting, however for very completely different causes!  

If you’re a historical past nerd like me, then you definately’ll wish to know that each one 3 of those islands have been traditionally owned by the Borromeo household.

They are one in all Italy’s strongest noble dynasties, they usually have an interesting historical past in their very own proper.  

If lovely gardens and plush verdant greenery is your thought of a very good time then it’s essential go to Isola Madre which boasts a botanical backyard packed stuffed with tropical vegetation.  

Isola Bella is the place the Borromeo household house is situated. This is a palatial constructing surrounded by sometimes Italian terraced grounds which vacationers can discover.  

Baroque grottos, beautiful marble fountains, and free-roaming peacocks are a selected spotlight.  

For an uncommon slice of Italian life, Isola dei Pescatori needs to be your choose. This island boasts a fishermen’s village, and though the neighborhood has solely 57 folks, it’s lively, vibrant, and authentically Italian.  

Visiting the islands is extremely reasonably priced. You can take a Borromeo islands tour leaving from Pallanza for € 16,90 ($18.40) per grownup and € 8,50 ($9.30) for kids aged between 4-12.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for greater than 20 years and has visited 25 international locations (and counting!) She focuses on European and household journey and by no means says no to new adventures.

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