Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore, known to the Romans as Lacus Verbanus, is the second largest of the north Italian lakes (area 212 sq. km/82 sq. mi, length 60km/37mi, breadth 3-5km/2-3mi, greatest depth 372 m/1,221ft). Less intricately patterned than Lake Como and without the sheer rock faces of the northern part of Lake Garda, it nevertheless offers scenery of southern splendor.

The northern part of the lake, with the town of Locarno, is in Switzerland, but the greater part of it is in Italy, the east side belonging to Lombardy and the west side to Piedmont. The lake's principal tributaries are the Ticino and the Maggia to the north and the Toce on the west side. The river which flows out of the south end, having carved a passage through massive morainic walls, preserves the name of Ticino. The northern part of the lake is enclosed by mountains, for the most part wooded, while towards the south the shores slope down to the plain of Lombardy. In clear weather the water in the northern part of the lake is green, in the southern part deep blue. The climate is mild. From midnight until morning the tramontana blows, usually coming from the north; from midday until the evening the inverna blows from the south. The plant life of Lake Maggiore, like that of Lakes Garda and Como, includes many sub-tropical species: figs, olives and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate, and in August the myrtle blossoms. On the Borromean Islands lemons, oranges, cork-oaks, sago-palms and carob-trees grow.

The most popular tourist areas are around Ascona and Locarno and the Borromean Islands. One very attractive excursion is a boat trip from Locarno to Arona (service through the year, twice daily in summer; also hydrofoil services), calling alternatively at places on the east and west sides of the lake.

Day trips, etc., from Locarno to Stresa and to the Italian markets of Luino, Cannobio and Verbania- Intra. Connections (also by hydrofoil) between the Swiss Brissago Islands and the Borromean Islands of Italy.