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The Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori

Isole Borromee

These beautiful islands are one of the main tourist attractions of Lake Maggiore.
The archipelago consists of three main islands:
Isola Madre: the largest of the three, characteristic for its majestic peacocks and its botanical garden,
Isola Bella: renowned for its majestic palace and the alternation of nature and art,
Isola dei Pescatori or Isola Superiore: an ancient fishing village with narrow alleys and local restaurants.

The Borromeo Islands can be reached either by car and boat or directly by boat from Cannobio

If you decide to take your own car from Cannobio, drive along the Lake Maggiore State Road SS34 to Stresa, and once you have parked your car, take the boat from Stresa.
The boats leave approximately every 30 minutes.
Those wishing to reach the islands directly by boat from Cannobio can go to the ‘Navigazione del Lago Maggiore’ ticket office in Piazza Lago in Cannobio and enjoy a pleasant trip along the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Boat tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket offices or online.

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MTB & More

Giro con amici

RELAX, LAKE, SUN AND MOUNTAIN BIKING.

If you want to take your e-bike with you on holiday, you can do so and you will be welcome: we can have fun together.
We can share fantastic trails in our area of varying difficulty while enjoying fantastic views.
From the blue of Lake Maggiore to the woods of Monte Carza, Monte Giove, the verdant Mottarone Park and Val Vigezzo. Here you can pedal on the plains, uphill through the wonderful woods or accumulate altitude on the descent.
Together, we can assess which route to take depending on the degree of difficulty, experience and time available.

Organise your free time!!!!
A bit of beach and sun on the shores of Lake Maggiore, but also sport......you can also discover our area by bike....perhaps the best way!

Not only Lake Maggiore is not only a paradise for cooling off and sunbathing, but there are many sports activities and experiences you can enjoy here! Trekking on the most beautiful heights of the lake, kayaking lessons, canyoning in the Ossola Valley, climbing the most beautiful vie ferrate, but above all many mountain bike routes.

You can write us an email or directly at the time of booking in the special requests section indicate that you want to bring your bike and are interested in sharing a new experience.
I will be happy to spend time together and exchange ideas, stories and experiences.

PS: No paid service

With Love
Francesco

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Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens

Villa Taranto

Considered one of the pearls on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Verbania Pallanza, the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto create a 7-kilometre-long path as if taking a journey through distant lands.
It boasts one of the richest European collections of exotic species, collected by its founder, Scottish captain Neil Boyd McEacharn, in the early 20th century while travelling the world in search of rare specimens.
Its beauty is expressed during the spring with spectacles of blooms and splendid colours.
The botanical heritage of the Villa Taranto gardens is vast and includes a thousand non-native plants and about 20 thousand varieties and species of particular botanical value.
While walking through the park, one can admire magnolias, eucalyptus trees, rare tropical plants and lotus flowers, alongside chestnut trees, birches, tulips, dahlias, paulonias, azaleas, daffodils, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and exceptional specimens of beech trees. Walking along the park's avenues, one encounters terraces, lawns, fountains, waterfalls and ponds.
Villa Taranto also offers visitors a bookshop, a kiosk where the plants that are grown in these gardens can be purchased, a bar-restaurant and a picnic area.
The park is easily accessible by car.
Visit time approx. 2 hours
Tickets can be purchased online or on site.

More information at www.villataranto.it

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The world capital of auteur cinema-Locarno Film Festival 6-16 August 2025

Locarno Film Festival

The Festival from 6-16 August 2025 is the most important film event in Switzerland and among the most important in Europe. Numerous films are presented in the four different competitions: International Competition, Filmmakers of the Present Competition and the Pardi di domani competitions.

Since 1946, at the height of the cultural fervour of reconstruction, the heart of quality cinema has been beating in Locarno, Switzerland. Thanks to its summer programme, designed for the general public and cinephiles, and to venues such as the democratic space of the Piazza Grande - the world's largest open-air screen, with its 8,000 seats -, the Locarno Film Festival offers a unique location to discover the best of national and international productions. From fiction cinema to documentaries, from feature films to the short format, from the new frontiers of filmic storytelling to the rediscovery of treasures from the past.

