Lake Verbano
Lake Maggiore, or Lake Verbano as the ancient Romans named it, has a coastal length of approximately 170 km and a surface length of 212 km2, making it the second largest Italian lake behind Lake Garda. In the stretch between Ghiffa (Piedmont shore) and Porto Valtravaglia (Lombard shore), it reaches a maximum depth of 370 metres. With its glacial origins, the lake is located close to the Alpine mountain range and it covers a valley with tectonic origins. 
From an administrative point of view, the northern shores are located in Swiss territory. The western shore falls within the Piedmont regional territory, and is divided among the provinces of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Novara, whereas the eastern shore lies in Lombardy, within the Varese province. 
Several rivers feed its waters – among the most important ones, it is worthwhile to mention the Ticino, which enters the lake from its northern shore, running through the Magadino plain in Switzerland and into the south at Sesto Calende, the Maggia river, running through the Swiss territory, the Toce river coming down from the Ossola area and the Tresa river running through the Lombard territory. 
It is worthwhile to mention that the Golasecca were among the first people to settle in the area in early Iron Age. 
Fostered by strong temperate climate, and with shores covered by lush vegetation (oleanders, azaleas, camellias), Lake Maggiore remains one of the favourite tourist locations since the 19th century, when it started as an elite tourism destination. The several villas surrounded by marvellous parks and gardens are a proof of this.
To complete this astonishing picture drawn by Mother Nature, there are the picturesque coastal villages and the typical inland towns, which create a sparkling and colourful light effect and a romantic atmosphere, making it an internationally-renowned tourist attraction.