Parks and nature in Lake Maggiore

Explore the diverse landscapes of the Lake Maggiore and Varese regions, from the manicured Baroque terraces of Isola Bella to the glacial waters of Lake Varese and Lake Monate. This collection highlights the area's geological variety, featuring the 30-meter drop of Cascata Fermona and high-altitude alpine shelters like Bivacco Alpe Agario. Visitors can find rare botanical species at Villa Taranto or hike to secluded waterfalls in Cittiglio and Castelveccana, showcasing the natural heritage of the Italian-Swiss border.

Parks and Nature — Map

Daderot / Public domain

A

Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto

The Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto are botanical gardens located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Pallanza, Province of Verbano…

B

Giardini dell'Isola Bella

Baroque-style terraced gardens featuring ten levels of statues, obelisks, and fountains. The grounds house exotic plants and white peacocks on the Borromean Islands.

Netro / CC BY 3.0

C

Lake Varese

Varese Lake is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, in the north of Italy.

Amoudi Hajar / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Lago di Monate

Lago di Monate is a lake in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy. At an elevation of 266 m, its surface area is 2.5 km².

Bol2030 / Public domain

E

Lago di Ghirla

Lago di Ghirla is a lake at Valganna in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy.

F

La Pissarota

Natural waterfall located near the western shores of Lake Maggiore.

G

Cascate del Pesegh

Waterfall situated within the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park near Brinzio.

H

Lago di Comabbio

Lago di Comabbio is a lake in the Province of Varese, Lombardy, Italy. At an elevation of 243 m, its surface area is 3.4 km2.

I

Cascate di Cittiglio 1

The first and most accessible of three waterfalls in the San Giulio valley, reached via a wooded trail starting from Cittiglio.

J

Cascata Fermona

A 30-meter waterfall in Ferrera di Varese that flows into a natural circular plunge pool surrounded by rocky cliffs.

K

Cascata Della Froda

Waterfall in the woods of Castelveccana, accessible via a marked path leading to a high rocky amphitheater where the water drops nearly 100 meters.

L

Laghetto di Astano

Small alpine lake in the Malcantone region of Switzerland, used for swimming and fishing at the foot of Mount Lema.

M

Bivacco Alpe Agario

Unmanned mountain shelter at 1,561 meters on the ridge between Val Veddasca and Switzerland, offering views of the surrounding Prealps.

N

Capanna Merigetto

Stone mountain hut located at 1,498 meters in the Luinese Prealps, serving as a rest point on the trail to Monte Pola.

O

Rifugio Ubaldo Cavallasca "Cucciolo"

Mountain refuge located on the slopes of Monte Mottarone, providing a base for hiking between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

Other Lists

Lake Maggiore Essentials Historic Churches and Shrines Historic Sites & Castles Scenic Peaks and Viewpoints