Between the enchanted mirror of the lake and the mountains of Canton Ticino, the paths of the new talents of the image, members of the audiovisual industry, masters of the seventh art and those who want to enjoy, understand or learn about cinema cross. A growing community, to which numerous other activities are also dedicated throughout the year.

If you are a cinema fan or just want to enjoy a different kind of cinema evening on the banks of the Lao Maggiore this event is for YOU!

Visit www.locarnofestival.ch to discover the entire programme.

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Moon&Stars Piazza Grande-Locarno 10-20 July 2025

Moon&Stars

Locarno, Piazza Grande, one of the most anticipated events of the summer: Moon and Stars

From July 10 to July 20 every evening, Piazza Grande and the many streets of Locarno will be invaded by various artists from all over the world offering music and entertainment performances, and there will be no shortage of street food stalls and entertainment.

The famous Italian music artist ZUCCHERO is expected on Tuesday, July 15, and on Thursday, July 17, the great artist Gianna Nannini

You can stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Cannobio just a few kilometers from Locarno and then enjoy summer evenings of music.

Take advantage now to get a 5% discount with a minimum stay of 5 nights.

Discount coupon applicable from July 10 to July 20, 2025.

Write us at info@anticoborgocannobio.it to get the discount directly.

Visit www.moonandstars.ch to purchase tickets!

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LAGO D'ORTA -ZIPline-

Lago D'Orta ZIPline

DO YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE A UNIQUE EMOTION WITH THOSE WHO ARE WITH YOU ON HOLIDAY?
Then this is just for you:

A jump into the blue, suspended above the waters of Lake Orta. A steel cable 450 metres long, 45 seconds suspended. A jump from a height of 60 metres in Free Style, free to move through the air and perform evolutions feeling the chill of the wind and listening to your emotions.
You can fly individually or in pairs, the mode is chosen at the starting point, with no need to decide in advance.

PRICES AND TICKETS
Each person who wants to fly with the Lago d'Orta ZIPline must have their own ticket. No distinction is made between single flight or flight in pairs, you can choose the mode directly at the departure station.
€ 22.50 full price
€ 18.50 under18/over65
€ 16.00 under14
€ 18.50 groups (minimum 6 people)
Reservations can be made by calling +39 340 3621825 or by purchasing tickets online by selecting the date and time slot.
You can also give the Lago d'Orta ZIPline experience as a gift by purchasing REGALA IL VOLO tickets, open date and valid for one year from the date of purchase.

For more info visit: www.lagodortazipline.it

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Spa of Bognanco, Premia and Locarno

#bognancospa

Our territory allows us to carry out numerous activities of all kinds: from simple walks along the lakeside, trekking routes, mountain trails, climbing, rafting, but also activities for the well-being of one's body and mind.
This article is dedicated to the spas in our territory: Terme di Bognanco, Terme di Premia and Terme di Locarno.

BOGNANCO- OSSOLA VALLEY

The Terme di Bognanco enjoy a history of more than 150 years, and are the oldest and best known spas in Piedmont. They are located in a green valley rich in watercourses. The village that hosts them, Bognanco, is a small, unspoilt tourist destination surrounded by nature.
The water in these thermal baths originates from three different mineral water springs, subsequently used for numerous therapeutic purposes and bottled for sale.
The characteristics of these waters are: digestive, diuretic and depurative.
It is possible to buy an entrance ticket to the thermal baths and then add a relaxing massage or a wellness path.

Not only that, but in the vicinity of Bognanco is the Stockalper Path, an evocative hiking trail where it is possible to encounter interesting species of fauna. Not to be missed in the surrounding area are the Alpes San Bernardo with excursions to 1628 metres, Lake Ragozza and the Monscera Pass. Along the Bognanco Valley, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and architecture, including the characteristic mills of Possetto and Anzuno.

