Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LAKE MAGGIORE WEST BANK
Lake Maggiore's west bank is a series of pretty vistas and towns, some of which serve as
launchpads for the undoubted highlight: a visit to the Borromean Islands.
Getting Around
Ferries and hydrofoils around the lake are operated by
Navigazione Lago Maggiore
( 800 551801;
www.navigazionelaghi.it
)
, which has ticket offices at most boat landings around the lake and a
main office in Arona. Services are drastically reduced in autumn and winter.
The only car ferry connecting the western and eastern shores for motorists crosses
between Verbania-Intra and Laveno. Ferries run every 20 minutes; one-way transport costs
from €7.80 for a car and driver, €5 for a bicycle and cyclist, or €6 for a motorcycle and its
rider.
One-day return tickets from key points at the Italian end of the lake to the towns (includ-
ing Locarno) on the Swiss side are available from March to October. Adults/children pay
around €17/8.50 for a typical day's travel, but it could be more or less depending on your
departure port - check the website for details. Day passes per adult/child cost Sfr36/18 on
the Swiss side.
Lake Maggiore Express
(
www.lagomaggioreexpress.com
; adult/child €30/15)
is a picturesque day trip un-
der your own steam (no guide) that is an excellent way to get an overview of Lake Mag-
giore and its hinterland, particularly if you have limited time. It includes train travel from
Arona or Stresa to Domodossola, from where you get the charming little
Centovalli Train
(
www.centovalli.ch
)
to Locarno (Switzerland) and a ferry back from Locarno to Stresa. The
two-day version is perhaps better value if you have the time. Tickets are available from any
ticket office of Navigazione Lago Maggiore on the boat landings.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Stresa & Around
POP 5226
Perhaps more than any other Lake Maggiore town, Stresa, with a ringside view of sunrise
over the lake, captures the lake's prevailing air of elegance and bygone decadence. This is
most evident in the string of belle époque confections along the waterfront, a legacy of the
