Idyllic Italian Lakes
For decades, Italians have used the lakes in northern Italy for their vacations and in the last 10 years the lakes have become one of the world's most popular tourism and second home destinations. George Clooney and Sir Richard Branson are just a couple of celebrities that have recently purchased properties in the region and it is easy to see why.
Lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda provide such a variety of wanders, from the clean expansive lakes themselves, to the dramatic topography of the surrounding mountains. These natural treasures provide not only breathtaking panoramic views from the historic lakeside towns but also offer numerous leisure pursuits.
From Lake Maggiore, visitors can indulge in the various hiking and biking routes through the surrounding landscape or bask in the water, either on a sailing boat, windsurf, speed boat. Alternatively, unlike its neighbour Lake Como, Lake Maggiore benefits from numerous public beaches where visitors can simply relax, soak up the sun and enjoy a swim.
The Borromeo Islands near Stresa, however, are a must-see attraction including a stunning baroque palace and picturesque gardens, home to an exotic array of plants. Other cultural highlights include the 11th century castle at Rocca di Angera, and the eye-catching town of Stresa, home to Ernest Hemingway during 1918 and again in 1948 and which featured briefly in his book 'A Farewell to Arms'.
Golfo Gabella, situated in Maccagno on the north eastern shores of Lake Maggiore and just over an hour from the international airports of Milan, provides a new concept to Italian lakes living. Direct lake front access is rare on any of the Italian lakes and newly built apartments are typically only constructed higher up in the mountains, making Golfo Gabella quite a find.
Maccagno itself is a quaint, peaceful waterfront town with numerous restaurants and cafes. From Maccagno you can take the ferry (which runs for 10 months of the year) to almost any of the bustling Lake Maggiore hotspots such as Stressa, Verbania, Ascona and Cannobio, which is a gorgeous traditional old Italian town situated directly opposite Golfo Gabella.
These towns provide an endless list of world class restaurants, shopping, traditional Italian walkways and stunning promenades. The ferries are very well priced and run regularly throughout the day. Due to its position at the northern end of the lake, Golfo Gabella is also just a short drive to the Swiss border, and various ski resorts are within easy reach.
Pure Destinations says...
"When you first go to the Italian lakes it is easy to see how they have become so popular. The surrounding landscape is the first thing that astounds you. It is such an amazing blend of the peaceful, serene lakes and the dramatic mountains that rise up from the waterfront towns.
At Golfo Gabella you have everything you could need. A lakefront swimming pool to relax by, the lake itself for activities and site seeing, and an award winning on-site restaurant and bar to enjoy in the evenings. If you can, get out on to the lake by speedboat, it is by far the best way to explore!"
Matthew