E-mail: terme@bognanco.it

PREMIA- VERBANO CUSIO OSSOLA

A modern thermal centre characterised by indoor pools with a connection to the outdoor part.
The various pools have therapeutic and recreational purposes. Inside the thermal centre there is a sauna area, aerosol therapy and wellness zones that recall ancient Roman traditions.
The thermal baths are an ideal place for the whole family to relax, immerse yourself in the warm water pools and let yourself be lulled by the movement of the water.
Various whirlpools, cervical and foot jets complete a relaxing day.
Possibility of purchasing an entrance ticket for 1 hour, 3 hours and a full day.

E-mail: info@premiaterme.com

LOCARNO- SWITZERLAND

Between the mountains and Lake Ticino right on the Lido di Locarno are the natural salt baths with a spectacular view.
Mediterranean atmosphere, tranquillity, well-being and warmth are the characteristics of this spa complex.
On the shores of Lake Maggiore, indoor and outdoor areas, a Sauna World and Spa Suites offer complete well-being.

E-mail: info@termali-salini.ch

Spend a few days at the Antico Borgo B&B and relax for a few hours at the Spa: you can!
You can contact us at info@anticoborgocannobio.it or at 0039 3331392751 for further information and reservations.

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Refuges in the Ossola Valleys

When you stay a few days on the shores of Lake Maggiore, it is almost a must to spend a day of trekking, nature, culture and good air with a fantastic lunch at one of the many refuges in our Ossola Valleys nestled between Switzerland, Piedmont and Lombardy.

The refuges are very simple and hospitable structures, almost always reachable only on foot, where you can rest after a long walk, taste typical products, meet local people with their traditions and experience close contact with nature and its rich beauty.
The vast area where the refuges are located is very popular with hikers, who can diversify on numerous itineraries through plateaus, alpine passes, bodies of water, snow-capped peaks and mountain pastures.
The Ossola Valleys have a strong gastronomic potential, known for pork and goat hams, salami and beef bresaola.
When it comes to cheese, the cheese-making tradition is truly rich:
Bettelmatt, Ossolano d'Alpe and Ossolano or Mezzapasta.
No less important are the numerous productions of jams, honey, yoghurt and milk.

The refuges are divided into 8 zones:
Val Formazza
Antigorio Valley
Divedro Valley
Bognanco Valley
Antrona Valley
Anzasca Valley
Val Grande and Bassa Valle Ossola valleys.

Staying at Antico Borgo B&B, the starting point for reaching the refuges is Domodossola:
-from Turin or Milan by motorway or motorway A26- A4
-from Brig by car via the Simplon Pass E62
-from Locarno via the SS337 by car or by train through the Centovalli and Val Vigezzo.

Enclosed is a beautiful map that clearly depicts where the many refuges are located.

Each valley has its own beauty, history and products, and depending on the destination you have chosen, you can decide to spend a few hours either for lunch or a snack in the various refuges.
Below is the link where you can find the vast network of refuges in the Ossola and the surrounding area

www.rifugidellossola.it
www.rifugidelpiemonte.it

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Markets: Cannobio on Sunday, Luino on Wednesday, Verbania on Saturday

MARKETS:
Cannobio:
Very well known in Cannobio is the Sunday market on the lakeside, held every Sunday throughout the year.
This market is an unmissable attraction for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its unique atmosphere, characterised by the presence of stalls selling typical products and quality handicrafts.
The market takes place on the lakeside promenade, creating a backdrop of colours and scents.
Alongside the colourful stalls, there are numerous bars offering delicious aperitifs and lunch.
The market day is also an opportunity to stroll through the historical centre of Cannobio among its alleys and ancient buildings.
.The market called ‘Bancarelle sotto le stelle’ (Stalls under the stars) with vintage objects and material in the old town centre, is held from May to September.
.The food market in Piazza S. Marta every Thursday of the year with food products exclusively typical of our areas and valleys. Cheese, cold cuts, meat, fruit and vegetables, and fresh fish, these are the specialities you can find every Thursday.

Luino:
The Market in Luino, every Wednesday of the year, is defined as one of the largest markets in Europe with local products and crafts. It extends along the lakefront and the streets of the historic center, thus offering a fantastic day of not only shopping but also local craft products.
The Luino market can be reached from Cannobio both by car and by boat.

Verbania:
The Market in Verbania, every Saturday of the year.