'/%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Article by Fulvio Julita
When our guests ask how to spend a full day exploring beyond Agrate Conturbia, our answer is often the same: Lake Maggiore, along its Piedmontese shore from Arona to Cannobio. The itinerary brings together the many sides of the lake: lively Arona, elegant Stresa, the aristocratic Borromean Islands, leafy Verbania and Cannobio, close to the Swiss border.
Breakfast First, Then We Set Off
The day begins with a leisurely breakfast at Villa Selva before setting off by car at around 8:30. The first stop is Arona, approximately thirteen kilometres and a fifteen-minute drive away.
Arona and the Copper Giant
In Arona, park near the lakefront for a walk with the Rocca di Angera across the water. The town’s landmark is the Sancarlone, a copper statue of San Carlo Borromeo standing over 35 metres high. When access is available, you can climb inside; alternatively, the panoramic square already offers a beautiful view of the lake and the Alps.
Stresa and the Borromean Islands
Around ten, set off again for Stresa. Boats leave from the port of Carciano for the Borromean Islands. For a day trip, we suggest choosing one or two islands and checking timetables and connections in advance.
From Isola Bella‘s Borromeo palace and terraced gardens to Isola Madre‘s romantic English-style gardens, each island has its own character. Isola dei Pescatori is a small lakeside village of colourful houses, narrow lanes and restaurants: a lovely place to try perch risotto or whitefish.
Verbania and Cannobio in the Afternoon
After lunch, continue to Verbania-Pallanza. Choose a walk along the lakefront or, depending on opening times and the season, a visit to the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto.
The last stop is Cannobio, the last Italian town before the Swiss border. Its historic centre is a maze of paved lanes and old houses. The lakeside promenade beneath the nineteenth-century arcades is just the place to end the day with an aperitivo at sunset.
The Way Back
Around 18:00 or 18:30, leave Cannobio for the return journey. In just over an hour you will be back at Villa Selva, with memories of scenic roads and boat crossings. Before setting off, especially outside summer, check boat timetables and attraction opening hours.
The Itinerary at a Glance
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Begin the drive from Villa Selva to Arona (13 km, ~15 min) |
| 08:45 – 10:00 | Visit Arona (Sancarlone statue, basilica, lakefront with views of Rocca di Angera) |
| 10:00 – 10:20 | Drive to Stresa (17 km, ~20 min) |
| 11:00 | Boat trip to one or two Borromean Islands (check connections) |
| 13:30 | Lunch in Stresa or on Isola dei Pescatori |
| 14:00 – 14:25 | Drive to Verbania-Pallanza (16 km, ~20–25 min) |
| 14:30 – 16:00 | Visit Verbania (Pallanza lakefront, Villa Taranto) |
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Drive to Cannobio (35 km) |
| 16:30 – 18:00 | Visit Cannobio (il Borgo, lakefront, aperitivo) |
| 18:00 – 19:30 | Return to Villa Selva, Agrate Conturbia |