Lago Maggiore
Lago Maggiore is a picturesque lake, which lies on the border between North Italy and Southern Switzerland. It is situated furthest west and is the second largest after Lake Garda from the subalpine lakes of Europe. With a length of nearly 60 km, it is the longest Italian lake. Its shores bordered to the west by Piedmont, east reach Lombardy and the north is sloshing around in Swiss banks.
The total area of the lake is 213 square kilometers and it’s width reaches 12 km. Lago Maggiore has tectonic beginnings as this ice water pool today has a capacity of 37 cubic km.
It has an area of about 213 square kilometers, maximum length of approximately 54 km, and at its widest, is 12 km. The lake basin is of glacial-tectonic origin, and its volume is 37 cubic km. The main tributaries of the lake are Ticino, Maggia and the Toce. The latter river is responsible for receiving the mouth of Lake Orta.
Landscapes around Lake Maggiore are very beautiful and enjoyable for recreation and picnics. Especially favorable is the Mediterranean climate, which in summer is just as soft as in winter.
Amid the lake are the so-called Borromeo islands, a view to which opens from all shores of the water pool. These islands are a total of two - Isola Madre and Isola Bella, and they can be easily reached. From the coast best is to hire water taxis or boats that are constantly available for visitors. On the Borromeo Islands visitors can enjoy the unique wildlife, including the many orchids that thrive there.
The Italian part of Lake Maggiore stretches from the southern Alps to the beginning of Padanian Valley. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Each year, a growing flow of tourists come here, but the unique beauty of the lake has been preserved to the maximum extent. Everywhere along the coast are fund traditional mountain villages.
The region has excellent conditions for sports fans of cycling, for whom are fenced off and drawn special routes. The beautiful shore of Lago Maggiore offers some pretty fascinating beaches and some interesting historical sights.
Among them is the Santa Caterina del Sasso, which is built into the cliffs high above the lake. This Dominican monastery was built in the 13th century, is known for the huge bronze statue of St. Carlo Borromeo of Arona. Some athletic tourists climb all the way to the top, to look through the eyes of the saint.
