Stresa

Even by the exacting aesthetic standards of the Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore is in the premier league. It might not have the go-to reputation of other Northern Lakes like Garda and Como, but it is that seductive mix of flat watery expanses and soaring slopes that hooks you in from the word go. It was a hazy day as we edged our way towards the lakeside town of Stresa – perfectly poised on the western bord of the lake. Travel-weary from the early flight to Milan Malpensa, I was content to gaze out of the window and let the views work their magic. I was reminded just how close this lake is to the massive Alpine mountain system whose rivers serve it so well, as each narrow little town along the way clung to the contour of the lake, while the thickly wooded and densely green hills rose up sharpy behind them. As we threaded our way to Stresa through the southern town of Arona, our charming driver encouraged us to look right, and there it was – our first glimpse of the lake itself, its greeny-blue waters dimpling slightly in the gentle sunlight.

GRAND DESIGNS

Tucked under the edge of the mighty Alps, Piedmont hugs the western shore of Lake Maggiore and Lombardy the east, while the very northern edge around Locarno is Swiss. The second largest of the northern Italian lakes, its pleasant Mediterranean microclimate ensures mild temperatures even in winter, and