Europe Explored » lago maggiore italy https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:24:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=945 While known only as the second largest Italian lake, Lake Maggiore is none the less the most infamous lakes in the country. Situated along the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore almost completely covers the 70 kilometre distance between the cities of Arona and Locarno. The lake is 68 kilometres long and is three […]

The post Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
While known only as the second largest Italian lake, Lake Maggiore is none the less the most infamous lakes in the country. Situated along the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore almost completely covers the 70 kilometre distance between the cities of Arona and Locarno. The lake is 68 kilometres long and is three to five kilometres wide. However, at the natural bay between Stresa and Pallanza, Lake Maggiore is almost ten kilometres wide.

Lago Maggiore, Italy
Lago Maggiore, Italy by Falk Lademann

While Lake Maggiore is situated more than 193 meters above sea level, the lake is very deep with some points of the lake bed exceeding 179 meters below sea level. The basin of the lake is said to have been formed by a mix of both glacial and tectonic means. There are many rivers that flow into Lake Maggiore and even more rivers that flow out of the lake.

The weather surrounding the giant lake is traditionally very mild all year long. Since Lake Maggiore is so large, it creates a micro-climate that is entirely unique to the region. During the summer months, the temperature of the lake generally helps to keep the region cooler than the surrounding areas. At the same time, during the winter months, the lake helps to warm the surrounding areas.

Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy
Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Every year, millions of people make their way to the shores of Lake Maggiore. There are countless hot spots located all around the shorelines of the lake. You will even find the Borromean Islands in the western portion of the lake. The Borromean Islands are a very popular tourist attraction which features some of the finest gardens in the region. Countless people make their way to these privately owned islands every summer. From rest and relaxation to some of the most popular of water sports, there is so much to see and do around Lake Maggiore.

The post Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/06/lago-maggiore-beauty-on-the-shores-of-lake-italy/feed/ 0
Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore – a very popular tourist hotspot in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/02/borromean-islands-on-lago-maggiore-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/02/borromean-islands-on-lago-maggiore-italy/#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:04:40 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=937 In the western part of Lake Maggiore you will find a small grouping that is composed of three islands and two little islets. Known as the Borromean Islands, these islands only offer 20 hectares of area between them yet have grown to become a very popular tourist hotspot in Italy. It was back in the […]

The post Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore – a very popular tourist hotspot in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
In the western part of Lake Maggiore you will find a small grouping that is composed of three islands and two little islets. Known as the Borromean Islands, these islands only offer 20 hectares of area between them yet have grown to become a very popular tourist hotspot in Italy. It was back in the 16th century when the Borromeo first started purchasing the islands. The family still owns the islands of Bella, Isola Madre and San Giovanni today.

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Italy
Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Italy by Ed Webster

The first island acquired was that of Isola Bella which was nothing more than a rock that was named after the countess Isabella Borromeo. Over the years, a number of improvements to the island have been made including the construction of a palace during the 17th century. Vast amounts of sand were filed in around the island to increase its size over the centuries.

The second and largest of the Borromean Islands is that of the Isola Madre. The island is well-known for its many beautiful gardens. There is also a palace on the island which is adorned with many fine masterpieces from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Isola dei Pescatori (known also as Isola Superiore) used to be owned by the Borromo family. Today it is known as the only inhabited Borromean Island. With a small fishing village, the island has a population of a little more than 200 residents. The residents of this island are also the one responsible for bringing tourists to the Borromean Islands during the peak seasons of the year.

Both the Isolino di San Giovanni and the rock known as Malghera are uninhabited and no major structures have been built upon them. The rock of Malghera is only 200 square meters in size and is known for its small beach; it is located between the islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella.

The post Borromean Islands on Lago Maggiore – a very popular tourist hotspot in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

]]>
https://europeexplored.com/2010/08/02/borromean-islands-on-lago-maggiore-italy/feed/ 0