The Italian hidden gem with beautiful views over Lake Maggiore with fewer tourists
One of the less popular province towns in the Piedmont region, Verbania is a getaway for relaxing family holidays in the summer sunshine of northern Italy.
The Italian city of Verbania is located in the upper Verbano area and overlooks the Borromean Gulf: it includes medieval buildings, baroque palaces and 18th-19th century villas with grandiose parks.
From the lakeside, you can see the island of San Giovanni, where the 1600s Palazzo Borromeo stands, which until the mid-1900s was the summer residence of the composer Arturo Toscanini.
Formed by the union of four different municipalities (Intra, Pallanza, Fondotoce and Suna) and other smaller hamlets (Antoliva, Biganzolo, Cavandone, Possaccio, Torchiedo, Trobaso, Unchio and Zoverallo) it is both a small town and a typical Italian lakeside village.
Verbania is an ideal starting point for excursions in the Val Grande National Park, Monte Rosa, and Ossola Valleys as well as the stunning Lake Maggiore.
The Piedmontese city is a highly appreciated location for its picturesque landscapes, the splendour of its historic buildings and ancient homes, and its architectural treasures.
Lovers of nature and bucolic views, far from the frenzy of large population centres, will be pleasantly surprised by the riot of botanical gardens and urban parks with lush vegetation.
A boat excursion is certainly the best way to transform your trip on Lake Maggiore into a unique and unforgettable experience.
The main attraction of the gulf is the famous Borromean islands. The first island of the archipelago reachable from Verbania is Isola Madre.
During the 16th century, the noble Borromeo family modified it with architectural works that made it a spectacular residence with the colourful English-style botanical garden next door.
The next destination is the Isola Superiore dei Pescatori, characterised by the typical atmosphere of the villages of the past.
The most popular island of the archipelago is Isola Bella, the most famous, whose current appearance can be traced back to the multiple interventions carried out by Vitaliano VI since 1600.
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The refinement and opulence of the exquisite Baroque palace and the scenography of the Italian gardens regularly leave tourists breathless.
The island of San Giovanni welcomed one of the most illustrious inhabitants, Arturo Toscanini, while from the Malghera rock, it is possible to see one of the most picturesque views of Lake Maggiore.
The lake is suitable for swimming and its pure waters are one of the favourite destinations for enthusiasts of water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing.
The picturesque historic centre is a treasure chest of wonders. Visitors will be able to appreciate ancient palaces and religious buildings in Romanesque style, such as the church of the Madonna di Campagna, inside which valuable masterpieces are preserved.
Palazzo Dugnani currently houses the historical-artistic museum dedicated to the landscape of Verbano. The building is embellished with decorative motifs typical of the Baroque era and inside it is possible to admire paintings created by Lombard and Piedmontese artists during the 19th and 20th centuries.
