Lake Maggiore — A Romantic Dream Getaway
June 6, 2010 by admin
Filed under General, Italy, Travel Destinations
The Italian Lakes, a name coined for a chain of alpine lakes in Northern Italy, evoke images of picturesque lakeside vistas, pretty gardens and elegant villas – a picture perfect backdrop for a dream romantic getaway.
Lake Maggiore is the second largest of all lakes in the area stretching from the region of Lombardy to Piemonte and spreading towards a small portion of the Swiss Alps. It is a favorite of many vacationers and usually gets a little too crowded especially during the summer months. However, despite the crowd, a visit to the lakeside towns of Maggiore and its many attractions is well worth doing.
Lago Maggiore, as it is known in Italian, is accessible by train from the major cities of Milan and Turin. So, visitors from these popular Italian cities can easily head up to the celebrated lake. Moving around the area is also not a problem. Several steamers service the lake, providing access to many interesting lakeside towns and islands. Buses also run frequently in the area.
Perhaps the most popular of all Maggiore destinations is the lakeside resort town of Stresa. Its villas are stunning and celebrated for their stylish design and luxurious accommodation. Open balconies and picture perfect gardens are part and parcel of Stresa charm. There’s also the cable car facility that brings visitors to Monte Mottarone. At 4,000 feet in the air, you will be treated to spectacular views of the Alps and the neighboring lakes.
My personal favorite of all Maggiore destinations is the lakeside town of Locarno located at the Swiss side of the lake. The Santuario della Madonna del Sasso Church perched on a steep cliff against the blue waters of the lake and the dark outline of the mountains is a splendid picture visitors will find enchanting. You also get to ride a funicular on your way to the church – an experience in itself.
Not far away from Locarno is Valle Maggia. The drive itself is the highlight of the trip. It will take you through meandering roads along the Maggia River through Valle Maggia and right into the Swiss Alps. The view along the way is the most scenic in the region with glimpses of vast meadows, spectacular waterfalls and charming villages.
On your way, make a short detour to the pretty town of Ascona. Its lovely waterfront promenade, with a fantastic view of the Alps, is perfect for a laid back stroll and a romantic meal is not far away in the quaint cafes and restaurants that can be found in the area.
Finally, do not miss out on Val Bavona where time seems to have stopped. The alpine landscape is at its most stunning in this area but what is even more remarkable are the buildings which all seem to have been made out of gleaming stone and granite.
After meandering about, head back to Locarno and cap off your day with a pleasant dinner while you witness the sunset’s beautiful display of colors against the calm waters of Lake Maggiore.
Sirmione Getaway Lake Garda Italy
Lake Garda in Northern Italy is the largest of the celebrated Italian Lakes. Aside from its sheer size, it is also famous for its dramatic landscape of rolling hills and towering mountains surrounding the lake.
The town of Desenzano del Garda gets the most concentration of tourists because it is located right on a major railway. Although a practical choice, visitors looking for more impressive sights may want to head out north and stay in the more breathtaking lakeside towns. Take the boat and be on your way to other exciting destinations around the vast expanse of Lake Garda, one of which is the pretty lakeside town of Sirmione.
The popular resort town of Sirmione is just a short boat ride away from Desenzano del Garda. The magnetic pull of this lakeside town dates back to the Roman times when it was used as a spa by members of nobility. Today the thermal springs of Sirmione remain popular among visitors from all over the world. The Roman ruins of Villa Romana, found here, add to the already charming character of the area.
You might want to time your visit out of season. It can get pretty crowded during the summer months and a full exploration of the area may not be as enjoyable with countless tourists milling about.
The historical center is a must visit. With its fairy tale castle, Sirmione makes for an exciting and picturesque destination. Walking around the historical center is the only way you can explore the area. Its narrow winding lanes may seem like an overwhelming maze but all you have to do is follow the signposts and sooner or later you are out into the promontory to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake.
The 13th century castle of Rocca Scaligera is one of the iconic attractions of Sirmione. Although the castle is nothing but an empty fortress, it is still worth visiting. Its ramparts are ideal for a laid back stroll and climbing its tower is also quite thrilling.
The Villa Romana, remnants of the Roman world gone past, is located at the end of the promontory or the headland. You can easily reach it by following the signposts that can be found all over Sirmione’s historical center. The ruins also feature a small museum, delightful olive groves and beautiful views of the lake – making it a delightful place to visit and explore.
Although a boat ride is a more enchanting way of reaching and leaving Sirmione, the town is also accessible by bus. It is in fact within the route of buses between the towns of Brescia and Verona. Since these two towns are serviced by a budget airport and are easily accessible by train from other major Italian towns, visitors can easily drop by Sirmione and leave as they please.
If you want to maximize the Italian railway route, the nearest train stations in the area are in the nearby lakeside towns of Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera.
