If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect Italian escape—one that involves more than just crowded city piazzas and endless museum lines—it’s time to put Lake Maggiore on your radar.
As the winter chill fades, the Piedmontese shores of Verbania transform into a floral wonderland. With the seasonal reopening of the Borromean Islands and the breathtaking displays at Villa Taranto, springtime here isn’t just a season; it’s an event.
Here is why you need to pack your bags and head to the “Garden of Italy” this year.
The Borromean Islands: A Trio of Lakeside Magic
Starting every March, the gates swing open to the Borromean Islands, a small archipelago that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Isola Bella: Baroque Grandeur
True to its name, Isola Bella is dominated by a massive 17th-century Baroque palace. But the real showstopper? The ten-tiered Italian gardens. Imagine white peacocks wandering past ancient statues and perfectly manicured hedges, all set against the backdrop of deep blue alpine water. It’s “Gatsby-meets-The-Renaissance” in the best way possible.
Isola Madre: An Exotic Oasis
If Isola Bella is about drama, Isola Madre is about serenity. This island is essentially one massive botanical park. It’s home to the largest Kashmir Cypress in Europe and a collection of rare birds that fly freely among the Proteas and Camellias. It’s the quiet, sophisticated sibling of the group.
Isola dei Pescatori: The Soul of the Lake
The only inhabited island year-round, this is where you go to get lost in narrow cobblestone alleys. It’s the perfect spot for a long, “slow-food” lunch of fresh lake perch and a chilled glass of local Erbaluce wine.
Villa Taranto: The Most Beautiful Garden in the World
Just a short hop away in Verbania Pallanza lies a destination that consistently ranks as one of the top botanical gardens on the planet: Villa Taranto.
Established by Captain Neil McEacharn in the 1930s, these gardens represent a lifelong labor of love. Walking through the gates feels like entering a living painting.
The Tulip Week: If you visit in mid-to-late April, you’ll witness the “Tulip Labyrinth,” where over 80,000 bulbs bloom in a riot of color.
The Dahlias: Later in the season, the Dahlia garden showcases over 1,700 varieties.
Vertical Wonders: From terraced waterfalls to giant Amazonian water lilies, the diversity of plant life here is staggering.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
How to Get There: Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP). From there, it’s a scenic 50-minute drive or a direct train ride to Verbania or Stresa. Or ask me for a taxi
The Best Way to Travel: Purchase a hop-on, hop-off ferry ticket. It allows you to move between Verbania, the islands, and Stresa at your own pace.
Golden Hour: Try to catch the last ferry back to Verbania during sunset. The way the light hits the Alps and reflects off the water is something you’ll never forget.