A much smaller lake over the mountain to the west of Maggiore is a wonderful place to visit, From Baveno there is a mini bus that runs over the mountain, doesn't run often and you may find you are standing- scary on the mountain bends. There is no traffic allowed into the town of Orta, other than residents, so there is a short steep walk down to the lake.
The town was very busy but it is easy to leave the crowds, take a walk down a cobbled street and see where it takes you. very oddly there are a number of modern sculptures around the main squire which seem out of place and yet they work.
Above the town is Sacro Monte of Orta a very tranquil cemetery and walk that takes in a series of chapels telling the story of St. Francis of Assisi spectacular views across the lake.
Even thought the lake is much smaller than the more famous Italian lakes it has it's own island, that can be visited. St. Giulio
Written Aug 27, 2010
Website: http://www.orta.net/
If like us you take the glacier express extended ticket you can travel on the lake the following day hopping on and off.
Boat is the only way to get to Santa Caterina I think, but beware the mid-day closing and school parties.
Opposite Stesa is the three islands: Isola Bella, Isola Superiore (Isola dei Pescatori) and further out Isola Madre.
Bella is know for the large house and its terraced gardens- very popular.
My favourite was Superiore or Dei Pescatori (fishermen's island) is my favourite and is the only one occupied.
http://blog.hotelclub.com/lake-maggiores-borromean-islands/
Written Aug 27, 2010
Sort walk from centre of Stresa is the cable car station that takes you up Mottarone in 2 stages. The views are stunning back over the lake. At the half way point there is a short walk to the Alpine gardens, worth a detour. Return ticket includes entrance. It is possible to walk back down the mountain from the Alpine gardens, took us about hour, the path cuts across the mountain road as it winds along. Some pretty little villages on the way.
At the summit it is a 10-15 minute walk from the cable car to trip point views across 7 lakes. Cars leave every 20 minutes but there is a lunch break so check. If windy the cars don't always run.
Written Aug 27, 2010
Website: http://www.stresatravel.com/Tomassucci_Web/mottarone_cable_car.htm
Train runs from Stresa stopping at Baveno through to Domodossola where you change to the larged windowed express for the slow journey up the mountains and into Switzerland- journeys end is Lacarno. There is plenty of time to explore before catching the return ferry back to Baveno & Stresa around sunset.
The glacier train promises unrestricted panoramic views, you do get this but photo opportunities are restricted because of all the trees, I gave up, enjoyed the journey and got postcards in Lacarno.
Can't remember exactly how much tickets are but for a few extra euros you get unlimited travl on the lake the following day.
Written Aug 27, 2010
Website: http://hubpages.com/hub/Domossola-and-the-Centovalli-Train
The food here is excellent - certainly the best I have had in some time. If you are in Baveno do go. The fixed price menu (20 Euros) runs in the evening as well and is fantastic value. For two of us we get half a litre of excellent house red a large bottle of water and three excellent courses. The only
drawback was my guilt in paying so little.
Friendly and excellent service!
Favorite Dish: Prawns and courgette with saffron noodles or
Taglierini fatti in casa al sugo di gamberi zucchine e pistilli di zafferano
Written May 9, 2012
Address: 40 Corso Garibaldi, Baveno
Website: http://www.sottosoprabaveno.com/
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