It is divided between Lombardy, Piedmont and, in its northernmost part, Switzerland.

Its fortunate location has meant that the lake was, since ancient times, one of the main routes of transit and trade between northern Italy and the rest of Europe: the surrounding area was therefore fortified with fortresses and castles, which still characterise the landscape today.

Another element that strongly marks the panorama of the lake and has made it universally famous is the presence of splendid villas and luxuriant gardens surrounding them, built between the 18th and 20th centuries, when Verbano became, due to the mildness of the climate and the beauty of the area, first a favourite holiday destination for the Lombard nobility and then a compulsory stop on the Grand Tour.

So rich in history and ancient and artistic evidence, it is very varied and heterogeneous: against a backdrop of lush vegetation, the deep creeks offer unparalleled views that find their sublimation in boat excursions.

The lake should be visited ‘from the lake’ to savour the feeling that everything has stood still in time. In fact, Lake Verbano, unlike other lakes in northern Italy, has remained an exclusive tourist destination: along its shores it is not difficult to find deserted and unexplored bays and in the villages you can still breathe in the atmosphere of the old fishing villages.

To satisfy even the most demanding tourist, there is no lack of dedicated infrastructure of an excellent standard, and events and cultural happenings characterise both the summer and winter seasons.