There's plenty to keep you occupied in Arolo itself, but we recommend venturing further and exploring more of what Lake Maggiore has to offer while you are in the area. Below we've recommended 3 destinations accessible within a 20-minute drive from the villa.
1. Mount Sasso del Ferro, Laveno Mombello
Laveno itself is a beautiful cobbled lakeside town, steeped in history and plenty of stunning mountain views.
It's a great location for afternoon/morning walks through the woodland, where you'll find yourself high above the lake.
To witness the breathtaking views of Mount Sasso del Ferro - and maybe grab a drink or two on the panoramic terrace restaurant based at the peak - we would recommend jumping on the funicular. The 10-minute ride treats you to an enchanting view of Lake Maggiore, the Alps, the Pre-Alps, the Lombard lakes and the Po Valley. More details here.
How to get there: parking is available, otherwise, it is about a 15 min walk from the ferry station Laveno)
2. Take the ferry from Lavano to Verbania Intra
The ferry from Lavano to Verbania Intra takes around 15 minutes and costs approx. 10 EUR per person return.
Verbania faces the city of Stresa and stretches along the coast between Verbania Intra where the ferry from Laveno arrives at Verbani Pallanza. It is a nice walk with stunning views from Intra to Pallanza (around 1h). In both locations you can find nice coffee places and restaurants, but Intra is larger and has more shops to offer.
On the way from Verbania Intra to Pallanza, we'd recommend visiting:
The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto: explore the 16 hectares park and 20,000 botanic plants, including many rare species. The garden opens 9am-5.30pm, but be sure to check the website before your visit. The gardens, which date back to 1931, are a 20 minute walk from the ferry station Verbania Intra, when arriving via ferry from Laveno.
Isola Bella: from Verbania Intra you can take a ferry to Stresa and on the way you can stop off at Isola Bella - 'a treasure chest of Baroque art suspended over the water.' You can spend hours exploring the marble, stucco, tapestries and paintings, and admiring the structural masterpiece put together over 400 years by talented architects, engineers, plasterers, painters and cabinetmakers.
3. The City of Varese
Just 30 minutes by car, the city of Varese, best known for its art nouveau villas, is well worth a visit in our view.
The city has been described by some as the 'Garden city' thanks to its numerous parks and gardens open to the public. Palazzo Estense is of particular note, thanks to its large fountain - with its own sound and lights show in the summer. While away the hours exploring the charming centre. The main street is Corso Matteotti which if followed will lead you to the beautiful monastery Basilica of San Vittore and the Baptistery of San Giuseppe - an ancient monument.
Worthy of particular attention is the Sacremonte de Varese a hilltop village and Church. It's one of the 9 sacri monti in Lombardy and Piedmont inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
We're more than happy to give further advice on trips around Lake Maggiore, so do not hesitate to reach out!
Lake Maggiore offers stunning views and activities for nature and culture lovers. Top things to do include visiting the Borromean Islands, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and exploring the charming lakeside towns like Stresa. For those seeking relaxation, the gardens of Villa Taranto provide a peaceful retreat, while boat tours offer a unique perspective of the lake. The area also boasts beautiful churches and historical sites, making it a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Lago Maggiore Ferienwohnung