Nestled in the landscape like precious cameos, the lakes of Piedmont awaken the desire to travel. Lush nature and ancient architecture that tell their history and traditions, the lakes of Piedmont are a surprising hive of ideas for a day of leisure or a pleasant stay: from cultural events of international appeal (such as Stresa Festival) to the many sports and open-air activities. Nature and outdoors galore, with water sports at the forefront (swimming, sailing and canoeing, water skiing and diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing), but also golf and horse riding, photography and birdwatching. Spectacular views from the uplands, on the network of cycle and hiking trails, but also by hang-gliding and paragliding. Great relaxation and sport on the beaches (there are 2 Blue Flag beaches that guarantee the quality of water and environment between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta), on board a boat for a mini cruise or on the paths that lead up into the hills, forests, peaks and villages that are reflected on the lake surface. Class hospitality, exquisite cuisine, craftsmanship and original shopping make discovering the towns that dot the coast unique.
Among a thousand shades of green and blue you will find Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands - with Isola Madre and Isola Bella - flanked by little Isola dei Pescatori, magical panoramas in the gulf in front of Stresa. Nearby, an authentic revelation is the delightful Lake Mergozzo and the many alpine lakes of the Ossola Valleys.
On Lake Orta a landscape of deep suggestiveness and tranquillity welcomes visitors, creating the perfect atmosphere for beautiful walks or bike rides, even up to Sacro Monte, along one of the most scenic devotional paths of Piedmont through the Special Nature Reserve of Sacro Monte. Once at the top, Isola di San Giulio, symbol of the lake with its austere Basilica, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in Piedmont, catches the eye. Stores selling handicrafts and gastronomic specialties invite you to discover Orta, one of the 15 most beautiful villages of Italy in Piedmont, with its maze of cobbled streets that from the ancient Palazzo della Comunità or Broletto (XV century) continue along the lake or climb towards the hill, among churches and Baroque towers.
Dotted with a myriad of lake basins, the lake area of Piedmont is widespread well-being for those who love to travel while calmly and safely savouring their time: in the Biella area (from Lake Viverone to Lake Mucrone) and in the valleys of Cuneo up to the gates of Turin, with Lake Candia, Lake Sirio and the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park.