Verbania

Verbania, in Piedmont, lies on the western shore of Lake Maggiore and combines the former towns of Intra and Pallanza, merged in 1939. The town is best known for the Villa Taranto botanical gardens, created in the twentieth century by Scottish captain Neil McEacharn, which bring together thousands of plant species, including camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, across several hectares beside the lake. The mild climate typical of the Lake Maggiore shoreline supports this varied greenery and draws garden enthusiasts throughout the year. The Pallanza district, with its plane-tree-lined lakeside promenade and colourful façades, offers a quiet setting for gentle walks. Boat services connect Verbania to Stresa and the Borromean Islands, notably Isola Bella and Isola Madre, renowned for their baroque palaces and gardens. The surrounding mountains, including Mount Mottarone accessible from the Stresa area, provide opportunities for excursions and panoramic lake views. Verbania remains a popular choice for a peaceful stay combining nature, botanical interest and lakeside scenery, without the heavier tourist crowds found in some other Lake Maggiore towns.